The Met said the "vast majority" of the work in its inquiry into Madeleine's disappearance had been completed. It said no conclusion had been reached but it was now following a "small number of focused lines of inquiry" which was why the team had been cut. Madeleine's parents said they "fully understand" the decision. They said they remained "hopeful" their daughter would be found. Madeleine, from Rothley in Leicestershire, was three years old when she went missing from her family's holiday apartment at the Ocean Club in Praia da Luz on 3 May 2007. Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, from the Met, said: "The Met was asked to take on this exceptional case as one of national interest. "We were happy to bring our expertise to bear only on the basis that it would not detract from the policing of London; and the Home Office have additionally funded the investigation above normal grants to the Met. "That will continue at the reduced level." Clickable map and timeline Madeleine's parents Gerry and Kate McCann praised the "meticulous and painstaking work" done by police. They said: "We are reassured that the investigation to find Madeleine has been significantly progressed and the Met has a much clearer picture of the events in Praia da Luz leading up to Madeleine's abduction in 2007. "Given that the review phase of the investigation is essentially completed, we fully understand the reasons why the team is being reduced. "We would also like to thank the Home Office for continuing to support the investigation. "Whilst we do not know what happened to Madeleine, we remain hopeful that she may still be found given the ongoing lines of inquiry." Detectives from the Met began working through material and following lines of inquiry after the Home Office requested a review of the case in May 2011. Operation Grange, which has been supporting the Portuguese police's investigation, became a full investigation in July 2012. Officers have now finished bringing together and investigating the information held by Portuguese police, the UK investigation and the private investigators working on behalf of the McCann family, the Met said. 1,338 statements taken 1,027 exhibits collected 60 persons of interest investigated 8,685 potential sightings considered 560 lines of inquiry identified 30 requests made to other countries asking for work to be carried out The force said the inquiry had taken 1,338 statements and collected 1,027 exhibits but had not reached a conclusion yet. Clarence Mitchell, spokesman for the McCanns, said: "Kate and Gerry are far from disillusioned. This is no way the end of Operation Grange. "If anything it will now continue on a newly-focused, smaller yes, but focused basis that will hopefully lead to Madeleine being found somewhere in the near future." Officers have investigated more than 60 persons of interest, the Met said, adding that a total of 650 sex offenders had also been considered as well as reports of 8,685 potential sightings of Madeleine around the world. Having reviewed all of the documents, "7,154 actions were raised and 560 lines of inquiry identified", the Met said.

Summary: The number of UK officers investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has been cut from 29 to four, the Metropolitan Police says.


Having resumed on 55-1, the hosts lost Gary Ballance (45) and Andrew Lyth (39) early on, before Andrew Gale (67) and Jonny Bairstow steadied the innings. Bairstow was trapped lbw by Chris Jordan after the break, while Chris Liddle removed Jack Leaning cheaply. But Gale and Bresnan (50 not out) helped their side reach 298-9 at stumps, a lead of 301. Sussex would need at least a draw to secure their Division One status for next season if rivals Hampshire can complete victory at Nottinghamshire on Friday. The visitors started the third day strongly with the ball as Ballance and Lyth both played onto their stumps in the morning session. Gale's patient innings put Yorkshire back on the front foot, and also saw the 31-year-old surpass 1,000 runs in the County Championship this season. However the captain's 131-ball knock was finally ended when he was caught by Jordan off the bowling of Liddle, but Bresnan's half-century left Sussex in danger of playing Division Two cricket for the first time since 2010 next season.

Summary: Andrew Gale and Tim Bresnan hit half-centuries for Yorkshire at Headingley to deepen Sussex's relegation fears.


All four, two aged 13 and two aged 14, have been bailed pending further inquiries following the attack in Workington, Cumbria, on Tuesday. The victim was walking along Black Path when she was raped close to Cloffocks car park at about 19:00 GMT. A fifth boy, aged 13, was arrested on suspicion of rape and later released without charge.

Summary: Four teenage boys arrested after a 15-year-old girl was raped have been released on bail.


The 26-year-old Swede joins the League One club on a two-year deal, with the option of a one-year extension. Former Malmo and Hacken player Pekalski is Oxford United's fourth overseas signing since manager Pep Clotet was appointed in July. "I'm happy to be here and it's been a pretty natural decision to make the move," he told BBC Radio Oxford. "After 11 years of playing in Sweden, I was looking for something that would be a challenge and a bit of an adventure. "I've worked with Pep before (at Malmo), he's a brilliant coach and I've heard a lot about Oxford's ambition, which I think is really interesting." Pekalski has made 15 appearances for Halmstads in the Swedish top division this season after joining the club in March. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Oxford United have signed midfielder Ivo Pekalski from Swedish side Halmstads for an undisclosed fee.


Three bodies were found in streets nearby. A threatening message was left next to boxes, warning what were described as "traitors" and "blackmailers". Guerrero state, home to the seaside resort of Acapulco, has been plagued by years of drug-related violence. The latest gruesome incident created havoc around Chilpancingo. The body parts were discovered at around 03:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Sunday morning. Police have not yet identified the victims. The gang has identified itself as Los Jefes, or The Bosses. Some of Mexico's most notorious gangs have been fighting for control of drug routes along the country's Pacific coast. Smaller criminal groups are also known to operate in Guerrero state, kidnapping for ransom and extorting farmers and shop owners. In 2014, 43 students disappeared in Guerrero, in a high-profile case that highlighted the involvement of local authorities and police with organised crime. Tens of thousands of people have died in drug-related violence in Mexico in the past decade.

Summary: A criminal gang in Mexico has dropped three iceboxes with a severed head in each one near a government building in Chilpancingo, the capital of the western state of Guerrero.


Wales are in Group D alongside Austria, Serbia, Republic of Ireland, Moldova and Georgia. "It's a good group and you look at other groups and think it maybe could have been easier, maybe it could have been tougher," Coleman said. "It's a positive group, there'll be some great games and I think the whole nation will be looking forward to it." Wales were one of the top seeds for Saturday's 2018 World Cup draw in St Petersburg after a remarkable rise under Coleman to be ranked 10th in the world. Their reward was being one of the top nine seeds which ensured Wales would avoid the likes of world champions Germany and European champions Spain, arch-rivals England and hosts Russia. Wales avoided former World Cup winners France and Italy, who were in pot two, and instead will face Austria, who they beat 2-1 in a friendly when they last faced them in February 2013. However, Coleman admits that the teams they will face are no pushovers. "We're looking forward to it. There's some good teams in there, strong teams," Coleman said. "It's never easy going to places like Georgia and Moldova. It's always very difficult, and, of course, we know the quality of Republic of Ireland and Austria. "In the last campaign in the World Cup [2014 qualifying] we faced Serbia and were beaten heavily twice, so we know there's good teams in there. "But what we know is in the last two or three years we've really improved as a nation and at the moment, at our strongest, we fancy ourselves against anyone. "I don't say that flippantly because we're in amongst some good teams." The top team from each group will qualify for the finals in Russia with the eight best second-placed teams going into the play-offs. Wales currently top their Euro 2016 qualifying group after beating Belgium 1-0 in Cardiff last June. They hold a three-point lead with four games remaining, needing to finish in the top two to secure their place at a major finals for the first time since 1958. "We've got a lot of football to play in this European qualifying campaign before we get to the next one," Coleman added.

Summary: Manager Chris Coleman was content with Wales' 2018 World Cup qualifying group after Saturday's draw in Russia.


Two explosions near the finishing line killed three people and injured at least 140 about two hours after the winners had completed the race. "If this had happened two hours earlier, maybe I would have been among the victims," Mr Korir said. He had been celebrating Kenyan Rita Jeptoo's victory in the women's race. "The joy that we had has all been taken away," Mr Korir told the BBC's Newsday programme. Ms Jeptoo comes from the Cherangany constituency, for which Mr Korir was elected an MP in last month's election. Despite the blasts and his political career, he says he will continue to compete in marathons - even in Boston, if it is held again next year. "My attitude to marathons will never change but my attitude to life may change," he said. Bostonians recall 9/11 spirit Obama statement How secure are marathons? He said it was "scary" when he heard the news of the blasts. He said on hearing the news, he immediately checked on his parents-in-law, who were visiting, along with his coach. Kenya's ambassador to the US has told the BBC that none of the eight Kenyan athletes running the marathon were wounded in the blasts. Two South Africans were treated in hospital for minor injuries but have now been released, officials say. The men's race was won by Ethiopia's Lelisa Desisa, ahead of Kenya's Micah Kogo. The annual Boston Marathon this year had a field of about 23,000 runners and was watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators. It is held on Patriots' Day, a Massachusetts state holiday which commemorates the first battles of the American Revolution in 1775. UK police are reviewing security plans for Sunday's London Marathon, the next major international marathon, following events in Boston.

Summary: Kenya's winner of the 2012 Boston Marathon, Wesley Korir, who came fifth this year, has told the BBC of his fear after hearing of the deadly blasts.


Works include a pedestrian and cycle bridge across the A63 and extensions to the city's art gallery and theatre. The bridge will cost £11.5m and will link the city centre with Hull's waterfront, which is being redeveloped. The Ferens Art Gallery will get a £4.5m facelift ahead of it hosting the Turner Prize in 2017. Labour councillor Sean Chaytor, chairman of Hull City Council's planning committee, said the bridge was "essential in working towards improving connectivity between two core areas of the city". "We hope that the work to start the bridge construction can now get under way for early next year in order for it to be ready by Easter 2017," he said. Hull was awarded the title of City of Culture in November 2013, beating competition from Swansea, Leicester and Dundee. The year-long event takes place every four years and is awarded by the UK government with the aim of helping tourism and the economy.

