It comes shortly after the 120th anniversary of Jane Haining's birth in Dunscore in June 1897. Magda Birraux attended the Scottish Mission boarding school in Budapest, Hungary between 1933 and 1939. Ms Haining was arrested by the Nazis while looking after Jewish girls at the school and died in Auschwitz in 1944. Ms Birraux said: "She was wonderful and looked after all of us very well, morning and night. "She was even-tempered, tall, strict but fair and always set a good example. "Miss Haining had a very good sense of justice and always treated the pupils (Jews and Christians) equally." Ms Birraux, the daughter of small business owners, enrolled as a boarder when she was 12. She said the matron was a highly competent financial manager who arranged weekend excursions for "her" girls for "no extra charge". Ms Birraux, a Hungarian-Christian, said: "No girl was ever dismissed on account of her parents being unable to afford fees. "Miss Haining kept uniforms which girls had outgrown and gave them to less well-off parents." The former pupil, who now lives in Lausanne, Switzerland and attends the Scots Kirk, said the boarding house was run independently from the school, which had 12 teachers. "The pupils were taught secretarial skills, English, German and Hungarian," she recalled. "We went skating in the winter, to gymnastics lessons, museums and to the cinema to watch films starring Deanna Durbin, Shirley Temple and Judy Garland. "Miss Haining took us for long walks in the woods and to tearooms for tea and cookies. "She paid for everything." Ms Birraux said Jewish children in Budapest were discriminated against from 1933 but the matron, who started working at the school in 1932, made sure that the girls in her charge "were not affected". "She loved these girls very much and was like a second mother to them," she added. "Many of them were separated from their parents and so Miss Haining wanted to give them all the love that she could." Ms Birraux recalled that boarders rose at 06:30 and had to bathe in cold water to save the school money. "Lessons began at 8am and the first one was Biblical Knowledge," she said. "Miss Haining always said grace before each meal. "And when we had lunch at 12.30pm, she would examine our hands and nails before we ate to ensure they were clean." The Church of Scotland advised missionaries to return home from Europe during World War Two. But Ms Haining repeatedly refused and wrote: "If these children need me in days of sunshine, how much more do they need me in days of darkness". Ms Birraux said she remembered the day she heard a minister at the school arguing with Ms Haining over her determination to stay in Budapest. "We had a minister called Mr Knight (Rev George AF Knight) and he lived in the house with his wife and child before the war broke out," she recalled. "He told Miss Haining that he was joining the Army as a chaplain and asked her to give up her job, leave everything

Summary: A 96-year-old former pupil of a Scots missionary who died in Auschwitz has shared her memories of her "second mother".


Media playback is not supported on this device Leicester's Selby, runner-up in 2007, was 10-5 behind but won 10 of the next 12 frames for a 15-12 lead. Five-time champion O'Sullivan, who had never lost a world final, reduced the deficit to 15-14, only for Selby to win the next three frames. Age: 30 Nickname: The Jester from Leicester Turned pro: 1999 Ranking titles: World Championship 2014, UK Championship 2012, Shanghai Masters 2011, Welsh Open 2008 Non-ranking titles: Masters 2008, 2010, 2013 His victory means he returns to the top of the world rankings and leaves O'Sullivan two behind Stephen Hendry's record tally of seven world titles. Selby dedicated his win to his late father, who died when he was 16. "To beat Ronnie in the final to win my first world title is a dream come true," he added: O'Sullivan said: "I tried my hardest but he was just too good," Selby, 30, is £300,000 richer for his Crucible triumph and is the ninth player to win the Triple Crown, having won three Masters titles and a UK Championship. Selby looked jaded on Sunday following his epic semi-final against Neil Robertson but managed to win the final two frames to stay within three of O'Sullivan, who wrapped up his last-four encounter against Barry Hawkins with a session to spare. He then won five of the six frames in Monday's opening session to drag his rival into unfamiliar territory, O'Sullivan having never before trailed heading into the final session of a Crucible final. Selby made breaks of 55, 52 and 74 - his highest of the match so far - to level the contest at 10-10 before winning a tense 21st frame to lead for the first time. O'Sullivan retook the lead after the mid-session interval, winning an error-strewn frame courtesy of a run of 50, but missed a simple pink into the middle pocket to clinch the frame after deciding to play it with pace. Selby duly cleared up before punching the air and ramming his cue into the ground in a mixture of relief and elation. Media playback is not supported on this device Eight frames were scheduled for the session but it was a measure of the attritional nature of the action that they could only fit six in before the interval. O'Sullivan won the first frame of the evening session with a fluent break of 100, his third century of the match, to level at 12-12, but Selby won a 28-minute frame to restore his advantage before opening up a two-frame lead for the first time. Selby compiled a break of 56 to increase his lead to three frames before the mid-session interval, his run of take 10 of the last 12 frames. O'Sullivan started well after the restart, rattling in breaks of 30 and 49 to reduce the gap to two frames. He then potted a magnificent yellow down the cushion before clearing up the rest of the balls to make it 15-14. But Selby reacted brilliantly, knocking in a break of 127, his first century of

Summary: Mark Selby staged a remarkable comeback to beat defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan 18-14 in the final of the World Championship in Sheffield.


Party leader Leanne Wood said inequality had grown after decades of gradual erosion of pay and conditions. She accused the Tories of "hostility" to trade unions and Labour of being "embarrassed" about its links to them. Plaid Cymru has called for a "living wage" and more say for employees, and an end to zero-hours contracts. The party has claimed increasing the statutory minimum wage of Â£6.50 an hour to the higher Â£7.85 living wage would boost pay for 250,000 people in Wales by 2020. It added that the measure could create up to 20,000 jobs through higher spending in local communities. Calling for a Royal Commission to examine wider workplace issues, Ms Wood said: "It would be an opportunity for communities, trade unions, businesses and the public to get involved in a conversation about the kind of conditions we all want to see for working people."

Summary: Low pay and workers' rights should be investigated by a Royal Commission looking at industrial relations, Plaid Cymru has said.


Pettini and Aadil Ali put on 104 for the second wicket, while Tom Wells hit 67 off 44 balls as Leicestershire reached 363-7 from their 50 overs. Warwickshire opener Sam Hain made 103 from 107 balls, adding 118 for the fourth wicket with Tim Ambrose (83). But no other batsman was able to score 30 or more as the visitors were bowled out for 260 in the 44th. Leicestershire's total was their highest in limited-overs cricket against another first-class county, beating the 344-4 set against Durham in a 45-over competition in 2004. The Foxes have now won two of their opening three games in the competition, while defending champions Warwickshire have lost twice in their first three games. Leicestershire all-rounder Tom Wells told BBC Radio Leicester: "We knew it was a good pitch and that we needed to start well, but Mark Pettini and Cameron Delport complement each other really well up at the top of the order and they gave us momentum. "Aadil Ali has come into the team and taken his chance, and those three set the platform for us to come in and have a dip at the end. "The way the game is going these days you never know if you've got a defendable score. People are chasing down scores of 400, but we knew a couple of tight overs could build a bit of pressure, and in the end that told - and Aadil's catch running back to dismiss Sam Hain was brilliant. Warwickshire coach Jim Troughton told BBC WM: "In the last couple of games, we've been chasing above-par scores. It hasn't gone well with the ball, and scoreboard pressure has got the better of us. "It's not for want of the guys putting in the work and trying to nail the skills, but we have to get them right as soon as we can so we give ourselves a better chance with the bat. "The wicket may have got a little bit tired as the day went on, but they played good shots, came at us hard and, with Pettini scoring a big hundred, guys could play around him. That's how you get to a big total like that."

Summary: Mark Pettini hit a career-best 159 from 135 deliveries to help Leicestershire beat Warwickshire in the One-Day Cup.


Sokol Muja, 27, was backing a people carrier out of a bay at a car wash on Llantarnam Industrial Estate in Cwmbran when he hit Dave Fields, 75. He admitted causing death by careless driving at Cardiff Crown Court. Judge Eleri Rees gave Muja, from Cwmbran, a six-month suspended sentence and banned him from driving for two years on Friday. Mr Fields had taken his car to be cleaned and was stood waiting when Muja reversed into him, causing him to fall and hit his head. He died in hospital five days later. Muja also admitted driving without insurance and in accordance with the provisional licence he holds. He was ordered to carry out 250 hours of community work and told to pay Â£350 in costs and a victim surcharge. Judge Rees said: "Your action resulted in a tragic and needless loss of life and you will have to bear the burden of guilt throughout your life." Afterwards, Mr Fields's daughter-in-law Kathy said: "He deserved to go to prison for what he did but I suppose we just have to accept it. "It seems he paid just a small price for the immense harm he has caused."

Summary: A learner driver who knocked over and killed a pensioner at a car wash has been given a suspended jail sentence.


The event was missing from calendar in 2014 and 2015 because of financial limitations but is set to return as the first race of the season next year. The organising club have applied for Friday 1 April and Saturday 2 April as its dates for next year. A new title sponsor, JFM Haulage, has been acquired for the event. Traditionally, the Cookstown 100 has been the first race of the Irish road racing season, but that is set to change next year. The April date switch has still to be ratified by the sport's governing body, the MCUI, Ulster Centre, however. The race will still be held over the 3.6-mile Clough course, although work will be carried out to certain parts of the course. For many years, the Mid Antrim was staged in August, although a June date was experimented with in 2012, before the event reverted back to its usual August date the following season.

Summary: The organisers of the Mid Antrim 150 have applied for an early April date as they seek to resurrect the national road race in 2016.


