President Barack Obama will make his first trip as president to Kenya, the country of his father's birth. The White House says Obama will visit Kenya in July for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which brings together business leaders, international organizations and governments. Obama has visited Kenya three times in the past, including once as a U.S. senator, but never as president. Scroll down for video . Then a senator, Barack Obama is pictured here in Kenya in 2006 with Maasai 'mamas.' Basecamp Masai Mara in Mara National Reserve in Kenya is a Scandinavian initiative that aims to develop a partnership with the native Masai people. Obama will visit the country again in July, the White House announced today - his first visit to Kenya since becoming president in 2009 . Obama is pictured here during a 1988 trip at his family home in the Kenyan homestead of Alego. From L to R are Barack Obama, Grandmother Sarah, Auma Obama (Barack's half sister) and Kezia Obama (Barack's stepmother) In this August 25, 2006 photo Senator Obama is greated by an enthusistic crowd in Nairobi. During the long-promised visit this July, Obama will attend a Global Entrepreneurship Summit in the east African nation . During a trip to other African countries last year, he said he was likely to visit Kenya before leaving the White House. The president's father came to the United States from Kenya for school, where he met Obama's mother Ann Dunham. The couple divorced when the younger Obama was two years old and Barack Obama, Sr. returned to his home country. The elder Barack Obama died more than 30 years ago, though the president has other family still living in Kenya. A controversy during his 2008 campaign for president, and again, albeit to a lesser extent, in his 2012 bid for re-election, was a rumor that Barack Obama the younger was not born in Hawaii as stated and was instead born in Kenya. The charge stems, in part, from a 'fact-checking error' a literary agent made in materials promoting Obama in 1991. The booklet, produced by agency Acton & Dystel stated that Obama was 'born in Kenya and raised in Indonesia and Hawaii.' The editor of the text, Miriam Goderich, took credit for the mistake in 2012, telling Yahoo News, 'There was never any information given to us by Obama in any of his correspondence or other communications suggesting in any way that he was born in Kenya and not Hawaii.' The president's father, also named Barack Obama, is a Kenyan native. According to the younger Obama's memoir Dreams from My Father, Barack Obama Sr. met his mother Ann Dunham while attending college in Hawaii. The couple divorced after three years of marriage in 1964, and the president saw his father just one more time after that before his death in a car accident in 1982. The president's first known trip to Kenya, as detailed in his book, was in 1988, when he spent five weeks there. He returned to Kenya in 1992 with Michelle, then his fiance, and again

Summary: Obama will visit in July for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit . President has visited Kenya three times in the past, including once as a U.S. senator, but hasn't been back since moving to the White House . The son of a Kenyan native, rumors have persisted for years that the younger Barack Obama was not actually born in the U.S. The elder Barack Obama died more than 30 years ago, though the president has other family still living in Kenya .


A deaf man was moved to tears after learning that his neighbourhood had learned sign language just for him to promote the heartwarming message: 'A world without barriers is our dream'. Muharrem was unwittingly placed at the centre of an elaborate stunt in which he was secretly filmed encountering a host of strangers in a series of staged meetings through Istanbul. The footage begins with him setting out for the day with his sister Ozlem, who is in on the set-up. Before long, Muharrem is taken aback when he encounters a stranger who signs 'good morning' to him. Deaf man Muharrem sets out for the day with his sister unaware he is being filmed for an advert in which he will encounter a host of strangers who have learned sign language so they can communicate with him . Before long, Muharrem is taken aback when he encounters a stranger who signs 'good morning' to him. The stunt, which took a month to prepare, saw the volunteers learn sign language phrases for their chosen roles . On a visit to his food store in Istanbul, the shopkeeper unexpectedly advertises his wares with hand signals . His surprise only intensifies when, on a visit to his local food store, the shopkeeper offers him 'hot bagels' through hand signals. Another encounter involves a stranger dropping a bag of fruit. When Muharrem helps pick them up, the man uses sign language to offer him an apple as a thank you. He barely has time to take it in when a woman bumps into him accidentally on purpose before signing: 'Sorry, my mistake.' Later, the shock is clear on Muharrem's face when a taxi driver welcomes him into the car with sign language. Another set-up involves a stranger dropping a bag of fruit. When Muharrem helps pick them up, the man uses sign language to offer him an apple as a thank you, much to Muharrem's surprise . A woman apolosies with sign language after bumping into Muharrem accidentally on purpose in the street . The shock is clear on Muharrem's face when a taxi driver welcomes him into the car with sign language . In a final flourish, Samsung, which organised the commercial, arranges for an electronic advertising board to communicate with him, offering the heartwarming message: 'A world without barriers is our dream as well' In a final flourish, an electronic advertising board is set up to communicate with him, offering him heartwarming message: 'Because a world without barriers is our dream as well.' A friend finally points out one of the dozens of cameras set up around the area to reveal the stunt, moving Muharrem to tears. The stunt, which took a month to prepare, was organised by mobile phone company Samsung to promote its call centre for the hearing impaired. The video has been viewed more than three million times over just the last few days since being posted on YouTube. A friend finally points out one the dozens of cameras as the entire stunt is revealed, moving him to tears . Muharrem

Summary: Muharrem secretly filmed encountering strangers in heartwarming stunt . His surprise turns to bewilderment as more and more people sign to him . They include a shopkeeper, taxi driver and even an electronic billboard . Filmed for ad to promote message: 'A world without barriers is our dream'


Yet another former model has publicly accused embattled entertainer Bill Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting her on at least two occasions nearly 40 years ago. Cosby's latest accuser, known only as Patricia, was one of more than a dozen women who anonymously testified against the comedian as part of a 2005 lawsuit filed by Andrea Constand - a former basketball star and Temple University employee who was among the first people to call out Cosby. The multimillionaire TV star settled the lawsuit a year later for an undisclosed amount, and his accusers were effectively 'silenced,' said Patricia. Scroll down for video . More accusations: Yet another former model, a 58-year-old California resident named Patricia, has come out accusing Bill Cosby of sexually assaulting her in the late 1970s . More than 30 women have accused the 77-year-old award-winning comedian in recent years of sexually assaulting them over the past four decades. Cosby's legal team have repeatedly said their client denies all of the allegations of sexual misconduct. Speaking in an exclusive interview with BuzzFeed this week, Patricia, now 58 years old and living in California, finally got to tell her story involving the powerful show business big-shot who allegedly lured her to his home under the guise of an acting lesson and took advantage of her after spiking her drink. Patricia said she was 22 years old in 1978 when Cosby invited her to a dinner party at his home in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. The young model, who first met the famous comic while working as a conference planner at the University of Massachusetts - her and Cosby’s alma mater - assumed that the actor's wife, Camille, will be joining them for dinner. But when she arrived the Cosbys' house, Patrica said she found a table set just for two next to a fireplace. ‘I felt alarm bells go off because it did feel intimate, but I was trying to be so grown up and mature,' she told the site. Jane Doe: Patricia was one of more than a dozen women who anonymously testified against the comedian as part of a 2005 lawsuit filed by Andrea Constand (left and right) The young model accepted a drink from her famous host, who then proceeded to give her a set of peculiar acting directions: Patricia was asked to pretend to be a queen with oatmeal dripping down her face. 'It was so creepy,' Patricia told BuzzFeed. 'He told me to convince him that I could remain regal and queenlike no matter what I looked like.' As the odd improvisational game went on, Patricia said she started to feel strange and eventually blacked out. In a now-familiar scenario, Patricia said she later woke up naked in bed to find Cosby standing over her dressed in a robe. The comedian allegedly said that the young woman got sick and he had to remove and wash her soiled dress. She recalled that at the time, it sounded like a plausible explanation. On her way home after the disastrous dinner, Patricia got violently ill and had to

Summary: Woman identified as Patrica, 58, from California, was among more than a dozen of Jane Does who testified as part of 2005 lawsuit against Bill Cosby . Accuser claims she met Cosby as a 22-year-old model and aspiring actress in 1978, and that the married actor sexually assaulted her at least twice . Patricia say Cosby lured her to his home under the guise of giving her acting lessons and made her a drink that caused her to black out . The Cosby Show star allegedly paid for his protege's acting lessons and gym membership, and her her accompany him to events . Patricia claims Cosby was obsessed with Queen Noor of Jordan and once forced her to style her hair like the royal consort .


A Texas convenience store clerk who was kidnapped and beaten unconscious Tuesday passed away this afternoon after his family asked his doctors to have him taken off life support. Kevin Garcia, 55, was assaulted and kidnapped from Drew’s Exxon in College Station before dawn Tuesday. Police were dispatched after a customer found the gas station convenience store empty. Scroll down for video . Tragic end: Kevin Garcia (left), 55, a clerk at a Texas gas station, was taken off life support Thursday, three days after police say Nathaniel Tillery (right), 36, assaulted and kidnapped him . Brazen abduction: After beating the store clerk unconscious, the suspect allegedly threw him into the bed of his own pickup truck . Getaway: After beating the store clerk unconscious, the 36-year-old suspect threw him into the bed of his truck . Bumpy ride: A bleeding Garcia spent 10 hours being bounced around the back of his truck before he was rescued 200 miles away . Hours later, Garcia was rescued by police in Fort Worth, 200 miles away from his store. The man was found unconscious and bloodied in the bed of his truck and rushed to John Peter Smith Hospital. The suspect, Nathaniel Tillery, 36, was arrested nearby and later charged with robbery, kidnapping and assault. Garcia's older sister, Denise Etherton, and her husband, Bill, had been by the victim’s side since Tuesday afternoon, praying for a miracle against overwhelming odds. 'He hasn’t been conscious since they found him,' Mrs Etherton said earlier Thursday. 'He’s completely out.' According to Etherton, her baby brother, who was adopted by their parents at age nine, suffered severe head trauma after being deprived of oxygen for more than 10 hours. Grisly crime scene: A pool of blood was found in the parking lot of Drew's Exxon in College Station . Cornered: Tillery's stepbrother called 911 and led police to a location along the Tijuana Trail in suburban Fort Worth, where officers apprehended the alleged attacker . Yesterday afternoon, the comatose patient's family met with his doctors to discuss his prospects. Upon learning that Kevin Garcia will most likely never recover, Denise Etherton made the difficult decision to take her brother off the ventilator. 'Kevin would want quality of life,' she later said. Officials at the hospital stated to Fort Worth Star-Telegram that Garcia was pronounced dead at 1.36pm. His sister said her sibling was an organ donor, and she hopes in his death Kevin will be able to help others. The 55-year-old had worked at the Exxon station off Highway 6 in College Station for 15 years and was recently divorced. His sister tearfully recalled that not long before his abduction, Garcia was doing some dental work to improve his appearance because, he told her, he was hoping to meet someone. 'He didn't want to be alone,' Denise Etherton told KBTX. 'He didn't want to die alone.' At around 3am Tuesday, Garcia was cleaning the parking lot outside his store when police say Nathaniel Tillery attacked him. After beating the store clerk unconscious, the 36-year-old suspect threw him into