Summary: A number of building projects planned for Hull's year as UK City of Culture in 2017 have been approved by the council.


But just how old is that? News last week that the limit on human life may be 115 has prompted a great deal of speculation about rising life expectancies. People born today can expect to live almost twice as long as their counterparts in Victorian times. There are a combination of reasons for this - better diet, safety and medical progress, which has meant people are less likely to die from infectious diseases, strokes and heart attacks. But the consequence has been that people are increasingly spending their later years struggling with chronic illnesses such as dementia and diabetes. The result is a surge in interest over what is called healthy life expectancy - a measure of how many years of good health a person can expect. Currently in England the figure is just over 63 years for males born between 2012 and 2014 and 64 for females. That compares with an overall life expectancy of just shy of 80 and over 83 respectively. It means for a fifth of our lives we can expect to be struggling with ill health. But depending on your background, there is a huge variation in when this period of ill health starts and how long it lasts. For example, males in Wokingham can expect to live over 70 years in good health, while their counterparts in Blackpool only get to the age of 55. For females, the difference is even greater. In Richmond upon Thames they can expect to reach 72 - but in Manchester good health ends before the age of 55. Of course, this has huge ramifications for the individual. In their new book, The 100-Year Life, academics Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott talk about how those lucky enough to live long lives will have to rethink their approach on everything from money to our relationships. They describe how the traditional three-stage life that sees people move from education into work and then into retirement is no longer relevant. Instead, people are younger for longer. The ages from 18 to 30 are being seen as a second-stage of adolescence, where people keep their options open. Careers are no longer one-dimensional trajectories but will change and renew. Multi-stage careers will become the norm, where people work hard to put money away and then shift down to something less taxing in their later years, retraining perhaps. This will be because there will be a need for many, they argue, to keep working as generous final salary pension schemes disappear. Relationships will change. They will be much longer. Earlier this month 110-year-old Karam Chand died. He had been married to his wife, Katari, for 90 years - thought to be the longest marriage in the UK. These longer relationships mean our expectations and approaches to them may have to alter if they are to last. And how will we look after ourselves when we get older and those years of ill health catch up with us? The book notes how in some cultures - and in past generations in the UK - older relatives live with

Summary: Ask people how long they want to live, and many will answer: "As long as I have my health."


Tydfil Jenkins, 80, was struck by Alan Davies' car as she delivered a cake to an elderly friend. Davies, 35, admitted causing death by careless driving and driving while disqualified, being uninsured and under the influence of drugs. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced later this month at Cardiff Crown Court. Mrs Jenkins was knocked down by Davies' Renault Clio on Bethania Street in January, after taking a home-made cake to a neighbour. At the time a family member said: "She was a much loved mother and also a loving grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. "She was a straight forward woman who loved going to the bingo with her friends and will be very much missed by all who knew her."

Summary: A banned driver has admitted killing a great-great-grandmother in Maesteg, Bridgend county.


Pershore Town Council has recommended naming a road on an estate to be built opposite the town's high school after Clive Corbett, who has been headteacher since 2002. The council also wants to name other estate roads after previous heads. Councillor Charles Tucker said: "We try to have a historical or geographical link when we name new roads." Mr Corbett said: "I'm delighted, but above all it's a great honour for the school and I hope it reflects its importance to the local community." He is the fifth headteacher at the school, which was founded in 1932. The planned road names will have to be approved at a meeting of the town council later this month.

Summary: A road on a new estate in Worcestershire could be named after the headteacher at the local school.


Trevor Timon, 31, hit 30-year-old Oliver Dearlove while the victim and his friends were talking to a group of women in Blackheath, south-east London, in August 2016. Timon admitted manslaughter but was cleared of murder at the Old Bailey. He was also given five years on extended licence as he was considered a "significant risk" to the public. Mr Dearlove died hours after the attack, which happened after he had struck up a friendly chat with the women, who had been out celebrating a birthday with Timon. How lives are devastated by a single blow Timon demanded to know what they were discussing and told his victim "if you don't get out of my face I will knock you out", the court heard. He then punched Mr Dearlove in the side of the head with his left fist, sending him to the ground and knocking him out. A post-mortem examination found he died from bleeding to the brain. Judge Mark Dennis QC told Timon, who had a history of violence, Mr Dearlove had presented no threat and the punch was an "unprovoked and gratuitous act". "This was a senseless death that occurred as a result of an act borne out of a flaw in your character which in the past has seen you display unnecessary violent conduct to others when, for reasons best known to you, you have become annoyed or wound yourself up," he said. "Oliver Dearlove was a young man of fine character with a long and promising future ahead of him. His loss in such senseless circumstances has, as the court has heard, caused untold misery for his family and those close to him." "Many lives have been turned upside down." Speaking before the sentence was handed down, Mr Dearlove's girlfriend Claire Wheatley broke down in tears as she described her heartbreak at losing her "Mr Right". The nurse described him as the "most gentle, kind and relaxed person I have ever known and a true gentleman which is why so many people liked him." She said the couple had been making plans for the future before the "dreaded knock on our door". Miss Wheatley added: "We are all familiar with the phrase 'a broken heart', but unless you have experienced some form of loss or sadness it is difficult to understand how this truly feels. "On August 28 2016, I was unfortunate enough to learn its true meaning. "The difference is my heart is not broken, it feels more like it has been obliterated." Mr Dearlove's mother Joy Wright told the court: "No parent should have to make the decision to switch off their child's life support. "Timon may as well have used a gun or knife, the damage he did. He then just walked away casually without a thought or care for what he had done. "I think of Oli every morning when I wake and dream of him in my sleep. I see him as a baby, a schoolboy and as the smashing young man he had become, such a gentle unassuming soul." In a letter

Summary: A man who killed a banker with a single punch in a "senseless" and "unprovoked" attack has been jailed for six years.


They were among a 30-strong crew on a Greenpeace ship that was protesting against oil drilling in the Arctic. The group was arrested last month after two of the protesters tried to board an oil platform owned by the Russian state-controlled firm Gazprom. Greenpeace has called the charges "irrational, absurd and an outrage". The 14 activists were taken from jail to the Murmansk office of the Investigative Committee, the Russian equivalent of the FBI, the BBC's Daniel Sandford reports from Moscow. There they were formally charged with "piracy of an organised group", an offence that carries a 15-year prison sentence. Those charged include Kieron Bryan, a freelance video producer from London; Anthony Perrett from Newport in Wales; Alexandra Harris, originally from Devon, and Philip Ball from Chipping Norton. Greenpeace said more activists are expected to be formally charged on Thursday. The group's international executive director, Kumi Naidoo, said the charges were "extreme and disproportionate". "A charge of piracy is being laid against men and women whose only crime is to be possessed of a conscience. This is an outrage and represents nothing less than an assault on the very principle of peaceful protest," Reuters news agency quoted Mr Naidoo as saying. Mr Naidoo said the way Russian officials had treated the protesters represented "the most serious threat to Greenpeace's peaceful environmental activism" since the bombing of the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in New Zealand in 1985, when the group was campaigning against French nuclear testing in the Pacific. Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously said the activists were "not pirates", but may have broken international law. The Investigative Committee said earlier this week that peaceful aims would not justify what it has described as an "attack" that posed a threat to the rig and its personnel. Last month the Greenpeace ship approached the Prirazlomnaya platform, Russia's first offshore oil rig which is scheduled to start operating by the end of the year. Two activists tried to climb up onto the platform and tie themselves onto it, in an attempt to draw attention to the issue of the expansion of oil and gas exploration in the Arctic Ocean. They were detained after a short skirmish in inflatable dinghies in which armed Russian FSB officers in balaclavas fired warning shots into the water. Greenpeace has released cameraphone images it says show the moment Russian security forces boarded the Arctic Sunrise ship. The ship, with its crew comprising 18 nationalities, was then towed to Murmansk. Mr Bryan's parents, Andy and Ann, from Devon, said they were very worried. "Our son is a very kind, caring individual and environmental issues have always been very close to his heart," they said. Andy Bryan had spoken of his shock at the actions the Russians had taken against what he said was a peaceful organisation.

Summary: Fourteen Greenpeace activists, including at least four from the UK, have been charged with piracy by the Russian authorities.


18 March 2017 Last updated at 17:34 GMT She made the remark during her speech to her party's conference meeting in Aberdeen. Ms Sturgeon told more than 2,000 delegates: "She has time to think again and I hope she does. If her concern is timing then - within reason - I am happy to have that discussion. "But let the prime minister be in no doubt. The will of our parliament must and will prevail."

Summary: Scotland's First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon says Theresa May could re-think her approach to the timing of a second Scottish independence referendum.


