Despite the rather clunky acronym, Mitsubishi's Outlander PHEV has been a runaway success on the quiet. Though not cheap, at up to £40,000, they're selling like hot cakes — largely as a company car because of the massive tax advantages. Now there's good news for those whose budgets can't stretch to one, because there's to be a smaller, mid-size sibling. The prototype XR-PHEV (Plug-in Electric Vehicle) II is a compact, lightweight SUV powered by a new hybrid electric system. Clearly aimed at top-selling Nissan Qashqai country, expect prices either side of £20,000 when the production model hits the market in a couple of years' time. Mitsubishi's XR-PHEV (Plug-in Electric Vehicle) II (pictured) will cost up to £40,000 (prototype pictured) Mitsubishi says of its baby PHEV: 'The system is estimated to achieve very low CO2 emissions of below 40g/km while also delivering gutsy and smooth performance with its 163bhp electric motor.' It adds that it is developing plug-in electric hybrid systems best suited to each model in its line-up with a view to introducing them in the near future. The Outlander PHEV can be charged overnight at home, run on electric-only power or operate in hybrid mode, switching automatically between petrol and electric power, depending on which is most efficient. It continues to charge itself as it runs on fossil fuel. The result is great fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. But its real benefit — and one secret of its success — is on the tax front. It would be Chancellor George Osborne's worst nightmare if everybody had one, as his tax take would plummet. Here's why: bought outright privately, the Outlander PHEV costs £28,249 to £39,999, which includes a taxpayer subsidy of £5,000. But company car drivers can look forward to an increase in their pay packet equal to an average of more than £4,000 every year, says Mitsubishi. Its twolitre petrol engine linked to two high-efficiency electric motors gives a combined range of 510 miles, of which 32.5 miles can be in pure electric mode. Average CO2 emissions are a tiny 44g/km and combined fuel efficiency is 148 mpg. But here's the rub, get one as a company car and you pay just 5 per cent 'benefit in kind' tax, compared to the 25 per cent that most business users pay. So, for example, a 40 per cent taxpayer with an Outlander PHEV GX4h with a P11D taxable benefits value of £37,899 will pay just £758 in company car tax. That compares to £4,301 for a Honda CRV EC 2.2 i-DTEC auto costing £33,605, which is taxed at 32 per cent of its P11D value. That's equivalent to a tax saving of £3,543 over a year or £10,730 over three. The new prototype's big brother is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (pictured) Plus, its low CO2 emissions mean you are exempt from road tax — and in London, the congestion charge, too. There's a benefit for firms, too, notes Mitsubishi: 'A company purchasing an Outlander PHEV is able to write down 100 per cent of the cost of the car against

Summary: Mitsubishi's prototype XR-PHEV II is a compact, lightweight, hybrid SUV . CO2 emissions are just 44g/km and combined fuel efficiency is 148 mpg . The Outlander PHEV can be charged overnight at home . The model can switch automatically between petrol and electric power .


A lesbian has created a unique sex toy, which also serves as a means of at-home artificial insemination. Stephanie Berman, a reproductive health expert from Boston, came up with the clever concept, which she named the Semenette, after examining the other available methods of at-home fertilization open to her and her wife. 'The only options other than going to a doctor's office would be with a turkey baster or a needle-less syringe,' Ms Berman told Refinery29 about her creation, which retails for $139.99. Scroll down for video . Loving mother: Semenette creator Stephanie Berman (pictured) and her wife Kiersten Marie welcomed their beautiful baby daughter Isabella in March . Breaking with tradition: Unlike a turkey baster or a needle-less syringe, which can also be used as a means of artificial insemination, the Semenette (pictured) is also intended to pleasure the user . 'We started using those types of things and quickly realized it was as awful as it sounds. 'There is nothing romantic or sexy and fun about trying to impregnate your wife with a turkey baster.' Moving on up: Ms Berman is hoping to release a second version of the unique sex toy later this year . The mother-of-one began looking into alternative designs, which would use the same pump-based technology as a turkey baster - one of the more traditional at-home means of artificial insemination - but also enable the user, and their partner, to enjoy the process of impregnation. And while Ms Berman initially intended for the toy, which comes complete with a pump, to be used by lesbian couples, she explained that it will actually serve as a great fertilization aid for anyone who might not be able to get pregnant using traditional means - and who does not want to go through IVF. 'When my wife and I wanted to start a family, we thought about our options and weren’t necessarily happy with any of them,' she added. 'I started thinking, what if I could recreate the technology that a turkey baster would provide, but in the form of a sex toy? 'That would be the perfect scenario - it would not only allow both partners to be really involved in the process, but it would allow for privacy and authenticity and intimacy.' Ms Berman and her wife Kiersten Marie, who used the Semenette when conceiving their one-year-old baby daughter Isabella, have received an outpouring of support and praise from a variety of people from different communities. Thus far, the entrepreneur's unique creation has been used by transgender and transsexual couples, men with erectile dysfunction and even heterosexual couples, who, Ms Berman explained, still 'enjoy the sensation' of using the Semenette. The Turkey Baster Method is widely thought to be the most common means of at-home artificial insemination. Tradition: A turkey baster (pictured) can be used as a means of at-home insemination . While some women choose to use a traditional turkey baster, a needle-less syringe will also serve the same purpose. The method involves women using semen from their boyfriend or husband, or from a willing

Summary: Stephanie Berman wanted to come up with a way to get her wife pregnant, without having to use a 'turkey baster or a needle-less syringe' The reproductive health expert invented the $139.99 Semenette, which uses the same technology as a turkey baster but can also be used for pleasure .


Louis van Gaal has not gone trophyless in his first season at Manchester United after all as the Dutchman received the Anton Geesink Award in his native country on Sunday night. The award, named in honour of deceased Dutch judo legend Anton Geesink, is awarded every year to a person, city or organisation for their 'remarkable sport performance'. The judges felt Van Gaal was a worthy recipient on the back of his impressive performances leading the Netherlands at the World Cup last summer. Louis van Gaal (right) arrives on stage to receive the Anton Geesink Award on Sunday night . Van Gaal received the award on the back of leading the Netherlands to third place at the 2014 World Cup . Van Gaal celebrates with Robin van Persie after the striker's wonder goal against Spain at the tournament . Van Gaal's last chance for silverware went up in smoke at the beginning of the month when United crashed to a 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final defeat against Arsenal at Old Trafford. The defeat to the Gunners all but ended Van Gaal's search for a trophy in his debut season in England. 'For me this award is very special since I have personally known Anton for many years.' said Van Gaal. Van Gaal watches on from the sideline during Manchester United's 2-1 victory against Liverpool . 'Anton and I have the same character and we have both struggled, although with different resistances.' United are currently fourth in the Premier League table as they look to secure a coveted Champions League spot for next season.

Summary: Manchester United's last hope for a trophy ended with their FA Cup quarter-final defeat against Arsenal at the beginning of the month . United are currently fourth in the Premier League table . Louis van Gaal's side face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday .


A kidnapped journalist who survived Jihadi John has told of the blood-chilling moment the British extremist ran the cold blade of a sword across his neck in a mock execution at an ISIS prison. Javier Espinosa, a Spaniard captured alongside colleagues while reporting the conflict between President Assad's regime and militant soldiers in 2013, was freed last year after a deal was brokered between his government and front-line extremists. He had spent months at the mercy of Mohammed Emwazi, the British hooded executioner now ominously referred to as Jihadi John, and other terrorists while in captivity. Scroll down for video . Freed: The moment journalist Javier Espinosa was reunited with his son on the tarmac of a Spanish airport after spending months in the captivity of ISIS terrorists . Now, a year after his emotional reunion with his children on the tarmac of a Spanish airport, the correspondent has revealed the depths of horror he and dozens of other hostages faced daily. In an harrowing account printed by the Sunday Times, he relives the moment Emwazi, now the world's most wanted man, ran the cold blade of a sword across his neck, threatening execution. 'He caressed my neck with the blade but kept talking: "Feel it? Cold, isn't it? Can you imagine the pain you'll feel when it cuts? Unimaginable pain,"' Mr Espinosa wrote. It was, he continued, one of 'several episodes of psychological and physical torture, privations and humiliations' prisoners endured. Emwazi, who 'wanted maximum drama', was among 'psychotic' extremists who pillaged the Spaniard's belongings to put towards a haul of stolen cash apparently so large there were rooms filled with millions of dollars. It was, he continued, one of 'several episodes of psychological and physical torture, privations and humiliations' prisoners endured. Mr Espinosa was snatched with his colleague photographer Ricardo Garcia Vilanova when the pair were working near the Turkish border in 2013. Mr Espinosa and his colleague Ricardo Garcia Vilanova were kept alongside other hostages for months . Emwazi (right before joining extremists in Syria and left in his trademark hood) was among Mr Espinosa's captors . Alongside American journalists and aid workers including Britons Alan Henning and David Haines, they were locked in ISIS prisons - as Mr Espinosa describes them 'elegant mansions' and the former government headquarters in Raqqa - across the war-ravaged country for months. While their comrades have all but been murdered - John Cantlie is seemingly still alive but in the group's clutches - the two Spaniards were freed, spared to tell the world of the group's atrocities. Among the most horrifying anecdotes was a threat to exhume the body of murdered Russian engineer Sergei Gorbunov and make remaining hostages sleep next to his bullet-riddled head. 'They liked scaring their captives, forcing us to look at photos of Sergei Gorbanov..."You might end up with him,' recalled Mr Espinosa. '"We'll make you dig him up and put you in another tomb where you can sleep with him."' Being woken by the screams of other hostages as they were tortured in their cells was commonplace. On

Summary: Javier Espinosa spent months at the mercy of ISIS extremists in Syria . The Spanish journalist was kidnapped alongside his colleague in 2013 . Among his captors was Jihadi John who 'wanted maximum drama' 'Psychotic' British terrorist threatened him with execution with a sword . Mr Espinosa and his colleague were moved between the group's 'prisons' Unlike others held at the properties they were not beaten or tortured . He and photographer Ricardo Garcia Vilanova were freed in March 2013 .


