Author: Dave Carter

A recently opened business faced immediate threats from paramilitary groups demanding protection payments, according to a shop owner who spoke anonymously to BBC News NI. The owner recounted how right after setting up shop, two men approached and insisted she pay for protection, warning that refusal could lead to deadly consequences. “My friend told me… Continue reading Paramilitary protection money a 'stranglehold' on businesses

A locum consultant cardiologist, Dr Velmurugan Kuppuswamy, has been removed from the medical register following findings of sexual harassment against two junior female colleagues while he was employed at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. During his tenure, Dr Kuppuswamy engaged in inappropriate behaviour, including calling one colleague a “bad girl,” squeezing her waist, and sending… Continue reading Doctor told junior colleague she was a 'bad girl' and squeezed her waist

Freestyle skier Kirsty Muir narrowly missed out on securing a Winter Olympic medal for Team GB once again, finishing in fourth place in the big air event. Her combined score was 174.75 points from her top two runs, just 3.5 points behind Flora Tabanelli of Italy, who took the bronze. This result came a week… Continue reading Winter Olympics 2026: Kirsty Muir fourth in freestyle skiing big air

Passengers traveling on the London Underground fell victim to a sophisticated text message scam involving homemade “SMS blaster” devices concealed inside suitcases, a court has been informed. According to the prosecution at Inner London Crown Court, commuters received fraudulent texts indicating a failed parcel delivery, accompanied by a link intended to “resolve” the supposed issue.… Continue reading Tube passengers targeted in 'smishing' scam, court told

Documents submitted to Companies House reveal that six companies associated with Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, are in the process of being wound up. Ferguson is listed as the director for all six firms, which are scheduled to be removed from the official register within ten days unless an objection is raised. Details… Continue reading Six of Sarah Ferguson's companies are being dissolved

Legislation currently being considered in the House of Lords aims to reclassify certain hate crimes as aggravated offences, specifically those motivated by a person’s sexuality, gender identity, or disability. This change would mean that crimes targeting individuals on these grounds are subject to harsher penalties under the law. The amendment is part of the broader… Continue reading Disability and LGBT hate crimes set to become aggravated offences

A teacher has been found guilty of unacceptable professional conduct after providing improper assistance during a GCSE French speaking exam. Veronique Matchim, who was employed as an agency supply teacher at Abbey Grange Church of England Academy in West Park, Leeds, whispered prompts to students during the assessment in April 2024, according to a misconduct… Continue reading Leeds teacher guilty of whispering exam prompts to pupils

It looks like you’ve shared a partial article or webpage content about the famous Scottish giant cantilever cranes, focusing on their history, significance, and current status—particularly the Titan Crane at Clydebank and the Finnieston Crane in Glasgow. If you have a specific question about this information or need a summary, details on a particular crane,… Continue reading What does the future hold for Scotland's giant cranes?

A trio of teenagers has been found guilty of manslaughter in connection with the death of a man they deliberately lured to a beach, where he was violently assaulted. The victim, 49-year-old Alexander Cashford, was targeted in Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, in an incident that occurred on August 10 of last year.… Continue reading Teenagers guilty of Alexander Cashford beach manslaughter in Sheppey

A serious incident involving a motorbike and a young child took place in Shotton, Flintshire, resulting in critical injuries to a five-year-old boy named Arlo Buckley. According to the prosecution presented at Mold Crown Court, Arlo was struck and dragged along the road by the rider of an off-road motorbike who then fled the scene.… Continue reading Five-year-old Shotton boy critically injured in hit and run – court