First Great Western cancelled a number of Saturday morning trains including several to London Paddington. South West Trains said engineers had worked through the night to avoid further delays after Friday's problems. Lightning strikes and signalling failures had led to a series of cancellations. First Great Western cancelled 10 services scheduled for Saturday morning because of "poor weather conditions earlier". It also warned customers further disruption was expected on its services between Paddington and Bristol until 13:30 BST, although all lines have now reopened. There were delays but no cancellations to afternoon services because of damage to signalling equipment because of the weather. The company said alterations to its long-distance services should be expected as many of its trains were "not in the correct position". However, it has pledged to honour tickets held over from cancelled services on Friday for use on Saturday. On Friday, rail passengers took to social media to complain. Barry Kirby tweeted: "Paddington is an absolute mess, no real help, limited assistance and a lack of reliable information @fgw - why is it all so fragile?" Paul Swaddle tweeted: "@FGW commuters understand that there can be problems but utter lack of communication at #paddington is totally unacceptable." Trains running between London Paddington and Reading, Swindon, Bristol and south Wales were affected by a lightning strike at Twyford, Berkshire, at about 16:00 BST. A strike in the Surbiton area of south-west London caused problems on services running from London Waterloo to Surrey and Exeter. BBC weather forecaster Darren Bett said a lot of rain fell in a short space of time on Friday with storms across south-east England causing travel disruption. The storms later faded away from southern England, south Wales and the south Midlands. On Saturday, there would be sunny spells in England and Wales while rising temperatures could trigger a few showers, he said. Areas east of London could see thundery downpours later in the day.

Summary: Rail passengers in parts of southern England and Wales are facing further travel problems after stormy weather caused "major disruption" on Friday.


Ms Rees was selected from an all-woman shortlist drawn up after the former Welsh Secretary said he would stand down at the 2015 general election. Members of Neath Labour Party made their decision on Saturday. The other two candidates were Karen Wilkie, deputy general secretary of the Co-operative Party, and Mabel McKeown, a former aide to Harriet Harman.

Summary: Bridgend councillor Christina Rees has been picked to succeed MP Peter Hain as the Labour candidate for Neath.


How to pronounce the budget retailer's name has caused a basket-load of debate. Some claim "Pry-mark" is an upmarket affectation. Others say "Pree-mark" is a northern thing. But Primark have tried to settle the matter once and for all, writing on their website: "We like to use Pr-Eye-Mark." End of Twitter post by @niamhioos End of Twitter post by @kickthetradgedy But Primark isn't the only brand that people mispronounce... Get news from the BBC in your inbox, each weekday morning

Summary: Pry-mark or Pree-mark?


The government recently approved applications for tests to be carried out in areas including parts of Horwich, Blackrod and Astley Bridge. But council leader Cliff Morris said the authority will remain "absolutely" opposed to the scheme. He said: "The area covered is some of our most beautiful countryside." However, he admitted that his stance may not ultimately prevent the government from approving fracking projects in Bolton - after ministers recently declared they could bypass local authorities' opposition. During a full council meeting, Mr Morris was asked by Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Martin if it was inevitable that the new Conservative government would fast-track fracking applications. He replied: "It's a difficult one because it is up to the government. "But they will know now the feelings of the residents and the councillors at this time. "There is a head of steam among our residents because this is a scar on the landscape. "We are saying 'no thank you, we don't want any fracking in Bolton, especially not the areas you have designated." Fracking is a technique for extracting gas or oil trapped between layers of rock by forcing the layers open using water under high pressure. Anti-fracking campaigners are concerned about the effects of the process and the waste water generated. Applications to carry out fracking in parts of Lancashire sparked widespread protests earlier this year, before the proposals were rejected.

Summary: The leader of Bolton Council has vowed to oppose any attempt to begin fracking in the region, describing the drilling technique as "a scar on the landscape".


The 21-year-old became the youngest ever back-to-back champion in the premier class as he clinched his second world title on the Motegi track. Repsol Honda rider Marquez won the title with an unassailable lead of 312 points in the overall standings with three races to go. "Just two years in MotoGP with two titles is incredible, " said Marquez. Spain's Jorge Lorenzo won the race 1.638 seconds ahead of Marquez with Italy's Valentino Rossi third. Rossi moved up to second place in the championship ahead of Marquez's team-mate Dani Pedrosa with Lorenzo fourth. Marquez won the the title with 11 victories in 15 races, including a record-equalling 10 in a row. He is also the youngest rider to win two consecutive world championships, beating the previous record held by Britain's Mike Hailwood in 1963. Marquez did not make the best start off the line from fourth on the grid. But he hunted down the front group and overtook Pol Espargaro, Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Iannone in the opening laps. He then picked off Andrea Dovizioso who started on pole and won a mid-race battle with Rossi, overtaking at the second attempt on lap nine for second place. Marquez made an attempt to catch Lorenzo, but the Yamaha rider responded and Marquez settled for second. Pedrosa finished in fourth place just 0.5secs behind Rossi. "The race doesn't really matter today, " said Marquez, who has also won world titles at Moto2 and Moto3. "Maybe I wasn't riding like always, as I felt a little different. It was hard to overtake and I didn't want a mistake. I had two mistakes in the last races but we got the title. It's incredible to take it at home. Thanks to my family and Honda." "Maybe for the people it looks easy because I'm always smiling, but there is a lot of pressure. I'm really happy with my team and family and fans, they're all pushing me. It's like a dream right now." The next race is Phillip Island, Australia on 19 October. Motegi MotoGP result: 1. Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Yamaha 42:21.259 secs 2. Marc Marquez (Spain) Honda +1.638 3. Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha +2.602 4. Dani Pedrosa (Spain) Honda +3.157 5. Andrea Dovizioso (Italy) Ducati +14.353 6. Andrea Iannoneita (Italy) Ducati +16.653 7. Stefan Bradl (Germany) Honda +19.531 8. Pol Espargaro (Spain) Yamaha +19.815 9. Bradley Smith (Britain) Yamaha +23.575 10. Alvaro Bautista (Spain) Honda +35.687

Summary: Spaniard Marc Marquez retained his MotoGP championship title with a second-place finish in Japan on Sunday.


The budding star, coached by Kaiser Chiefs front man Ricky Wilson, beat off stiff competition from Lucy O'Byrne to take the crown. The 29-year-old, from Alva in Clackmannanshire, had been the bookies' favourite to win the final. After his victory was announced, Stevie said: "I never thought this was possible." His debut single - a cover of Lost Stars - has already been released. He has also been asked to perform at this year's T in the Park. The firefighter only ended up on the show after his workmates entered him. Asked what colleagues at his fire station would think, he said: "I think they're over the moon for me because they all wanted me to go for it. "A lot of people have saw something in me that I didn't see, and even standing up there I've still got that self-doubt and I think it's going to take a while to click in, to take in, that I've actually won The Voice 2015." A spokesman for bookmakers Coral said: "Stevie has proved a popular winner in this year's series of The Voice as he was well backed to win the show ever since his blind audition. "All three previous winners of The Voice have struggled in the charts but our odds suggest Stevie could have some success with his debut single and album." Ricky Wilson said Stevie had won by simply singing the song and "connecting with people". He added: "Stevie's a typical Scotsman. Although on paper he was the favourite all along, he still felt like the massive underdog." You can watch Stevie's winning performance on The Voice here.

Summary: Scottish firefighter Stevie McCrorie has won the grand final of the BBC show, The Voice.


He accepted that he made contact with Sophie Cahill's face when he flailed his arms during a scuffle. But he told Croydon Magistrates' Court it was accidental. Ms Cahill, of Cwmbran, Torfaen, said Mr Bowers had hit her in the face, bloodying her nose, and had pulled her hair and squeezed her throat. Asked by John Blandford, defending, if it was true that he had beaten her up, the former Another Level singer said: "No, of course not." The court has been told that the incident in January happened after Ms Cahill quizzed him about why he had glitter on his face. She became suspicious after spotting it as she tried to wake Mr Bowers. The couple had already split up but were living separately in the home they shared with Bowers' parents in Croydon, south London. Ms Cahill said after she pointed out the glitter, he launched an attack in which he grabbed her by the shoulders, threw her out of a bedroom and hit her in the face, giving her a bloody nose, pulled her hair and squeezed her throat. Mr Bowers, 35, who denies one count of assault by beating, said he had been to a circus-themed nightclub the previous evening because he was trying to help a friend get a job. He says he got home at 02:00 or 03:00 GMT and spent time talking with his father. The trial is ongoing.

Summary: Pop singer Dane Bowers has denied assaulting his ex-girlfriend, saying he was acting in self-defence when he hit her.


"We were in real difficulty when Boko Haram were here; life was terrible - they extorted our money," he told the BBC in the village which lies just 40km (24 miles) from the porous border with Cameroon. "They were moving around in the village with their cars - they went to [nearby] places like Chikunguldo and Wulgo as well as inside Chad." A short distance along the sandy road within the district of Marte there are the hallmarks of the militants; the burnt-out church and the remains of the village police station which was also gutted by fire. In front of the roofless, blackened building is the carcass of a burnt car. The Nigerian military offered to take journalists in a protected convoy to these areas of Borno state in an effort to highlight what it describes as key gains in the fight against Boko Haram. Just over three weeks ago President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the north-east. He announced a renewed military offensive after making the somewhat surprising announcement that Nigerian territory had been seized by Boko Haram. Earlier this year Boko Haram's black flag replaced Nigeria's green and white one in several villages of Borno state, including Marte - a sign that the insurgents were under little pressure from the Nigerian armed forces. These areas close to the shrinking shores of Lake Chad are extremely remote and poor. Travelling by road north-east from the state capital, Maiduguri, the crumbling infrastructure is evident. Sections of the tarmac road look as though they have been hit by an earthquake and drivers are forced to take to the sand which is steadily swallowing the concrete, cable-less electricity poles. Boko Haram: From preachers to slave raiders It is no surprise that decades of neglect by successive governments and the biting poverty played into the hands of the jihadists looking for recruits. "Some of them join because they are interested in handling guns because that's new to them, and some are aware that it is a way of getting some money," said a young man in his early 20s, who pointed to the lack of job opportunities in the area. "All we do is fishing and farming, although some of us engage in the black market selling fuel or petty trading." We were driven to a former Boko Haram camp north of the village of Kirenowa. The presence of items such as medical gloves suggest there may have been a small clinic there, although it is impossible to know how many people ever stayed on the site. An initial security briefing said there was no fight for the camp - Boko Haram members set fire to the vehicles they could not move and fled before the military moved into the area. Journalists were later told the militants were preparing to leave when the air force and ground troops struck. "Some of them have been able to withdraw to Chad and we are making efforts to pursue them," said Lt Col Danladi Hassan who was the commander in charge of the operation

Summary: "It was like a military coup here two months ago when all the government officials ran away," said a white-bearded elder in Kirenowa, as he described how his village in northern-eastern Nigeria came under the control of the Islamist group known as Boko Haram.