Summary: Kevin Garcia's family asked doctors Thursday night to take him off life support, three days after he was attacked in College Station, Texas . The 55-year-old was pronounced dead at 1.36pm Friday at John Peter Smith Hospital . Nathaniel Tillery, 36, charged with robbery, kidnapping and assault . Police rescued Garcia and arrested Tillery more than 10 hours after assault in Fort Worth, nearly 200 miles away from crime scene . Garcia was struck in the head with brass knuckles by robbers in 2013 . Tillery has a long criminal record, including 2001 conviction on drunken assault charge .


Zlatan Ibrahimovic has apologised for any offence caused by his outburst following Paris St Germain's defeat to Bordeaux - but claims his words have been 'twisted'. Ibrahimovic is facing an investigation by the French football league (LFP) for comments made as he left the field on Sunday. The Sweden striker's two goals were not enough to prevent PSG suffering a 3-2 defeat and he was angry not to be awarded a free-kick by referee Lionel Jaffredo after Bordeaux goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso picked up a clear backpass from defender Ludovic Sane with five minutes remaining. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice but could not prevent PSG's 3-2 defeat by Bordeaux . Ibrahimovic was heard swearing as he walks towards the changing room after PSG's defeat . THe Swede reacted angrily to the defeat and said it was the worst refereeing display he'd ever seen . The PSG talisman reportedly referred to French referee Lionel Jaffredo (centre) as an 'a******' after the game . As he walked off the field Ibrahimovic - no stranger to making controversial remarks - was filmed venting his anger. Speaking in English but in partial sentences, he can be heard saying: 'He's an a******. Play 15 years, never seen referee this s*** country. Don't even deserve PSG should be in this country. F****** too good for all of you. Should be happy they exist.' An LFP statement on Monday read: 'Following the receipt of the officials' report, the disciplinary commission of the LFP will study in its meeting of Thursday March 19 the comments made by Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the end of the game between Girondins de Bordeaux and Paris St Germain (29th round of Ligue 1).' French sports minister Patrick Kanner called on the Swede to apologise, which he later did in a post on his Instagram account. And talking to PSG's website on Monday evening, Ibrahimovic reiterated: 'First of all, I was not aiming for the people. 'When I said it, I was angry at that moment. Whoever felt offended, or took it in the wrong way, I apologise. Ibrahimovic looks generally unimpressed as his side fall to defeat that leaves them second in Ligue 1 . Ibrahimovic faces investigation over his comments, which included calling France a 's*** country' The Sweden legend scores a goal past Bordeaux keeper Cedric Carrasso during the away game . Ibrahimovic removes his shirt after the game to reveal his impressive collection of tattoos . 'I have no problem with that. I'm a man of honour, I stand by my things I do, and I apologise. 'I think that whoever saw it, or however the media is trying to twist it, I think the French people are intelligent enough to understand the situation. 'The welcome I have had here, I'm very happy. I respect people who respect me, every day I go through here I've had a fantastic time. 'I have no regrets and nobody will change my opinion. From the first day I came, I had a good time and I will continue to have a good time. 'So don't twist it,

Summary: PSG talisman could be heard making a foul mouth rant following PSG's 3-2 defeat by Bordeaux on Sunday . The Sweden striker reportedly called the referee an 'a******' and referred to France as a s*** country' The French football league will investigate Zlatan Ibrahimovic's comments .


A photo has revealed the full extent of Stephen Ireland's injury, which left the midfielder needing '12-13 stitches' after Maynor Figueroa's horror challenge left a three inch gash in his calf. The Stoke City player was taken off at half time and the prognosis of the nasty injury is likely to keep him out of action for a minimum of three weeks. Figueroa is unlikely to receive a ban with any potential retrospective action hinging on referee Neil Swarbrick and his officials' prognosis of who saw the challenge. It is understood at least one of them did witness the incident. The gash in Stephen Ireland's leg following Maynor Figueroa's challenge left him needing ten stitches . The Stoke City (left) midfielder lies injured after the after horror tackle from the Honduras international . The incident left his manager Mark Hughes furious after the game who insisted the Honduras international could have ended Ireland's career. He said: ‘Stephen Ireland has been on the end of a horrendous tackle, one that should’ve seen a straight red. 'The tackle could've finished his career. Why the referee hasn't given a straight red I've no idea. Figueroa cleared the ball and followed through to rake his studs down Ireland's leg . He is likely to escape any action from the FA because the officials have confirmed they saw the incident . Ireland is now expected to miss the next three weeks of the season following his nasty injury . 'Ireland’s come in at half-time and rolled his sock down, there’s a wound needing 12-13 stitches. I’ve watched the video back, it’s shocking. We’re frustrated. They need to do better.' The Britannia Stadium is no stranger to horror injuries, when Aaron Ramsey's leg was broken following a Ryan Shawcross tackle in 2010. Despite the shocking injury to Ireland, the Potters scored a late winner through Peter Crouch to help soften the news of his expected absence.

Summary: WARNING - GRAPHIC CONTENT . A photo has revealed the full extent of Stephen Ireland's injury . The midfielder was the victim of a horror tackle from Maynor Figueroa . The full back won't face any action because the officials saw the incident . READ: Premier League needs video replays to help our referees . Click here for all the latest Stoke City news .


Tucked away in dense woodland, this home may just be the perfect place for some quiet reflection - even if its design does make it tricky to find. The walls around the base of this property, just outside the Polish capital of Warsaw, are clad with mirrors - giving the impression that the top floor of the building is floating. Described as a country retreat for a single family, the Mirror House has been deliberately designed to minimise its impact on the stunning forest surroundings. Marcin Tomaszewski, of Polish architects Reform, said: 'It is a two-storey mirror house concept that is formed of two horizontally configured blocks. The house's lower storey is clad with reflective paneling. These mirrored surfaces appear as an extension of the forest floor, with opaque areas stacked above. 'The bottom level includes also a sheltered terrace in a shade of dark brown wood that matches the surrounding earth. The second floor appears to float above its mirrored base, a levitating box that will hover in the thick forest.' Scroll down for video . The top floor of the Mirror House appears to float above the ground thanks to the reflective cladding fixed around the base of the building . Parts of the ground flood of this building, near Warsaw in Poland, almost appear invisible with mirrors reflecting images of nearby trees and bushes . It's all done with mirrors: The house, for a single family, has been deliberately designed to minimise its impact on the stunning forest surroundings . With its modern design and secluded setting, the property has been described by architects as a country retreat for a single family . While much of the ground level is covered with mirrors, occupants can still enjoy sitting on a sheltered terrace on another side of the property . Eye-catching: The modern-looking design and mirror cladding was the brain child of Marcin Tomaszewski, of Polish architects Reform . The top floor of the property almost seems to float in mid air because of the effect of the mirrors fixed to the side of the building . Secluded: As well as being tucked away in dense woodland, the property appears to blend in with its surroundings thanks to its reflective surfaces . Secret hideaway: While the walls of the top floor living area are painted white, the ground level has been designed to minimise the property's impact on its surroundings . Source .

Summary: The Mirror House has been built in a stunning area of secluded woodland just outside the Polish capital of Warsaw . Reflective panels fixed around much of the base of the building giving the impression that the top floor is floating . The property was designed by a team of Polish architects to minimise its impact on the surrounding wilderness .


It was supposed to be all about AP McCoy — the biggest name in jump racing on his final day riding at the Cheltenham Festival. But instead, Gold Cup day 2015 shone a spotlight on a jockey in Nico de Boinville who has ridden fewer winners in his career than the 19-time champion rides in three months. Carlingford Lough, 40-year-old McCoy’s final Gold Cup mount, finished a fading ninth behind Coneygree, the novice chaser representing 10-horse trainer Mark Bradstock and his assistant, wife Sara. Tony McCoy's wife Chanelle (left) passionately willed him on to claim his third Gold Cup victory . But her relentless optimism soon turned to sheer sadness as her husband crossed the finish like in ninth place . Jockey Tony McCoy could not crown his final Cheltenham Festival with a Gold Cup win . McCoy did get a Gold Cup round of applause but it came as he walked around the paddock before the race. Looking down at his friend and colleague Ruby Walsh, who had yet to be united with his Gold Cup ride Djakadam, McCoy quipped: ‘They think I’ve won.’ No, AP, they were just hoping. Ultimately, McCoy did get on the winner’s podium but that was to present the trophy to the team behind Next Sensation, winner of the concluding AP McCoy Grand Annual Chase. Not surprisingly, the Michael Scudamore-trained Next Sensation, ridden by Scudamore’s brother Tom, had received a quieter reception than McCoy’s fourth-placed Ned Buntline. A crowd close to 70,000 had cheered and chanted his name as McCoy brought his mount down the famous walkway off the track. There were not many who had sneaked away to beat the traffic. And while they did not get the result they wanted, McCoy did at least break the habit of a lifetime for them. The man for whom winning is the only thing that matters, punched and waved the air. The defeat of Carlingford Lough, however, came as no surprise. After the Gold Cup, McCoy conceded he had anticipated his fate on arriving at the track when overnight rain was turning the ground soft. Tony McCoy and Ned Buntline gave it a good go on the 19-time champion jockey's final Festival ride . An emotional McCoy after his last ever ride at the Cheltenham Festival . The big screen at Cheltenham displayed a tribute to the retiring jockey . ‘I knew when I got here this morning that it was always going to be against him,’ McCoy said. ‘He is a horse who likes good ground and it was always going to be too much of a drag. ‘For a horse who is slow he has a little bit of a kick at the end but not when the ground is like that.’ McCoy then paid generous tribute to the winning team. ‘The Bradstocks have done a wonderful job,’ he said. ‘They have proved that if they get the horse, they can do the job. To win the Gold Cup with a novice is a fantastic performance.’ For the uninitiated, a novice is a horse that

Summary: AP McCoy's final Gold Cup mount, Carlingford Lough, finished ninth . Jockey finished fourth in concluding AP McCoy Grand Annual Chase . McCoy presented trophy to the team behind winner Next Sensation .