These pictures of botched tattoos may make you think before you get inked. Luckily for the unfortunate few who have been left with inking mishaps, there are talented artists out there who can work miracles. Lal Hardy, a tattooist at New Wave Studios, London, is tasked with turning disaster pieces into masterpieces. Lal has shared some of the cover-ups he's most proud of and proves that with a bit of handiwork and a lot of experience, dodgy tattoos can be given a new lease of life. Scroll down for video . Lal Hardy is tasked with turning people's disaster pieces into masterpieces, such as this Marilyn Monroe, left, he shaded in to create an artsy monster, right . Speaking about why people come to see him to have their inks modified, he said: 'The reasons really vary from some that are just plain bad, some designs are dated, some want bigger work or others are names of ex-lovers. 'Personally, I am brutally honest with people regarding cover-ups. If I think it can't be covered I tell the client, the same if I think they have unrealistic expectations as to how a tattoo can be covered. I now only take on cover-ups or reworks that I feel will work.' Four of Lal's most prized cover-ups include a lion design that was transformed from some squiggles into a fierce inking. Lal says he transforms 'plain bad' ones, adds to some - like this seemingly unfinished lion tattoo - or makes dated ones more modern . More straightforward renovations include a robin playing card, left, which Lal re-vamped by changing it into a sparrow and adding a border, right . Speaking about the renovation work, he said: 'The lion was done by an amateur artist and because it was only partially done, it was possible to salvage it and cover it up.' He also worked his magic on a faded design by transforming it into a bold and colourful rose. Another botched design he fixed was a faded Marilyn Monroe inking. 'The cover up worked because the client researched a design he wanted, his original Monroe was faded and the new design had lots of detail and shading so lent itself well to a cover up,' said Lal. He also worked his magic on this faded design by transforming it into a bold and colourful rose, right . More straightforward renovations include a robin playing card, which Lal re-vamped by changing it into a sparrow and adding a border to give a splash of colour to the new piece. 'The cover-up process depends on various factors like the size of the tattoo, how faded it is and the density of the dark pigments in it as darker colours are harder to cover,' he explained. 'The amount of clear skin around it is also a consideration as this can open up the opportunity to incorporate the cover-up in a bigger piece. The placement of the tattoo on the body can also be a major factor in whether or not a cover up can be done.' Tattoo

Summary: Lal Hardy turns disaster pieces into masterpieces . Says he transforms 'plain bad' ones, adds to some or makes them modern . Shares top tips for how to avoid having a total tattoo mishap .


Milos Raonic gatecrashed a party seemingly reserved for the best four players in the world by shocking Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open. World number one Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray - the Scot who is fourth in the ATP World Tour rankings - were confirmed as semi-final opponents on Thursday and second-best-in-the-world Roger Federer duly followed them into the last four with a 6-4 6-0 victory over Tomas Berdych. Nadal would have later completed an elite quartet but the Spaniard instead fell to world number six Raonic at the end of three gruelling hours. Milos Raonic celebrates after booking his semi-final place at Indian Wells by defeating Rafael Nadal . Rafael Nadal waves goodbye after his exit following the three-hour match at Indian Wells . Canadian Raonic stretches to make a return during a match in which he rescued six break points . The sixth seed from Canada looked like he might be heading out after losing the first set inside 36 minutes but he rallied to save three match points in an epic second-set tie-break, forcing a decider. Raonic, who fired 19 aces and saved six break points, finally ended the Spaniard's perfect record against Canadians by earning a crucial break in the third and clinching a 4-6 7-6 (12/10) 7-5 victory. He told atpworldtour.com: 'At the moments when I was playing those match points, it didn't really feel like match points. 'It was just like another point that I was trying to get through... (I was) just sort of going through the paces at that moment of what do I need to do now, not really signifying it as a match point.' Nadal reflects on the quarter-finals defeat, which ended his unbeaten record against Canadian opponents . Nadal hits a powerful return in the quarter-final match, which saw three sets lasting three hours . Raonic celebrates after joining Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the last four . In Federer's earlier meeting with Berdych, the Swiss was first to get a break point opportunity in the fifth game, only for the Czech to save it with a forehand winner. But Federer broke him in the seventh to go 4-3 up, and seemed to be into his groove from then on as he breezed through the second set. Federer said: '(It's) not just another win, but another win against a top 10 player; against Berdych, who has played me tough in recent years.' Roger Federer celebrates after knocking out Czech Tomas Berdych to reach the semi-finals . Swiss Federer breezed through to the semi-finals in two sets . Simona Halep of Romania automatically advanced to the women's final after world number one Serena Williams withdrew due to a right knee injury. In a post on her official Instagram account, the American wrote: 'Four months ago I began a journey to play Indian Wells and it was amazing. 'I never dreamed I could do it. But I would not have been able to do this without my fans. 'Though it ended early due to injury

Summary: Milos Raonic beat Rafael Nadal 4-6 7-6 (12/10) 7-5 at Indian Wells . Canadian sixth seed reaches the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open . Raonic served 19 aces and saved six break points in the three-hour match . He joins Murray, Federer and Djokovic in the last four .


Arsenal youngster Chuba Akpom has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the season. The 19-year-old striker has made seven appearances for the Gunners this season but will now look to gain more first-team experience under Dougie Freedman at the City Ground. Akpom tweeted: 'Delighted to have joined @Official_NFFC on loan. Can't wait to get started and meet up with the squad after the internationals'. Arsenal youngster Chuba Akpom has joined Nottingham Forest on loan for the rest of the season . Akpom scored in for England Under 20s on Wednesday night in the win on penalties over Mexico . The Gunners centre forward scored in for England Under 20s on Wednesday night in the win on penalties over Mexico, and also successfully converted his spot-kick in the shootout. He is expected to appear again for his country in Sunday's friendly with the USA before heading to join up with his new club before they play Wolverhampton Wanderers on Good Friday. The 19-year-old striker has made seven appearances for the Gunners this season but is moving on for now . Akpom spent time at Brentford and Coventry City last season in League One, but this is his first Championship loan. Forest currently sit on the edge of play-off contention in the Championship, 10 points behind sixth-placed Ipswich Town with seven games left to play. Dougie Freedman now has an extra striker to boost his squad ahead of the Championship run-in .

Summary: Chuba Akpom joins Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the season . Arsenal youngster tweeted his delight ahead of Championship move . Akpom, 19, will join up with Dougie Freedman's squad next week . READ: Thierry Henry comparisons just part of the process for Akpom . CLICK HERE for all the latest Arsenal news .


A city in southern China has banned any new restaurants from making one of the region's most popular dishes in a bid to control its rising air pollution problem. Firewood chicken has become a popular delicacy in Kunming, regional capital of Yunnan Province, with dozens of restaurants springing up in the last few months to offer the dish. Local officials have decided to stop licensing new firewood chicken restaurants and ordered existing premises to burn a more environmentally friendly fuel, according to the People's Daily Online. Officials in China have banned restaurants from making firewood chicken because they believe burning lots of firewood to create the popular dish releases too many pollutants into the already smog-filled air in cities . To create the dish, large quantities of firewood are burned every day to cook chicken for around 40 minutes. A 2.5kg chicken takes between 1.5 to 2.5kg of firewood to cook. It is estimated that for a restaurant with a capacity of around 30 diners around 550kg of firewood would be burned during busy periods, and this would have a huge impact on air quality. A spokesman for Xishan District Environmental Protection Bureau said 'No new applications for firewood chicken restaurants are being accepted and this has been the case for almost a year already. 'Many entrepreneurs have recently tried to open firewood chicken restaurants but we have rejected them all.' He added that restaurants which had opened in the last year and were awaiting approval were operating illegally. Air pollution has long been a problem in China, where cities are often overcome with thick smog . Existing restaurants will now be required to use more environmentally friendly fuels, such as charcoal. China's 'Air Pollution Prevention Law' stipulates that: coal, pulverized coal, combustible waste, direct burning of biomass fuels (trees, straw, sawdust, rice husk etc) are all high-polluting fuels. The cooking process of firewood chicken comes under the new restrictions. Some restaurants in Kunming have already opted for more environmentally friendly options, with one restaurant in Guannan Road using the greener charcoal option. SouthAsia Garden Firewood Chicken Restaurant simply uses gas and serves the dish in earth pots to give it an authentic taste. China has for years been hit by heavy air pollution, caused by enormous use of coal to generate electricity to power a booming economy - the world's second largest - and more vehicles on the roads. Air pollution is increasingly acute in Chinese cities, including in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province . It has become a major source of popular discontent among Chinese citizens, leading the government to declare a 'war on pollution' and vow to reduce the proportion of energy derived from fossil fuels. Earlier this month Under the Dome, a film about the country's notorious smog, went viral with more than 155 million views in just one day.

Summary: The city of Kunming has stopped granting licenses to new restaurants serving ‘firewood chicken’ The popular dish involves burning lots of wood, releasing harmful gasses . Officials have instructed existing premises to use different fuel for the dish . The ban is understood as local government’s attempt to improve air quality .


Clive Palmer's beloved dinosaur Jeff has been destroyed in a fire at his Coolum Resort. A fire crew arrived the Sunshine Coast dinosaur park on Tuesday at 1.40am after reports the nine-metre mechanical lizard was ablaze. The Palmer United Party leader confirmed that Jeff is now extinct and that the 'cause of death' was due to an electrical fault. Initially, police had investigated if the fire was intentionally lit. Scroll down for video . Extinct: The charred skeleton of Jeff the T-Rex on Wednesday morning. His owner, Clive Palmer, confirmed that he was destroyed after an electrical fault sparked a fire . Pick the dinosaur: Clive Palmer and Jeff the T-Rex in happier times, posing together at the Palmer Resort in Coolum in December 2012 . Golfers walk past Jeff in 2012 on the Australian PGA course at Clive Palmer's resort-cum-dinosaur park . 'Jeff the dinosaur's body has been burnt out,' a spokesman for Mr Palmer confirmed. 'The fire department and police are completing their inspections this morning and the area is cordoned off to prevent access. 'Jeff will be dismantled and taken away once we have received clearance from the fire and police Departments.' He was apparently too devastated to comment further when personally contacted by the Sunshine Coast Daily. At 1.21am emergency services received a call claiming that 'a dinosaur was on fire'. At 1.21am emergency services received a call claiming that 'a dinosaur was on fire' Crews extinguished the fire in 20 minutes but were unable to save the dinosaur, which was 95% destroyed. The dinosaur's skeleton, a metal frame, is all that remains. The resort is the largest dinosaur park in the world with more than 150 specimens on display. Chinese-import Jeff was the pinnacle of the display with moving limbs and simulated breathing and growling. It weighed in at around 1.7 tonnes and is 20 metres in length. Mr Palmer allegedly named the mechanical giant after Queensland's former deputy premier, Jeff Seeney following a disagreement. Mr Seeney was contacted by Daily Mail Australia for comment following the death of his namesake. Mr Palmer allegedly named the mechanical giant after Queensland's former deputy premier, Jeff Seeney following a disagreement .