Paul Wilson, 38, of Helperby, had an allergic reaction to a takeaway from the Indian Garden in Easingwold, North Yorkshire, on 30 January 2014. Mohammed Khalique Zaman, 52, from York, did not enter a plea at Northallerton Magistrates' Court on Friday. The case was adjourned to Teesside Crown Court on 8 May. Mr Zaman spoke only to confirm his name, age and address. He has been further charged with perverting the course of justice and an employment offence under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. North Yorkshire Trading Standards has served summonses on Mr Zaman for six offences under food regulations, the court was told.

Summary: A restaurant owner has appeared in court accused of the manslaughter of a customer with a peanut allergy, who died from anaphylactic shock.


Parent Kori Doty - a non-binary transgender person who identifies as neither male nor female - aims to allow the child to discover their own gender. The health card has been issued with a "U" in the space for "sex", which could be for "undetermined" or "unassigned". Kori Doty is fighting to omit the gender from the birth certificate. The parent gave birth to Searyl Atli in November at a friend's home in British Columbia. Kori Doty, who prefers to use the pronoun they, argues that a visual inspection at birth is unable to determine what gender that person will have or identify with later in life. They want to keep Searyl's sex off all official records. "I'm raising Searyl in in such a way that until they have the sense of self and command of vocabulary to tell me who they are, I'm recognising them as a baby and trying to give them all the love and support to be the most whole person that they can be outside of the restrictions that come with the boy box and the girl box," the parent was quoted by CBC as saying. Kori Doty, a community educator who is part of the Gender-Free ID Coalition, said that those who feel different to the gender designation assigned at birth face several problems later in life trying to change their documents. "When I was born, doctors looked at my genitals and made assumptions about who I would be, and those assignments followed me and followed my identification throughout my life," Kori Doty said. "Those assumptions were incorrect, and I ended up having to do a lot of adjustments since then." In the case of Searyl Atli, the parent said that the authorities have refused to issue the birth certificate without a gender designation and so the parent has applied for a judicial review of the case. The family's lawyer, barbara findlay, who chooses to spell her name without capital letters, told Global News: "The assignment of sex in this culture is done when a medical person lifts up the legs and looks at the baby's genitals. But we know that the baby's own gender identity will not develop for some years until after they're born." Canadian media reported that the baby's health card could be the first in the world to not have a gender designation.

Summary: An eight-month old Canadian baby has been issued a health card without a gender marker, in what could be the first case in the world.


The audience peaked at 9.7m when the winner was announced at 21.55GMT. Two other peaks occurred when One Direction (9.1m) and Adele performed (9.2m). Last year's average audience for the results show was 9.1m but this included +1 figures. X Factor's Saturday show was watched by an average of 5.9m. In recent weeks, the X Factor has struggled to get past the 7 million mark, dipping to 6.71 million for last week's semi-final. The ITV show has consistently been beaten by BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing this year. Sunday's Strictly semi-final results show, which saw Anita Rani eliminated, was seen by an average of 10.8m. The audience peaked at 11.7m. Next week's final will see The Wanted singer Jay McGuinness, BBC Proms and Radio 3 presenter Katie Derham, EastEnders' Kellie Bright and former Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote compete for the Strictly crown.

Summary: The X Factor results show was watched by an average of 8.4m on Sunday, an improvement on recent ratings but still down on last year's final figure.


Pompey are third with 10 games to play, and have a four-point lead over fourth-placed Stevenage. "When you are where we are, you hold all the cards," Cook told BBC Radio Solent. "But, it's a very difficult league, it's unforgiving." Portsmouth host play-off chasing Grimsby at Fratton Park on Tuesday. Back-to-back wins over Crawley Town and Colchester United, coupled with a slump in form by Carlisle United, have put Portsmouth back in the driving seat for a top-three finish. "The reality is I don't think third this season will be as high a points tally that's it's been in recent years," Cook said. "Teams have come from nowhere to be in the running this season and there's plenty of them knocking on the door of the play-offs who want to get in there. "Every fixture from now until the end of the season is littered with games from something on them. Every team will have an agenda to try and get as many points as they can."

Summary: Portsmouth manager Paul Cook believes a lower than average number of points will seal the third automatic promotion place in League Two this season.


The visitors had led in the first half when David Davis reacted fastest to tuck in the rebound after Adam Bogdan saved Clayton Donaldson's penalty. Earlier, Donaldson had hit the post for Blues, and David Cotterill nearly made it 2-0 after half-time but hit the bar. Wigan went close through Nick Powell before Davies turned in from close range, but the Blues remain unbeaten. Despite Wigan controlling possession, Birmingham created the better chances and could have gone ahead when Jacques Maghoma's shot was palmed out by Bogdan into the path of the on-rushing Donaldson, but the Jamaican's instinctive effort struck the woodwork. After the Wigan keeper brought Donaldson down in the area, he got down low to save the striker's resultant spot-kick but Davis was too quick to the rebound and coolly finished. Powell was then denied by Birmingham stopper Tomasz Kuszczak after half-time and the Blues looked set for their second away win in four days, before Davies' late leveller. The result leaves Blues one point above the Latics in the table and without a defeat in seven league games, having drawn six of them. Wigan manager Gary Caldwell: "There was one team that tried to win it. They got gifted a goal from not our doing and we had to chase a game against a team that likes to pack the defence and counter attack which is never easy. I thought we controlled the situation really well and if anything deserved to win the game so it's a bit of frustration." "The rule is you can't go in the box until the ball's hit, it's clear. I would just like them to own it up at times to say 'I've made a mistake'. It would help. "It's the sheer defiance that there's nothing wrong when really there is something wrong. A goal could have been avoided. I felt he was marginally offside as well. You can't get that many things wrong in a football match as important as this." Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett: "I couldn't see it, I wish he had (encroached) because I'm sure Clayton would have scored with the retaken one. "Eight weeks ago the goalkeeper would have been sent off but now it's the double jeopardy rules. A point I think was a fair reflection of the game. They are a good side Wigan, I think they'll have a good season. I'm sure. "I'm quite enthused at the start. There will be a lot of teams that will panicking a little bit after three games and wondering what work they need to do in the final few weeks of the transfer window. I'm quite pleased with the way we've started the season." Match ends, Wigan Athletic 1, Birmingham City 1. Second Half ends, Wigan Athletic 1, Birmingham City 1. Attempt missed. Yanic Wildschut (Wigan Athletic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right. Assisted by Dan Burn with a headed pass. Corner, Wigan Athletic. Conceded by Greg Stewart. Shaun MacDonald (Wigan Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Clayton

Summary: Wigan Athletic rescued a late point through Craig Davies to deny Birmingham City a second consecutive victory.


Brain scans show EPO - used illegally by athletes to boost performance - may help infants when given after birth. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, involved almost 500 babies born between 26 and 31 weeks in Switzerland. The researchers are calling for wider trials of the hormone, which is already given to some babies to treat anaemia. Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates production of red blood cells. Synthetic EPO is used to treat conditions such as anaemia, where there are fewer red blood cells than normal. It may also be given to premature babies to reduce the need for blood transfusions. In the Swiss study, a team at the University Hospital of Geneva found that premature infants had a reduced risk of brain injury, as assessed by brain scans, when given three doses of EPO shortly after birth. Babies given EPO had lower rates of injury to both the brain's white matter (22% compared with 36% in the control group) and the grey matter (7% versus 19%). "We found that the brains of the children who had received the treatment had much less damage than those in the control group, who had been given a placebo," said Dr Russia Ha-Vinh Leuchter, co-researcher of the study. "This is the first time that the beneficial effect of the EPO hormone on the brains of premature babies has been shown." The researchers are calling for wider clinical trials of EPO to see if it may help protect the brains of premature babies in the critical weeks after birth. Dr Jane Hawdon, a consultant neonatologist at Barts Health NHS Trust, who was not involved with the study, said any treatment that may reduce long term problems in preterm babies warranted further review. "We should note that the authors are not recommending immediate inclusion of this treatment into routine practice," she said. "It is also important to note that the majority of preterm babies do not sustain significant brain injury."

Summary: The hormone erythropoietin (EPO) could prevent brain injuries in very premature babies, a study suggests.