In scenes now seared into the fabric of a nation, state troopers in helmets and gas masks stand off against crowds of young, black protesters on the roads between Selma and Montgomery, Alabama. Seconds later they charge, tear gas flowing around them. Other frames show venerated leaders of the Civil Rights Movement marching implacably, despite the threat of harm to them and their supporters. The images, now fifty years old, have been assembled from the work of three photographers covering the marches, and are now being displayed in a New York City photography exhibition. Scroll down for video . Bloody Sunday: Alabama State Troopers are pictured above on March 7, 1965, confronting activists Hosea Williams, John Lewis and their supporters. Spider Martin, who took the photograph, observed they were 'beaten down like dominoes' in short order . Chaos: State troopers deployed tear gas against the marchers, drawing widespread outrage which contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act later that year . Leaders: Martin Luther King Jr (center), James Forman (left) and Reverend Jessie Douglas (right) are pictured above marching around the state capitol in Montgomery, Alabama . The first was Spider Martin, a staff photographer for the pro-segregation Birmingham News, who described dodging heavy-handed authorities, climbing rickety churches and scrapping with other journalists to get the best shots. The pictures are being displayed by the Steven Kasher Gallery, which will display them until April 18. Also featured is Charles Moore, who was working for Life Magazine, and whose images were seen around the world. Last was James Barker, a staff photographer employed by Washington State University and asked to attend the demonstrations. Closeness: This image shows protesters embracing as they walk the streets, during a portion of the march not beset by violence . Patriotic: A young man carries the Stars and Stripes over his shoulder, followed by several others doing the same on Bloody Sunday . The shots show the emotion, tension an violence of the struggles. In several, Alabama state troopers are poised to attack the protesters - which the photographers attest happened just seconds after they took their pictures. High-quality images of the authorities' brutal response helped galvanize change and push through the Voting Rights Act just five months later. However, the transmission of the images was far from guaranteed - Martin recalled how his editors initially tried to suppress his images. Explaining their logic, he said: 'the largely segregationist editors thought if you didn't publish it, much of this would go away'. But, taking the lead of other news outlets, he images were released - and helped effect a profound change in the fabric of America. Emotions running high: A minister makes a forceful point in the basement of Brown Chapel during the 1965 marches . Solidarity: This image shows Bob Mants, John Lewis, Hosea Williams and Andrew Young, with Brown’s Chapel AME Church in the background . Charging: Alabama state troopers are pictured above charing into marchers almost immeidately after giving them a two minute deadline to disperse . Making music: Musicians Harry Belafonte, left,

Summary: New exhibition shows photographs from 1965 marches taken by three separate photographers . A staff photographer for Life magazine, a university staffer, and a local news photographer in Alabama contributed . Spider Martin, who worked for the Birmingham News, said his editors did not want to publish most violent images .


A woman, 72, from Honolulu has been blind for over two years but thanks to her new bionic eye she will miraculously be able to see again. The elderly Japanese woman underwent the four hour procedure at the Eye Surgery Center of Hawaii on Tuesday and is the first person to receive the implant in the Asia Pacific region. The woman's identity will not be released. CBS reports that the bionic eye only works for those who have the hereditary disease, retinitis pigmentosa which causes vision impairment. Scroll down for video . Groundbreaking surgery: A woman, 72, from Honolulu has been blind for over two years but thanks to her new bionic eye implanted on Tuesday she will be able to see again . Blind: The Japanese woman, 72, has been blind for two years due to a condition called retinitis pigmentosa . Dr. Gregg Kokame, who performed the operation, said that the bionic eye will help the woman start to see motion and different shades of grey. 'She'll actually start to see motion, actually start to see somebody walk into the room and be able to see different shades of grey,' Kokame said. The device which was approved by the food and drug administration costs $144,000 but was covered by Medicare for the patient, reported ABC. Before the surgery the woman was only able to perceive some light and was otherwise totally blind. The surgical team restored the woman's vision by implanting a microelectrode array to the surface of the woman's retina that then connects wirelessly to a camera connected to a pair of glasses. The woman will not able to see very close details or any color but she may someday have a broader range of vision as the technology advances. New light: The woman won't be able to see color but she will be able to detect motion and prior to her surgery was barely able to detect light . Camera eye: The bionic eye sends signals to the brain through glasses that have a camera and as the technology improves the woman will be able to see more and more . The woman will be able to use her new device in two weeks after she is fully healed from the surgery. 'She was in very good spirits, ‘Kokame said. 'She's a very pleasant, very strong lady. She's looking forward to having the implant turned on.' Bionic eye implant inventor Dr. Mark Humayan told Hawaii News Now that he hopes the device will evolve to assist more patients. 'We have hundreds of millions of photo receptors in our eye, hundreds of millions, and with only 60 pixels patients who were completely blind can see large objects, can tell a table from a chair or a knife from a fork or a plate so it's very exciting to see what the brain is able to fill in,' Humayan said. Medical expert: 'She'll actually start to see motion, actually start to see somebody walk into the room and be able to see different shades of grey,' Dr. Kokame said .

Summary: A Japanese woman, 72, from Honolulu has been blind for over two years but thanks to her new bionic eye she will be able to see again . The woman underwent the four hour procedure on Tuesday and is the first person to receive the implant in the Asia Pacific region . The bionic eye only works for those who have the hereditary disease, retinitis pigmentosa which causes vision impairment . Woman won't be able to see colors but she will be able to detect motion .


A 42-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death by her estranged husband with a screwdriver while they were visiting a patient at an Illinois hospital. Francisca Quintero was at the Alexian Brothers Medical Center when Javier Bahena-Arrellano forced her into a hospital bathroom and stabbed her three times, including in the aorta, according to authorities. Quintero's family heard the attack and Bahena-Arrellano was detained by a hospital security guard before police arrived, prosecutors said. Francisca Quintero, 42, was stabbed to death by a family member while they were visiting a patient at the Alexian Brothers Medical Center (pictured) in Elk Grove Village, Illinois on Sunday . She was rushed to the hospital's emergency room on Sunday morning and pronounced dead on the scene. Bahena-Arrellano, 43, was immediately arrested and has been charged with first-degree murder. Prosecutors said Bahena-Arrellano had read text messages on his estranged wife's cell phone and believed she was cheating on him, according to ABC 7 Chicago. Elk Grove Village Deputy Police Chief Chuck Walsh called the attack an isolated 'domestic violence-type incident'. Walsh said no one else was injured during the stabbing and that the hospital was not placed on lockdown, the Chicago Tribune reported. According to police, Bahena-Arrellano was deported after he was charged with domestic violence battery twice. Officials said he returned to the country illegally in 2010.

Summary: Francisca Quintero, 42, was attacked at the Alexian Brothers Medical Center . Javier Bahena-Arrellano, 43, allegedly forced her into a hospital bathroom and stabbed her three times, including in the aorta . Several family members were visiting a sick relative at time of the attack . Prosecutors said Bahena-Arrellano had read text messages on his estranged wife's cell phone and believed she was cheating on him . He was immediately arrested and has been charged with first-degree murder .


Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel insists he does not feel guilty about the challenge on Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea which resulted in his three-match ban. The Slovakia international, currently away preparing for a Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Luxembourg on Friday, failed in his appeal against a violent conduct charge. Skrtel had argued the action of standing on De Gea's right shin as he chased a through-ball in the final seconds of Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Anfield was unintentional but an independent panel disagreed with him. Martin Skrtel's foot lands on David de Gea's leg in the incident which saw the FA charge the defender . A three-man panel of former elite officials reviewed the footage after it was missed by Martin Atkinson (right) Skrtel could have been in more trouble for posting this picture of clowns after the FA upheld his ban . The 30-year-old has continued to profess his innocence even after his ban was confirmed, meaning he misses Premier League matches against Arsenal and Newcastle, plus an FA Cup quarter-final replay at Blackburn. 'It feels strange because we appealed against those charges and still I was hit by a three-match ban,' he told his personal website martin-skrtel.com. 'I didn't want to stamp on him. It was an accident and I didn't do it on purpose. I don't feel guilty. It was a long ball and he went towards me and I wanted to jump over him. Simple as that.' The defender is unlikely to punished after he posted a picture of clowns on his Instagram account on Wednesday - which has been widely viewed as his comment on those who sat on the panel and decided the outcome of the hearing. Steven Gerrard will also miss three games after seeing red for this stamp during the 2-1 defeat . Captain Gerrard was sent off after stamping on Manchester United's Ander Herrera on Sunday . Skrtel will be joined on the sidelines by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who will also serve a similar three-match ban after his moment of madness saw him sent off less than a minute after coming on as a substitute for the second half after stamping on United midfielder Ander Herrera. With Skrtel and several of his team-mates away on international duty the club's Under 21 squad have been invited to train at the first-team's Melwood base. However, one of their number Jordan Lussey will be getting competitive action elsewhere after completed a loan move to Bolton, currently 17th in the Sky Bet Championship. The 20-year-old follows the likes of Sheyi Ojo and Jerome Sinclair, who have both joined relegation-threatened Championship side Wigan on loan in the last six weeks to gain first-team football experience.