The rock-pop boyband sold five million records at the start of the millennium, scoring number one hits with Year 3000 and What I Go To School For. But Simpson walked out after a record-breaking 12-night engagement at Wembley Arena, saying his time in the band was "like torture". Busted will pick up where they left off, playing Wembley on 11 May, 2016. The reunion was sparked by a road trip to Philadelphia, where the trio - Simpson, Matt Willis and James Bourne - recorded "three or four" new songs. "I was astounded to find out James had actually been listening to a lot of the same music I'd been listening to," said Simpson. "When I left the band in 2005, we were worlds away creatively. "It was quite poignant to think that we'd landed 10 years later and there was some creative common ground." "It was just a really fun time," added Bourne. "It felt like we were just hanging out with old, good friends." The band announced their comeback at the Soho Hotel in London - the same venue where they revealed their break-up in January 2005. A dedicated group of two dozen fans waited for the band outside, after travelling from across the UK in anticipation of the reunion. "It's magical!" said Rebecca, who had travelled to London from Ireland. "We're going to wet ourselves!" "Busted are my entire life," said London-based Melissa. "They've always amazed me, no matter what they've done. Solo, in different bands, they've always been so good to me." "It's been 11 years, nearly, which is too long to wait," said Roxy, from Oxford. "I feel like it's going to be different this time - because when they were Busted before, we were all kids and now we're adults. So it's a different audience they're going for." Speaking at the press conference, Simpson said he was surprised as anyone by his return to the pop band - after carving out a successful rock career in Fightstar. "I've lost count of the number of times where I've said publicly I wouldn't do this again. But I have changed my mind." "We went to Philadelphia, we wrote new music and that changed everything. I was very ready to go to Philadelphia and come away thinking 'it just doesn't feel right'. "The fact that it did feel right is just as much of a shock to me as it is to anyone sitting in this room today." The band promised new material to accompany their tour, acknowledging that their back catalogue was currently rather meagre. "Busted only had two albums," said Willis, who said the group would have to "play every song that you know then start all over again" on their 13-date tour. When Busted split in 2005, they were one of the biggest bands in the UK, with two multi-platinum albums and two Brit Awards. Simpson continued to make music, both with Fightstar and as a solo artist. Willis won the 2006 series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here and appeared in the West

Summary: Busted have announced a reunion tour for 2016, 11 years after Charlie Simpson left and the band imploded.


The Football Association charge relates to an incident around the 66th minute of the 2-2 draw when City were awarded a penalty. The club "failed to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion", the FA allege. Middlesbrough have until 18:00 BST on 5 May to respond to the charge. Referee Kevin Friend awarded City a penalty for Marten de Roon's challenge on Leroy Sane. Boro players were furious at the decision, with De Roon and Fabio booked for dissent.

Summary: Middlesbrough have been charged with failing to control their players in Sunday's Premier League match against Manchester City at the Riverside.


The left-wing MP, who has gone from outsider to frontrunner, said Saturday was not the end of inspiration for the campaign, but the "staging post". It comes as some of his rival candidates appeared to concede victory. Unite union boss Len McCluskey said the MP had "already won" in his eyes, as he had "lit up" the Labour movement. "Jeremy, in that calm fashion, seems to have touched a pulse, and that pulse is about people rejecting the constant downbeat austerity message that's been coming out of politics for 35 years," he told the BBC. Mr Corbyn is up against shadow health secretary Andy Burnham, shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper and shadow health minister Liz Kendall for the top job. He was a last-minute addition to the ballot after some Labour MPs "lent" him their nomination, saying they wanted to broaden the debate. But the popularity of Mr Corbyn's campaign has fuelled a bitter row within the party over the its future direction, with warnings from his rival candidates and senior figures, including former prime minister Tony Blair, against a shift to the left. Attending his 99th rally, held in the Islington North constituency in London which he has represented since 1983, Mr Corbyn said his campaign had been one of "hope" and "optimism" and promised to "change politics". He told supporters: "This inspiration that's been the last 100 days doesn't end on Saturday. Saturday is simply one staging post in it. "We change politics in Britain, we challenge the narrative that only the individual matters... and instead we say the common good is the aspiration of all of us." The MP said he looked forward to Saturday with "interest, if not some anticipation". Ahead of the event, the bookies' favourite in the contest told Channel 4 News he was not "scared" at the prospect of taking on his party's top job. He also said he was "extremely confident" of being able to build a shadow cabinet, saying: "I've had many discussions with people already about how we are going to take these things forward." Mr Corbyn's speech came hours after voting in the Labour leadership closed, bringing three months of campaigning by the candidates to an end. In an email to supporters, Mr Burnham said he had an "outside but realistic chance" of winning the contest, and that getting this far was "a real achievement". BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said it was seen by some of his supporters as an admission of defeat - but a campaign source said this was "categorically not" the case. Mr Burnham also said "thousands of ordinary, decent party members are now worried about where we are heading". In the closing speech of her campaign, Ms Kendall - who has stressed the need for Labour to appeal to a broader section of the electorate - said she may have been "too blunt" at times. She added: "But my view is that in politics, as in life, you cannot deal with problems by ignoring or avoiding them." The contest has been plagued by internal rows over

Summary: Labour leadership hopeful Jeremy Corbyn has thanked his supporters at a final rally before the result of the three-month contest is announced.


O'Neill's tenure has yielded just one win from 13 matches. "I strongly believe the way forward is with Michael at the helm and leading us into the Euros," commented Taylor. "I really feel if he carries on then everyone will be better for that continuity. It's going to take time." Taylor, who is working on a short-term deal as goalkeeping coach less than two years since winning his last cap, believes O'Neill needs to stay on when his contract expires at the end of the year. Media playback is not supported on this device Defeats in Luxembourg and Azerbaijan in the last two World Cup qualifiers have proved particularly frustrating for the former Shamrock Rovers boss and his coaching staff. But there is more to the story, with O'Neill working hard behind the scenes to strengthen the Northern Ireland set-up from the bottom, while also overseeing a changing of the guard in the senior side. Talks with IFA officials will resume after Tuesday's final qualification match in Israel, and Taylor hopes they go well. "Some of the young lads coming into the national side are not even playing club football, but we have a small pool of players and it's not as though we can go out and sign someone, so you do the best you can. "Michael is very, very passionate. He's hurting as much, if not more, than anyone else. "If you take the blip in Luxembourg out of it, the performances in all the other games - irrespective of the results - have been strong. Media playback is not supported on this device "It is a period of transition at the moment. It's a young squad and although the results haven't always come the lads have set a standard of performance - getting the win against Russia and going very close to a result against Portugal at home. The lads will learn from this campaign." If O'Neill does get the chance to continue his work with Northern Ireland, it is highly likely he would ask Taylor to remain part of his backroom staff. At 42, the former Fulham and Birmingham goalkeeper is only just starting to get used to the idea of his playing days being over, but he would be keen to remain involved at club level even if he was offered a full-time role by the IFA. "I sat down with Michael and he asked me to help out for five games. If he stays that doesn't necessarily mean I stay on, we'll have to sit down and talk. "I had hoped to play again this season but I've had a niggle with my shoulder and it's set me back a bit. "The coaching is something I'm very keen to progress with and there's no reason why I couldn't combine Northern Ireland coaching with a job at a club."

Summary: Northern Ireland goalkeeping coach Maik Taylor has called on the Irish Football Association to hand manager Michael O'Neill a new contract despite the side's disappointing run of results.


3 March 2017 Last updated at 14:07 GMT Romeo, aged four, asked his father Charlie Makaveli if he could go to school dressed as the leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime. It took his father a week to construct the outfit out of cardboard, paint and glue. Mr Makaveli, a florist from Romford, east London, said his son got a big cheer when he showed how his outfit "transformed". So far, the video has been viewed about 50,000 times on Mr Makaveli's Facebook page.

Summary: A father really went to town when his son asked for a Transformers outfit for World Book Day.


A total of 16 properties owned by housing association One Manchester will have cladding removed following tests prompted by the fatal London fire. The city council in Salford has also confirmed nine blocks in Pendleton have failed safety tests. The council opted to remove cladding on Friday before the test results were known. Dave Power, group chief executive at One Manchester said: "We will act on the advice of the fire service to ensure that all necessary safety measures are in place to avoid the need for homes to be evacuated for any period." In Manchester, the Village 135 development in Wythenshawe also failed the government tests last week. In Salford, three high-rise buildings failed and work has already begun to remove cladding from nine tower blocks in Pendleton over safety concerns. City Mayor of Salford Paul Dennett said the Pendleton test results vindicated the council's decision to start removing the cladding. "We decided not to wait around and now the test results have come back it has just confirmed that this was definitely the right call to make," he said. The Grenfell Tower fire in north Kensington on 14 June started in a fridge-freezer and outside cladding and insulation failed safety tests, police have said. One Manchester said the type of cladding used on its flats is Alucobond, which is non combustible, differs from that used on Grenfell - Reynobond PE - because it uses a mineral rock wool insulation. The latest One Manchester blocks affected are:

Summary: Eleven more high-rise buildings in Manchester have failed fire tests following the Grenfell Tower disaster.


Another parliamentary vote - after a bad tempered debate - has ticked some more of the boxes required by the eurozone. So what next for Greece? First let's be clear - that third financial rescue package has still to be negotiated. So much political blood has been shed just to get the talks started, surely, you might think, Greece and the eurozone wouldn't let a deal slip from their grasp after all that. Perhaps. Though the next few weeks of negotiations will be hard. So let's assume the third programme will be agreed. The precise contents are still to be negotiated but it will include many policy commitments that the Greek government and much of the population will hate. There will be targets for the government's finances, specifically for a primary surplus - that means the government must take in more in tax revenue than it spends, putting to one side the interest it is paying on the national debt. Greece has managed primary surpluses for the last two years. But after a renewed decline in the economy starting at the end of last year - and severely aggravated by the bank closures this month - it will be very hard to repeat that this year. To achieve that aim will mean more austerity. There has been massive austerity already. The adjustment to the government finances has been extraordinary: there is a measure called the structural budget balance: that went from a deficit of 18.6% of GDP in 2009 to a surplus of 2.2% in 2013. (These figures take out the impact of the economic cycle on taxes and public spending and so show - imperfectly - the effort a government has put in to change its financial position.) The programme will be subject to continuous monitoring and it's sure to lead to further episodes of tension between Greece and the creditors, and in all probability more occasions when payments are delayed because of slippage in the implementation of the policies. We had a flavour of the political difficulties the government will face with implementation over the last 24 hours. A statement from a public sector union said: "We will continue our battle so that the new barbaric bailout does not pass and is overturned." Eurozone governments also expect Greece to make a commitment to a wide range of reforms covering, among other things, industrial action, collective bargaining, and opening closed professions. There's more potential there for political difficulties in implementation. Austerity will also aggravate the weakness of the economy, which is already back in recession. The usual measure of a government's debt burden is the ratio of the debt to GDP. More borrowing - from the eurozone for the foreseeable future - and weak growth or even continued contraction will mean that debt burden continues rising. So what Greece needs is a period of decent economic growth. Arithmetically that would help reduce the debt burden, by making it smaller in relation to the country's GDP. More practically it would help bring in more tax revenue that would make the debt more

Summary: Bailout number three is, more or less, in the pipeline.