Summary: Clive Palmer's beloved dinosaur, T-Rex Jeff, has been destroyed in a fire . The Palmer United leader owns a Coolum resort which is also the world's largest dinosaur park . Jeff was an eight metre tall mechanical dinosaur with moving limbs and simulated breathing and growling . His "death" was a result of an electric fault which caused a spark . Reportedly named after former Queensland deputy premier Jeff Seeney .


Ian Paterson was suspended after he performed hundreds of unnecessary partial mastectomies . Hundreds of victims of a breast surgeon who carried out botched operations may never receive compensation because of a loophole in his insurance policy. Ian Paterson was suspended after he performed hundreds of unnecessary partial mastectomies on at least 250 healthy women over a 15-year period. An independent review revealed the 57-year-old also carried out 'cleavage sparing' mastectomies on at least 450 other women, in which breast tissue was left. Paterson pioneered the operations on women, leaving part of their breast behind solely for cosmetic reasons - dramatically increasing the risk of their cancer returning. More than 700 patients were recalled by the hospitals where Paterson worked, as part of the review overseen by Sir Ian Kennedy. The surgeon worked at both NHS and private hospitals across the Midlands from 1994, until he was suspended in 2012. While Paterson's NHS patients are able to pursue compensation claims through the health service's channels, it is the surgeon's private patients that are facing being left with nowhere to turn. Those who went under the knife at Spire Hospitals in Little Aston and Solihull may miss out on the compensation their lawyers say they are entitled to. Surgeons who work in private hospitals have to take out their own insurance to cover themselves against medical negligence claims. However Paterson's insurance company, the Medical Defence Union (MDU), is disputing the compensation claims. It is doing so on the basis that some of the operations carried out may have been illegal and are not included in Paterson's cover. Louise Hawkley, a medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, is representing patients treated by Paterson at the Spire Hospitals. She said: 'The insurance company will usually be liable for any claims made for clinical negligence and, if compensation is awarded, this will be due from the insurer under the terms of the policy. 'Mr Paterson took out insurance with the Medical Defence Union (MDU). 'However, the MDU has confirmed it is not instructed by Mr Paterson, not authorised to accept service of any proceedings and that Irwin Mitchell's clients "should have no expectation of any continuing MDU involvement in this matter". 'MDU cover is discretionary and may legitimately be withdrawn if a surgeon's practice falls outside of the insurance terms. One of the victims who is facing losing out on compensation is Jade Edgington, 24, who underwent unnecessary surgery to remove non-cancerous lumps from her breasts. Miss Edgington, from Shirley, in the West Midlands, was 16 when she discovered a large lump in her left breast. Thanks to her father's Bupa medical insurance, was seen almost immediately by Paterson in October 2005. After an ultrasound, Paterson told the then teenager she had a lump 'the size of a golf ball' in her breast and it needed to be removed. Just over a year later, in December 2006, Jade discovered another smaller lump in her right breast. Paterson removed it a month later, reassuring her that the lumps were nothing to worry about. She went back

Summary: Breast surgeon Ian Paterson was suspended after performing unnecessary partial mastectomies on at least 250 healthy women over 15-year period . Carried out 'cleavage sparing' mastectomies on at least 450 other women, leaving breast tissue and leaving them at risk of their cancer returning . Worked at both NHS and Spire private hospitals in the Midlands . Hundreds of his private patients may never receive compensation . His insurance policy may not be valid because the operations were 'illegal'


These jaw-dropping holiday snaps taken by a group of daredevil tourists in Norway may be some of the most dangerous ever taken. The series of photos shows the friends taking turns as they stand on top of a boulder that is wedged between a mountain crevice in Norway, with a direct drop of nearly 800ft. The incredible experience provides impressive views for those who are brave enough to step foot on the boulder, but those who are afraid of heights would become weak at the knees and think better of it. Scroll down for video . Ronny Randen, 39, took the photos while he was travelling with five friends to climb Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock . Kjeragbolten – the official name for the boulder – is located on the edge of the Kjerag mountain in Rogaland, Norway. It is situated more than 3,500ft above sea level and is a popular photo spot for thrill-seekers who are willing to risk their lives for a memorable holiday photo. Despite the rain making its surface slippery the group of visitors in these photos ventured onto the boulder and posed with their arms in the air or a thumb extended as other tourists waited their turn. Software developer Ronny Randen, 39, took the photos while he was travelling with five friends to climb Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock. Kjeragbolten – the official name for the boulder – is located on the edge of the Kjerag mountain in Rogaland, Norway . He said: ‘During our visit if was a rainy, and the boulder was actually a bit slippery. There's a little path on the left side where you can jump onto the rock. ‘It's hard to describe the feeling of standing on the boulder. After walking up the mountains your legs are a bit tired, and the idea of jumping onto, and balancing on, a slippery boulder hanging above a fjord seems like a really bad idea. ‘But, to be honest, it's not hard getting out there, and it is well worth it.’ Mr Randen, dressed in blue, can be seen posing on the boulder with his hands in the air and in one photo, taken from a distance, shows the stunning view and terrifying drop. Despite the rain making its surface slippery the group of visitors in these photos ventured onto the boulder for some memorable snaps . Mr Randen, who lives just outside Oslo, said the hike up to Kjeragbolten is demanding as it involves three steep climbs. He added: ‘Most of the time you walk on smooth rock and boulders and because it was rainy and foggy it was a bit slippery. ‘There are metal chains along the steepest climbs of the trail. When we finally arrived at the boulder it was rather foggy but after a while it started to clear up and we were rewarded with a stunning view of the Lysefjord. ‘The whole experience was so breathtaking and just looking at the images now really takes me back there. ‘It's not a place you go very often as

Summary: The amazing photos were taken by a group of tourists at the Kjeragbolten boulder in southern Norway . It is situated more than 3,500ft above sea level and is a popular photo spot for thrill-seekers willing to risk their lives . Photos show a group of friends standing on the rain-slicked boulder with their arms or thumbs extended .


A jury is recommending life without parole for an Alabama woman convicted of capital murder in her granddaughter's running death. Jurors rejected prosecutors' pleas for a death sentence for Joyce Hardin Garrard in the February 2012 death of 9-year-old Savannah Hardin. The decision came on a split vote: seven for life, five for death. It came Thursday on Garrard's 50th birthday. Under Alabama law, a vote of at least 10 of 12 jurors was required for the panel to recommend death. A simple majority could recommend life. Life: Joyce Hardin Garrard was found guilty of capital murder last week by a jury that today voted 7 to 5 to imprison the 50-year-old for life rather than put her to death for running to death her granddaughter Savannah Hardin in February 2012 . Horrific: Savannah collapsed and had a seizure after carrying wood as Garrard refused to let her stop running. She died three days later in hospital . The verdict is only a suggestion under Alabama law. Circuit Judge Billy Ogletree will make the final sentencing decision at a hearing May 11. The same jury convicted Garrard of capital murder last week. The jury began deliberating late in the morning after prosecution and defense attorneys presented closing arguments in the sentencing phase of Garrard's trial. Assistant District Attorney Marcus Reid asked jurors to recommend the death penalty, adding that he's never prosecuted a case like this one. 'This case is the only case I know of where the perpetrator forced the victim to participate in her own death,' he said. 'Joyce Garrard forced Savannah Hardin to help kill herself.' Prosecutors contend Garrard made the girl run as punishment for telling a lie about candy, and refused to let Savannah stop running even after the girl was vomiting and begging for an end to the exercise. In court, they cited a school bus surveillance video that captured Garrard saying she would run the girl and teach her a lesson. Reid told jurors that Garrard had cried in the courtroom at the mention of her birthday, but didn't cry when jurors were shown the soiled blue pants Savannah was wearing the night of her collapse. 'Savannah is dead. Joyce Garrard is pitiless. She doesn't believe she did anything wrong,' he said. Over some candy: Garrard forced Savannah to run around the house and carry wood as punishment for a lie about eating candy in February 2012 . While grandmother Joyce Hardin Garrard was in the yard verbally prodding 9-year-old Savannah Hardin to run and pick up sticks, witnesses and attorneys said, stepmother Jessica Mae Hardin watched idly from a distance, seemingly immersed in her laptop computer. And with Savannah struggling to keep going and near the point of collapse, Hardin went inside so she wouldn't have to keep watching the girl's torment, a prosecutor suggested. Later, it was Hardin who called 911 and told authorities the girl had collapsed and was having a seizure, but only at Garrard's direction. Savannah died within days in a hospital after being taken off life support. Garrard (left)

Summary: Joyce Hardin Garrard forced her granddaughter Savannah Hardin to run to the point she died in 2012 . The same jury that recommended life in prison 7 to 5 found the 50-year-old guilty of capital murder last week . Savannah's stepmother Jessica Mae Hardin, 30, is now awaiting trial on a murder charge .