Summary: Martin Skrtel told his personal website the incident was just an accident . Stamp occurred late on in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat by Manchester United . Liverpool defender will now miss games against Arsenal and Newcastle . Slovakian will also miss FA Cup replay against Blackburn Rovers . CLICK HERE for all the latest Liverpool news .


A husband and wife were today found guilty of stashing some £50million worth of stolen Picasso art treasures in their garage for almost 40 years. Pierre Le Guennec, 74, and Danielle, 73, were given a suspended prison sentence of two years by a court in the French Riviera town of Grasse. Both had insisted that they were all 'presents' from the legendary Spanish artist, but the court found they were 'fraudulently obtained' and ordered them to be returned to his family. Pierre Le Guennec (right) and his wife Danielle wait for the verdict of their trial. The court today found the couple were found guilty of stashing the 'fraudulently obtained' artwork . The couple address the media following the verdict, in which they were ordered to return the Picasso treasures and given a suspended prison sentence of two years . It was in November 2010 that 271 lithographs, cubist paintings, notebooks and a watercolour were found at their modest home in Mouans-Sartoux, in the South of France. But six of Picasso's descendants accused them of the crime, and will now take charge of the works. During the trial, all 271 works, created between 1900 and 1932, were beamed onto a giant screen inside the court. Le Guennec claimed he was given the collection by the artist and his second wife, Jacqueline, when he was an odd job man at their home in Notre-Dame-de-Vie in Mougins, near Cannes. Le Guennec, a qualified electrician, installed a burglar alarm at the luxury villa before the artist died in 1973, and said he accepted them as 'thank you' gifts. Referring to Picasso, Mr Le Guennec said he 'often invited me in to have some cake or a coffee. Me and the master talked about all things great and small. 'One evening, I was leaving my work, when Madame handed me a little package saying: 'This is for you'. But Claude Picasso, the artist's son, said that his father was noted for his generosity, but that he always dedicated, dated and signed his gifts, as he knew that some recipients might try to sell the works one day. Two of the newly discovered Picasso drawings, one in a notebook (above left), and the other called 'Nature Morte Verre' (Still life Glass) Jean-Jacques Neuer, Claude Picasso's barrister, said: 'They don't remember whether they received the so called gift in 1970, 71 or 72. If you are given 271 Picassos, you remember it. 'You have to imagine that Picasso kept hold of them for 70 years and suddenly decided to give the lot away. That's doesn't make sense.' The only document with the name Le Guennec on is a signed brochure for a Picasso exhibition, said Mr Neuer. 'When you give a present, you choose something precise that fits the person,' said Mr Neuer. 'Picasso here is giving away works that have nothing to do with each other - notably extremely precious cubist collages that represent 10 per cent of his production,' he said. The couple listen to Judge Jean-Christophe Bruyere give the verdict at a court in Grasse,

Summary: In 2010, a French couple revealed they possessed 271 Picasso artworks . Pierre and Danielle Le Guennec claimed he had given them the collection . In a French court today the couple were convicted of concealing stolen art . The court found they had concealed art that was 'fraudulently obtained' They received two-years suspended sentence and ordered to return items .


A mother-of-three says she was shocked to open a bag of her favourite crisps and discovered the world's smallest Wotsits inside. Ayesha Bhatti, 29, from Derby, found several mini-Wotsits measuring just 1cm long in her 99p multi-pack of the cheesy snacks. The crisps were dwarved by the regular versions, which measure around 3.5cm, much to the amusement of her family. Scroll down for video . Mother-of-three Ayesha Bhatti, 29, says she was shocked to open a bag of her favourite crisps and discovered the world's smallest Wotsits inside . 'I have never seen Wotsits as small as that,' said the full-time mother, who bought the packets in the Derby branch of discount store Home Bargains on Wednesday last week. 'It's so funny. My family eats quite a lot of them and I like them because they're not oily like other crisps. 'I think these ones could possibly be the smallest in the world. What are the chances of finding so many at once? It's very unusual. 'They certainly wouldn't fill you up but I suppose they're good if you're on a diet.' The crisps were dwarved by the regular versions, which measure around 3.5cm, much to the amusement of Ms Bhatti and her family . Ms Bhatti said she has not contacted manufacturers Walkers over the minature crisps, but said she would do if she found more. 'I don't feel ripped off,' she said. 'At the end of the day they're Wotsits. I haven't spoken to Walkers about it and I didn't take them back to the shop. 'I don't feel hard done by, it's quite funny really, my kids think they're hilarious. 'But if it happened again, I would probably have a word with Walkers. Ms Bhatti found several mini-Wotsits measuring just 1cm long in her 99p multi-pack of the cheesy snacks which she bought at a discount retailer in Derby . 'I'd already seen a post on Facebook where somebody was saying they had small Wotsits so I'm not the only one.' Ms Bhatti says she and her family have decided against eating the crisps, but do not know what they are going to do with them. 'At first the kids were really excited and wanted to eat them but when we found more they said they wanted to keep them,' she said. 'I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the Wotsits now. The kids will probably go in the cupboard and eat them when my back is turned.'

Summary: Ayesha Bhatti, 29, found a number of the crisps measuring just 1cm long . Regular versions of the snacks are three times as big as the mini crisps . Ms Bhatti's children think the tiny Wotsits are 'hilarious'


Military chiefs should resign over defence cuts before British troops become America’s ‘cannon fodder’, politicians and former top brass warned last night. Tory MP Colonel Bob Stewart, a member of the defence select committee, called for the Joint Chiefs to sacrifice their careers over plans to slash defence spending despite growing threats from Russia and Islamic State. Speaking at a meeting of the UK National Defence Association (UKNDA), he said the generals should make the people they command their priority and resign on principle, instead of focusing their efforts on ‘getting another star’. Colonel Bob Stewart, a former British commander in Bosnia, said Britain's military forces were in a 'parlous state' and could not take any further cuts . Later he said he was considering resigning himself, from either his seat or the select committee, adding: ‘I’m thinking about it to be honest – but that won’t make any difference.’ His comments came as it emerged more than 6,000 British troops are preparing to deploy under the command of an American unit as part of a high readiness reaction force. Fresh details emerged of future military operations after the head of the US army, General Raymond Odierno, said he was ‘very concerned’ about UK defence cuts. He told the Telegraph Britain will be demoted to a more junior role in future campaigns if spending is inadequate. David Cameron has resisted calls to make a public pledge not to cut military spending below 2 per cent - but had insisted he will not cut the size of the army any further . Former defence secretary Liam Fox has urged the Government not to cut military spending below 2 per cent . And yesterday, Sir Michael Graydon, former head of the RAF, said the idea of a UK brigade working under a 20,000-strong US division was ‘humiliating’. Air Commodore Andrew Lambert added: ‘The trouble with this is you provide the man power but with none of the authority. Why should we provide the man power – some people might call it cannon fodder – when what we would like to do is have a seat at the top table?’ During the meeting, former military top brass put pressure on the Government to commit Britain to meeting the Nato target of spending at least 2 per cent of national income on defence beyond 2016 – a prospect which looks unlikely. In a blistering attack on UK military spending – which has diminished as Russia’s defence capabilities increase – Sir Michael added: ‘It is token already and if we start cutting it any more it becomes laughable.’ Colonel Stewart, who commanded UN forces in Bosnia, said: ‘If we are really [in] a parlous state in defence, why are the Joint Chiefs of Staff not tendering their resignations? ‘They should actually put their responsibilities to the people who they command as their top priority, rather than getting another star.’ A damning report published by the UKNDA said that if Britain is forced into a conflict with Russia, our force levels are ‘pitifully small’ compared to those at

Summary: MP Colonel Bob Stewart says UK military forces are in a 'parlous state' He said Britain's military chiefs should be prepared to resign en masse . Call backed by former RAF head Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon . Comes amid clamour for David Cameron to ring fence military spending . US General Raymond Odierno says he is 'worried' by UK defence spending .


A major player in online travel has finally 'fallen into line' by removing excess credit card charges two years after the Royal Bank of Australia ruled that surcharges should be limited to ‘reasonable costs’. Online booking agent Wotif confirmed they are dumping their $5.50 hotel booking fee which could put some $20 million dollars back into the pockets of Australian consumers. They are also removing credit card costs and surcharges on full service flights that would have set consumers back $16.95 however they will keep a surcharge on low cost airlines of $9.95 per person. Wotif have dumped excess booking fees which could save Australians $20 million a year . While Wotif has been praised for the move, consumers who expected to see a drop in prices may be disappointed as the company is believed to have increased the commission levied on accommodation for bookings made via its website from 12 to 15 per cent, reported Newscorp. Tom Godfrey thinks there needs to be a regulatory body to stop companies from charging exorbitant prices for using a credit card or booking online . Tom Godfrey from CHOICE told Daily Mail Australia that an increase in commission prices could be an effort to further 'fleece' customers in a bid to offset losses from dropping the controversial credit card fees. Wotif said the change is not a bid to recoup costs lost by the surcharge but a reflection on their recent acquisition by competing company Expedia. Mr Godfrey said the rise in commission will increase up front costs of travel however the removal of the credit card surcharging is win for consumers and a clear warning to other companies who continue to ‘flout’ the ban on excessive charges. ‘It’s great to see consumers unite to drive change because it sends clear signal to businesses that we aren't happy.’ He said excessive credit card charges are costing Australian’s over a billion dollars a year, with some of the ‘worst offenders’ being Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin and Tiger. ‘People are sick and tired of being ripped off by the top end of town,' he said. Klaus Bartosch, the business man responsible for an anti surcharge petition that's been signed by over 100,000 people, welcomes the change and agrees this move puts more pressure on other major players to respond to 'consumer sentiment' by removing 'outrageous fees'. 'No where else in the world does this exist,' he said. Mr Bartosch started an online petition to stop airlines and travel companies from taking advantage of consumers by charging 'ridiculous' amounts for using credit cards . Mr Bartosch said prices are 'misleading' and not an accurate reflection of what businesses are actually paying to use credit cards. 'They are just plucking these figures from their backsides to rip of consumers,' he told Daily Mail Australia. CHOICE recently released a report that shows merchants are only paying around 0.8 per cent for Visa and Mastercard and 2 per cent for prestige cards like America Express and Diners Club. According to the latest research data made available by MasterCard, Australian consumers are

Summary: Wotif have removed a controversial $5.50 credit card surcharge . This comes two years after the RBA banned excessive surcharging . Watchdog CHOICE said this is great news for consumers . They say this will pressure other major players to drop unfair fees . While surcharging has been removed, Wotif increased commission rates . Some critics say this is to offset the loss of the surcharge .