James Mattis's reaffirmation of US commitment to the alliance comes after disparaging comments from President Donald Trump. But Mr Mattis also reiterated Mr Trump's demand that many Nato countries raise military spending. The meeting comes amid concern over the new administration's ties with Russia. It also follows reports that Russia violated a landmark arms control treaty by deploying a new cruise missile, reports the Kremlin has dismissed. Mr Trump's comments, during his campaign, that the US might not defend allies who do not contribute their "fair share" to Nato, have worried many European nations, particularly those near Russia's border. He was critical of the Western military alliance, describing it as "obsolete". But speaking in Brussels, Mr Mattis said the Trump administration had "strong support" for Nato. "The alliance remains a fundamental bedrock for the United States and the trans-Atlantic community, bonded as we are together," he said. While hailing the alliance's ability to respond to security challenges, he said it was a "fair demand that all who benefit from the best defence in the world carry their proportionate share of the necessary cost to defend freedom". On the eve of Wednesday's meeting, Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg indicated a willingness to work with the US. "The most important thing is that we increase defence spending and that is exactly what we are doing." As he arrived for the talks in Brussels, he said he was "absolutely certain that the message from this meeting will be a message of trans-Atlantic unity... and a very strong commitment of the United States to Nato". And he said the military alliance would have "serious concern" if reports that Russia had violated a Cold War-era treaty by deploying a cruise missile proved true. Mr Mattis will have strong support from Britain, one of only five Nato countries to meet existing targets for defence spending, says the BBC's defence and diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus. Speaking to reporters as he arrived for the meeting, British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, said he was looking forward to working with Mr Mattis on "the steps needed to modernise Nato, to make it more agile and more responsive and how we can persuade other countries to meet their fair share of the burden by increasing their expenditure to 2%". However, the resignation of Michael Flynn as US national security adviser - and the rumbling row over the Trump team's contacts with Russia - is likely to cause unease among the 28-nation group, our correspondent adds. As he travelled to the Nato meeting, Mr Mattis told reporters that Mr Flynn's departure would have "no impact" on his role. He praised Nato, calling it "the most successful military alliance in history". Mr Mattis has previously taken a different view to the new US president on various foreign policy issues. He has warned that Washington has not taken seriously enough Russia's military moves against its neighbours - annexing Crimea and backing separatists in Ukraine - and also criticised Mr Trump's view that Nato was "obsolete" as "kooky".

Summary: The new US defence secretary has hailed Nato as the "fundamental bedrock" of trans-Atlantic co-operation, as he met defence ministers for the first time.


Last week the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) issued an alert flagging "concerns relating to air operator certification procedures". As a result, Thai airlines have had to cancel flights, and refund or modify thousands of air tickets. Thai officials have since submitted plans to tackle the ICAO's concerns. An audit in January by the ICAO, a division of the United Nations, found that Thailand's aviation authority had a shortage of technical officers and problems with the certification for the transportation of hazardous goods. Last week the ICAO issued an alert which triggered increased physical inspections of aircraft operated by Thai airlines serving existing routes to countries such as Australia and Singapore, a regional air hub, as well as a ban on airlines expanding their services. This led to Thailand's carriers being prevented from adding any new flights or modifying their schedules. The ICAO had last assessed Thailand's aviation sector a decade ago. Its spokesperson Anthony Philbin told the BBC that they "continue to work with Thailand's civil aviation authority on resolving the issues in question." "An ICAO audit does not review the levels of operational aviation safety in a state, or in the airlines or airports," he said. "Rather our audits continuously monitor the capability of state civil aviation authorities to adequately resource and manage aviation safety oversight responsibilities in their jurisdictions." Thai officials are now in talks with Japan to temporarily lift the ban on new flights. About 100 charter flights to Japan have been cancelled. The ban comes at a particularly difficult time for the Thai aviation sector, which has already been struggling with lower tourist numbers, following political protests in the country last year. And the flight disruptions take place just ahead of Thailand's peak travel season and traditional new year celebrations of Songkran. The nation's flag carrier Thai Airways, is already undergoing a major restructuring after posting an annual loss for the past two years. But it is budget airlines that have been hardest hit by both the lower passenger traffic and the ban on new routes. Low cost carriers Thai AirAsiaX, Orient Thai Airlines and charter airline operators Asia Atlantic Airlines and Sky View have all been affected. "While it might seem that Thai Airways might be worst hit, that might actually not be true, since the national carrier is in consolidation mode," Shashank Nigam, chief executive at consultancy SimpliFlying said. "Fast-growing Thai budget airlines like Nok Air, AirAsia and Nok-Scoot will feel the biggest impact, since their plans to grow may be hit hard as they hold Thai licences as well." Thai Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong told reporters this week that Thailand had struggled for a decade to comply with ICAO standards. Mr Prajin told Reuters he hoped the issue would be resolved within eight months.

Summary: Thailand's aviation sector is under scrutiny after an international safety audit led to a ban on new flights to China, Japan and South Korea.


Jamie Topliss-Yates was struck by a car driven by Zaid Bhamji at the BP garage in Chanterlands Avenue in Hull. Bhamji, 21, received a six-month suspended prison sentence after admitting dangerous driving. Mr Topliss-Yates said he feared the incident had left him with long-term health issues. His head struck the car windscreen as he was thrown over the top of the vehicle and he is waiting to have a brain scan to see if there is any neurological injury. More on this and other Hull stories Mr Topliss-Yates said he had no chance to avoid the car and thought he was going to die. "Literally the last thing that went through my head before I actually hit the car was to try and brace myself and try and jump on to the bonnet," he said. Bhamji was sentenced at Hull Magistrates' Court last week over the incident, which happened on 14 January. It was estimated he was driving at between 20mph and 30mph. Mr Topliss-Yates said he would have liked to have seen the driver jailed as "a few months inside would have made him stop and think". "I was angry for a while because it seemed such a pointless thing to do," he said. "It upset me a little bit that the sentence was a suspended one, because you can't drive at that speed across a petrol station forecourt and think that that's OK."

Summary: A man who suffered a broken pelvis when he was run over at speed on a petrol station forecourt has said he is "upset" the driver was not jailed.


The Shire belied their status as basement battlers and kept Jim Chapman's men at bay in the first half. Ryan McStay cleared Ross Fisher's header off the line, while Thomas Orr got on the end of a pinpoint cross, but headed just over the bar. Despite Shire's bright start to the second half, Annan led when Todd flicked home Ben Jago's long shot.

Summary: Annan Athletic had to work hard for a gritty 1-0 win at East Stirlingshire with Josh Todd bagging the only goal.


Tom Lawrence hit the post with a header on his debut in a disappointing first half for Cardiff, who showed more urgency after the break. Lawrence and Anthony Pilkington had further chances but MK Dons held firm. Nicky Maynard wasted a good opportunity for the Dons, who are two points clear of the drop zone. Cardiff remain ninth in the table, five points off the final play-off spot. Heavy morning rain in south Wales had put the game in doubt, but the efforts of the Cardiff City Stadium ground staff ensured the match kicked off. Wales striker Lawrence, signed on loan from Leicester City started while fellow loanee Kenneth Zohore started on the bench. Dons' new signing Alex Revell was forced to wait for his debut as his contract stipulated he could not face his former club. Media playback is not supported on this device The first half had been a scrappy affair with few chances for either side until Lawrence's glancing header struck the post. Cardiff finished the first half strongly with David Martin palming away Stuart O'Keefe's header and Peter Whittingham firing over the crossbar. Martin again denied O'Keefe early in the second half and the Dons keeper tipped Scott Malone's effort over the bar. Lawrence and Pilkington went close for the home side, who were much improved in the second half. Former Cardiff City striker Maynard should have given MK Dons the lead, but he fired over after getting the better of Matthew Connolly. Dons top-scorer Josh Murphy's blocked effort fell kindly for Darren Potter, but the midfielder shot wide. Bruno Manga headed wide from a corner while at the other end David Marshall, who had little to do all afternoon, made a full length save to deny Jake Forster-Caskey late on. Cardiff manager Russell Slade: "We know we still have a good chance of reaching the top six. "We have lost goals from the team with players being out injured and leaving the club, so we are looking at the players coming in to get them for us. "We did more than enough to get the three points, but we couldn't quite do it." Mk Dons manager Karl Robinson: "We should have had a penalty for a foul on Josh Murphy and I'm sure when the ref sees it again he will agree with me. "We rode our luck a bit at times and David Martin made some outstanding saves, but I'm proud of the boys. "It's our eighth clean sheet of the season and is a performance we can really build on."