New Zealand is conducting mass spying on its South Pacific neighbours then passing the information to a US-led intelligence alliance, media reports citing leaked documents said Thursday. New Zealand snoops on the phone calls, emails, Internet browsing sessions and online chats of government ministers and senior officials in Pacific island nations, including French territories in the region, the New Zealand Herald reported. Western interest in the South Pacific has risen in recent years as China increases aid and diplomatic activities in a region that New Zealand and Australia traditionally regard as their sphere of influence. Scroll down for video . Leaked documents supplied by Edward Snowden reportedly showed the extent of New Zealand's spying . New Zealand Prime Minister John Key(left) refused to offer comment on the specifics of the allegations but said intelligence services had broken no laws, while Tongan Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva (right) claims such a programme would be a 'breach of trust' The newspaper said documents supplied by US whistleblower Edward Snowden showed the extent of New Zealand's spying on behalf of the 'Five Eyes' intelligence network, which also includes the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada. 'In effect, the New Zealand spy agency gathers information on the country's nearest neighbours to help secure its place in the US-led alliance,' the New Zealand Herald said after conducting a joint investigation into the leaks with US-based website The Intercept. Separately, the Sydney Morning Herald said the documents also revealed New Zealand and Australian intelligence services worked together to spy on Indonesia's largest mobile phone network Telkomsel. The Intercept said New Zealand's Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) used its Waihopai base in the country's South Island to collect vast amounts of data from the region, most of it from friendly nations. New Zealand is conducting mass spying on its South Pacific neighbours then passing the information to a US-led intelligence alliance, media reports say citing leaked documents . It said the base was upgraded to 'full take' operations in 2009, meaning it collects both the content and metadata of all communications, rather than targeting specific individuals or agencies. Nations reportedly subjected to New Zealand's wholesale snooping included Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, the Solomons Islands, the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Nauru and France's overseas territories New Caledonia and French Polynesia. 'Five Eyes', also known as 'FVEY', is an intelligence alliance. The five nations that make up the world's leading intelligence-sharing network include the United States, Australia, Canada, Britain and New Zealand. The countries that comprise the group divide the world into eavesdropping target sectors and share the results. Tongan Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva reportedly told Fairfax Media that such a programme would be a 'breach of trust' but added 'it is happening all over the world'. 'Tonga is too small to stand up to the alleged spying. China is on the radar... so what can we do?' he said. Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, the Solomons Islands, the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Nauru and France's overseas territories New Caledonia and French Polynesia. Source: New Zealand Herald . New Zealand Prime Minister John Key refused

Summary: New Zealand reportedly spying on its South Pacific neighbours . The countries being spied on include Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and Cook Islands . The information collected is then passed to a U.S.-led intelligence alliance . Leaked documents supplied by Edward Snowden show extent of spying . Phone calls and emails of government ministers are being monitored . New Zealand Prime Minister John Key claims to have broken no laws .


Two swans had to seek human help after becoming entangled by their necks during an elaborate mating ritual. Footage shows the animals desperately struggling to separate themselves from one another as they swim towards the shore. But fortunately for the swans, two friends were on hand to help the distressed duo and free them from their predicament. Entangled: The two swans swam towards shore after being caught up in one another's necks . Help: Luckily, Alexander Nor was on hand to help the distressed animals and picked them apart . Alexander Nor came to the rescue of the two animals as he walked along the riverbank with friends near his hometown of Kremenchuk, Ukraine. He said he spotted the birds awkwardly paddling because of their knotted necks, and added: 'They saw people, swam over and meekly waited to be disentangled.' The video reveals the swans patiently waiting to be helped as Mr Nor delicately unravels their necks by twisting and turning them. The animals show no signs of distress as they are helped from their mix-up and appear relieved to be freed as they run off squawking. Mr Nor added: 'Sometimes I marvel at the minds of animals.' Patient: The birds waited calmly as Mr Nor helped free the pair from their complicated relationship . Freedom: After his heroic act, Mr Nor said: 'Sometimes I marvel at the minds of animals.' Swans usually tend to mate for life, although there have been cases recorded in the past where the animals have 'divorced' and returned from migration with different partners. Although considered as graceful animals, their 'courtship dance' is usually a lot more aggressive than imagined and can feature hissing and grunting sounds.

Summary: Birds were left tangled together and needed help to get freed . Alexander Nor came to rescue of the animals in his hometown in Ukraine . Swans patiently waited for human help after realising they were stuck . Astonished Alexander said: 'Sometimes I marvel at the minds of animals'


A couple who adopted their seven-year-old son from a meth-addict are convinced his obsession with knives and blood means he may kill someone soon. Kim and her ex-husband, Ryan, adopted Rylan when he was a baby - his mother was addicted to drugs and both his biological parents had bipolar disorder. But the pair are now both terrified his aggressive behavior means he will harm someone and appeared on the Dr Phil show to beg for help. SCROLL FOR VIDEO . A couple who adopted their seven-year-old son Rylan from a meth-addict, are convinced his obsession with knives and blood mean he may kill someone soon . Rylan on camera talking about how he plans to stab someone with two knives . Kim, who has three other children, thought the process had been smooth until she began to realize Rylan was not developing normally, reports the Huffington Post. Kim claims that at 18-months-old, Rylan would hold his breath until he passed out. When he turned three, he stabbed knives inside a watermelon and became more and more violent. Kim and her ex-husband, Ryan, adopted Rylan when he was a baby.His mother was addicted to drugs and both his parents had bipolar disorder . The pair, who have three other children, thought the process had been smooth until they began to realize Rylan was not developing normally . She says her son has an imaginary robot friend called Bleeder - and he says the character tells him to kill his entire family with knives. Kim said: 'He talks about how he is going to lift them [knives] up over his head and plunge them into our chest.' She added: 'When Rylan was six he locked himself in the bathroom, he found his older brother's razor and he cut off the tips of his fingers because he wanted to see them bleed. 'In Rylan's head, Bleeder was the one who told him to cut his fingers so he could see the blood and feel the pain. Kim and her ex-husband, Ryan, are both terrified that Rylan will harm someone soon . Rylan's Dad, Ryan said: 'When he loses all control, our last resort is a therapeutic hold. We've had to hold him for upwards of 45 minutes to an hour' Two shave razors, a fork, and an ink pen Rylan hid in the toilet of his father's home . The pair say they are both now terrified of their son who they both take turns caring for. 'He talks about stabbing us, about how he's going to lift them up over his head and plunge them into our chests so he that he gets the best impact,' said Kim. 'My biggest fear is that we're raising a school shooter, a mass murderer, a serial killer.' They have put him in seven different hospitals for treatment, but to no avail. Rylan's father, Ryan said: 'We have not lived a normal day in probably the last three years.' 'When he loses all control, our last resort is a therapeutic hold. 'We've had to hold him for

Summary: Kim and her ex-husband, Ryan, adopted Rylan when he was a baby . Mother was addicted to drugs and both his parents had bipolar disorder . Kim claims aged 18 months old, Rylan held his breath until he passed out . She says her son has an imaginary friend called Bleeder - and he says the character tells him to kill his entire family with knives .


A British Elvis fan was killed in a hit-and-run just a mile from the famous Heartbreak Hotel while on a trip to visit Graceland. Andrea Ahmed died on her 54th birthday moments after watching a tribute act perform in the legendary singer's home city of Memphis. The grandmother, from St Davids, west Wales, had flown to America for an 'extended trip' and had recently been to meet up with fans at the singer's former home of Graceland. Grandmother Andrea Ahmed (pictured with an Elvis impersonator) died in a hit-and-run moments after watching a tribute act perform in Memphis on her 54th birthday . An inquest heard she went to see her favourite impersonator Joe Kent in May last year, who she had seen perform 'dozens of times over the years'. He had sung a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' to Ms Ahmed, a divorced mother-of-one, and then serenaded her with her favourite song 'Yesterday, When I was Young'. Later, Ms Ahmed, who was staying at the Airport Inn in Memphis, was crossing East Brooks Road when she was knocked down and killed by a driver, who then sped off. Elvis fan Ms Ahmed died during an extended trip to visit the singer's (pictured) home city of Memphis . Mr Kent said: 'We hugged and said our good nights and I left her in the hotel parking lot. 'She evidently went back in the hotel and got on their computer in the lobby. 'Then she must have gone back outside. That's when it happened. She was killed by a hit and run driver. 'It's just so sad - I am just crushed.' Pembrokeshire coroner Mark Layton told the family that very little information, other than that Mrs Ahmed has been struck by a motor vehicle, was available. The court heard US authorities failed to trace the driver has never been traced by authorities in America and a 'lack of information' had slowed down the investigation into the details of Ms Ahmed's death. Matthew Francis, her daughter's partner, told the inquest they knew 'very little' of what happened - because there were no witnesses nor CCTV. He said: 'From what we know she had gone out there to see the home of Elvis. It was Elvis week and she was going to meet friends. 'We know that she had a booking slip for a bus to Orlando, which was due to leave not far from the time she was struck. 'We do not know if she was going back to the hotel or going for the bus.' Recording an open verdict at the inquest in Milford Haven, Mr Layton said: 'It is clear that there was no CCTV, and there were not any witnesses to the collision.' The court heard Ms Ahmed, from St Davids, west Wales, had recently met up with fellow fans at the singer's former home of Graceland (pictured)

Summary: Andrea Ahmed died on her 54th birthday moments after watching Joe Kent . The impersonator had serenaded her with 'Yesterday, When I was Young' Moments later, she was killed just a mile from famous Heartbreak Hotel . But US authorities failed to trace driver due to lack of CCTV or witnesses . The grandmother, from St Davids, Wales, had been on extended trip to US .