Standing with a Manchester United scarf in the middle of the Kop while thousands of Liverpool fans blast out 'You'll Never Walk Alone' might strike most people as a crazy stunt to pull. So when a picture emerged of one brave soul appearing to do just that during Sunday's top-four clash, many Twitter users got very excited. The image went viral, with even Wayne Rooney tweeting about it after United's 2-1 win at Anfield. A Manchester United fan photoshopped into the Kop at Anfield; Rooney even tweeted about him after the game . The original picture of the Manchester United fan was taken on a pre-season tour in Bangkok in 2013 . The Liverpool fans shown in the image were actually watching their team against Birmingham in 2011 . Rooney wrote: 'Very happy tonight. Fans were amazing. Juan Mata great goals. Should of let him take penalty. And the United fan in the kop. Brilliant' Unfortunately, it turns out that the image was a fake, with everyone, including the Manchester United captain, taken in by the clever use of Photoshop. A few hours later Sportsmail can reveal the original picture of the United fan, taken a long way from the Kop, which was super-imposed into the Anfield crowd. The actual image was taken in Bangkok in 2013, when United played there on a pre-season tour, and shows a fan at the airport waiting for the United team to arrive. Meanwhile, the image it was dropped into was not from Anfield on Sunday, but actually from a game against Birmingham in 2011. The online pranksters, ynfa, did the job properly though, replacing a Luis Suarez scarf from 2011 with a generic Liverpool one to keep up the illusion. The Kop prepares for Manchester United, showing banners and scarves before the game on Sunday .

Summary: Manchester United fan 'spotted' in Liverpool support at Anfield . Picture went viral, and even Wayne Rooney tweeted about it . Rooney labelled the fan 'brilliant' but the image turned out to be a fake . Hoax combined two pictures from 2013 and 2011 to create illusion . CLICK HERE to read our match report from Anfield .


Loss: Audrie Pott, 15, killed herself in 2012 after she was sexually assaulted at a party . One of three teenagers who admitted that they sexually assaulted a 15-year-old Northern California girl who later committed suicide has settled a wrongful-death lawsuit brought by her parents - because he said sorry. In 2012, Audrie Pott fell asleep after drinking Gatorade laced with alcohol at a friend's party in their hometown of Saratoga. She awoke to find her pants off and lewd comments scribbled over her body. Her family says she hanged herself days later after learning cellphone photos were taken of her during the assault and shared through text messages. Three of Audrie's teenage classmates were prosecuted in private juvenile proceedings and sentenced to between 30 and 45 days in juvenile hall. Two continue to attend Saratoga High, while the third transferred to high school about an hour south in Gilroy. Audrie's parents, Lawrence and Sheila Pott, filed a civil lawsuit against the boys to hold them more accountable for their actions. Their attorney, Bob Allard, said the parents decided to settle with one of the teens because he showed remorse and 'told the truth' about what happened to Audrie. 'He's accepted responsibility. He's told us the truth of what happened in that room. The others have not,' Allard said. 'They're still standing by their claim that Audrie was awake and consented to their acts.' Anger: Larry Pott and and Audrie's stepmother and his second wife Lisa, are continuing their lawsuit against two of their daughter's attackers after one admitted and apologized . Grieving: Audrie's mother, Sheila Pott, found her daughter hanging in the bathroom in September 2012 . Tormentors: The three teenagers (pictured with their faces obscured) pleaded guilty to sexual assault last year and were sentenced to 30-45 days in a juvenile detention facility . Allard said that had the two other teens apologized, they might not have been sued. 'If they had simply knocked on the door of the Pott household, apologized, accepted responsibility and jumped headfirst into our quest to educate our youth by, for example, speaking at high schools about the mistakes they made and how this can be prevented, there would be no civil lawsuit,' Allard said. Audrie's parents led the campaign to pass a California law which allows prosecutors to seek harsher sentences for juvenile sex offenders who take pictures of their crimes and use them to bully the victims. The trio of teenagers whom Daily Mail Online is not identifying because they are minors, pleaded guilty in January 2014 and were sentenced to 30 to 45 days each in a juvenile detention facility. Pott, from Saratoga, California, hung herself September 10, 2012 - just eight days after the teens digitally penetrated her at an alcohol-fueled Labor Day party and took pictures of her in a compromised state. The 15-year-old girl felt humiliated after she discovered that the cellphone photos showing her naked body covered in lewd comments written in marker had been shared with students at her school. In February, Pott's parents tried to get

Summary: Parents of Audrie Pott reach financial settlement with one of three teens . Decided to end lawsuit because 'he showed remorse and told the truth' Civil suit against Pott's two other attackers continuing, attorney says . They continue to claim that Pott's was conscious and consented . The three teenage boys stripped her naked, drew on her body and attacked her after a night of heavy drinking at a house party .


Islamic State militants have bulldozed an ancient Iraqi city using heavy military vehicles in the latest attack on the country's historical heritage. The jihadists are said to have gone on the rampage in the city of Nimrud in northern Iraq and even smashed up 3,000 year-old winged statues that are placed at the gates of the Palace of Ashurnasirpal. The attack comes just days after ISIS extremists targeted a museum in Mosul by using power drills and sledgehammers to destroy artefacts, sparking global outrage. Scroll down for video . The ancient Iraqi city of Nimrud in northern Iraq pictured before it was bulldozed by ISIS militants using military vehicles . The jihadists are said to have even smashed up 3,000 year-old winged statues that are placed at the gates of the palace of Ashurnasirpal . A statement from Iraq's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities didn't elaborate on the extent of the damage. However, they added that ISIS 'continues to defy the will of the world and the feelings of humanity.' The ancient city of Nimrud was the second capital of Assyria, an ancient kingdom that began in 900BC, partially in present day Iraq, and became a great regional power. The city, which was destroyed in 612 BC, is located on the Tigris River, just south of Mosul, which was captured by ISIS last June. In the late 1980s the discovery of treasures in Nimrud's royal tombs was one of the 20th century's most significant archaeological finds. After Iraq was invaded in 2003, archaeologists were relieved to find the treasures had been hidden in the country's central bank inside a vault submerged in sewage water. ISIS, who control a third of Iraq and Syria, have attacked other archaeological and religious sites, claiming that they promote apostasy. Last week ISIS extremists targeted a museum in Mosul by using power drills and sledge hammers to destroy artefacts, sparking global outrage . An ISIS fanatic uses a power tool to destroy a winged-bull Assyrian protective deity at a museum in Mosul last week . Last year, the militants destroyed the Mosque of the Prophet Younis - or Jonah - and the Mosque of the Prophet Jirjis, two revered ancient shrines in Mosul. They also threatened to destroy Mosul's 850-year old Crooked Minaret, but residents surrounded the structure, preventing the militants from approaching. Iraq's national museum in Baghdad opened its doors to the public last week for the first time in 12 years in a move Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said was to defy efforts 'to destroy the heritage of mankind and Iraq's civilization.' ISIS has imposed a harsh and violent version of Islamic law in the territories it controls and has terrorised religious minorities. It has released gruesome videos online showing the beheading of captives, including captured Western journalists and aid workers. A U.S.-led coalition has been striking the group since August, and Iraqi forces launched an offensive this week to try to retake the militant-held city of Tikrit, on the main road linking Baghdad to Mosul. ISIS has imposed a harsh and violent version of

Summary: ISIS has bulldozed the ancient Iraq city of Nimrud with military vehicles . Jihadists have gone on the rampage smashing up rare and old artefacts . Destroyed 3,000-year-old winged statues at the gates of an ancient palace . Comes just days after they targeted a museum in Mosul sparking outrage . There they used sledgehammers and power drills to destroy old relics .