Summary: Cardiff City's play-off hopes suffered a setback after the hosts were held to a goalless draw by Championship strugglers MK Dons.


Confirmation of his departure was made in an email to staff on Tuesday. The 57-year-old, who has headed news operations since June 2011, will be replaced by interim head Peter MacRae. Mr Boothman has been with the BBC for 30 years and recently oversaw general election and Scottish independence referendum coverage. In an email to staff, BBC Scotland Director Ken McQuarrie said: "We are now entering the most important period of work ahead of the forthcoming Charter Review discussions as we shape our plans for the future of BBC Scotland. "I am writing to let you know that John Boothman, Head of News and Current Affairs will be joining the team working on Scotland's proposals for Charter Review. "Working to Bruce Malcolm, he will play a key role focusing on service development for Scotland including our news offer for audiences for the new Charter period. "Pete MacRae will take on the role of Head of News and Current Affairs on an interim basis until a permanent appointment is made."

Summary: John Boothman is to leave his position as BBC Scotland's head of news and current affairs to work on the corporation's Charter renewal bid.


Chris Sane left South Gloucestershire Council days before it emerged the cost of building the North Fringe to Hengrove route had risen £4.6m since November. Amid months of traffic delays, the construction bill is now £16m higher than forecast two years ago. Mr Sane resigned on 30 June for "personal reasons", the council said. "We can confirm that Chris Sane has now left South Gloucestershire Council, with effect from 30 June," a spokeswoman said. "Alternative arrangements have been put in place to cover this role in the interim." Earlier this week, a report to the council's cabinet authored by the now former head of transport revealed construction delays were behind the rising costs of the MetroBus route, which runs from Cribbs Causeway to the north of Bristol, through the city centre to Hengrove in south Bristol. South Gloucestershire will need to spend an extra £9.8m above its original £30.5m contribution to the scheme to cover the increased costs. The report recommended the extra cash is taken from the highways maintenance budget over the next 10 years. Commuters have been enduring roadworks associated with the scheme in the city centre, on the M32 and various other locations in South Gloucestershire.

Summary: The man in charge of delivering a major part of Bristol's MetroBus network has resigned from his role.


Muirfield, which is staging the Open Championship, is among a number of UK golf courses which only men can join. Several leading politicians have refused to attend the event in protest. But Harriet Harman said ministers must go further and amend equality laws to stop "discrimination" by private clubs. Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond and Culture Secretary Maria Miller are among those effectively boycotting the four-day tournament in East Lothian, which began on Thursday. The row comes amid a wider debate over sexism in sport following comments made by BBC presenter John Inverdale about the appearance of Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli and calls from Mrs Miller for the broadcaster to take more action on the issue. Ms Harman said staying away from one of the year's most high-profile sports events was a "symbolic gesture" and ministers should do "more than that" and change the law. She urged ministers to close a "loophole" in the 2010 Equality Act, legislation which she piloted through Parliament, which strengthened protections against discrimination on the basis of gender, age, race and sexual orientation. But the legislation permitted private associations, such as golf clubs, to continue to determine their own membership rules. Describing the legislation as "incomplete" and "unfinished business", she said Labour would support the government if it decided to bring forward new proposals to ensure women had equal access to all institutions. "Let's not have pressure and gestures, let's absolutely do something about it," she told the BBC News Channel. "If you know it is anachronistic, out of date and it discriminates against women, you can actually amend the Equality Act to make sure that does not happen and we will give that backing." Both David Cameron and Nick Clegg have said they do not support institutions whose membership is restricted on gender grounds. Mr Cameron has reportedly given up his membership of White's, one of the oldest and most prestigious gentleman's clubs in London, which does not admit women. The PM's late father Ian was the club's chairman. But asked whether the prime minister would support a ban on male-only clubs, a No 10 spokesman said "I don't think we are looking at going down that road". Mr Clegg said such institutions were "out of step with everything else that's happening in the rest of society" but he favoured the clubs acting voluntarily rather than passing new laws to impose changes. "It just seems so old fashioned and so anachronistic to just have a golf club saying that just because you are a woman you can't be a member of that club," he said during his weekly phone-in on LBC Radio. "I think many people will just shake their head and say how on earth is this still possible in this day and age?" But the UK Independence Party said half of the single-sex golf clubs in the UK admitted only female members and accused Mrs Miller and Mr Salmond of "political grandstanding". Muirfield is one of a number of regular Open venues which do not admit women as members, although they can play the

Summary: Labour's deputy leader is urging a ban on male-only sports clubs, saying it is embarrassing the UK's most prestigious golf tournament is happening at a club that does not admit female members.


Construction bosses at the new Queensferry Crossing have come up with a plan by using nearby cranes to install temporary toilets at the top of each of its 206m (676ft) towers. The move has prompted onlookers to ask if they are now the highest toilets in the country. There are about 150 people working on each tower and, of those, a maximum of 12 people work at the very top of the tower at any given time. Each tower has a barge at the base with a number of male and female toilets and washrooms and canteens. The additional temporary toilets on the tower were installed when the towers got to about 120m (394ft) above sea level. Robert Adam, aerial photographer with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) - the new public body formed by bringing together Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland - was flying over the Firth of Forth recently when he spotted the toilets hundreds of feet above the water. He said: "The aerial survey team at HES record all aspects of the historic landscape, from architecture to archaeology. "We've been recording the new Forth crossing since they began building it, and this isn't the first toilet we've photographed - but it's probably the highest." A Transport Scotland spokesman said the Queensferry Crossing was one of the biggest construction projects Scotland had ever seen, directly employing over 1,200 people. He said: "When open to traffic at the end of this year, it will be tallest bridge in the UK and the longest bridge of its type in the world. "The project is on time and under budget thanks in large part to the efforts of a workforce facing often extreme weather conditions at great heights over the Firth of Forth. "Taking all this into account, providing a toilet only seems fair. "In all seriousness, health and safety is the absolute priority on the project and a fundamental part of that is providing appropriate welfare facilities for workers whatever their location."

Summary: What do you do when you are building the highest bridge in the UK but the tower you are working on gets so tall it would take you ages to get to the toilets at the bottom?


Shock 2015-16 Premier League winners City also have a Champions League last-16 tie with Sevilla on the horizon. Rams assistant boss Powell told BBC Radio Derby: "The season they had was quite unique, it won't happen again. "They're now having their Champions League excursion and that's something we aspire to." Powell, who reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup as a Derby player in 1997, ended his career with Leicester in 2010, before briefly being part of the Foxes' coaching staff. He is excited by the prospect of facing the Foxes on Friday and said their current struggles, coupled with Derby's home advantage and impressive form in the Championship, made the televised tie a tight one. The Rams have lost just three of their matches since Steve McClaren became boss in October, while Leicester have lost 11 of their 22 Premier League matches this season. "It's going to be some game," Powell added. "People may say Leicester are the favourites. But with home advantage, and what Leicester are going through, it's an opportunity for us to take advantage." After stints in charge of Charlton and Huddersfield, Powell returned to Derby in May as number two to Nigel Pearson and retained that role when McClaren took over. Having been a player, coach and caretaker-manager of both East Midlands rivals, Powell said he could see parallels between the clubs. "For passion, and for supporting your team, they are very similar," he said prior to the fourth-round tie at Pride Park. "Up until quite recently, their history was kind of similar as well. "But of course Leicester have surpassed what most clubs, apart from the traditionally big clubs, have done."

Summary: Chris Powell hopes Derby County can emulate his ex-club Leicester City's achievements as the East Midlands duo prepare for Friday's FA Cup meeting.


Media playback is not supported on this device After a scoreless first period, James Desmarais fired a shot across Mike Clemente into the net for the Giants. Taylor Dickin levelled and Cody Cartier scored the decisive goal just 43 seconds into the third period. The Giants remain six points behind leaders Cardiff Devils in the standings, with one game in hand. Storm kept Jackson Whistle busy in the first period and the Giants netminder again excelled in the second period. Belfast player-coach Derrick Walser rattled the outside of the post in the second period and the visitors soaked up Giants pressure in the final minutes of the contest. The Giants' next match is at home to Braehead Clan on Friday (19:00 GMT), the team they defeated 5-1 on Boxing Day. After that, Coventry Blaze visit the SSE Arena on 2 January (16:00).

Summary: The Belfast Giants' unbeaten run of 10 games came to an end on Wednesday night with a 2-1 Elite League defeat by Manchester Storm at the SSE Arena.


A late Clint Hill equaliser secured a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park and Murty said the team had proved a point. "I'm pleased for the players," he said after his last game in charge. "They showed the kind of tenacity and grit that they've been questioned about. "It's a difficult environment, but two outstanding saves from Craig Gordon or it could have been more." A Celtic victory would have been their 23rd in succession in the league and their 18th in all competitions. The Premiership leaders took a first-half lead thanks to Stuart Armstrong's well-taken goal. Rangers, in front of their new manager, Pedro Caixinha, who was watching from the stands, continued to battle and were rewarded with Hill's 88th-minute goal. "He saw the players deal with an unbelievable atmosphere," Murty said. "It takes a real man's performance to play in that and stand up to it. "I'd been challenging them all week, saying you're the only ones who believe in yourselves. "They showed that right to the end and I'm proud of them. "From the moment I saw them at breakfast, I knew they were right where I wanted them to be." The two Glasgow rivals will meet again in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on 23 April. Murty, who had gone into the league game with a record of three wins and two defeats in his previous matches in charge, hands over to Caixinha with the side sitting third in the table. "This should give them lots of confidence," he said. "They didn't get rattled or lose their discipline. "We made it difficult for them and put a shift in." Caixinha will hold a staff meeting at Rangers' Auchenhowie training ground on Monday as he begins his spell in charge of the first-team. In a message on Rangers' Twitter account, he urged fans to back the team. "We are doing our very best, in a club like this, to keep up a track of winning," said the Portuguese manager. "We want a winning mentality. We want a winning team. And you [the Rangers supporters] need to be here to support us." Murty is expected to return to his role as head coach of the development squad.