Arrested: Ayou has been accused of double murder . A woman in China has been accused of killing her husband and mother-in-law, before trying to sell her babies for £7,000 each. Mail-order bride Ayou, 21, was bought for little more than £3,000 from Vietnam by 32-year-old Lai Binghao and his father, Lai Shehui. She was arranged to be married to Lai Binghao and less than a year after the nuptials, Ayou gave birth to twins, according to People’s Daily Online. Her mother-in-law moved into the couple's home in Chaozhou in South China's Guangdong province, to help look after the two baby boys. But when Lai Shehui went to visit the family on March 2, he found his wife and son tied up and strangled in bed. Ayou, given her name because her husband's family could not read her photocopied identity documents, and her babies were missing. Twins: The baby boys were born less than a year after Vietnemese Ayou and Chinese Lai Binghao were married . Grieving: When Lai Shehui (pictured) went to visit the family on March 2, he found his wife and son tied up and strangled in bed . Buying wives from abroad has become increasingly common in some of China's poor rural areas, where a gender imbalance has developed due to a traditional preference for sons and the country's family planning policies. Across China, 118 males are born for every 100 females, according to government statistics. In some rural areas, men can be expected to own a house, car and have considerable wealth before they can attract a Chinese bride. But with many unable to do so, the trade in overseas brides, which is often linked to human trafficking, has grown in China. In less than 24 hours, Chaozhou Public Security Bureau arrested Ayou on suspicion of murder. On March 4, police took her to the scene of the crime and the twins were found in a nearby town where they were being sold for £7,000 each. Grieving Lai Shehui said: 'The children are not even 3 months old. 'Their father and grandma are dead and their mother is in prison. How can I bring them up on my own?' Police believe Ayou and three Vietnamese men strangled her husband and mother-in-law. Others involved in the trafficking of the babies have also been arrested. The marriage between Ayou and Lai Binghao was set up by a Vietnamese marriage arranger. Mail-order bride Ayou, 21, was bought for little more than £3,000 from Vietnam by 32-year-old Lai Binghao and his father, Lai Shehui (pictured) Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: Mail-order bride Ayou is accused of killing her husband and mother-in-law . She was bought for £3,000 from Vietnam by Lai Binghao and his father . Ayou gave birth to twins less than a year after she married her husband . Accused of murdering husband and mother-in-law and trying to sell babies .


The Phoenix Zoo has confessed to what it's calling an 'em-bear-assing' mistake regarding one of its animals. Park officials were planning to transfer Luka to Nashville, Tennessee, when they discovered that the two-year-old Andean bear is a female, not a male as thought. According to keepers, the species' genitalia are highly undeveloped before the age of two, making it very difficult to determine gender. The Phoenix Zoo was planning to transfer Luka to Nashville, Tennessee, when they recently discovered that the Andean bear is a female, not a male as thought (above pictured in July 2013, left, and a year later, right) Apparently the Andean bear - native to South America - is also particularly difficult to sex because there has been limited captive breeding across the U.S. Many have been incorrectly sexed as cubs at other facilities in the past, the Phonenix Zoo notes. Luka was the first Andean cub successfully born and raised at the park. She was given her first medical exam at four months old when her gender was determined. She hadn't been handled too much since the check-up, as employees felt she was doing 'very well' with her mother, Rio. The animal hadn’t been handled too much since her first check-up at four months old - when her sex was determined - as employees felt she was doing very well with her mother, Rio (pictured together, above) It wasn’t until last week, when Luka underwent a routine examination and health evaluation that it was found 'he' was actually a female bear. The zoo said Luka still might go to Nashville, but now that they know she's a 'she', it opens up other options for the bear's participation in a breeding program. Experts called the mistake 'great news for the management of this rare bear'. The concluded: 'All births are critically important for this species as they are so rare in zoos, and having another young female is beneficial to the entire breeding program and survival of the species.'

Summary: Park officials were planning to transfer the animal to Tennessee when they discovered they had got the sex wrong . Experts say it is an easy mistake to make as the Andean bear cubs' genitalia are highly undeveloped before the age of two .


Clare Balding has abandoned the Grand National to host the Boat Race . Clare Balding will abandon the Grand National next month to host the Boat Race because it is the first time coverage will also include the women’s race. The date of the Oxford-Cambridge rowing race clashes with the Aintree event, which she has covered for 21 years. The Bafta-winning presenter, 44, told the Racing Post: ‘I knew I couldn’t do the Grand National because of the Boat Race. 'I have not been quiet about my commitment to women’s sport and next year will be a really historic moment because the Women’s Boat Race will be on TV for the very first time. 'I would have liked to do both events, but whereas I’ve covered the last 21 Grand Nationals I’ve never covered the Women’s Boat Race. ‘I felt I couldn’t say all I say about women in sport and then not be there that first time the women are on the tideway.’ Yesterday one of her Twitter followers, Kev Doolan, wrote: ‘Still can’t believe you are doing the Boat Race over the Grand National #deserter.’ She responded: ‘For the record, the Grand National doesn’t need my help, women’s sport does.’ After Mr Doolan said he was upset she was leaving the Grand National after 21 years because she was such a good presenter, she added: ‘You’re very kind but it’s a very good team at C4 and I don’t think you’ll even notice I’m not there. And I believe that sometimes you’ve got to do something unexpected to make your point. My point being women’s sport matters.’ She added: ‘It’s a very good team and I don’t think you’ll even notice I’m not there. I believe sometimes you’ve got to do something unexpected to make your point. My point being women’s sport matters.’ Miss Balding has long been an advocate of women’s sport and believes that in recent years female athletes have been taken more seriously. She told The Independent last year: ‘I’ve felt that, especially since London 2012, the demand for a variety of women’s sport is there from the public. ‘They’re interested, they’re engaged and I have the feeling that in the next ten years we are going to see a massively changed cultural landscape. The date of the Oxford-Cambridge rowing race clashes with the Aintree event, which she has covered for 21 years. Pictured: Clare Balding with the Boat Race teams . The Women’s Boat Race will be on TV for the very first time. Pictured: The crews from both Oxford and Cambridge . Broadcaster Balding has been covering the Grand National at Aintree for 21 years . ‘At school I remember saying to my careers teacher that I wanted to be an eventer. She thought I’d said “inventor”. When I corrected her and told her my ambition was to go to the Olympics she just silently passed on to the next girl, while everyone else in the class laughed. ‘I would like to think nowadays if any girl said they wanted to be an equestrian, an

Summary: Clare Balding will miss the Grand National to host the Boat Race . Oxford-Cambridge rowing race clashes with the Aintree event . This year is the first time the women's race will be shown on TV . Presenter, 44, has covered the annual Aintree event for 21 years . Balding has never covered the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race .


The Northern Territory's chief minister has accused the media of ignoring the rape of a seven-year-old Aboriginal girl in the Northern Territory and implied the reporting was racist. It was reported by the ABC on March 8 that an Aboriginal girl at a town camp outside of Alice Springs had been raped. In a two-sentence media release the following day, NT Police media wrote: 'Alice Springs Police have arrested and charged a 29-year-old man following the sexual assault of a minor.' 'He was refused bail overnight, to appear in Alice Springs Magistrates Court today (Tuesday).' No further information was released. During parliament on Tuesday NT chief minister Adam Giles (pictured) accused the media of not reporting on the rape of an Aboriginal minor because the child was not 'a blonde-haired, blue eyed little girl.' The Opposition Leader Delia Lawrie (pictured) was quick to defend reporters, labelling Mr Giles accusations as 'heinous' and pointing out that minimal information was available about the case . The seven-year-old girl was raped by a 29-year-old near Alice Springs. Giles said: 'A little Aboriginal kid in the Hidden Valley town camp ... it's just not been noticed and I think it's quite disgusting' (stock image) However, during parliament on Tuesday the chief minister Adam Giles accused the media of not reporting the story because the child was not 'a blonde-haired, blue eyed little girl.' 'The saddest part is it was a little blip on the media radar. It raised a few column inches and it disappeared,' he said. 'One can only think that if it was a blonde-haired blue-eyed little girl it would have made the front page of media around the country. 'But a little Aboriginal kid in the Hidden Valley town camp ... it's just not been noticed and I think it's quite disgusting.' However, the Opposition Leader Delia Lawrie was quick to defend reporters, labelling Mr Giles accusations as 'heinous' and pointing out that minimal information was available about the case. All government agencies involved in delivering services and law enforcement at town camps across Alice Springs and Tennant Creek will meet on Friday to discuss safety and living conditions (stock image) 'Don't blame people who weren't provided information from the very government that is now seeking to blame them,' she said. 'I wouldn't be surprised if there's a lot of pressure on police in terms of what goes out in the media domain, that fits with the culture of cover-up in the (Country Liberal Party).' Police Minister Peter Chandler denied the government was leaning on police not to release information on crime if it was politically uncomfortable. 'Absolutely not,' he said. 'If anybody thinks things are being held back or hidden, that's good for nobody.' Acting Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw stood by the timing of the sparse media release. Acting Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw stood by the timing of the sparse media release . He said police took great care in making sure that when action was taken it was correct and would not prejudice any case before the courts. He would not

Summary: An Aboriginal girl, 7, was raped by a man, 29, near Alice Springs . The NT police released two sentences about the man's arrest to the public . However NT chief minister Adam Giles accused the the media of ignoring the incident because the victim was not 'a blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl' Opposition Leader Delia Lawrie has called this accusation 'heinous' Lawrie pointed out that the media was not provided with any details .


Two of the biggest matches of the season will take place simultaneously next month when the Barclays Premier League clash between Manchester United and Chelsea kicks off 10 minutes after Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final against Reading. The Football Association announced on Thursday that the first semi-final at Wembley between the Gunners and Steve Clarke's men will take place at 5.20pm on Saturday April 18 and be broadcast live on BBC One. That sees it go head-to-head with Sky Sports' evening kick-off between Chelsea and United which is due to start at 5.30pm. Marouane Fellaini (right) looks to take the ball past Gary Cahill during Manchester United's Premier League match against Chelsea at Old Trafford last October . Arsenal players celebrate after beating Hull in the FA Cup final at Wembley last year . The second semi-final between Aston Villa and either Blackburn or Liverpool will be screened by BT Sport 1 on Sunday April 19 with a 3pm kick-off. The afternoon kick-off will be welcomed by fans having to travel back to the north west and midlands on Sunday evening. Arsenal, Reading and Villa have all been allocated 31,500 tickets for the semi-finals with further details to be released following the quarter-final replay on April 8. Jose Mourinho (centre) looks on during Chelsea's Premier League match against Southampton . Aston Villa fans celebrate victory on the pitch after beating West Brom in the FA Cup sixth round .

Summary: Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final against Reading takes place on April 18 . The match at Wembley kicks off at 5.20pm and is live on BBC One . Chelsea vs Manchester United starts at 5.30pm on Sky Sports .