A nurse who works an Atlanta hospital stepped in to assist an eight-year-old girl and her mother running a 5K race over the weekend. A photo of nurse Gary Harris next to Marjan Holbrook and her daughter Rebecca was uploaded to Facebook by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The caption for the Tuesday post read: 'Marjan and her daughter, Rebecca, who has mitochondrial disease signed up to run the Publix 5[K] with the Kyle Pease Foundation Team. 'Heavy rain at the starting line almost kept them from participating, but nurse Gary, who they had met in the hospital a few weeks earlier, spotted them and their predicament. All smiles: Nurse Gary Harris, left, assisted Marjan Holbrook by pushing her 8-year-old daughter Rebecca's stroller. The three finished a 5K in 27 minutes . Care: Harris earlier was a nurse for 8-year-old Rebecca, who has mitochondrial disease, at an Atlanta hospital. The girl's mother, Marjan Holbrook, is seen right in the Publix Georgia 5K . 'So, the man who had cared for Rebecca offered to push her through the tough course so mom could run alongside them. 'In the end, not only did all three successfully complete the race, Rebecca and Gary finished first in their division! The 5K race is part of the Publix Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon. WSB-TV, which first reported on the story and Facebook post, said rainy and chilly weather can irritate Marjan Holbrook's asthma. Under cold weather, seizures often hit eight-year-old Rebecca, the television station reported. Marjan Holbrook recalled the Sunday events to WSB-TV, saying 'I was about to call [my husband as he was parking] and say "Don’t bother, I’m not going to run." It was getting stressful.' According to MitoAction, 'Mitochondrial disease is a chronic, genetic disorder that occurs when the mitochondria of the cell fail to produce enough energy for cell or organ function.' No cure exists for the disease, which can get worse over time, according to the organization. Some of the symptoms include muscle weakness, seizures, having autism or being on the spectrum, as well as learning disabilities and developmental delays, the group says. Health concerns: Marjan Holbrook and Rebecca were going to opt out of the race before Harris offered to help them, since cold weather can irritate Marjan's asthma and her daughter can get seizures in chilly temperatures . Endurance: Nurse Gary Harris, seen left with Rebecca Holbrook, has said he celebrated finishing the 5K before running to his wife's spot in the half marathon so they could finish at the same time . Marjan Holbrook told WSB-TV that while at tent for theKyle Pease Foundation '[Gary] came over and said hi and I said, "Gary, it’s good to see you, but I don’t think we’re going to be running this morning."' The television station reported that Harris then volunteered his assistance before the group went on to run the 5K in 27 minutes. Marjan Holbrook told the station 'I’m inspired by Gary because he wasn't supposed to be there. He hadn't trained, but he just showed up and did it.' Harris

Summary: Gary Harris stepped in to help Marjan Holbrook and her 8-year-old daughter Rebecca, who has mitchondrial disease, participate in a 5K race . Cold weather can reportedly irritate Marjan's asthma, and in chilly temperatures her daughter can get seizures . The pair were going to opt out of the race before Harris offered to help them and push Rebecca's stroller . They went on to run the Publix Georgia 5K in 27 minutes . Harris has said that he and his wife annually participate in the Publix Georgia Half Marathon . He celebrated finishing the 5K before running to his wife's spot in the half marathon so they could finish at the same time .


The family of Private Cheryl James, 18, pictured, died from a single gunshot wound to the head at Deepcut Army Barracks in Surrey in 1995 . A female soldier was subjected to sexual violence before her death at Deepcut Army base in November 1995, it has been claimed. Private Cheryl James was one of four soldiers who died of gunshot wounds at the base between 1995 and 2002. The 18-year-old recruit suffered a single gunshot wound to her head. An army investigation ruled that Pte James took her own life, while a coroner returned an open verdict just three weeks after her death. Now Pte James' family want a new inquest following the discovery of new evidence which could provide a different explanation for the tragedy. Last July, the family were successful being granted a new inquest, but the hearing his being delayed by Surrey Police. The family's legal team claim that new ballistics evidence as well as claims of bullying and sexual violence in the weeks leading up to Pte James' death. The 18-year-old from Llangollen, Denbigshire, north Wales died on November 27, 1995. She suffered a single gunshot wound to the head, with the bullet entering between her right eye and the bridge of her nose. Ballistics experts claim that it is highly unlikely that the bullet wound suffered by Pte James could have been self inflicted. Just five months before Pte James' death, Private Sean Benton, 20, from Hastings, East Sussex was discovered with five bullet wounds to his chest. The army maintained that Pte Benton took his own life in June 1995, despite ballistics evidence suggesting that only one of the five rounds was discharged at close range. In September 2001, Private Geoff Gray, 17, from East London suffered two gunshot wounds to the head while on guard duty. Pte James was one of four young army recruits to have died at Deepcut Army Barracks, pictured . Doreen and Des James , pictured, want a new inquest to find out what happened to their daughter in 1995 . On March 23, 2002, Private James Collison, also 17, was found with a single gunshot wound to the chin. Once again the army insisted that another young recruit had taken their own life. Although the families of the dead soldiers believe that authorities are trying to cover up the real cause of the deaths. During the most recent hearing, Alison Foster QC told the High Court: 'We will present shocking details which will pertain only to this girl. Private Sean Benton . The 20-year-old of Hastings, East Sussex, was found dead at Deepcut with five bullet wounds to his chest in June 1995. Despite ballistics tests suggesting only one bullet was fired from close range and the others from a distance, the Army says he committed suicide. Private Cheryl James . The 18-year-old of Llangollen, Denbighshire, was found with a single bullet wound to her head at the barracks in November 1995. An Army inquiry concluded she committed suicide while a coroner records an open verdict three weeks after her

Summary: Private Cheryl James died at Deepcut Barracks on November 27, 1995 . The army claimed she took her own life just 11 days arriving in Deepcut . The 18-year-old recruit suffered a single gunshot wound to the head . Was one of four young recruits to die at Deepcut between 1995 and 2002 . Evidence of alleged sexual violence has emerged in Pte James' case . Her family hope a new inquest will discover the reason behind her death .


Gordon Strachan admitted on Tuesday that he faces a huge dilemma over who should be his Scotland captain. Fit-again Darren Fletcher and Celtic skipper Scott Brown are vying for the armband ahead of Wednesday's friendly with Northern Ireland and Sunday’s Euro qualifier with Gibraltar. Brown was Strachan’s pick when Fletcher was missing with a chronic bowel disease or on the bench for recent internationals. Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher (left) is fit again and ready to start for Gordon Strachan's side . Celtic captain Scott Brown has been Scotland skipper in the absence of Fletcher . Since leaving Manchester United for West Brom in January, however, the 31-year-old has staked a claim to add to his 66 caps in the upcoming games. And Strachan admitted: ‘I’ve got a hard decision to make. I’m trying to make sure everybody gets involved in the games. I want to be fair on the club managers. ‘At this moment, I haven’t picked the team so I can’t pick a captain. Once I pick the team, I’ll have an idea. Scotland manager Strachan says he doesn't know who will be his captain for the upcoming fixtures . Fletcher left Manchester United in the January transfer window and is now the West Brom captain . ‘I know the system, the players know the system. ‘I have other decisions to make as well. Who’s the goalie? Who’s going to be the main one up front? Who’s going to be the wide players? They are smashing decisions to have to make.’ Strachan has almost a full squad to choose from for both games – with Ross McCormack the only call-off.

Summary: Scotland play Northern Ireland in friendly at Hampden Park on Wednesday . Gordon Strachan's side face Gibraltar in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday . Celtic's Scott Brown has captained the side in Darren Fletcher's absence . Strachan admits he faces a dilemma now Fletcher is fit again .


Technology now in use by the New York Police Department may be picking up stray conversations. Three hundred ShotSpotter microphones are being placed in high crime areas of the Bronx and Brooklyn, with the aim of alerting police immediately when they overhear the sound of gunshots. However, the devices pick up more that just the bang of shots being fired in potential crimes, and evidence from conversations they've listened in on has been used in court. Scroll down for video . New York City's pilot program using ShotSpotter's microphone technology began last week in the Bronx. Above, Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks about the system . The ShotSpotter system works by sending a few seconds of audio to police departments along with location information after a potential gunshot system makes it through a filtering process . Audio recordings from ShotSpotter have been used to corroborate testimony that led to convictions in a 2011 Massachusetts murder where a voice was heard shouting 'No Jason, no Jason!' before shots were fired. NYPD officials and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a pilot program for the microphones earlier this week. Sensors in seven districts of the Bronx have already begun working, and the devices will be turned on in ten districts of Brooklyn on Monday, according to the New York Times. 'This gunshot detection system is going to do a world of good in terms of going after the bad guys,' de Blasio said. The devices are thought to help police respond more quickly and help authorities pin point the exact location of shootings after potential gunshot recordings are sent through the company's headquarters in California. ShotSpotter says that its devices 'are specifically designed to be triggered by loud explosive or 'impuslive' sounds only.' Three microphones must be triggered to start an alert and triangulate a location. The company says that human voices, slamming car doors and loud music will not trigger the microphones, which then send summary data about a sound to the company. The ShotSpotter system (above) filters out noises such as car door slams and yelling before sending alerts to the police . Recordings of a human voice captured by the ShotSpotter system were used to get a conviction in a Massachusetts murder case . It states that there is no 'live streaming' of any microphones apart from the few seconds of regular audio sent to its employees for further analysis about whether the sound may have been a firecracker or a gunshot. An alert, location data and a few seconds of audio are then sent to local police. The restrictions on triggering events have not stopped some privacy advocates from saying that evidence procured by the ShotSpotters may violate the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. 'If [ShotSpotter] is recording voices out in public, it needs to be shut down,' the ACLU's Jay Stanley told Take Part. He said his organization is 'always concerned about secondary uses of technology that is sold to us for some unobjectionable purpose and is then used for other purposes.' De Blasio has

Summary: ShotSpotter microphones detect gunshots and triangulate location . Technology uses filtering process to eliminate car door slams and yelling . Snippet of a sound was used to get Massachusetts murder conviction . Company says no private conversations are being monitored by its system . New York City is beginning pilot program for $1.5million .


England World Cup hopeful Henry Slade has been named Aviva Premiership player of month for February. The 21-year-old fly-half was in fine form throughout the month as Exeter Chiefs won all three of their matches to propel themselves right in to play-off contention. Slade scored 54 points in total, including two tries, in victories over Newcastle, Harlequins and Bath. Exeter Chiefs fly-half Henry Slade has been named Aviva Premiership player of the month for February . Slade scored 54 points including two tries as the Chiefs won all three of their matches in February . Slade has continued that fine form in to March, scoring a try and kicking a further 13 points in last weekend's 74-19 demolition of London Welsh that sent Exeter second in the table. England head coach Stuart Lancaster this week heaped praise on Slade, who can also play in the centres or at full-back, as he called the Chiefs playmaker in to his squad as an injury replacement for Brad Barritt. 'The more I see him, the more I think he's got fantastic potential,' said Lancaster. 'I've always known it having seen him come through the age-group teams. 'We have a lot of competition at fly-half, but he's also adept in the centres. That's one of the options I'd like to look at for him in the future. For definite he'll be a part of our World Cup camp.' Slade looks on during England training at Pennyhill Park this week after his call-up . Slade crossed during Exeter's win over London Welsh to make it three tries in four matches . Former England international, BT Sport analyst and Aviva ambassador Austin Healey was also glowing in his praise of Slade, who remains uncapped but did impress for an England XV against the Barbarians at Twickenham last summer. 'Every time Henry Slade touches the ball something happens,' Healey said. 'There is no doubt in my mind the lad has the potential to win 50 caps or more for England. He is too talented and works too hard not to achieve Test caps. 'I have been watching him closely this season and I believe he is ready to step into the England team now. The youngster scores a try at Twickenham as an England XV defeated the Barbarians last summer . Both Stuart Lancaster and Austin Healey talked up Slade's England prospects ahead of the World Cup . 'Henry is one of the best attackers in Aviva Premiership Rugby, is solid in defence and can kick goals – is there anything this lad can’t do? Those attributes make him a much deserved winner of the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month Award for February. 'The only decision left is where he finally plays for England. It could be any of three positions – 12, 13 or 15.' Slade beat Wasps outside back Elliot Daly, Northampton flanker Calum Clark and Newcastle winger Sinoti Sinoti to the award.