Summary: Rangers caretaker Graeme Murty praised his players for answering their critics as they ended Celtic's winning streak.


The 19-year-old moved to Oldham from Stoke last season, but failed to make an appearance. He spent the second half of the 2015-16 campaign on loan at National League North side Chorley. Vassell is the second Walsall signing to join Chester after goalkeeper Liam Roberts, and stays until 1 January. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Chester have signed defender Theo Vassell on loan from League One side Walsall, three days after he joined the Saddlers on a one-year deal.


Saturday's fixture - abandoned after 60 minutes amid torrential rain - will be replayed on 20 September, with no refunds offered for the original match. Rovers boss Darrell Clarke called the move "shocking" and Swindon were urged to "rethink" by their Supporters Trust. Rovers have offered returning away fans free coach travel to the County Ground. "While we understand supporters' frustration, what happened on Saturday afternoon was an act of God and beyond the club's control," Power said in a statement on Swindon's website. "I must stress that the club still has a number of costs to meet on a matchday. These costs have increased dramatically due to the fact that this is a derby match. "Clubs do not usually offer any form of refund when the game is abandoned after half-time and not before." Adult tickets for the rearranged match on 20 September will cost £19-25, although Swindon's season ticket holders will be admitted for free. On Tuesday, Mike Welsh, vice-chair of Swindon Town's Supporters' Trust had told BBC Wiltshire: "Supporters were asked to keep their ticket stubs. "We thought the club could have reached out to the fans and sought some middle ground. We encourage them to come back, have a rethink and see if we can meet the fans halfway."

Summary: Swindon Town chairman Lee Power is standing by his club's decision to charge fans for new tickets for a rearranged game against Bristol Rovers.


Assel Al-Essaie, 23, died in hospital after the shooting in Daniel Hill in the Walkley area of Sheffield on 18 February. Matthew Cohen, 28, of Clough Wood View, Sheffield, and Dale Gordon, 33, of Benty Lane, Sheffield, are due before the city's magistrates on Thursday. Mr Al-Essaie was shot in the chest outside his home at about 13:35 GMT, South Yorkshire Police said. More news from across Yorkshire A post-mortem examination showed he died from a gunshot wound. Detectives continue to appeal for anyone with information about Mr Al-Essaie's death to come forward.

Summary: Two men have been charged with murder after a man was shot dead.


Experts have found dog intelligence works similarly to human intelligence. Recent studies have also shown brighter people tend to live longer. Scientists think if they can prove the same is true in dogs they can use them to study health issues such as dementia. Dr Rosalind Arden, a research associate at the London School of Economics, which carried out the study with Edinburgh University, said the discovery could have "far reaching implications for understanding human health and disease and canine health and disease". She said: "We asked the question, if a dog is good at one test does it tend to be better than average at the other test? And we found that yes that's true. "This is the first step in trying to develop a really snappy, reliable dog IQ test, and that has got implications that aren't obvious at first." Scientists put the intelligence of 68 working border collies to the test by devising a series of cognitive tasks for them to carry out. One involved finding their way to a food reward they could see but was behind a barrier - meaning they had to work out to go around the barrier rather than try to dig under it. Another involved offering two plates of food and assessing if the dogs learnt to go to the one with the bigger portion, while a third task examined how many times a dogs followed a human pointing gesture. Those that performed well in one of these tasks tended to be above average in the others too. Dr Arden said scientists have known for some time that brighter people tend to live longer. However, this can be notoriously tricky to investigate because our lifestyle choices - whether we smoke, and how much we eat, drink and exercise - have a major impact on our health. Dogs offer a good insight because they are "basically teetotal", Dr Arden said. They also have another important trait - like humans, they naturally acquire dementia. This causes their behaviour and brain structure to change, Dr Arden said. She added: "You'll find a dog that changes its social habits, it doesn't want to be petted any more, it becomes introverted and alone. They reproduce lots of the disturbances found in human dementia." Researchers stressed they have only established that dog intelligence is measurable, as it is in humans, but have yet to establish if this is linked to health. Dr Mark Adams, research fellow at Edinburgh University, said: "This is only a first step, but we are aiming to create a dog IQ test that is reliable, valid and can be administered quickly. "Such a test could rapidly improve our understanding of the connection between dog intelligence, health, even lifespan, and be the foundation of 'dognitive epidemiology'. "Dogs are excellent for this kind of work because they are willing to participate and seem to enjoy taking part." The research is published in the journal Intelligence.

Summary: A dog IQ test has been developed by scientists who said it could pave the way for breakthroughs in the understanding of the link between intelligence and health.


Haki Africa said the figure could be higher but some families were reluctant to come forward for fear of victimisation by state security agents. The police oversight body said 52 officers were on trial in connection with such killings countrywide. The coastal region has suffered several terror attacks in recent years. The Somali Islamist militant al-Shabab group has been targeting Kenya over the deployment of Kenyan forces to Somalia. Most of the victims were youths including returnees from Somalia who had surrendered after the government promised them amnesty, Haki Africa's report said. Others were allegedly killed as a result of excessive use of force during police crackdowns on protests and other religious groups that had been accused of radicalising young people. Saada Suleiman, who attended the report's launch in the capital, Nairobi, said her husband had been missing for two years since his arrest in a raid on Masjid Musa mosque in Mombasa known for its radical sermons. Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid said some of those killed were terror suspects, including several radical Muslim clerics, but this was no excuse for the state to execute them without due process. The BBC's Abdinoor Aden in the capital, Nairobi, says officers from the anti-terror unit have been heavily implicated in the report. Murshid Nassir, who heads the National Police Service Commission which vets officers, told the BBC that so-called "death squads" did not exist within the force and extrajudicial killings were not condoned. While the chairman of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority promised to take action against officers found guilty of engaging in the killings. Macharia Njeru said 52 officers had been charged and more than 300 officers were being probed for gross human rights violations.

Summary: Kenya's anti-terror police have carried out at least 81 extrajudicial killings in country's mainly Muslim coastal region since 2012, a rights group says.


The Premier League's bottom club have yet to confirm who will take over from Mike Phelan, who was sacked on Tuesday. Reports suggest former Olympiakos boss Marco Silva has been lined up, while former Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett was an early favourite. Ashbee, who played for the Tigers between 2002 and 2011, told the Press Association: "It's a poisoned chalice." He continued: "I don't think Gary Rowett is going to take it. "I think someone from overseas will be appointed. Someone who isn't aware of what's been going on." Portuguese Silva quit Olympiakos for personal reasons in the summer after guiding them to the Greek title, and also won promotion to the Portuguese top flight with Estoril before a brief spell at Sporting Lisbon. Vice-chairman Ehab Allam said on Hull's website the club hope to name their new manager before the weekend. Hull host Swansea in the FA Cup third round on Saturday. "They need to get the new guy in sooner rather than later," said Ashbee "He's got good stock from overseas, but has no experience of the Premier League. "It's a difficult task even if he had the whole of pre-season to put his plans in place, but it would appear to be impossible now." It has been a tumultuous season for Hull, who are up for sale. In July, Steve Bruce left as manager after his relationship with Allam broke down. Phelan was placed in temporary charge and, even though he had only 13 fit senior players at his disposal, his side marked their Premier League return with successive wins and he was named manager of the month for August. However, the Tigers are now three points from safety and without a league win since 6 November. Commenting on the situation, former Hull manager Phil Brown told BBC Radio 5 live: "It's not just about relegation as far as Hull are concerned. The fans are worried about their club. "The stadium was a fortress when I was there and the fans kept us in the league. Now it's known as the library. It's scandalous what's happened to the club. "There has to be joined-up thinking in wanting to take the club forward."

Summary: The new Hull City manager is facing an "impossible task", according to former captain Ian Ashbee.


It is understood Arsenal blocked a possible move to Manchester United for Debuchy, who joined the Gunners from Newcastle for £12m in July 2014. The France international, 30, has made just seven appearances for Arsenal this season and not figured since November. The right-back has been allowed to return to France for the chance of first-team football ahead of Euro 2016. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy has joined Ligue 1 side Bordeaux on loan for the rest of the season.


Mr Kearney's Kilmona group wants to build a four-block scheme on a site next to Central Station and extend an existing building on Chichester Street. Residents in the adjacent Markets area have objected to the Central Station scheme and elements of the original plan have been changed as a result. Councillors on the planning committee are to make final decisions next week. The Central Station scheme consists of a 14-storey block, a 10-storey block and two three-storey blocks which will have total floor space of about 323,000 sq ft (30,000 sq m). The Chichester Street scheme will involve extending and upgrading Centre House. The plan includes the demolition of an existing three-storey office building on Gloucester Street and the addition of a 'glass box' extension to the upper levels of Centre House. Belfast has seen little development of Grade A office space since the property crash.

Summary: Two major Belfast office projects from the developer Paddy Kearney have been recommended for planning approval.