Danish newspaper Politiken claims it has seen documents suggesting Laudrup's agent, Bayram Tutumlu, could have made more than £3m during the Dane's reign. It claims Swansea accused the two of trying to "benefit from transactions at the expense of the club". However, chairman Huw Jenkins said he sacked Laudrup for "football reasons". Laudrup told BBC Wales Sport: "I have never received any payment or commission related to any player transfer in any of the clubs I have coached. Never." The former Denmark international was appointed in June 2012 and led the Swans to their first major trophy when they won the 2013 League Cup - but he left the club after less than two seasons in charge. The Swans cut all ties with Tutumlu in June 2013 following concerns he was trying to dictate transfer policy, with the club perturbed by his attempt to sell then-captain Ashley Williams without the board's consent. A poor run of form left Swansea two points above the Premier League relegation zone and Laudrup was sacked in February 2014 - but he insists his departure had nothing to do with any irregular payments. "I have read that Swansea stated that they have not found anything that indicates that I have done something wrong or illegal regarding the player transfers in my period as a manager in the club," he said. "I knew that but it is a relief that the club confirms it." The Politiken article was based on documents it says were obtained in collaboration with Football Leaks. According to the article, Swansea wrote a letter to the League Managers' Association (LMA) when Laudrup was sacked, claiming there were "a number of transactions and dealings with players about which the club has concerns". However, speaking to BBC Wales Sport, Jenkins said the club did not suspect the former Barcelona and Real Madrid player of any wrongdoing. "There were discussions with the LMA but that was done in the context of negotiating a settlement and it should be taken in that light," he added. "As far as we are concerned that is the end of the matter and we agreed a settlement and we move on." Tutumlu has represented Laudrup since the 52-year-old played for Barcelona from 1989 to 1994. According to the Politiken article, the documents show Jenkins signed an agreement which would give Tutumlu 7.5% of the net profit from all player sales when Laudrup extended his contract in March 2013. Tutumlu has yet to respond to BBC Wales Sport's request for comment, but Jenkins says that particular clause never came into effect. "On that particular point it was never acted upon and as most people know transfers in and out of the club are controlled and decided by myself, always in conjunction with the manager," he added. "But ultimately we had the control and from that date to Michael's departure in 2014 that point in particular was never active. "All I can say as far as I am concerned is we dealt with everything in the right way as we saw it and in

Summary: Former Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup has denied he was sacked because of concerns he and his agent stood to profit from player transfers.


Media playback is not supported on this device The 39-year-old Somerset captain played 313 first-class matches, scoring 25,470 runs at an average of 49.55. He hit two centuries in his final match as Somerset kept their hopes of a first County Championship title alive with a 325-run win over Nottinghamshire. "It's a pretty special way to go out," Rogers told BBC Radio Bristol. Victory took Somerset to the top of the table, although they will win the title only if Middlesex's game with Yorkshire at Lord's is drawn. The former Middlesex and Northamptonshire batsman averaged 49.55 in 25 Tests for Australia between 2008 and 2015. Rogers finished unbeaten on 100 at Taunton on Thursday - the 76th first-class hundred of an 18-year career - having made 132 on Tuesday. He added: "I remember Darren Lehmann being carried off at the Adelaide Oval after he had slogged 150 against us and I always hoped that I could do something similar. "But, not only that, we've had a fantastic year. To walk around and see the standing ovation from the Somerset supporters is a nice way to go out."

Summary: Former Australia Test opener Chris Rogers has announced his retirement following title-chasing Somerset's final match of 2016.


William Gowan, 38, had received details of driving test candidates weeks in advance. Gowan, from Ardminnan Road, Portaferry, County Down, pleaded guilty to six counts of misconduct. He received details of 21 candidates sitting driving tests before their test dates. The court was told texts had been received from two mobile phones. The court also heard that Gowan had run to the toilet with his phone in his hand when the police arrived to speak to him. Sentencing him, the judge said Gowan had betrayed the trust placed in him. He said the offence would fully deserve a custodial sentence, but giving him some credit for his guilty plea and taking into account his clean record and low risk of re-offending, he was prepared to mark this "quite disgraceful behaviour" with a non-custodial sentence. Gowan received the maximum community service order of 240 hours. The judge warned him he was escaping prison "by the skin of his teeth" and would not get a second chance.

Summary: A driving examiner has been sentenced to 240 hours community service for misconduct in public office.


The image of Ken Farlow, 95, staring through a fence at Gloucestershire Airport came to the attention of bosses after it was shared by his daughter. They invited him to Royal Air Force Coningsby and the Royal International Air Tattoo after hearing his story. And on Saturday, he was treated to a flight in a two-man trainer aircraft. Gloucestershire Airport's Darren Lewington said: "The original story broke a week or so ago, but the icing on the cake on Saturday was that Ken got to take to the skies himself at our charity open day." The operations director said Mr Farlow - who has bowel cancer - flew in a two-seat Citabria aircraft with James Peplow, the owner of a specialist flying school based at the airport. "He also got to see his beloved Spitfire again," Mr Lewington added. "We're delighted we've been able to rekindle all those memories, and that the family have something positive to look back on when the inevitable time comes." Mr Farlow's daughter Helen Nock, who took the original photo of him, said: "I still can't believe he flew. And I'm still getting my head around that this has gone round the world from one simple photograph." She said her father, who lives in Painswick, Gloucestershire, was a chartered electrical engineer in the war and spent time in Syria and Palestine working on Spitfires and Hurricanes.

Summary: A terminally-ill former World War Two spitfire engineer has taken to the skies after a poignant photo of him became an unlikely internet hit.


The Highways England scheme will take place between Low Newton junction and Meathop roundabout near Grange-over-Sands. Resurfacing, drainage and sign improvements will also be carried out near the Brettargh Holt roundabout. The work is due to be finished on 20 December and will involve some overnight closures.

Summary: A Â£330,000 project to improve the A590 in south Cumbria by installing new safety barriers begins later.


The 65-year-old will appear in Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday to be charged with the murders of John Devine in 1989 and John O'Hara in 1991. John Devine, 37, was shot dead at his home on Fallswater Street in west Belfast on 23 July 1989. He was sitting in his living room with his 13-year-old son when three men forced their way in and shot him. John O'Hara, 41, was murdered on Dunluce Avenue in south Belfast on 17 April 1991. He was working as a taxi driver and had gone to pick up a passenger at 22:15 BST, when he was approached by two masked men who fired several shots at the car, fatally injuring him. Officers from the Legacy Investigation Branch (LIB) of the PSNI arrested Mr Rea on Tuesday. Last September the LIB announced that it would re-examine the murders after they gained access to tapes containing interviews Mr Rea gave to the Boston College 'Belfast Project'.

Summary: Belfast loyalist Winston 'Winkie' Rea has been charged with two counts of murder dating back more than 20 years.


Media playback is not supported on this device The Welsh will be vying with England and Australia to top Pool A, which also includes Fiji and Uruguay. Injuries to backs Leigh Halfpenny, Rhys Webb and Eli Walker have disrupted preparations but Marshall refuses to discount Warren Gatland's side. "They've got an opportunity to be that silent assassin team because they've slightly been written off," he said. Full-back Halfpenny and scrum-half Webb, both 26, are out of the tournament after suffering knee and foot injuries respectively in the warm-up win over Italy. Winger Walker is also out with a hamstring problem. "What a great opportunity for Warren Gatland and [captain] Sam Warburton to get together and go 'they've kind of written us off, let's sneak into Twickenham and ambush England and let's put the sword to Australia," former Ospreys scrum-half Marshall told Sport Wales. "I'm very much watching with great interest as to Wales' performances in the pool stages as they could upset and they could qualify." Watch the full Justin Marshall interview on Sport Wales' Rugby World Cup special on Thursday; BBC Two Wales, 19:00 BST. Available on iPlayer for seven days after transmission.

Summary: Former New Zealand scrum-half Justin Marshall believes Wales will relish their underdog status at the World Cup.


Cameron Marshall Ward was struck by a blue Vauxhall Vectra on Court Lane in Erdington shortly after 21:10 BST on Easter Monday, 1 April, last year. Wayne Payne was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. The 31-year-old, of Somerset Road, Erdington, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court earlier.

Summary: A driver who killed a five-year-old boy when he hit him with his car in Birmingham has been jailed for five years.


Finkley Down Farm, in Hampshire, posted a video of the hungry rodents munching on the Christmas dinner accompaniment. The clip, which garnered 6m views in four days, prompted criticism from some who were concerned the vegetables could cause "fatal" bloating. However, the farm and the RSPCA and Blue Cross animal charities said they were safe "in moderation". Facebook user Bob Hammer commented : "These animals are doomed from bloat as a result of being able to eat this many Brussels, Finkley Down Farm you need to be taken to task!!" Another user, Katie Jacqueline Crossingham, said: "Please be aware: Sprouts can cause bloat in guinea pigs, which can often lead to a nasty, painful death." The farm, which posted the video as a festive message to its followers, said the welfare of its animals was "paramount" and added it had "expert livestock staff" to deal with the needs of individual animals. "Here at Finkley we have a large herd of guinea pigs nearly 50 in total - the sprouts in the video are equivalent to one per guinea pig," the farm added. "We are aware that Brussels sprouts can be difficult for guinea pigs to digest, however, these are safe for them to eat in moderation - something we keep a close eye on to ensure they aren't getting carried away." An RSPCA spokeswoman described the video as "adorable". "Sprouts can make a nice Christmas treat for guinea pigs and offering them as occasional treats in moderation can add variety and interest to their diet," she added. Katie Stiles, animal welfare assistant at Blue Cross, said: "As part of a balanced diet they are absolutely fine. "Guinea pigs need a mix of vegetables, as sprouts and cabbages can cause bloating - though this is more of an issue with rabbits - but they also need vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as peppers, as they are unable to produce it themselves."

Summary: A family farm provoked controversy when it posted a video of guinea pigs eating Brussels sprouts.


The resolution is the first passed by the Security Council to tackle sex abuse claims against peacekeepers. It was passed by 14 of the 15-member body, with Egypt abstaining. Last year there were 69 allegations of child rape and other sexual offences by peacekeepers from 10 missions. The number rose from 52 in 2014. The allegations involve military personnel, international police, other staff and volunteers. Under UN rules, it is up to the country that contributes the peacekeepers to investigate and prosecute any soldier accused of misconduct while serving under the UN flag. But the organisation has been criticised for failing to act quickly on sexual abuse allegations made against peacekeepers. Drafted by the US, the biggest funder of UN peacekeeping missions, the UNSC resolution endorses a recent decision by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to repatriate military or police units where there's credible evidence of sexual abuse. The resolution also calls upon the UN to replace contingents where allegations are not properly investigated. Egypt put forward a last-minute amendment that would have added criteria for the repatriation of entire contingents, a move US Ambassador Samantha Power said would have "watered down" the resolution. The amendment was backed by Angola, Russia, China, Egypt, Venezuela but fell short of the nine votes needed for approval. Some countries have raised concerns that soldiers innocent of any wrongdoing might fall victim to collective punishment. Last August, the UN envoy to Central African Republic (CAR), Babacar Gaye, was sacked amid multiple allegations of sexual abuse by peacekeepers. It came after Amnesty International alleged that a 12-year-old girl was raped by a UN peacekeeper. The 10,000-strong UN force, deployed in 2014 to help restore order in CAR, has also faced allegations of sexually abusing street children. Last December, an independent panel called the UN response to allegations in the CAR "seriously flawed" and a "gross institutional failure". It accused senior UN officials of abusing their authority by failing to take action over allegations of abuse by soldiers from France, Equatorial Guinea and Chad.