Australian teenage jihadist Jake Bilardi was expressing anti-Western sentiments years before he fled to the Middle East . Australian teenage jihadist Jake Bilardi was expressing anti-Western sentiments years before he fled to the Middle East to fight with terror group Islamic State. In comments posted about news stories and opinion pieces, Bilardi pointed out the evils of Australia and the United States. Earlier this week, Fairfax Media revealed a 'Jonathan Edwards', who was thought to be a Briton when he appeared in a photo brandishing a rifle between two bearded men in front of a black IS flag last year, was in fact an 18-year-old from Melbourne. Bilardi is a high school drop-out who attended Craigieburn Secondary College - in the Victorian capital's north. A collection of his comments seen on the website, Disqus, showed the teenager was an avid reader of Al Jazeera. They date back up to four years ago and most of them showed him weighing in on Islamic issues. In response to another commenter, Bilardi tells them to 'get a better education on the real teachings of Islam' before airing their opinion in May 2011. 'I am not a muslim [sic] but you see I am not a pathetic loser who doesn't know anything outside of their own home and I actually have a life I don't just go on the internet to abuse people and their beliefs,' the 18-year-old wrote. This came a year before the teenager, who has been dubbed the 'White Jihadist', converted to Islam and started worshipping at Melbourne mosques, according to Fairfax Media. Later in the year, Bilardi hit out at an American who he accused of Islamophobic behaviour. 'The CIA funded Al-Qaeda, the US government funded the Taliban. They brought this on themselves. You are a prime example of an Islamophobe,' Bilardi said. 'Saying "maybe if Muslims didn't attack America", you do realise that less than 1% of Muslims are terrorists and that Islamic terrorism only makes up 6% of global terrorism.' Bilardi added Americans were being influenced by local media, saying the same happened to Australians. 'If you're smart enough and can think for yourself you can actually realise that most of the stuff you are told are lies,' he said. Earlier this week, a youthful Islamic State fighter posing with a rifle was identified as Melbourne teen Jake Bilardi . Jake Bilardi's aunt said the entire family was devastated by her 18-year-old nephew joining ISIS . A Craigieburn schoolmate was shocked because Bilardi 'really kept to himself and didn't cause trouble' 'America is supposed to be a land of freedom, but... the CIA can listen in on phone calls from anyone in the country, cameras have been set up on every street, people have been arrested just for being Muslim, just shows what scum are running the country.' The teenager was an avid reader of Al Jazeera and weighed in on Islamic issues in the comments section . Bilardi also accused American soldiers of 'always killing innocent civilians' in Afghanistan and Iraq, saying they were bombing and shooting them 'just

Summary: Jake Bilardi made anti-Western comments years before he went to Iraq . In comments, he pointed out the evils of Australia and the United States . Bilardi was an avid reader of Al Jazeera and weighed in on Islamic issues . Comments were made a year before the 18-year-old converted to Islam . His family have revealed they are shock over his ties with Islamic State .


A New York City truck driver is accused of using a fancy bumper-retracting gadget to help him avoid paying the toll on the George Washington Bridge. Authorities say Pablo Ortega was seen activating a device to make his 'bumper lift to a 90-degree angle' so his license plate would be 'unreadable to the EZ-Pass reader' by an officer from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police who was positioned at a toll booth earlier this week. Ortega, 45, was charged with tampering with public records and possession of burglary tools. Scroll down for video . Pablo Ortega, 45, was charged with tampering with public records and possession of burglary tools . Authorities believe that Ortega was trying to avoid paying a $95 toll for crossing the George Washington Bridge . Police say he used a device to lift his truck's bumper at a 90 degeree angle to avoid an EZ-Pass reader . The officer observed Ortega flipping a switch on the dashboard of his red 1997 Peterbilt tractor-trailer as he entered the bridge from Fort Lee, New Jersey. The suspect had a load of candy he was hauling across the Hudson River. It normally costs $95 for an 18-wheel truck to cross the Hudson into upper Manhattan. The rear license plate of the truck was covered with grease and unreadable, the New York Post reported. Port Authority spokesman Joseph Pentangelo said: 'This is more sophisticated than most of the contraptions we've seen in the past.' The device, which can be used legally to protect bumpers from getting scraped, cost Ortega about $2,500. It is not known how many times Ortega used the device. The device on Ortega's red 1997 Peterbilt tractor-trailer was operated by a switch on the vehicle's dashboard�� .

Summary: Pablo Ortega is charged with possession of burglary tools and tampering . 45-year-old's bumper lifted to 90-degree angle to avoid EZ-Pass reader . Rear license plate of his vehicle was covered with grease and unreadable . Port Authority charges $95 for 18-wheel trucks taking bridge to Manhattan .


A teenager who sexually assaulted a woman near a Perth train station on his 15th birthday has avoided immediate detention and been warned by a magistrate to 'get off the porn'. The boy, who cannot be named, was sentenced in the West Australian Children's Court on Thursday to a 10-month conditional release order, which includes 80 hours of community service and counselling. The court heard the 22-year-old victim was attacked after getting off a train at Warwick station in October. The boy grabbed the woman from behind, touched her breast and put his hand under her skirt before she broke free and said: 'What the f*** are you doing?' A teenager sexually assaulted a woman on a cycle path (pictured) near a Perth train station in October . The court heard the 22-year-old victim was grabbed from behind and the boy was still wearing his school uniform . Defence lawyer Hylton Quail said the boy had developed an addiction to pornography and, as he went through puberty, his Christian family did not discuss sexuality. He said the boy was trying to act out what he had become obsessed with from watching pornography, which was to grab her bottom, but as he started acting out his fantasy it escalated. Mr Quail described the teenager as a 'silly young boy' whose parents had since stopped him from accessing the internet on his own at night. Prosecutor Genevieve Cleary said the attack was premeditated but unsophisticated because the teenager was wearing his school uniform and could be easily identified. 'This was a random, frightening attack on a young woman who was simply going about her business,' she said. The boy, who cannot be named, was sentenced in the West Australian Children's Court on Thursday . Magistrate Andree Horrigan noted letters from the boy's coach, principal and family friends who said they were stunned, deeply shocked and surprised by the offending. But she said they did not know about the boy's 'nocturnal activities'. She added that the crime was degrading and invasive. 'I could not imagine a more serious set of circumstances,' she said. 'It's just disgusting.' Magistrate Horrigan said the boy's behaviour was 'entirely and grossly unacceptable' and warned him to be more respectful. 'You do not know what you take from people when you behave like this,' she said. 'You take people's confidence ... It's going to have a lasting impact on her.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: The teenager sexually assaulted a woman near a Perth train station . The court heard the 22-year-old victim was grabbed from behind . He touched her breast and put his hand under her skirt . She broke free and said: 'What the f*** are you doing?' Defence lawyer Hylton Quail said the boy had an addiction to pornography . Magistrate Andree Horrigan said the boy's behaviour was 'entirely and grossly unacceptable' He was sentenced to a 10-month conditional release order .


Mario Balotelli appears to be far from happy if the Liverpool striker's latest Instagram post is anything to go by. The forward missed his side's 1-0 victory against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium through illness and didn't travel with his team-mates to the game. The 24-year-old shared a less than friendly video on his page, in which he claimed people don't know the real him. Mario Balotelli puts his finger to his mouth as he tells people to 'shut up' at the end of his Instagram video . The 24-year-old missed Liverpool's clash with Swansea at the Liberty through illness and asks in the video, 'do you know what I've been through in my life?' He said: 'Do you know me? Did you ever talk to me, personally? Do you know what I've been through in my life? 'You just saw me play football on the pitch, man, shut up!' The summer signing from AC Milan has been somewhat of a disappointment since his arrival - having scored only four goals in all competitions. The Italian forward has been less than impressive since his big money move from Serie A giants AC Milan . It remains to be seen if he'll still be at the club next season, with his acquisition failing to inspire the Anfield faithful. With a huge game against Manchester United on Sunday, Brendan Rodgers will be hoping Balotelli will be available and help his side push into the Champions League places.

Summary: Mario Balotelli posted an angry Instagram video telling people to 'shut up' The Liverpool striker missed his side's 1-0 win over Swansea on Monday . Balotelli also said people 'only see him on the football pitch' The 24-year-old posted he'd be back for Liverpool after his illness . Click here for all the latest Liverpool news .


A third attacker is still on the run after the massacre at Tunisia's Bardo museum which left 23 dead, the country's president has said. President Beji Caid Essebsi said the attack involved 'three aggressors' and the third man escaped, in an interview broadcast on French television. He was speaking live with French network iTele from inside the museum where extremists killed 21 people. Scroll down for video . A third attacker is still on the run after the deadly assault on Tunisia's Bardo museum, the country's president Beji Caid Essebsi has said . The news comes after a video was released of the pair roaming the Bardo, and appearing to 'let go' a visitor . The two attackers encounter a man with a backpack walking down a flight of stairs in the museum - but let the visitor escape with his life before carrying out the deadly attack . he man in the backpack scuttles off as the two armed men prepare to carry out the chilling attack . Suspects have been arrested over the attack but it was previously believed just two gunmen launched the attack on the museum. The news comes after a video was released of the pair roaming the Bardo. The one-minute video posted on the government's Interior Ministry Facebook page shows the two men scurrying through the Tunis museum, carrying assault rifles and bags. One of the attackers is wearing a baseball cap and a heavy jacket, while the other wears a red hooded jumper and tracksuit pants. At one point, they encounter another man with a backpack walking down a flight of stairs. They briefly acknowledge each other and let the unidentified man walk free before unleashing the deadly attack in the country's largest museum. The video also shows stills of the dead gunmen - named as Yassine Laabidi and Hatem Khachnaou - who were killed in a firefight with security forces, including a picture indicating at least one was wearing an explosive belt. Hostages flee the museum during the Tunisian special forces raid which ended in the death of both gunmen . The government now plans to deploy the army to major cities to bolster security following the shootings - here policeman stand outside the Carthage International Airport in Tunis . Police responding to the attack shot and killed the two gunmen. They were identified as Tunisians in their 20s who had trained in Libya. Essebsi said the extremists who have recruited about 3,000 Tunisians to fight in Iraq and Syria have no credible connection to Islamic belief. He said his country was at war with them. 'When war is brought upon us, we will wage war,' he said. ISIS claimed Wednesday's attack on foreign tourists in Tunis, the deadliest involving foreigners in Tunisia since a 2002 suicide bombing on the island of Djerba. Tunisian fighters make up a disproportionately high number of foreign recruits to ISIS in Syria, with as many as 10,000 having signed up. Shattered: The walls and windows were peppered with bullet holes while unused grenades lay scattered among debris .