Summary: Slade scored 54 points in three matches in February including two tries . Youngster was called up England head coach Stuart Lancaster this week . Slade backed to win over 50 caps for England by Austin Healey .


The four officers who rescued an 18-month-old toddler from the wreck of a submerged car on Sunday said they launched into their heroics when they heard desperate pleas for help coming from a woman inside. But when the four men used all their strength to right the red Dodge sedan, they found little Lily Groesbeck to be the only passenger left alive in the vehicle. Her mother, 25-year-old Lynn Jennifer Groesbeck, had passed away the night before when she lost control of the car and could not possibly have called for the men to help save her child. 'For two nights I've laid awake trying to figure out exactly what it could be. All I know is it was there, we all heard it,' Spanish Fork Police Officer Tyler Beddoes said. 'It was extra motivation.' Scroll down for video . Lone survivor: 25-year-old Lynn Jennifer Groesbeck (left) and her 18-month-old daughter, Lily (right), were found inside a crashed car in Utah's Spanish Fork river on Saturday. Groesbeck pictured above in a photo posted to Facebook . Spanish Fork Police Officers Tyler Beddoes, left, and Jared Warner, right, and Spanish Fork City Firefighters Lee Mecham, second from left, and Paul Tomadakis, second from right, answered questions Monday night regarding be the first responders on scene . Submerged: The temperature in the river was near freezing throughout the night after the car hit the river. Water flowed into the car through broken windows and rushed just below Lily's head . Tragic: Groesbeck died in the crash, but her baby, Lily, survived, is in stable condition and is improving. She is opening her eyes and doing well, police said . Beddoes said that he and the other three on scene responded to the voice calling for help when they approached the car. All four officers said they were there to help. But when they flipped the car, the mother was already deceased and Lily was unconscious, he said. A firefighter jumped into the river and cut the straps, freeing the blond baby girl who was wearing only a flannel onesie and no hat or gloves. Officers formed a line in the river and handed the cold girl to one another until she was on the shoreline and in emergency workers' arms. They rushed her to an ambulance and performed CPR, Beddoes said Monday, two days after the crash. Lily is in stable condition and improving, according to hospital officials. Beddoes, who spoke with the family, said the baby is opening her eyes and doing well. 'Her improvement is astounding. Right now she's watching 'Dora (the Explorer)' and singing '(The) Wheels on the Bus' with Grandpa. She is smiling and laughing for family members. We're blown away by Lily's progress and so grateful to her rescuers,' Lily's family said, according to CNN. Nobody knows exactly how the infant survived hanging upside down for nearly 14 hours in her car seat with no food or water. As she dangled, icy water rushed just below her head through broken car windows as the Dodge Caliber sat perched on

Summary: Lynn Groesbeck, 25, was driving home from her parents' house Friday night when she veered off roadway and into Spanish Fork River . Fisherman found the car the next day, partially submerged in the river . Groesbeck was found dead in driver's seat of vehicle, while her baby girl was alive in the back seat, above the frigid river waters . Police officers said they heard an unknown woman's voice asking softly for help as they approached the overturned car . Lily Groesbeck, 18 months old, was flown to Primary Children's Hospital, where she was in stable condition and is improving .


Chelsea football fans have allegedly been caught chanting the N-word and anti-Semitic slurs in a new race hate storm - prompting three Asian women and a black man to leave a train. After the club’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, a man was heard to say on the London to Manchester service: ‘Paris, Paris, Paris, that’s the way we like it, a n***** on the door’. This was a reference to the shocking incident that saw a group of Chelsea fans prevent a black man from getting onto a train on the Paris Metro last month before a Champions League game. The five culprits were overheard making references to another Chlesea racism scandal in Paris in February . Filming the incident, one passenger captures the Chelsea supporters making anti-Semitic remarks . A video of the latest incident - obtained by The Sun and broadcast by ITV London News on Thursday - was taken by a passenger on the 9.25pm train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly. The clip - in which only the seats can be seen - also features someone saying ‘Tottenham are a load of Y**s’, referring to the club’s Jewish fan base, and ‘John Terry is a racist, a racist, a racist’. Club captain Terry was banned for four matches and fined £220,000 by the Football Association in October 2012 for racially abusing then QPR player Anton Ferdinand . The passenger who shot the latest footage - with whom police have been in contact - described his journey as '90 minutes of hell', saying nobody dared to confront the supporters. The video ends when as a man is heard warning his friend ‘somebody might be filming us’. British Transport Police said officers had received complaints from passengers on the train. The supporters also made references to club captain John Terry (centre) Deigo Costa and Terry pose with the Capital One Cup trophy on the Wembley pitch after the 2-0 victory . Detective Sergeant Michael Maher said: ‘I want to hear from anyone who was on the train, particularly in coach E, around the time it reached Stoke, 10.40pm. ‘By the accounts we have received, the group were chanting insults at other passengers, and some of these insults may have been racist. We are in the process of checking CCTV. ‘But I would like to hear from any passengers who may have captured the behaviour of the group on mobile phones. Such footage could be crucial to our investigation.’ The video was taken by a passenger on the 9.25pm train from London to Manchester (file picture) The fans were travelling north towards Manchester from London Euston station (file picture) Four men were ejected by police who boarded the train, with their names and addresses taken, while another four left by choice. And Rory Jennings, from the Chelsea Fans Channel, told ITV London: 'It's northern Chelsea fans. There's obviously some, but they should be quite easily pinpointed. 'The club have done wonderful work with regard to stamping out racism - but it just shows you that there's further to go.

Summary: Five Chelsea fans were allegedly filmed making racist remarks on a train . The Blues fans were heard to say 'n****r' and use anti-Semitic language . The incident took place hours after Chelsea won the Capital One Cup .


A French court has ruled that that it has jurisdiction to judge a case against Facebook, after the U.S.-based social network blocked a man's account for posting a painting of a woman's genitals. The Frenchman, a teacher and a father-of-three, posted an explicit 19th-century oil painting depicting the lower half of a naked woman in 2011, and was subsequently blocked. The man sued Facebook that year, but lawyers representing the social network has argued that it does not fall under French jurisdiction. Blocked account: The Frenchman, a teacher and father-of-three, was blocked after posting an image of Gustave Coubet's painting The Origin Of The World on his Facebook account . The unnamed man had posted an image of Gustave Coubet's painting The Origin Of The World on the social networking site four years ago. He claims he missed messages and 'social contact' from his 800 Facebook friends when the page was taken down on the eve of his birthday on February 27, 2011. At the time, the unnamed man's lawyer Stephane Cottineau said repeated emails to the California based company demanding the page be reinstated had also gone unanswered. He added: 'This blind censorship and refusal to reply to emails suggests he is not worthy of their attention and is someone who has acted immorally or illegally. 'Deleting his account is a breach of his human rights, which guarantees my client's freedom of expression. French rules: The Paris court has ruled that that it does have jurisdiction to judge a case against Facebook, despite the U.S.-based social network arguing it has to be done in California . 'It is also in breach of his rights as a consumer under French law.' Earlier this year, Facebook's lawyer Caroline Lyannaz argued that the site did not fall under French jurisdiction as users have to sign a clause agreeing that only a California court can rule in disputes relating to the firm. Facebook's rules state users 'will not post content that is hateful, threatening, or pornographic, or that incites violence, or contains nudity or graphic or gratuitous violence.' However, a Paris court ruled yesterday that Facebook's clause forcing all users to agree that any litigation must be based in the U.S. state, where the site is based, was 'abusive'. Mr Cottineau hailed the court ruling as a 'first victory won by David against Goliath'. 'This decision will create jurisprudence for other social media and other Internet giants who use their being headquartered abroad, mainly in the United States, to attempt to evade French law.' The lawyer said this was an 'abusive clause' as none of the 22 million Facebook users in France 'can ever take recourse to French legal jurisdiction in the event of a dispute.' Facebook said it noted the judgement and was considering its response. The court will hear the case on May 21.