Summary: The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution calling for the repatriation of peacekeeping units whose soldiers face allegations of sexual abuse.


Midfielder Bernard Bulbwa scored the winner in the first half. The win cements Nigeria's place as the successful country in the history of the championship, they now have three more titles than closest rivals Egypt. Nigeria and the other semi-finalists from the tournament - Senegal, Ghana and Mali - have qualified for the Under-20 World Cup . The Flying Eagles had already been placed in Group E with Brazil, North Korea and Hungary for the 30 May to 20 June event in New Zealand. Senegal, Ghana and Mali learned their fate after a draw on Monday, Ghana are in Group B alongside Argentina, Panama and Austria; Senegal will face Qatar, Colombia and Portugal in Group C; Mali will battle it with Mexico, Uruguay and Serbia in Group D.

Summary: Nigeria won a record seventh African Under-20 Championship title by beating hosts Senegal 1-0 in the final on Sunday in Dakar.


Rodman scored four goals in 25 matches for the Welsh side last term but rejected a new contract. The 29-year-old played under recently-appointed Notts boss John Sheridan at Newport during 2015-16 and told the club website: "I know how he works. "I know how he likes to play and what he wants from his players, and that was a big factor in me coming here." Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: League Two side Notts County have signed Alex Rodman following the winger's departure from Newport County.


At least 20 shots were fired from an automatic weapon through the living room window of a house in Carrigart Crescent at about 01:45 GMT on Monday. There was no-one else in the house at the time. Police are investigating a possible link to a silver Skoda car which was seen in the Carrigart area before the shooting. It was stolen from Dublin in December and had fake number plates. The vehicle was found burnt out in the New Line area a short time after the shooting. Ch Insp Jon Burrows has appealed for the public to come forward with information. "Someone must know what the background to this was," he said. "Why was this person targeted? It was a very orchestrated, carefully planned attack. "Is there anything happening in that area? Do you know anything about that individual who was targeted? "We need your help in solving this crime."

Summary: A 31-year-old man is in a critical condition in hospital after he was shot in the head in Lurgan in County Armagh.


Despite having the greater possession in the first half, Orient failed to test Alex goalkeeper Ben Garrett and paid the price when the home side found themselves two goals down at the interval. The visitors incisive football at the business end of the pitch proved decisive. On 34 minutes, Jens Janse sent his intended clearance straight into the path of Cooper who struck the ball into the top left corner of the net from 12 yards. Two minutes later, Crewe were only prevented from doubling their lead when Tom Parkes cleared a shot from Alex Kiwomya off the line but on-loan Chelsea midfielder Kiwomya was to feature in the second goal. He sent in a sublime cross from the left to the unmarked Davis who was left with the simplest of close-range finishes to extend his side's advantage. Only an outstanding save in added time from keeper Alex Ciask prevented Billy Bingham from adding to the Railwaymen's lead. To compound to Orient's misery, winger and substitute Ulrich Nnomo was stretchered off with a leg injury just 16 minutes after joining the action leaving the home side to play out the final few minutes with 10 men. During the second half, a section of the Orient crowd calling for president Francesco Becchetti to quit the club and the home team left the field to a chorus of boos from the Brisbane Road faithful. Report supplied by the Press Association. Substitution, Crewe Alexandra. Tom Lowery replaces George Cooper. Ulrich N'Nomo (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Danny Hollands (Crewe Alexandra). Corner, Leyton Orient. Conceded by Oliver Turton. Substitution, Crewe Alexandra. Billy Bingham replaces Ryan Lowe. Attempt missed. Robbie Weir (Leyton Orient) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Oliver Turton (Crewe Alexandra) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Callum Kennedy (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick on the left wing. Foul by Oliver Turton (Crewe Alexandra). Substitution, Leyton Orient. Jay Simpson replaces Nigel Atangana. Substitution, Leyton Orient. Ulrich N'Nomo replaces Gavin Massey. Corner, Leyton Orient. Conceded by Oliver Turton. Jon Guthrie (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Robbie Weir (Leyton Orient). Delay in match Alex Kiwomya (Crewe Alexandra) because of an injury. Jens Janse (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick on the left wing. Foul by Chris Dagnall (Crewe Alexandra). Attempt missed. Tom Parkes (Leyton Orient) header from very close range is close, but misses to the left. Corner, Leyton Orient. Conceded by Ben Garratt. Attempt saved. Ollie Palmer (Leyton Orient) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top right corner. Nicky Hunt (Leyton Orient) wins a free kick on the left wing. Foul by Ryan Lowe (Crewe Alexandra). Foul by Gavin Massey (Leyton Orient). Alex Kiwomya (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Second Half begins Leyton Orient 0, Crewe Alexandra 2. Substitution, Leyton Orient. Michael Collins replaces Jordan Bowery. First Half ends, Leyton Orient 0, Crewe Alexandra 2. Goal! Leyton

Summary: George Cooper and Harry Davis goals earned Crewe Alexandra their first win in seven League Two matches as they beat Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road.


It happened at HM YOI Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire on Friday morning, Thames Valley Police said. An online prison blog said 30 inmates took part in the "mass brawl". Police said the injured people had since been released from hospital. The Prison Service said it was investigating the incident with police. Officers were called to "a report of disorder" at the young offender institution in Bierton Road at about 11:00 BST, but "officer deployment was not required at the incident", a spokeswoman said. "Seven prison officers and one prisoner were taken to hospital for treatment." The incident came to light in an online blog on Prison UK. Author Alex Cavendish, a former prisoner, said he was passed the information via "reliable, professional sources inside the system". "A mass brawl broke out yesterday morning... Prisoners were attacking each other with weapons - and staff," the informant said. He described the incident as "horrific". "Staff were trying to save their lives and got battered. Some were seriously injured. Another officer was on the landing unconscious. "We had ambulances and fire service in, trying to help alongside our healthcare department. "The wing has been brewing for a while," he added. A Prison Service Spokesman confirmed that "an incident involving a number of prisoners took place on Friday 21 July". "We do not tolerate violence against our hard-working staff. Where incidents like this occur, we will always work closely with the police to push for the strongest possible punishment," he added. The incident is being jointly investigated by the Prison Service and Thames Valley Police.

Summary: Seven prison officers and one prisoner were taken to hospital after "disorder" at a young offender institution, police have said.


The claim: Air pollution in London last week was worse than it was in Beijing. Reality Check verdict: Some one-off readings were higher in London last week, but this was an unrepresentative snapshot and Beijing is generally far worse. Ruth Cadbury is the Labour MP for Brentford and Isleworth, a part of London that has seen unusually high levels of air pollution recently. Last week saw the highest level recorded in the capital since April 2011. The spike was attributed to cold, calm and settled weather, meaning winds were not dispersing local pollutants. Different countries measure air pollution in different ways. The UK government uses a one (lowest) to 10 (highest) scale. Last week's levels in London were a 10. Another measure is the Air Quality Index (AQI). Last Monday, according to this measure, some parts of London showed particulate levels a bit higher than in Beijing. But this was just a snapshot and not the case for most of the week. On Wednesday afternoon, the overall AQI level in Beijing was about three times higher than in London, and recordings were even higher on the Chinese city's industrial outskirts. The World Health Organization gathers average particulate levels from cities around the world. They suggest that Beijing's levels are about five times worse than London's. The cities with the dirtiest air are Zabol in Iran and Onitsha in Nigeria. In the UK, overall emissions of all types of air pollution have fallen dramatically since 1970. Pollution in Beijing is much worse than in London - or in Stockholm, where the same claim was made this week. Read more from Reality Check

Summary: On 22 January, recordings of particulate air pollution were higher in London than in Beijing.


The court is considering its verdict in an infringement hearing about emissions from coal-fired Aberthaw. It is alleged the site has been pumping out more than double the legal amount of toxic nitrogen oxides for seven years. The UK Government argues the power station is not in breach of the rules. It further claims that the Vale of Glamorgan plant has made major investments to try to improve its performance. In a document summarising his opinion of the case, advocate general of the European Court of Justice, Michal Bobek, says he finds the arguments put by the UK to be "untenable". He proposes that the court find the UK to be in breach of its obligations under EU rules to limit pollution levels. Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, Gareth Clubb, said: "Since at least 2001, Aberthaw power station has had no legal justification for emitting horrific amounts of toxic pollution into the atmosphere. "The judgement spells disaster for Aberthaw. It's very difficult to see how it can avoid permanent closure once the Court of Justice reaches its final verdict." In April, BBC Wales revealed that Aberthaw's operator, RWE, is set to downgrade the plant so that it only generates electricity at times of peak demand. The UK government has said it wants all coal-fired power stations to close by 2025. RWE said it was "disappointed" with the advocate general's opinion but would await the final EU court judgement. The UK government had claimed that an exemption in the law around air pollution for plants burning low volatile coal was aimed at sites such as Aberthaw, given that the anthracite coal it uses is sourced locally, harder to burn and important to the local economy. "Aberthaw Power Station was specifically designed to burn Welsh, regional, low volatile coal and historically, 60% of its fuel diet is Welsh," a RWE spokesperson said, adding that "the station has always been compliant with its operational permit." "Following a successful installation of new technology to one unit at the plant the nitrogen oxide emissions have been substantially reduced. RWE has committed to further reduce emissions and increase fuel diversity, despite very difficult market conditions."