Summary: President Beji Caid Essebsi said the attack involved 'three aggressors' He told French TV station that a third man escaped and was on the run . Was previously believed just two gunmen launched attack on the museum . Deadly terror attack on Wednesday in Tunis museum left 23 people dead .


At the height of her fame she wouldn’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day. But now Linda Evangelista is facing rather more prosaic money issues after getting embroiled in a row over who's going to pay a $1.5 million (£980,000) bill to repair the roof of her luxury Manhattan penthouse. The Canadian model and other occupiers of the top-floor units at the Spears Building in Chelsea are suing the owners of the apartment block over the demand they pay the full cost of the work. Linda Evangelista is in a dispute with the owners of the building in which she has her Manhattan penthouse over a $1.5 million bill to replace its roof . The Spears Building, where penthouse residents including Miss Evangelista want the cost of replacing the roof to be shared by all residents. It is in an area of Chelsea where some apartments go for as much as £5 million . In a lawsuit filed on Monday, Miss Evangelista and other fellow top floor residents charge that the owners of the building at 525 W. 22nd St intend to violate the condominium’s bylaws by landing them with the entire seven-figure cost. They argue the expense is supposed to be covered by the owners of all 30 units in the luxury loft complex in a wealthy neighbourhood where apartments cost as much as £5 million. The lawsuit says the owners got a legal opinion in 2011 that only those with private rooftop terraces on the sixth floor had to contribute anything towards the ongoing cost of maintaining the roof, but that residents of the entire building would be expected to put money towards a full replacement . Instead of carrying out the replacement then, the board started charging unit owners extra monthly fees to build up a fund to pay for it at later date, the lawsuit alleges. Canadian Miss Evangelista, 49, was one of the original supermodels who ruled the catwalk in the 1990s . But the board reportedly decided last month to go back to the original plan and replace the roof but with penthouse residents only now expected to pay the entire cost, including financing. A formal vote on the proposals by the board is scheduled for Thursday night, but Miss Evangelista and other plaintiffs are seeking to postpone it. They want more information about the extent of the work needed so the penthouse owners can properly resolve the issue of who should pay for it. The group argue it is unacceptable how one of the penthouse owners was told he would have to cough up $177,000 (£116,000), minus $12,000 he had already paid into the roof maintenance fund. Miss Evangelista, 49, who was born in Canada, was one of the group of supermodels who became famous in the 1990s for ruling the catwalk. She supposedly coined the phrase: ‘We don’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day’ which came to symbolise the high money, high fashion world they lived in. Her spokesman was not available for comment.

Summary: Supermodel and other top-floor Spears Building residents in joint lawsuit . Claim all 30 unit owners at Chelsea apartment complex should be liable . 525 W. 22nd St building owners want just penthouse residents to pay . One has been landed with $177,000 bill, despite having already paid five figure sum into roof repair fund . Canadian Miss Evangelista, 49, was one of the original supermodels .


Two 'petite' firearms officers who won a sex discrimination case over the size of their big guns have spoken out against the 'malicious' police force amid claims they are being 'starved' back to work. Victoria Wheatley and Rachael Giles won their sex discrimination case against the Civil Nuclear Constabulary on the grounds they could not reach the trigger at a hearing in February last year. But now both women believe their careers are over, a remedy hearing at Central London Employment Tribunal heard today. Ms Wheatley branded the organisation's attitude towards her as 'disgraceful' while Ms Giles claimed the case had brought her 'a great deal of stress and anxiety', adding: 'They are making me choose between my mental health and paying the bills.' Bullied: Firearms officer Rachael Giles, who sued the British Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) after claiming her firearm was too big for her small hand, says she has been bullied by the 'malicious' force . Both women, in their 30s, are still employed by the constabulary but are on sick leave due to stress on pensionable pay - resulting in them not getting full pay. They had returned to work after winning their case last year but Miss Wheatley complained they only did 'menial' jobs which was 'completely belittling and humiliating.' They are part of the armed CNC and help protect power stations at Sellafield in Cumbria and Chapelcross in Dumfries and Galloway. Both claimed at the original tribunal that their reputations were damaged because their unsuitable equipment - a Glock 17 - meant they received lower marks than men in firing range tests while protective gear was too big for their small heads and legs. The tribunal found the CNC guilty of indirect sex discrimination but dismissed claims of victimisation. In going though the series of complaints made by the women today, John Cavanagh QC, representing the CNC, noted that Miss Giles felt the force's treatment of her has been 'malicious and unpleasant'. Miss Giles, who was diagnosed with depression in February 2014, claimed: 'I believe that my career with the constabulary is at an end.' She added that she has 'no faith in the constabulary and that I would be treated fairly'. She suggested that her mental health has not been helped by the time it has taken to try and resolve the case, and even doubts whether the CNC believes they have done anything wrong. She added: 'The constabulary has behaved in a particularly malicious manner. I believe this has been to intimidate.' Mr Cavanagh also said that Miss Wheatley had claimed that she had been put on pensionable pay. Petite: Both complained that the handle of her Glock 17 pistol (pictured) was too big for her hands . He noted that she believes 'this was an attempt to starve her back to to work so that the claim can be made that she is fit and well and totally unaffected'. The women were also left disappointed because they felt nothing had changed in the force despite them winning their sex discrimination case last year. Giving

Summary: Victoria Wheatley and Rachael Giles won case against the Civil Nuclear Constabulary last year on the grounds they could not reach the trigger . But both women have since been signed off work sick due to stress . Complained they were forced to do 'menial' jobs after tribunal win . The women, in their 30s, also believe their careers in the force to be over .


Serious injuries to Ben Foster and Fraser Forster have rocked the England squad and Roy Hodgson made no attempt to pretend otherwise. ‘We thought we had three top-class goalkeepers and now we only have one,’ said the England boss. It probably wasn’t what Rob Green and Jack Butland wanted to hear, but at least he was honest. ‘We were devastated,’ said Hodgson, when asked about Forster, who could be out for the rest of the year after surgery to mend a broken knee-cap. Joe Hart is England's only remaining 'world class' keeper after the injuries to Ben Foster and Fraser Forster . Rob Green (centre) returned to the England squad with Hart (left) and Jack Butland (right) Roy Hodgson said: 'We thought we had three top-class goalkeepers and now we only have one’ ‘I’ve been in touch but there’s not much you can do to cheer him up. It’s the same with Ben Foster, who will be out for the rest of the season and a good way into next. 'It is a good opportunity for every goalkeeper in the country to show me what they can do. In the past we thought people were hard to replace but others came along.’ Forster, 27, was hurt when he collided with Burnley's Sam Vokes while clearing the ball in Southampton's 2-0 win on Saturday. It's estimated he could be out of action for between nine months and a year. Roger East checks on Forster after the clash with Burnley's Sam Vokes that could put him out for a year . Southampton's in-form keeper Forster was carried off the pitch on a stretcher on Saturday . West Brom's Foster will be out for six months after surgery found he had damaged his anterior cruciate ligament. The injury in the Baggies' victory over Stoke was initially thought to be cartilage damage but an exploratory operation found it to be much worse. QPR's Green has been called up for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania on Friday and friendly against Italy on Tuesday, joining England Under 21's first-choice Jack Butland. England's No 1 Joe Hart, the remaining 'world class' keeper for Hodgson, admitted that the injuries to Foster and Forster hit the England camp hard but backs Green to step into the void. West Brom's Ben Foster was also forced out of the England squad with an anterior cruciate ligament injury . Foster will be out for a month with the knee injury that paves the way for Green to join the England squad . 'I was gutted for Ben and Fraser. It’s really, really sad news. It has rocked us all as a goalkeeping group and rocked all the lads in the squad because they are great guys and they are having a great season,' the Manchester City keeper said. 'But Greeny has come in and hopefully he can profit. He did brilliant in the Championship last year. I remember watching him in the play-off final, when he was man of the match for me. QPR are in a bad position but he has been

Summary: England's back-up keepers Ben Foster and Fraser Forster out long-term . Roy Hodgson said it leaves England with one world class keeper, Joe Hart . Southampton's Forster out for up to a year after breaking his knee cap . Foster suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage playing for West Brom . QPR's Rob Green joins Jack Butland in Hodgson's England squad .