Summary: Man posted 19th-century painting of woman's genitals on Facebook . Facebook ruled Gustave Courbet's 'The Origin of the World' porn . The Frenchman's account was blocked, and he sued in 2011 . Paris court says forcing users to only sue in California is 'abusive'


A married couple and their friend have been killed in a car accident while on a 'trip of a lifetime' in New Zealand. Mitchell and Ruth Peterson, who had five children together, and grandmother Tammy Barnett from Richfield, Utah, were in an SUV when they turned into into the path of the truck outside the North Island city of Hamilton on Tuesday. Mrs Barnett's husband, Richard, was injured in the crash and was in a stable condition in Waikato Hospital on Thursday afternoon. The members of the Latter-Day Saints Church were visiting the branch in Hamilton, the New Zealand Herald reported. Tammy Barnett from Richfield, Utah, was killed when an SUV overturned near the city of Hamilton, in New Zealand, during a 'trip of a lifetime'. Her husband Richard (pictured) was injured in the crash and was in a stable condition in hospital on Thursday . Tragic: 'Devoted' parents Mitchell and Ruth Peterson, who had five children together, were also killed . They were travelling in a convoy with other tourists who witnessed the crash, and local police are now investigating. Their wrecked vehicle was discovered by an off-duty police officer who was on his way home. On Monday, when they touched down following a flight from Los Angeles, he wrote on Facebook: 'We made it to New Zealand. Wish I could say the same for our luggage. Or at least tammys.' Mr Barnett, who is an orthodontist in the town, and his late wife, have four children and four grandchildren together. Mr Peterson was a LDS in his ward and ran a visitor center. Richfield Mayor David Ogden told the Desert News: 'The whole valley has been affected by this. We all know them. They are so important in our lives, and so we are going to rally around the families.' A GoFundMe page set up in a bid to cover Mr Barnett's medical and Mrs Barnett's funeral costs read: Our dearest wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend Tammy tragically left us while on the trip of a lifetime to New Zealand with her beloved husband Richard. 'Tammy had an incredible energy about her and will be sorely missed. We have the unique opportunity to make this time a little easier to bear. Family: Mr Barnett (left) is an orthodontist in the Utah town. The pair (pictured with their son Topher) were said to be well-known and respected within the community and were members of the Mormon church . Mr Barnett updated his Facebook status when they landed in New Zealand following a flight from Los Angeles. He is expected to be released from hospital this week . Couple: Mrs Barnett, pictured with her 'beloved' husband in 1980 was described as a woman who had an 'incredible energy' and will be sorely missed . 'Let's band together as family and friends to show our love and support for Tammy and Richard. Please, if you are able, we would love your assistance to help cover the funeral and associated expenses. 'Thank you for your support during this difficult time.' The

Summary: Micthell and Ruth Peterson and friend Tammy Barnett from Richfield, Utah, were killed in the crash just outside of the city of Hamilton . Members of the Mormon church were in an SUV when it overturned . Mrs Barnett's husband Richard was injured in the crash and is stable . Families are raising money to cover funeral expenses and medical costs .


Oral Bryan, 44, has been sentenced to life in prison for killing his former partner with a hockey stick . A father-of-five who used a hockey stick to bludgeon his former girlfriend to death in front of their children has been sentenced to life in prison. Oral Bryan, 44, hit Nicola McKenzie, the mother of their two children, over the head with the stick 'like an axe' during a furious row. Miss McKenzie, 37, suffered horrific brain injuries and never regained consciousness, dying two days later in hospital. The row erupted in Moss Side, Manchester, on September 17 last year when Miss McKenzie spotted a car belonging to Bryan's new partner outside his home. She confronted the woman, who called Bryan, and he returned to intervene. As the two women squared up to one another, Bryan got a hockey stick from his house and cracked it over Miss McKenzie's head as she shouted: 'These are your kids, go on, show them what you're like.' The fatal blow, witnessed by the couple's two children, daughter Teja, 12, and son Amahri, eight, as well as Bryan's three other children, shattered Miss McKenzie's skull and left her lying unconscious in the street. As she lay dying with blood pouring from the head wound, Bryan picked up Miss McKenzie to check for signs of life before casually dumping her back down on the pavement and running off. Miss McKenzie - described as a devoted mother-of-two by her family - was taken to the intensive care unit at Hope Hospital in Salford with massive skull trauma and brain injuries but she died two days later. Nicola McKenzie, 37, (pictured) was described by her family as a devoted mother of two - she was killed following the brutal attack on September 17 last year in Moss Side, Manchester . Bryan initially fled the scene, but contacted police a short time later and was arrested. He claimed Miss McKenzie had attacked him with a knife and he struck the fatal blow accidentally in self-defence, but no knife was recovered at the scene. He was found guilty of murder at an earlier hearing. Diana Ellis, QC, defending, said her client was 'fully aware' of the impact of his actions, adding: 'No one wishes more that the clock could turned back.' Sentencing Bryan to a minimum of 20 years at Manchester Crown Court today, Judge Michael Henshall said: 'Nicola McKenzie was a young woman in the prime of her life and the mother of two children of who you are the father. 'The effects of the events on that day in front of those children is almost uncountable.' The incident occurred on Cadogan street (pictured) in Moss Side, Manchester on September 17, 2014 . After the case, senior investigating officer Duncan Thorpe of Greater Manchester Police said: 'This was a tragic incident where the life of a woman was sadly cut short in brutal fashion by a man she was once close to. 'Oral David Bryan showed absolutely no concern about his victim and the only intention in his mind when

Summary: Oral Bryan, 44, hit Nicola McKenzie, 37, over the head with a hockey stick . Mother of their two children suffered brain injuries, dying two days later . Bryan told police he had been acting in self defence as she had a knife . But found guilty and sentenced to life in jail at Manchester Crown Court .


A couple accused of claiming £42,500 in benefits while sending their children to a top private school and living in a £1,950 a month house were cleared today. Judge William Hart threw out the case against Leslie and Sarah Grant because the Department of Work and Pensions lost letters written by Mr Grant that would have supported his case. The 67-year-old from Cheltenham insisted he had written to the DWP notifying them of a change in his financial circumstances. During the trial the Government department denied ever receiving these letters but in evidence yesterday Tracey Tye, a DWP investigator, conceded there was a computer record of letters being received from him. Cleared: Sarah and Leslie Grant were accused of claiming £42,000 of benefits while getting an income from businesses and £50,000 in the bank - but the DWP lost a series of important letters, collapsing the case . She said they could not be accessed to check their contents because they had been ‘archived’ and were not longer retrievable. Judge Hart ruled that because the prosecution was unable to produce the letters to show whether they contained what Mr Grant alleged it would be unsafe to leave the case to the jury. He directed the jury to find the couple not guilty of defrauding the DWP between 2009 and 2011. The couple had been accused of falsely claiming £42,500, consisting of £19,000 of pension benefit, £19,000 of housing benefit and £4,500 of council tax benefit to fund their lifestyle. Sarah Grant, also received a £40,000 payment from her parents and was drawing income as a director of three companies during the time she and husband Leslie, 67, were claiming benefits, Gloucester Crown Court heard. Mr and Mrs Grant say they were penniless as a number of businesses went bust and needed state support. This was received while Mrs Grant got money from her mum, there was income from the pair's businesses and business account were being used for personal expenditure, it was said. Prosecutors also say they had around £50,000 in the bank, but today a second forensic accountant told the court she felt that the Grants had no income entering their bank accounts. Mr Grant, 67, had been receiving pension credit since November 2007, despite running his wife's companies, Hadleigh Partnership, Hadleigh Development and Sarafino Ltd, prosecutors claim. Funds were used to sent their children to Dean Close School in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, and to pay for expensive child care and high rent. Investigations into their affairs began when questions were raised about how they were able to pay £1,950 a month rent with just £775 a month housing allowance. Mrs Grant was questioned by benefit officials in May 2010 and said that her parents had paid the rent shortfalls and school fees. Top private school: The Grants' children attended £32,000-a-year Dean Close School in Cheltenham while the couple was claiming benefits, the court heard . The couple, from Cheltenham, claim that the firms they were involved in at the time were in liquidation. On Wednesday a forensic accountant told the court

Summary: Sarah and Leslie Grant are on trial for alleged £42,000 benefit fraud . Couple accused of falsely claiming handouts while paying school fees . Government had denied ever receiving series of letters from Mr Grant . But judge threw out case after investigator admitted they had got them .


Children who are are older when they start school may do well academically and socially in the short-term - but are more likely to abandon their studies and commit crimes as teenagers. A team of US researchers studied the impact that starting kindergarten has on children born 60 days before, and 60 days after the cut-off start date. And they found these negative outcomes are significantly more likely for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Children who are are older when they start kindergarten (a stock image is shown) are more likely to do well academically and socially in the short-term, but are also more likely to abandon their studies and commit crimes when they are teenagers, a new study has claimed . Philip Cook, a professor in Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy and lead author of the study, said: ‘This research provides the first compelling evidence of a causal link between dropout and crime. ‘It supports the view that crime outcomes should be considered in evaluating school reforms. ‘Dropouts are greatly over-represented in prison, so we know there is a strong association between dropping out and crime. ‘But to establish causation requires an experiment. My analysis takes advantage of nature's experiment associated with birth date.’ Professor Cook and Songman Kang of Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea carried out the research, published in American Economic Journal-Applied Economics. It is said to be the first study to link dropping out of school, and crime. The study compared North Carolina public school students born 60 days before, and 60 days after the school cut-off date. At the time of the study, children in the state had to turn five by October 16 to be eligible to enter kindergarten that year. Old-for-grade students are more likely to be convicted of a crime before age 20, the study said. A stock image of a young drink driver is shown . Children typically attend kindergarten when they are five or six year's old. Previous studies have established that children born just after the school-entry cut-off date and are ‘old for grade,’ perform better academically than their younger classmates. This has led to some parents trying to gain an academic advantage for children whose birthdays fall shortly before the cut-off date, by enrolling them later. In addition to performing better academically, Professor Cook's study found old-for-grade students were one-third less likely to engage in delinquent behaviour while still in school. ‘Up until the 16th birthday, it is all positive,’ he said. ‘They are doing better, relative to their classmates, by every measure. 'It makes sense, because they are more mature.’ However, after the age of 16, the picture shifts. The old-for-grade students are more likely to drop out and be convicted of a crime before age 20, the study said. The explanation for the behavioural change lies in the age at which students may legally withdraw from school, which is 16 in North Carolina. ‘If they were born before the cut-off date, they have just 19 months between their 16th birthday and graduation to be tempted to

Summary: Research looked at children starting kindergarten in North Carolina . Those who join closer to the age of six than five are called 'old-for-grade' These 'old-for-grade' children did best academically at school until 16 . Study also found they were a third less likely to engage in delinquent behaviour while still in school . But were more likely to drop out and commit of a crime after the age of 16 .