Marchant, 20, has made 37 appearances for Quins since making his senior debut in May 2015, scoring 11 tries. "I'm delighted to have re-signed with Harlequins," he said. "This is such a great club and I have loved my time here. It was an easy decision to stay." Marchant had been due to tour Argentina with England last month but was ruled out with a toe injury.

Summary: Harlequins centre Joe Marchant has signed a new and extended contract with the Premiership club.


Cheick Cisse, who won taekwondo gold, was given $85,000 (??64,000) and Ruth Gbagbi, who won bronze in the women's event, got $51,000. Cisse's gold medal was the first in the country's history. Last year, President Alassane Ouattara made similar awards to members of the national football team after they won the African Cup of Nations. He did not reveal any details about the houses given to Cisse and Gbagbi, or their location. More on this and other African stories Mr Ouattara and his wife Dominique wore the medals as they posed with the athletes for photos at the presidential palace in the country's commercial capital, Abidjan. Ivory Coast had only won one Olympic medal until this year. Gabriel Tiacoh won a silver medal in the men's 400m in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. He died in 1992. Ivory Coast used to be one of Africa's richest countries but its economy has been devastated by years of conflict.

Summary: Ivory Coast's two medallists from the Rio Olympic games have been given cash awards and houses by the president.


In the Daily Telegraph, Lord Hague said he was asked the question "for months... everywhere I went abroad" if "we would lose heart" about leaving. He said he explained to them that "this really is a democracy". Lord Hague also backed a "transitional" withdrawal from the EU saying it had "immense" attractions. Lord Hague - who campaigned to remain in the EU - stood down as foreign secretary in 2014, and left the House of Commons in 2015. He wrote in Tuesday's Telegraph: "The electorate voted to leave the EU, and therefore we leave. "What is more, the number of people who voted to do so was higher than the number of votes cast for any government in our history. "To me and many of my former colleagues in government who preferred to remain, the argument was over. "In the recent general election, both main parties were clear that they were committed to the referendum outcome. "Globally, the message has now got through." But Lord Hague added that "just as the message was accepted, the voters pulled off another surprise and refused to give a majority to the ministers negotiating the exit" [in the general election]. He said there was the clear potential for Brexit to become the "greatest economic, diplomatic and constitutional muddle in the modern history of the UK, with unknowable consequences for the country, the government and the Brexit project itself". And he said the Chancellor Philip Hammond deserved "great credit" for putting forward a possible solution. Lord Hague said: "He has evidently been trying to persuade his cabinet colleagues that we should be seeking to stay in the EU single market and customs union during a transition and 'implementation' phase lasting to 2022, followed by a free trade deal with our former partners after that. "This is seen by longstanding advocates of leaving as a 'soft' position or a climbdown. "But in reality it is a plan to rescue Brexit from an approaching disaster." Mr Hammond has said any transitional deal in the period after Brexit must end by June 2022, the time of the next general election. But the chancellor said there must be "business as usual, life as normal" for Britons as the UK left the EU. Get news from the BBC in your inbox, each weekday morning

Summary: Business leaders and politicians asked former Foreign Secretary William Hague how the UK would "get round" the EU referendum result, he has revealed.


Sun Maya Tamang, 50, is accused of killing Man Limbu, who was found unconscious at a flat in Victoria Road, Aldershot, on Friday. She is also accused of attempted murder, aggravated burglary and false imprisonment relating to an incident at a property in Grove Road. Ms Tamang, of Victoria Road, is due at Basingstoke magistrates on Tuesday. Police said Man Limbu was discovered at 17:30 GMT on Friday and was later pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives said the alleged attempted murder, burglary and false imprisonment related to a 47-year-old woman.

Summary: A woman has been charged with murdering a 75-year-old man and with attempting to murder a woman on the same day.


The US Treasury said that Senat Shipping was providing "extensive support" to a North Korean company already under sanctions. It means that any assets the firm holds in the US are frozen and prohibits US citizens from doing business with it. Senat Shipping has denied the allegations. The US Treasury makes clear that measures against Senat Shipping also extend to the company's president, Leonard Lai. It said that Senat Shipping was co-operating with Ocean Maritime Management Company (OMMC), a North Korean firm already under sanctions. In 2013, a ship operated by OMMC was seized by Panamanian authorities for hiding undeclared military equipment from Cuba under its cargo of sugar. According to US authorities, Senat arranged the purchase, repair, certification, and crewing of vessels for OMMC. "Arms shipments transported by OMMC serve as a key resource for North Korea's ongoing proliferation activities," said a US Treasury press release. The United Nations and the US imposed sanctions on OMMC in July 2014 for the attempted arms import into North Korea. Senat Shipping's statement confirmed that it had chartered OMMC vessels in the past to operate part of its business but says since then it had stopped dealing with all North Korean ship owners. The firm denies all of the accusations brought against it by the US. Company president Leonard Lai said the US move to put him and his company on the blacklist was "purely based on my historical dealings with OMMC and not based on anything illegal". Under UN sanctions, North Korea is banned from weapons exports and the import of all but small arms. There are also separate US sanctions also target Pyongyang's nuclear arms programme.

Summary: The US has blacklisted a Singapore-based shipping firm over allegations it is supporting illicit arms shipments to North Korea.


The RNLI said it expects the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat to help save more lives in waters around Ilfracombe, north Devon. It is one of only two places in the region to get the upgraded model, which volunteers described as "faster and safer than its predecessor". The new boat, called The Barry and Peggy High Foundation, also has a faster launching and recovery system. It replaces Mersey class vessel Spirit of Derbyshire, which has performed more than 500 rescues over 25 years. Suzy Tubby, an RNLI volunteer based in Ilfracombe, said the new lifeboat was an "incredible thing". "It does 25 knots compared to the Mersey's 17," she said. "The launching system is all very much quicker - then recovery takes less than half the time so it means we can be ready to go again a lot quicker" she said. Second Coxswain Carl Perrin said he wanted to thank fundraisers for their help in bringing the new boat into action. "It's faster, it's safer, it can go further and the potential for lifesaving is great," he said.

Summary: An upgraded £3m lifeboat has been launched in the south west.


Kim Eacott's terrier, Scally, had "separation anxiety" and would bark constantly at her Hereford cottage. Angela Waring, of Crickhowell, Powys, was held jointly responsible by a judge in the noise nuisance complaint as she owned the home. She has contested the decision at London's Appeal Court, which will make a ruling at a later date. Mrs Waring paid for her daughter's cottage despite the pair having fallen out. The court heard Scally barked incessantly when Miss Eacott was not at home in 2011 and 2012, prompting neighbours Bryn and Diane Cocking to file a claim the noise was "unreasonable in its frequency and duration". Mrs Waring said she offered to take Scally to a "dog whisperer" to try to calm him down, despite not being on speaking terms with her daughter. In Worcester County Court in 2013, judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins upheld the Cockings' noise nuisance claim. Miss Eacott was ordered to pay £3,500 in damages and her mother £1,000. Both were hit with a £31,000 legal costs bill. Mrs Waring has asked the court to rule that she was not responsible for her daughter, so should not have to pay for her failing to control Scally. Hamish MacBean, for Mrs Waring, said she had done her best to defuse the row and wrote to her daughter, telling her: "If Scally barks when you are not there, there is a dog whisperer in Abergavenny who can cure him in a gentle way." The court heard their relationship was so strained Mrs Waring had been advised by police not to talk to her daughter following a harassment complaint. Catherine Doran, for the Cockings, said: "Were it not for Mrs Waring's failure to abate the nuisance, Mr and Mrs Cocking would not have had to issue a claim at all." Lady Justice Arden argued Mrs Waring had "turned a blind eye" to the problem. The court heard Scally has since been put down. Appeal Court judges reserved their decision until an unspecified future date.

Summary: A woman is fighting a £30,000 legal bill after her daughter's yapping dog prompted legal action by neighbours.


Jason Lawrance, 50, of Liphook, Hampshire, used two profiles to meet his victims from five English counties, Derby Crown Court heard. He must serve at least 12 and a half years before being eligible for parole. Judge Gregory Dickinson, said he was "devious, manipulative and highly dangerous to women". Lawrance committed three attacks months after marrying his wife who he met via the site. Updates on this story and more from Derbyshire The assaults took place between June 2011 and November 2014 in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. Lawrance, a self-employed builder, was found guilty on Wednesday of five counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of sexual assault following a two-week trial. Sentencing him, Judge Dickinson said: "I am compelled to the dreadful conclusion that you enjoyed raping women. "After these terrible crimes you acted as if nothing had happened. "Given the chance you will rape again. I do not know when it may be safe to release you into the community." The court heard Lawrance's parents and three children were "devastated" by his convictions, however his wife is standing by him. During the trial, jurors were told Lawrance used two pictureless profiles - keepitstraighttoday and straightmanlooking - to contact several thousand women, but was keen to talk to them offline. Derbyshire Police began investigating in November 2014 after officers received a call from a woman who said her friend was raped by Lawrance. Officers found that in June 2011 he drove a woman down a remote country lane near Crick in Northamptonshire and raped her in the back of his van. Two years later he sent a woman a message saying "Boo! xx" 24 hours after attempting to rape her at her house in Spalding, Lincolnshire. The jury was told he had consensual sex at a woman's house in Buxton, Derbyshire, in November 2013, but the following day raped her despite her "screaming hysterically". He then sent her a text message reading: "When you were crying out for me to stop I couldn't, I'm so mad at myself xxx" and another saying "I was disgusted with myself for hurting you. I am so sorry. I am too rough for you xxx xx". A year later, in 2014, he raped two women in hotel rooms in Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire. Judge Dickinson said Match.com and police could learn lessons from the case after it came to light that four victims had previously reported his behaviour to the website but his profile was not removed. Police said they hoped the case would get safety messages across for people using online dating sites. Det Ch Insp Allison Rigby, from Derbyshire Police, said: "Jason Lawrance is a prolific, serial rapist who preyed on women." Police said he contacted women who were divorced or widowed, and many were lonely and vulnerable. During the trial it also emerged Lawrance was arrested by Lincolnshire Police in 2013 after one of his victims reported she had been raped at her home. He was released on bail after officers said they had "insufficient evidence" to

Summary: A "sexual predator" who raped five women and attacked two more after meeting them on internet dating site Match.com has been jailed for life.