Summary: A senior legal adviser at the European Court of Justice has said the UK's position on pollution levels at a south Wales power station is "untenable".


Vote Leave is pursuing a classic core votes strategy to persuade diehard supporters to turn out on 23 June, by focusing on immigration. The shift in gear came after the campaign spotted what it regards as a path to victory in some of the pollsters' findings. This is the suggestion that turnout in the referendum could be low, potentially handing an advantage to the Brexit campaign, supporters of which are likely to be more energised to vote. The Vote Leave campaign knows it must persuade its core voters to turn out. This explains the recent focus on immigration in speeches and in campaign broadcasts. Vote Leave insists that nothing has changed and that its campaign had always intended to focus hard on immigration in the final phase. But earlier in the year campaign sources had said they would not define their campaign on the issue for fear of alienating a key group of voters - encompassing around a quarter of the electorate - who would be wary of a campaign defined by immigration. Polls commissioned by Vote Leave last year suggested these voters would instinctively like to leave the EU. This issue covers immigration and free movement within Europe. But these voters would need reassurance that jobs would be safe and they would not be supporting a campaign associated with UKIP leader Nigel Farage, whose main focus is on immigration. There is a feeling that Vote Leave has failed to communicate its message about the economic risks of remaining in the EU: the possibility of a Eurozone collapse. One Brexit minister told Newsnight: "There are jitters in the campaign. I am getting a lot of messages about why we are failing to get our message across. "Vote Leave does not want to major on immigration, but the problem is that on the economy we are playing defence. "We are continually having to respond to this tsunami from the Treasury, the Bank of England and the IMF. The only issue we can go on the offensive is on immigration." Bernard Jenkin, the veteran Conservative MP who supports Vote Leave, insists the campaign is in good heart. He told Newsnight: "People knew the government would be mean and unfair and promulgate untruths. It will take more than that to wear us down."

Summary: The main Brexit campaign in the EU referendum is adapting tactics in the final phase, as a series of polls suggest that momentum is building up behind the Remain side.


Daniel Young, 30, was attacked in Kendor Gardens near Morden Underground station shortly after 08:00 GMT on Tuesday. A post-mortem examination found he died from a stab wound. A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody. On the day of the attack a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and wasting police time. He has been bailed. Mr Young, originally from Paignton in Devon, was attacked as he made his way to the London Campus of Coventry University for the second day of a new job. He was attacked in a park used by commuters as a short cut to Morden Tube station and Morden Road tram stop. It happened less than 40 minutes after a 23-year-old man was stabbed in the buttocks in nearby Lewis Road. Scotland Yard said it was investigating whether the two attacks were linked and trying to establish the motive and whether the attacker was known to Mr Young. Meanwhile, an online fundraising page apparently set up in memory of Mr Young has been removed after his family reportedly said they had no knowledge of it. Police said they understood that the donations made through the Gofundme page would be refunded. The Met's Cyber Crime Unit is investigating. On Facebook, Mr Young's brother Simon wrote: "My Brother. My friend. I'm still wrapping my head round this, still hoping/wishing it's a sick joke. "I don't know what to feel, I'm frustrated, angry, upset, confused. Just so proud of everything you achieved in your life, places you travelled, friends you made...you are inspirational big Bro." Det Supt Paul Monk said: "I understand the concerns of the public that the attack on Daniel Young was unprovoked and potentially committed by a stranger in a random attack. "We too share those concerns and have allocated significant resources to find the person who did this."

Summary: A second man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a university lecturer killed near a London Tube station.


Mitch Achurch put the visitors ahead within three minutes but former Leeds wing Ben Jones-Bishop cut the deficit. Brad Singleton went over either side of half-time, while Sutcliffe helped to kick Leeds into a formidable lead. As the game drew to a close, Sutcliffe went over himself to help seal Leeds' fifth Super League win of the season. The game marked the return to the side for Zak Hardaker on the wing, the reigning Man of Steel whose future at Leeds is up in the air after the club placed him on the transfer list by request. Despite the victory, Leeds remain bottom of the Super League table after Huddersfield narrowly beat Salford Red Devils 30-31. Meanwhile, Wakefield slip a place to sixth after St Helens beat Hull Kingston Rovers 48-16. David Fifita, brother of Andrew Fifita, who could feature for New South Wales in Wednesday's second State of Origin game, made his debut for Wakefield but was sin-binned just before the break for his reaction to a tackle. Scott Moore returned from a six-match suspension for gouging in their win against Widnes in April, but Wakefield struggled to get back into the game as Leeds rallied. Wakefield Wildcats head coach Chris Chester: "We needed to keep hold of the ball and we couldn't do that tonight. "Our discipline let us down and our completion rate was around 50% and you can't afford to do that against Leeds. "They were the better side and controlled the game a lot better than us. We were second best." Leeds Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott: "I thought the opening exchanges - the first 25 or 30 minutes - was as good as I've seen us this year. "But then we got a bit scrappy and got involved in handbags. We got back on the horse in the second half and were very strong in that regard. "The crowd were brilliant again. We'll remember this year for a lot of things and the one thing that I'll remember above all is how strong and solid the fans have been. They've been absolutely fantastic." Wakefield: Jowitt; Jones-Bishop, Lyne, Tupou, Johnstone; Miller, Finn; England, Howarth, Anderson, Molloy, Ashurst, Arona. Replacements: Moore, Simon, Walton, Fifita. Leeds: Sutcliffe; Briscoe, Watkins, Moon, Hardaker; McGuire, Burrow; Galloway, Falloon, Garbutt, Achurch, Jones-Buchanan, Singleton. Replacements: Hall, Cuthbertson, Keinhorst, Ferres. Referee: James Child.

Summary: Liam Sutcliffe kicked eight goals to help Super League strugglers Leeds Rhinos to victory against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.


Phoenix has launched a mandatory bid for Hornby, after offering to buy a stake from another investor that would gave it a 55% holding in the firm. The offer, of 32.375p per share, values Hornby - which also owns the Scalextric and Airfix brands - at £27.4m. Hornby has advised investors to take "no action for the time being". The toymaker also said it had appointed David Adams as its interim chairman, replacing Roger Canham who resigned from Hornby's board on Wednesday. Mr Canham is also the non-executive chairman of Phoenix Asset Management. On Wednesday, Hornby had reported falling revenues and deepening annual losses. The company is struggling to revive its fortunes, which has led to it cut back the number of products it sells. In the year to 31 March, revenues fell to £47.4m from £55.8m, while underlying losses widened to £6.3m from a £5.7m deficit last year.

Summary: Model toymaker Hornby has said a takeover offer from its largest shareholder, Phoenix Asset Management, "significantly undervalues" the firm.


The Taliban have come close to the city in recent fighting, leaving it cut off and displacing tens of thousands. A BBC correspondent who has flown into Kunduz has heard gunfire and artillery exchanges not far from its centre. Afghan officials say foreign jihadists trained by the Islamic State (IS) group are fighting alongside the Taliban. Provincial governor Mohammed Omer Safi told the BBC that the bodies of 18 foreign fighters, including three Chechen women, had been found. Security forces and Taliban have been involved in a stand-off for about a week after the insurgents launched an offensive on Kunduz at the end of April. The insurgents are currently said to be massed in the Gul Tepa district on the southern outskirts of the city. This is the first positive confirmation by a senior government official that Islamic State is operating alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan. Until now, particularly in the south of the country, IS fighters have often clashed with the Taliban. But the governor said that the battle for the north is different, and here IS fighters are "supporting the Taliban, training the Taliban, trying to build the capacity of the Taliban for a bigger fight". And, he said, they were more violent because they wanted to die in battle as martyrs. As well as from Afghanistan's immediate northern neighbours, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, the dead came from Chechnya and Turkey. They were wearing black headbands marked with the same Islamic verses used by IS in Syria and Iraq. Battle heralds militant tie-up Correspondents say the advance is the most serious threat to a provincial capital in years. Afghan army and police are involved in the fighting but there is no substantial help from foreign troops. The BBC's David Loyn in Kunduz says Afghan forces are thinly spread in this region, and as well as this determined assault on Kunduz the Taliban and their allies have also attacked remote outposts in the mountains of Badakhshan further east. Reports said at least 13 police were killed in the attacks. Governor Safi said the Afghan forces in Kunduz did not have enough air power and their helicopters lacked the armaments they should have. Only a few thousand Nato troops remain in the country, largely in training roles, after their combat mission ended in December. They have turned down several requests to assist with air strikes. People displaced by the fighting are spread across the city and rural areas of the province of Kunduz. The prolonged fighting could lead to a bigger problem if there is a failure to bring in the harvest this month, our correspondent says. Kunduz supplies half of Afghanistan's rice crop, so delays could have a far-reaching impact, he adds. International aid agencies are trying to assist the displaced, with the World Food Programme preparing emergency kits of flour, pulses, cooking oil and high-energy biscuits for 500 families, spokesman Wahiddullah Amini told Reuters news agency.

Summary: The Afghan government has launched a major offensive against Taliban forces near the north-eastern provincial capital of Kunduz.