Michael van Gerwen produced a stunning performance to thrash fellow Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld in week eight of the Premier League in Dublin. The world No 1 notched up his sixth win in eight games to remain unbeaten in the tournament with a dominant 7-2 victory at the 3 Arena. Van Gerwen, who averaged 108.71, raced into a 3-0 lead and also won the last three legs of the match to maintain his place at the top of the standings. 'It was a fantastic performance,' Van Gerwen told PDC.tv. 'We both played really well and the only disappointing thing for me in the game was the nine-darter! Michael van Gerwen thrashed his fellow Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld 7-2 in Dublin . Adrian Lewis 2-7 Dave Chisnall . Gary Anderson 7-4 Stephen Bunting . Peter Wright 3-7 James Wade . Michael v.Gerwen 7-2 Raymond v.Barneveld . Phil Taylor 7-4 Kim Huybrechts . 'The trebles are going in really well and that's more important than the double 12 and the nine-darter. I'm playing fantastic darts, and even though I can play better I am happy with this.' The defeat leaves Van Barneveld in elimination danger next week as he sits third from bottom in the table. Adrian Lewis, meanwhile, remained in the bottom two after he was beaten 7-2 by Dave Chisnall in the first match of the evening. 'I didn't happen for me tonight,' said Lewis. 'Double top let me down on a few occasions and double five pulled me out of the bag a couple of times, and it's difficult to deal with.' Dave Chisnall started the night in Ireland with a 7-2 win over Adrian Lewis . Chisnall said: 'I'm happy with that. Adrian wasn't at his best and he missed a few doubles, but I capitalised on that - sometimes you need a bit of luck and timing, and today I had both of those. 'I've not played my best darts in the last couple of weeks but I put it right this week. I was confident that I could get the win and I managed to get the victory. 'I've done everything right in preparation and it paid off because once I got into the lead I didn't look back, and I can't wait for Manchester next week now.' There were no such problems for Phil Taylor, though, as he beat bottom placed Belgian Kim Huybrechts 7-4. Phil Taylor beat bottom placed Kim Huybrechts 7-4 at the 3 Arena in Dublin . Taylor said: 'Kim played pretty well and his finishing was good but he let me in when he missed that 100. It was nip and tuck so I'm happy to have come out with the win. 'It was a tough game but I enjoyed it. I had a 104 average this week and won and a 115 average last week and lost, which doesn't make sense, but that's the game now and there were a lot of nerves on this week. 'I can relax next week now but I'm really looking forward to playing Dave Chisnall in

Summary: Michael van Gerwen wins all-Dutch clash in Ireland . World No 1 stayed top of the league and unbeaten this season . Adrian Lewis beaten 7-2 by Dave Chisnall . Phil Taylor beats Belgian Kim Huybrechts 7-4 . Gary Anderson claims a 7-4 victory over Stephen Bunting .


A number of pilots at low-cost airline Germanwings refused to fly today following yesterday's crash in the French Alps that killed all 150 people on board. Their decision came as it emerged the Airbus A320 that dropped out of the sky and ploughed into a mountainside had been grounded over technical fears just 24 hours before. Helicopter operations continued for a second day in the grim search for debris and bodies - including those of three British nationals - that have been scattered over acres of mountain terrain. Reports revealed the aircraft had suffered technical issues, including a landing gear problem, just a day before it was due to fly from Barcelona to Dusseldorf. Scroll down for video . Grief: Germanwings airline employees comfort each other during a ceremony to observe a moment of silence for the victims of the Airbus 320 crash at the company's headquarters in Cologne, Germany . Lufthansa employees observe a minute's silence in Frankfurt, Germany, for the 150 victims who died in the Germanwings plane crash . Burning candles and pins of German airlines Condor, Germanwings and Lufthansa are placed by crew members in commemoration of the victims of Germanwings flight 4U9525 AT the Germanwings headquarters . Urgent safety checks are now being carried out on other A320s, while passengers were left stranded at Heathrow, Stansted and Manchester yesterday after several Germanwings crews refused to work. A spokeswoman for the airline's parent company, Lufthansa, said one Germanwings flight from Dusseldorf to Barcelona was cancelled because the pilots 'don't feel they are in a position to fly'. She declined to say how many pilots declined to work today, adding that all Lufthansa flights were going ahead as planned. Staff at Germanwings and Lufthansa wept during an emotional minute's silence for victims of the disaster at their respective headquarters in Germany this afternoon. A spokesman for the pilots' union Vereinigung Cockpit, Joerg Handwerg, insisted the decision was not because of concerns about safety. 'It has nothing to do with safety. The pilots have friends and colleagues who have died,' Handwerg said on public television. 'That is such a heavy emotional burden that it's better not to get into the cockpit.' Obliterated: Search and rescue teams sift through the wreckage of the Germanwings plane as the recovery operation enters its second day . French mountain troopers are climb a hill near the makeshift helicopter landing pads in Seyne Les Alpes to secure the area for the visit of French President Francois Hollande, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy . Show of solidarity: French President Francois Hollande (centre) embraces Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy as German Chancellor Angela Merkel (second right) looks on while they walk on a field near the crash site of Germanwings Airbus A320 near Seyne-les-Alpes . Yesterday, Germanwings had reported 'occasional flight disruptions within its route network' as pilots were too shocked to fly following the news of the crash of an A320 Germanwings jet. It was the first fatal accident in the history of Germanwings and the deadliest on the French mainland

Summary: One Germanwings flight cancelled because pilots 'didn't feel able to fly' Passengers stranded at UK airports yesterday after crews refused to work .


A Brown University graduate student has died after jumping from the 12th floor of a campus building. Hyoun Ju Sohn, a 25-year-old physics doctoral student from South Korea, died Tuesday around noon after plunging from the Sciences Library building. Brown President Christina Paxson said in a statement that the university is 'deeply saddened' by his death. Police have ruled it a suicide. Hyoun Ju Sohn, a 25-year-old first year doctoral students in Brown University's Physics department, died after jumping from the institution's Sciences Library around noon Tuesday . The student from South Korea came to the US for his undergraduate education at Columbia University, where he received a prestigious Rabi scholarship . Police have said that it has been ruled a suicide. Sohn had 'glowing evaluations' as a teaching assistant at Brown, according to Paxson. He was named a Rabi Scholar for 'exceptional promise in the sciences' when he entered Columbia University and graduated in 2013. The student was particularly interested in the physics of condensed matter. The twelfth floor of Brown University's Sciences Library was closed Tuesday afternoon. A worker was seen sweeping broken window below . A vigil of 350 people was held Tuesday night outside the campus center, and smaller meetings were held for students and faculty. Paxson said counseling will be available for graduate and undergraduate students. The 12th floor of the library was closed off as of 2.30pm, according to the Providence Journal. A worker was seen sweeping away a broken window below the library. For confidential support on suicide matters call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or see www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org for details.

Summary: Hyoun Ju Sohn, a 25-year-old doctoral student, died Tuesday . Student received prestigious scholarship from Columbia University . Twelfth floor of sciences library closed after the incident around noon .


A man has been charged with animal abuse after taking his dog to the veterinarian. Jermell Blackman of Westbury, New York, took his dog in after he was concerned about how much weight the animal had lost and thinking it had been poisoned, at which point it was discovered the severely underweight dog had been eating wood and plastic. What's more, the dog was filthy, covered in sores and so cold that its temperature did not register on a thermometer. Jermell Blackman (above) was charged with misdemeanor animal abuse on Monday after one of his dogs, Scotia, was found underweight, covered in sores, and so hungry it had begun eating wood and plastic . Blackman also bred and sold dogs to friends, frequently posting photos of the animals alongside his email address and phone number (above) Blackman (left with one of his dogs) bred Scotia with another dog last year, and was selling one of the resulting pups (right) in December for $2,000 plus shipping . Newsday reports that the 2-year-old dog Scotia, a pit bull-terrier mix, also had a heart rate that was one-half to one-third to what a normal dog's heart rate should be. After almost an hour trying to save the dog, it was euthanized. Blackman, 34, was arraigned Monday on misdemeanor animal abuse and released soon after. According to his Facebook page, Blackman also bred and sold dogs to friends, frequently posting photos of the animals alongside his email address and phone number. He even had his own Facebook and Instagram accounts for his business, called Trucklife Bullies. Blackman bred Scotia with another dog last year, and was selling one of the resulting pups in December for $2,000 plus shipping.

Summary: Jermell Blackman of Westbury, New York was charged with misdemeanor animal abuse on Monday . Blackman took his dog to the veterinarian thinking it had been poisoned at which point it was found the animal had been eating plastic and wood . The animal was also severely underweight, had a temperature so low it could not be recorded on a thermometer and covered in sores . After almost an hour trying to save the dog, Scotia, it was euthanized . Blackmann also bred and sold dogs, listing a pup Scotia gave birth to last year for $2,000 plus shipping in December .


It has been talked about and hyped-up for more than a year, but a basic evolutionary instinct could end up putting people off buying the new Apple iWatch. For once it is nothing to do with the price of the wearable technology, but the basic layout of the screen can apparently trigger a sense of 'fear' in those who are susceptible. The hexagonal appearance of the iWatch's apps on its small screen can cause trypophobia which is a fear of holes. Scroll down for video . Freaking out! Some potential buyers of the new Apple iWatch (left) say they are suffering from panic attacks and feelings of trypophobia after seeing the layout of the screen . Honey to the bee: Trypophobia is the uncontrollable and completely irrational fear of objects that have an irregular pattern of holes . In fact, the reaction can be so severe that even seeing photos of holes can set off a panic attack. Until recently, it didn't garner much attention from scientists or doctors. However the phenomenon appears to be more widespread than first thought. There is a Facebook group devoted to those who believe they are sufferers. According to the website Trypophobia.com, the phobia is a 'weird kind' and is generally considered as the fear of shapes. Usually, the fear is caused by shapes created by nature such as the holes in a beehive or the seeds in a pod, but if arranged in the right order, man-made objects such as the iWatch can also elicit a similar response. A number of people have now taken to Twitter to voice their reaction at seeing the display for the hi-tech device. 'The Apple watch is a cluster of circles no no no no', wrote one, whilst another showed a similar reaction: 'Anyone else getting a weird trypophobic reaction to the Apple Watch? I'm sorry I ever learned about that phobia existing!' Side by side: Twitter is now full of comparisons between the iWatch and occurrences in nature of . Weird: Many people do not realize they have the phobia until they see an object that triggers the reaction . New found fear? Trypophobia is not recognized as a condition in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or other scientific literature . Apple unveiled the much-anticipated Apple Watch on Monday. The basic watch sells for $349, but other models sell for $10,000 and higher. A couple of years ago, researchers at the University of Essex conducted research into the phobia. It was concluded that it is not the holes that people fear but their brains associating the holes with danger. The study suggested the widespread, predominantly latent phobia is associated with ancient threats such as beehives, poisonous flowers and venomous creatures. The reaction to these holes is intense. 'These can make them feel that their skin is crawling, shudder, feel itchy and physically sick when seeing these images because they really find it disgusting and gross. Some of these people think that something might be living inside those holes and some of them

Summary: Everyday objects with many closely-packed holes can be a trigger for people who report suffering from trypophobia . The circular layout of apps on the Apple iWatch can trigger panic attacks . The predominantly latent phobia is associated with ancient threats such as beehives and venous creatures . The iWatch was launched on Monday with prices starting at $349 .