Mrs Banda came to power two years ago after the sudden death of President Bingu wa Mutharika. Her reputation has been dented by a corruption scandal, known as Cashgate, which has led donors to cut aid. Her main challengers are Mr Mutharika's brother, Peter, Atupele Muluzi - the son of another former president - and a former preacher, Lazarus Chakwera. By Chakuchanya HarawaBBC Africa, Blantyre Competitive election Mr Chakwera is the candidate of the Malawi Congress Party, which governed from independence in 1964 until the first multi-party poll in 1994. Voting was delayed in parts of the largest city, Blantyre, due to a shortage of election material. "There's no ink. We're still waiting for the consignment," one of the officials told the crowd, reports the Reuters news agency. There are reports of angry scenes at some polling stations. But in the capital, Lilongwe, voting mostly started on time, Reuters reports. Mrs Banda has denied any wrong-doing in relation to Cashgate and last week told the BBC that the fact the affair has gone to court was her "greatest achievement" because in the past, such scandals would have been covered up. Scores of officials, including former ministers, have been arrested over the scandal, often with large amounts of cash. Up to $250m (Â£150m) may have been lost through allegedly fraudulent payments. Analysts say that despite the close race, she is likely to win because of her popularity in rural areas. The candidate with the most votes is declared the winner of the presidential race - there is no run-off. There is a total of 12 presidential candidates. Parliamentary and local elections are being held at the same time. Malawi is one the poorest countries in the world and is heavily dependent on aid, with donors proving 40% of the budget.

Summary: Malawians have voted in a tight election, with President Joyce Banda facing three strong challengers.


The 7m-long, 6.1-tonne platform went into orbit on a Proton M rocket, despatched from Baikonur in Kazakhstan. The I5s - there will be four in total - make up Inmarsat's next-generation constellation called Global Xpress. And with an investment of Â£1bn ($1.5bn), they represent the single biggest commercial space project in Britain right now. The I5-F2 was released into its super-synchronous transfer orbit at 04:02 GMT on Monday, following a mammoth 15-and-a-half-hour journey aboard the Proton and its Breeze upper-stage. Currently, this orbit takes the satellite out to a distance of 65,000km from the Earth. Over the coming days, the platform must use its own propulsion system to circularise this path and bring itself into a "stationary" position some 36,000km above the equator. Engineers will then drift the I5-F2 to its operational station at 55 degrees West to serve customers in the Americas and Atlantic region. "We couldn't be happier right now," said Ruy Pinto, the chief operations officer at Inmarsat. "We have acquired the satellite successfully, we have checked all the sub-systems, and we have just completed the first big re-orientation manoeuvre. "Our first orbit-raising burn will be conducted on Wednesday. We'll have seven in total and then we'll fully deploy all the solar panels," he told BBC News. Inmarsat is a dominant force in the so-called Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) market. Its principal customer base is the shipping sector, but the company also caters for any groups that need connectivity away from a fixed line. These include oil and gas installations, armed forces, aid agencies and NGOs in disaster areas, and TV news crews reporting from trouble zones. Customers can use Inmarsat services to make phone calls, to transfer audio-visual material or simple data. The company's fastest growing sector currently is aviation, and the GX constellation is looking to boost that trend still further. Inmarsat made worldwide news last year when its equipment aboard the lost Malaysia Airlines MH370 jet was able to direct investigators to a search zone in the Indian Ocean. The London-based operator has subsequently proposed a free basic tracking service for all long-haul flights. Global Xpress sees the company take its first, firm step into Ka frequencies to deliver communications. Traditionally, its spacecraft have worked in the L-band, but this is becoming saturated. Inmarsat says there is more opportunity to grow its business in Ka. The higher frequency allows faster throughput connections, giving the I5s broadband speeds that are 100 times faster than the company's fourth generation (I4) satellites. Inmarsat's continued use of the Russian-built Proton is a show of faith in a rocket that has experienced a number of failures in recent years. The rocket, which is marketed by US-based International Launch Services (ILS), was used to loft the I5-F1 in December 2013 and will be used again to send up the I5-F3, most probably in the second quarter on this year. Mr Pinto said it was important for satellite operators that they had a choice of launch vehicles available to them, to open up schedules and keep prices low. "ILS is gradually coming back

Summary: The UK satellite telecommunications company Inmarsat has launched the second of its I5 series of spacecraft.


Spray-painted yellow bikes stuck on walls compete with thousands of banners and flags. It is mass mobilisation with road closure signs in place for race days and temporary camp sites and car parks being prepared. Even one of my favourite pubs, The Waggon and Horses at Langsett in South Yorkshire, has temporarily changed its name to The Pedalers in honour of riders in Europe's biggest sporting event flashing by. The cafe across the road has come out in spots - its walls now painted like a giant King of the Mountains shirt. In all the razzmatazz one little sign might be missed as the peloton heads out of the West Yorkshire "Last of the Summer Wine" Pennine market town of Holmfirth and starts the long climb up the moorland road to the summit at Holme Moss on its way to Sheffield. It is a round granite millstone propped up at the side of the road. Pass it and you are in the boundaries of the Peak District National Park which spans the rugged spectacular moorlands bordering West and South Yorkshire. It is certainly no coincidence that the Tour organisers chose a county with three national parks to stage the opening two days of the 2014 competition - the "Grand Depart". By the time the riders have reached the top of Holme Moss they will already have gone right through one of the county's other National Parks, the Yorkshire Dales, and come within spitting distanced of the third - the North York Moors. These huge areas of natural beauty became parks over 60 years ago in order to give them legal protection from encroaching modernisation and urbanisation. The windfall in the 21st Century is they are now at the heart of a tourism industry that draws in 30 million visitors a year, film and TV production companies and now major money-spinning events like the Tour de France. But who oversees the running of the national parks and are they up to the job? Well there has just been a pretty broad hint that the government believes the growing economic role of the parks is far beyond the system devised in the 1950s where each park is run by an authority made up of appointed members with most seats on it reserved for local councillors. The messenger was Her Majesty the Queen. In her annual address on the opening of Parliament her speech contained just one line that could see the biggest change to governance in the six decades of the parks. She said her government would introduce legislation to enable ballot boxes to be used in the parks for the first time with the suggestion that members should be directly elected. It is likely to be fiercely debated with many of those on the authorities at the moment saying they are already elected as local councillors. Others point out that being elected for one body does not mean they can be held accountable for the decisions they make about another one. Suddenly the quiet and tranquillity of the parks could be disturbed... and

Summary: As I drove around Yorkshire this week there was no mistaking the route of the Tour de France through Yorkshire.


Michael Slager, who is white, could face decades in jail despite the state dropping the murder charge in a deal. Walter Scott was killed after Slager shot him in the back five times in North Charleston, South Carolina. A bystander filmed the 2015 incident on a mobile phone camera and Slager's actions were widely condemned. It came as the US grappled with a series of police killings that sparked a debate about the use of force against African Americans. Slager was fired by the force shortly after the video came to light. The incident was viewed millions of times online, and led to calls for the officer to face severe punishment. The plea deal does not carry a specific punishment, so Slager could face no prison time or life behind bars. He entered a guilty plea in front of his family, Scott's relatives and about 50 people who had gathered in the court. As part of the plea, he admitted to deprivation of rights under the colour of law, lying to state investigators, and using a firearm in a violent crime. "Today is a victory for Walter," said Judy Scott, Walter Scott's mother. "We got justice," she continued, adding that she forgave Slager for her son's death. Andy Savage, a lawyer for Slager, said: "We hope that Michael's acceptance of responsibility will help the Scott family as they continue to grieve their loss." Slager had maintained that he shot Scott after he had taken his stun-gun during a tussle that broke out after he pulled over Mr Scott for having a broken tail light. An earlier murder trial in the state court ended in mistrial. In March, a judge ruled that jurors could view the video, despite Slager's defence team trying to prevent that. The plea deal makes no reference to Walter Scott's race. "The defendant wilfully used deadly force even though it was objectively unreasonable under the circumstances," according to the plea agreement. "The defendant acknowledges that during the time he used deadly force, he knew that the use of deadly force was unnecessary and excessive, and therefore unreasonable under the circumstances." Slager's sentence is not expected to be handed down for several more weeks.

Summary: An ex-police officer has admitted violating the civil rights of a black man he was filmed shooting to death, in a case that sparked a national outcry.


City had been due to face a winding-up petition on Monday, but Cox told BBC Radio Oxford it will not now be heard. A judge could have passed a winding-up order that would have liquidated the 134-year-old club. Oxford are next to bottom in National League South, having won only one of their eight games so far this season. It has been a turbulent few months for the club, with former club president Thomas Guerriero jailed for fraud in May and managing director Colin Taylor found dead at the club's stadium in July.

Summary: Oxford City chairman Brian Cox has confirmed that a pending High Court hearing has been called off after the club paid an outstanding tax bill.