The new Bishop of Hull will be the Reverend Canon Alison White, the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu has announced. Mrs White is currently priest-in-charge of Riding Mill in the Diocese of Newcastle. Dr Sentamu said: "This is a joyous day. I am delighted to be welcoming Alison as the next Bishop of Hull. She's a very gifted person." Mrs White said she was "absolutely amazed" by the news. "It's been a long time in coming and so many people have prayed, hoped and thought about the way God is taking this into the future," she said. "It feels like a wonderful gift. It's going to be a huge adventure. "Hull's got a great story. I love that video that was done in support of its bid to be City of Culture. What a wonderful time to be coming in as Bishop of Hull, it couldn't be better." The Church of England's first woman bishop is The Rt Rev Libby Lane, who was consecrated as the eighth Bishop of Stockport at York Minster in January. Mrs White replaces the Right Rev Richard Frith, who became Bishop of Hereford in November 2014. She will be consecrated at York Minster on 3 July. The 58-year-old became a priest in 1996 and has served in Durham, Sheffield, Peterborough and Newcastle. She is married to Bishop Frank White, Assistant Bishop of Newcastle. The couple have family in England and South Africa. The Church's General Synod formally approved plans in November to ordain women bishops after years of division and in the face of stiff opposition. Frank and Alison White - or Mr and Mrs Bishop, as they will be - are the first married couple who'll both serve as bishops in the Church of England. Welcoming her appointment, the Archbishop of York said his first reaction was simple: "Yippee! She has great people skills." The Whites met in 1980 and married in 1982, and Canon Alison White says that even as bishops, "we are first and foremost Frank and Alison - we've been married for over 30 years now." Both finish each other's sentences, and Frank adds that they are great friends and "I think we'll learn from one another and share stories along the way." They're relieved that they can now share the news with friends and family, having known about the appointment for several weeks. Asked if there is any rivalry between them, both shake their heads in unison. Bishop Frank White is a Newcastle United supporter, and has spent years trying to persuade his wife that football is a good thing - and hopes she will now become a great supporter of Hull City. Alison pays tribute to the work of Libby Lane, the first woman to be appointed as a bishop in the Church of England. She says that having two bishops in one family may seem excessive, but that it is their marriage that's sustained both her and her husband Frank, as well as their shared vocation - even if her new appointment means they'll both be busier than ever.

Summary: A second woman has been appointed a bishop by the Church of England.


Acting Insp Marlene MacDonald said residents of the town had complained of reckless driving, including racing, noisy exhausts and horns being blared. Officers will monitor for speeding and use a decibel meter to check car exhausts do not breach noise levels. Police said Operation Route would involve officers going out on patrol and setting up inspection check points. Acting Insp MacDonald said: "It is recognised that the vast majority of road users in Thurso are considerate and respectful of others. "However, there are a small minority who repeatedly and continually drive in an anti-social manner." She added: "This culture of constant cruising around the Thurso town centre, whilst creating excessive noise through loud exhausts or the unnecessary revving of engines and general poor driver behaviour, will no longer be tolerated."

Summary: Police are to begin a month-long operation against anti-social behaviour by some drivers in Thurso.


The former Tottenham and Manchester United forward is one of several to have met officials from the club. Sheringham, 51, had a spell in charge of League Two Stevenage in 2015-16 but was sacked after 33 games. Swindon will start next season in League Two having been relegated last term after winning only 11 of 46 games. Sheringham has been out of management since leaving Stevenage - his first managerial job - in February 2016 after winning just seven of his games as boss. Previous Robins boss Luke Williams left his role soon after the club's relegation was confirmed, having won two of their final 11 league matches with him in charge. Since then, Swindon have had an approach for Mansfield boss Steve Evans turned down, and on 23 May chairman Lee Power said although the process had taken longer than expected they had a three-person shortlist. As part of structural changes at the County Ground, director of football Tim Sherwood's role appears likely to be scrapped. Swindon won just seven of 31 games following former Tottenham and Aston Villa boss Sherwood's arrival in November 2016.

Summary: Former England striker Teddy Sheringham held talks with Swindon Town on Thursday about the managerial vacancy at the League Two club.


The England striker, 23, came through United's famed youth system but joined the Gunners for £16m on deadline day. United brought striker Radamel Falcao on a £6m loan deal from Monaco, their sixth signing of the transfer window. Media playback is not supported on this device "They have probably lost the way of Manchester United a little bit," Phelan told BBC Sport. "Now, rather than produce, it may be the case where they are buying in. "Someone like a Danny Welbeck has been part of United's identity and that has been broken. "What will happen in the future now, nobody knows but that thread has been broken now." Former United midfielder David Beckham said he was sad to see Welbeck leave, but is hopeful promising players will continue to be developed under new manager Louis van Gaal. "Manchester United have always bought players in but also have had a great scouting system which Sir Alex Ferguson put in quite a few years ago, where we did create home-grown talent, and that is something we have done over the years," said the former England captain. Media playback is not supported on this device "I think Louis van Gaal is a talented manager, he is well respected and with Manchester United this is a project that will hopefully last for a few years and be a successful one. "Hopefully we have still got young players coming through." For many years United had a strong core of home-grown youth players under former boss Ferguson, with the renowned 'Class of 92' - which included Beckham, Paul Scholes and Phil and Gary Neville - coming through the ranks. As well as Colombian Falcao, new boss Van Gaal has also brought in Angel Di Maria for a British-record £59.7m, midfielder Ander Herrera for £29m from Athletic Bilbao, left-back Luke Shaw in a £27m move from Southampton, the £16m Marcos Rojo from Sporting Lisbon and midfielder Daley Blind from Ajax for £13.8m. Meanwhile, United youngsters Tom Lawrence, Nick Powell and Michael Keane left on Monday, either on loan or permanently. However, defender Tyler Blackett, a youth academy product, has played in the Premier League this season, while defender Reece James and goalkeeper Ben Amos have been included in the matchday squad. But Phelan, who was Ferguson's assistant between 2008 and 2013, believes the big-money arrivals at Old Trafford could suggest a change of philosophy at the club. "There is always the start of something and maybe this is the start of a new way of doing things at Manchester United and maybe that is the way football is going," he added. "Is it better to look at the instant rather than the future? It is a difficult one because youth is always the future, we all have to start somewhere and you just hope that product of youth can develop in the Premier League." Phelan expects Arsenal to give Welbeck the chance to flourish after finding his chances limited at United. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger already has a number of England internationals in his squad, with Jack Wilshere, Theo

Summary: Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan feels part of the club's "identity has been broken" with Danny Welbeck's departure to Arsenal.


A spokesman for the governor in Nangahar province said an Afghan commando had opened fire on the US troops during a joint operation in Achin. He was shot dead in return fire. Another US soldier was reportedly wounded in the attack. A spokesman for the Taliban said it had carried out the attack. Islamic State militants also operate in the area. Earlier, at least two Afghan policemen were killed by US forces in a so-called friendly fire incident in southern Afghanistan. The deaths are said to have occurred when a US aircraft returned fire during a joint operation in the restive province of Helmand. It is reported to be the first friendly fire incident in Helmand since US Marines returned there in May. Taliban insurgents have made widespread gains in the province. In a statement, the US military apologised for the incident and said that an investigation had been launched. It happened as police were on patrol in volatile Nad Ali district. The dead were members of the Afghan Border Police. Afghan officials told AFP news agency that the policemen were patrolling too close to a Taliban base prior to the attack. They say a number of militants were also killed in the strike. In recent months, the Taliban have captured several districts in Helmand and put provincial capital Lashkar Gah under pressure. The arrival of hundreds of US Marines - following the withdrawal of US troops three years ago - is part of the Nato-led effort to train and assist Afghan forces. They include special forces who conduct separate counter-terrorism operations. Air strikes by US warplanes have risen significantly over the last few months as President Donald Trump and other foreign leaders come under pressure to commit more troops. Afghanistan has been hit by numerous violent attacks in recent weeks with the launch of the Taliban's spring offensive, including a massive bomb attack in the capital, Kabul, that killed more than 150 people.

Summary: Three US special forces soldiers have been shot dead by an Afghan colleague during an operation in eastern Afghanistan, US officials say.


It is estimated the new law could raise up to Â£1m a year for the Welsh NHS. The bill's sponsor, Labour AM Mick Antoniw, said it would help people whose lives had been blighted by "this terrible disease". The insurance industry has raised concerns, questioning whether the move is within the assembly's powers. Before becoming an assembly member, Mr Antoniw was a solicitor at the legal firm which has acted for many asbestos victims and their families. Speaking before the bill was passed, he said: "It is only right that medical costs incurred by the NHS should be recovered from those who caused the disease and used to give more support to asbestos victims and their families - for example, a cancer nurse costs Â£50,000 per annum. "We could employ an additional 20 cancer nurses or a mixture of cancer nurses and counsellors or additional research into the cause and treatment of asbestos disease. "It is my belief this new Welsh law can make a significant improvement to the quality of life of those whose life is blighted by this terrible disease." Last December assembly Presiding Officer Rosemary Butler certified that the bill was within the institution's powers, but admitted it was a "finely balanced" decision on some aspects of the legislation. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) wrote to her and the secretary of state for Wales with a number of what it called "serious concerns" about the bill's lawfulness.

Summary: A bill to recover the costs of treating Welsh asbestos patients from businesses or insurers has been passed by assembly members.


Shunsuke Mutai, the vice-minister of reconstruction, was visiting the town of Iwaizumi to assess the deadly damage caused by Typhoon Lionrock. The storm killed more than 20 people in the region. But he was seen on TV laughingly being piggybacked by a less senior official, so he could keep his feet dry. Mr Mutai, who apparently forgot to take rubber boots with him, later apologised, saying what he did was "inappropriate" and that he "deeply regretted it". The picture went viral on social media with netizens lambasting the vice-minister and accusing him of not taking his job seriously. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga later criticised Mr Mutai for lacking sensitivity. "He went there as head of the government investigation team, so naturally he should have brought his rubber boots to begin with. "I must say he lacked sensitivity to the residents and the region," he said.

Summary: A Japanese senior government official has come under criticism for hitching a ride on a colleague's back to cross a puddle.


Lee Johnson, 45, had been a voluntary patient with depression at Maelor Hospital when he hanged himself in February 2016. The witnesses were asked to spell out changes in their working practices following his death. A narrative verdict was recorded and the health board said it fully accepted the coroner's findings. Sgt Johnson, of Pantymwyn, near Mold, served with the West Mercia force and was based in Oswestry. The two day inquest in Ruthin previously heard he had been under investigation for alleged misconduct by the police watchdog, although coroner John Gittins said it was "not of any great consequence". He had told his wife Barbara Johnson that he felt safe in the Heddfan unit and was described as a "model patient" and eager to engage with anything that would help him get better. But he spoke of suicide when under the influence of alcohol. Sgt Johnson was known to have taken alcohol on two occasions while in the unit, and was suspected of drinking on several other occasions. Mr Gittins said the unit had "entirely failed to address the risk" Sgt Johnson posed to himself, especially after consuming alcohol, and that the policy on patients taking alcohol needed to be far more robust. "As an outsider it is hard to understand how a person can be intoxicated in Heddfan," he said. Earlier, Dr Stuart Porter, interim clinical director with Betsi Cadwaladr health board, outlined improvements introduced in an action plan, including more one-to-one sessions, better documentation and liaison with family members. Asked whether the risk to Sgt Johnson had been underestimated in the light of previous incidents when he had been drinking, Dr Porter said: "Potentially yes, but predicting a risk is difficult." Recording his narrative conclusion, Mr Gittins said he felt existing policies were good and would work in practice. Speaking after the hearing, Mrs Johnson, herself a police officer with North Wales Police, said her husband had been desperate to get help. She said she was encouraged by the health board's review but said she felt "they have not recognised the failings in his care that I believe contributed to his death". "I appreciated the coroner seeking reassurance from those staff that the lessons have, in fact, been learned," she said. Dr Porter extended the health board's "sincerest condolences to the family" and said they "fully accepted" the coroner's findings.

Summary: A coroner recalled six witnesses at the inquest of a police sergeant who died while in a psychiatric unit in Wrexham.


The adaptation of books by Diana Gabaldon tells the story of Claire Randall, a WW2 nurse swept back in time from 1945 to 18th Century Scotland. It stars Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan and had been available on Amazon Prime, but has now been bought up for More4. Channel 4 said the first season would begin airing later this month. The show has garnered fans worldwide as well as Bafta Scotland and Critics Choice awards. It follows the story of Claire after she falls back in time to become caught up in a Jacobite Rising and the Battle of Culloden. Diana Gabaldon said she had been influenced by her visits to the battlefield near Inverness in the writing of her Outlander books. The US show has built its own private film studio at Wardpark in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, prompting calls to improve studio production in Scotland.

Summary: Hit Scottish time-travel drama Outlander has been given a slot on UK television for the first time.


William Lauder, 48, of Buccleuch Street, Hawick, was found guilty after trial in April of stealing jeans, jackets and other items. He took the goods from Aero Leather Clothing Ltd in Galashiels, Hawick and elsewhere between 2004 and 2013. Sheriff Alistair Noble jailed him at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. "You were held in high esteem and trusted completely and you betrayed that trust," he told Lauder. Defence advocate, Victoria Dow, told Sheriff Noble that her client continued to deny the allegations against him. He lived in Hawick with his wife and son and she said the financing of their home "could be compromised by any element of custody". Lauder, she added, had no previous convictions and was assessed as being at low risk of re-offending, adding: "Therefore he is suitable for a community-based disposal. "He is fit, able and capable of carrying out such a disposal." A large amount of the materials taken had been recovered, she told the sheriff. However, the sheriff told Lauder: "You were convicted of stealing just under £195,000 of property from a company of which you were the managing director. "In part, this may have been you felt you were being insufficiently rewarded for the work you were doing for the company. "You had been in substantial control of the company and it is clear you were held in high esteem and trusted completely. You betrayed that trust." Sheriff Noble acknowledged that a substantial amount of the property had been recovered. He said: "Despite these factors, it is clear in my view the offences can only be dealt with by a custodial sentence. "Giving you as much credit as I can, you are sentenced to 21 months imprisonment from today."

Summary: A managing director of a Borders clothing firm has been jailed for 21 months after stealing goods worth nearly £195,000 from the business.


The new interim police HQ will at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan in Fife and the unitary fire HQ will be at Perth Community Fire Station. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said communities would remain at the heart of the services. The news came on the day the matter was discussed by Holyrood's local government and regeneration committee. It has been hearing evidence from president of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland), Chief Constable Kevin Smith, as well as the Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland and the Scottish Police Services Authority. MSPs have been looking at draft legislation, focusing on its potential impact on local democracy. The Scottish Government's Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Bill will establish single forces for both the police and fire services. There are currently eight police forces - Central Scotland Police, Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, Fife Constabulary, Grampian Police, Lothian and Borders Police, Northern Constabulary, Strathclyde Police and Tayside Police. Mr Smith said a lot needed to be done in the next year to "make the change necessary to have the new structure in place". He added: "Reform will not stop on the first day of the new organisation and the service will continue to take shape over the next five years to ensure it's fit for purpose and makes the savings which are required in a challenging financial landscape. "All of this work is taking place at the same time as we continue to deliver high levels of performance. We cannot, and will not, take our eye off the ball in delivering business as usual. "Our people are what make the police service tick. As we go through reform, leadership across the service will be important to make sure the Police Service of Scotland is delivered and that visible and responsive policing to communities continues at a high level." Mr Smith said that using Tulliallan as an interim police command base would offer a "practical and pragmatic" solution. The Chief Fire Officers Association welcomed the announcement that Perth Community Fire Station would be the interim HQ for the single fire service. Its chairman, Alex Clark, said: "On behalf of all Scottish Fire and Rescue personnel, I'd like to reassure the public that wherever we are based, our communities can continue to expect the same high quality service." The union Unison said a number of "major issues" continued to concern its members about the police reforms, but it was happy to continue a dialogue to resolve those issues. Unison's Dave Watson said: "We believe that a balanced workforce is needed to provide the best service for communities throughout the country with highly-skilled police staff in a wide range of specialist roles playing a full part in the future of policing." MSPs sitting on the local government and regeneration committee want to know what a single police force and a single fire service would mean for councils, police boards, community planning and jobs. Mr MacAskill said he welcomed the decision of the services to base their leadership teams in Fife and Perth. He added: "The final decision

Summary: Single forces for Scotland's police and fire services are expected to begin operating on 1 April next year.


Patrick Joseph Connors, 59, his son Patrick Dean Connors, 39, and nephew William Connors, 36, denied requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour between 2010 and 2013. They were convicted by a jury at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday. Connors senior was jailed for 14 years, Patrick Dean for six-and-a-half years and William for four years. Patrick Joseph Connors' son-in-law Lee Carbis, 34, who was cleared of forced labour, but found guilty of kidnap, was jailed for two-and-a-half years. Catrin Evans, of the Crown Prosecution Service in Wales, said the men were guilty of "exploiting and controlling" their vulnerable victim in a "callous manner over a prolonged period of time". 'Modern slavery' victim 'emotionally broken' The Connors kept Michael Hughes, 46, in "appalling conditions" in south Wales and paid him less than £10 a day for years. He said: "I am over the moon at today's verdict. Both myself and my family can now move on and I am so happy to have my life back - a life that I never knew existed. "Those people stole my life but the outcome of today's trial means that they will now face the justice that they deserve." Judge Neil Bidder QC said the three Connors, who operated a tarmacking business based at a farm in Rumney, treated their victims as little more than objects. He said: "All the offences which you, Patrick Joseph Connors, have been convicted of are examples of conduct designed to keep two vulnerable men in what can only be described as modern-day slavery - in the case of Michael John Hughes, for 21 years. "By the end of that time he had been completely conditioned to being used by you as a serf." The court heard over the course of the trial, Patrick Joseph Connors forced Mr Hughes to work for him for long hours, paying him tiny sums or just with alcohol and tobacco. Mr Hughes was "hunted down" when he escaped and beaten "all the time", he said in evidence. He was made to live in "appalling conditions", including in a 1.2m (4ft)-wide garden shed with no heating or running water for two years. The court heard the only respite came when Mr Hughes was sent back to Scotland for unpaid fines and jailed. He said prison was "like a holiday camp" compared to his ordeal in Wales. Connors senior was also convicted of eight counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), four of kidnap and one charge of conspiracy to kidnap, while Patrick Dean Connors was also found guilty of kidnap. The jury was told to return not guilty verdicts on a charge of conspiracy to kidnap against Patrick Dean Connors and another of assault against William Connors. Gwent Police's Ch Supt Paul Griffiths, who led the investigation, said: "These types of crimes have a lasting effect on the victims - it is not just the physical degradation, it's psychological too. It causes deep and long-lasting trauma."

Summary: Three family members have been jailed for forcing a man to do heavy labour for tiny amounts in Cardiff.


Peter Kibisu was lodging with trainee lawyer Elizabeth Nnyanzi and her family at their Harrow home when he attacked the 31-year-old in her bedroom. The court heard Kibisu, 24, had tried to cover his tracks after the murder in August 2015 but was caught when police found his DNA on the victim. He was ordered to serve a minimum jail term of 27 years at the Old Bailey. More on this story and other news from London Judge Richard Marks QC said Ms Nnyanzi was an "outstanding young woman of immense talent and ability" who had died as a result of "unspeakable wickedness". Mark Heywood QC told the court Kibisu had been living with the Nnyanzi family for nine months and was regarded as a younger "cousin" by the victim. On 14 August the 24-year-old returned to the house after a drink and drug-fuelled night out to find Ms Nnyanzi alone, and raped and killed her. He tried to cover his tracks by sending a text message to the victim while on the way to work later that day. When he returned he called police to say he had discovered the victim in her room not breathing and the home's rear patio doors ajar. Kibisu was arrested after a pair of bloodied boxer shorts were found in a bin and a tissue sample Ms Nnyanzi's fingernails matched his DNA. Det Ch Insp Tim Duffield said the 24-year-old only admitted his guilt "when confronted with a whole raft of evidence". In a statement Coleen Nnyanzi, the victim's mother, called Kibisu a "wolf in sheep's clothing" who had turned on a family that had "helped him in his hour of need."

Summary: A mechanic who admitted raping and strangling a family friend who he was living with has been jailed for life.