Thibaut Courtois believes Chelsea's win at West Ham was the sort which showed they can be Premier League champions. Chelsea followed up last Sunday's Capital One Cup final victory over Tottenham with a 1-0 win at Upton Park to consolidate their five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City. Goalkeeper Courtois was integral to the success, secured by Eden Hazard's first-half header, making a number of key saves, and reckons the win was crucial in the title race. Thiabaut Courtois came to Chelsea's rescue on a number of occasions during 1-0 win over West Ham . The Chelsea keeper parries the the ball with his leg as Kevin Nolan closes in on goal . 'Those games define if you can be champion or not,' Courtois told Chelsea TV 'A lot of teams lose points here. It was a hard game and we came out with a victory. 'At this stage of the competition of the league an away win like this is really important to be champions in the end. Those games decide if you will be champions or not. If you lose points here then you know City is back at two points (behind). 'We did well, so we have to continue in that way and hopefully at the end of May we can lift the trophy.' The Belgium goalkeeper thinks the performance, just a few days after the Wembley win, shows Chelsea have the desire to add a first Premier League title in five years to their League Cup success. The Belgium keeper is congratulated by defender Gary Cahill and John Terry after the final whistle . Courtois dives low to his left to repel another effort at his goal by West Ham striker Diafra Sakho . 'The motivation is to be champions,' added Courtois, who won Spain's Primera Division last term while on loan at Atletico Madrid. 'Every player will be motivated if you know you're playing to win the title. Three days after Wembley, okay maybe for some players it's hard, but everybody showed that we are great professionals who, after winning a title, want more and more.' Courtois, restored after Petr Cech played at Wembley, saved Chelsea time and again as West Ham were thwarted. He has displaced Cech as first choice this term and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho revealed on the eve of the match he would not stand in the Czech Republic goalkeeper's way if he asked to leave this summer. Courtois said: 'He's also one of the best keepers in the world. We train really well together. I can still learn from him. Maybe some things he can learn from me. Courtois praised rival for the No 1 spot Petr Cech and insists he is one of the best keepers in the world . Eden Hazard's header sails past Adrian to give Chelsea a vital three points at Upton Park . 'Obviously I prefer if the team plays well, we defend well and we don't need my saves. (But) I help the team like every other player.' Chelsea, out of the FA Cup, next play PSG

Summary: Chelsea beat West Ham 1-0 at Upton Park on Wednesday night . Eden Hazard scored the game's only goal with a first-half header . The Blues retained five-point lead over Manchester City at the top . Chelsea needed Thibaut Courtois to be in good form to keep Hammers out . Belgian claims games like that 'define if you can be champions or not' CLICK HERE for all the latest Chelsea news .


Jordan Henderson required a slice of luck after an uninspiring first half against Swansea, Jordi Amat’s sliding tackle sending the ball ricocheting on to his shin and ultimately looping beyond the reach of Lukasz Fabianski. But there has been nothing fortuitous about the manner of his improvement over the past two years. He has blossomed from a player talked about in the same breath as Andy Carroll and Charlie Adam - as examples of how Liverpool wasted the money from the sale of Fernando Torres - to England’s best midfielder. Liverpool have not lost any of the 15 games where their vice-captain has worn the armband this season, winning 12 and drawing three, proving himself in the dressing room and on the pitch a worthy successor to the departing Steven Gerrard. Jordan Henderson celebrates scoring against Swansea, the latest high point in his huge improvement . Henderson was almost sold to Fulham by Brendan Rodgers but is now England's best midfield option . The former Sunderland man was spoken about as a waste of money but is Steven Gerrard's successor now . An incredible unbeaten run in the league stretching back to December has put Liverpool just two points behind Manchester United in fourth and Henderson has been the key to their revival. Even when he is not playing well, as was the case against Swansea, the 24-year-old is a hub of industry, harrying the opposition and straining every sinew and devoting every ounce of energy to the cause. He also keeps popping up at the crucial moments - this was his third goal in as many games and a vital one which keeps the momentum going for his side. Sportsmail’s Jamie Carragher speaks of him as one of the best midfielders in the Barclays Premier League. Not bad for a bloke from Wearside who runs funny. Henderson was not even playing particularly well against Swansea but he made the difference for Liverpool . Liverpool have not lost any of the 15 games played by Henderson as captain in Gerrard's absence . Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson turned down the opportunity to sign Henderson . That was the assessment of none other than Sir Alex Ferguson, who wrote in his autobiography that Steve Bruce, then Henderson’s manager at Sunderland, recommended United sign the youngster. Ferguson declined citing Henderson’s gait ‘might cause him injuries later in his career'. Of course now he is just the sort of player Manchester United would want marshalling their midfield when the sides meet on Sunday in what could transpire to be pivotal in the race for the final Champions League spot. Henderson laughed off Ferguson’s mean observation, even taking it as a compliment that the pair were discussing him. Over his career so far, he has demonstrated an enviable resilience and a thick skin. When he first arrived at Anfield for £16million and failed to immediately deliver on the promise shown for boyhood club Sunderland he was widely, and understandably, maligned. Even Brendan Rodgers wanted to sell him to Fulham at one point. When he

Summary: Jordan Henderson scores fortuitous winner as Liverpool beat Swansea 1-0 . Liverpool have not lost any of their games with Henderson as captain . Vice-captain Henderson has proven himself as Steven Gerrard's successor . He is now England's best midfielder and the envy of Manchester United . Sportsmail's Jamie Carragher rates him as one of Premier League's best . United and Liverpool face each other in top-four showdown on Sunday .


Paul Scholes has criticised Joe Hart for appearing 'delighted' despite Manchester City's defeat by Barcelona which saw them crash out of the Champions League. Hart was in inspired form at the Nou Camp on Wednesday as he pulled off a string of world-class saves to keep the scoreline down. But Barcelona won the second leg 1-0 thanks to Ivan Rakitic's first-half goal as the Catalan giants progressed 3-1 on aggregate. Joe Hart was fist-bumping his defenders after making saves despite Manchester City's defeat by Barcelona . Hart shares a smile with Lionel Messi as Manchester City lost the second leg to the Catalan giants . Hart produced several world class saves to keep the score down at the Nou Camp . Writing in his column in the Independent, Scholes said: 'Well done to Joe Hart for a record number of saves in a Champions League game this season, and without him it would undoubtedly been worse for City. 'But what I could not get my head around was his evident delight at it all. Towards the end of the game he was smiling after every save and fist-bumping his defenders. 'City were losing 1-0. They were going out of the Champions League. What were they celebrating? Losing 5-0?' Hart was quick of his line to deny Neymar as the Brazilian forward looked set to score . Hart was commanding in his area, spreading himself wide to keep out Luis Suarez's effort . Ivan Rakitic was the only player to find a way past Hart as Barcelona edged the second leg . City trailed 2-1 after the first leg at the Etihad and were fortunate not to concede more in Barcelona as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar all went close. Hart made a total of 10 saves and even Messi paid tribute to the England keeper. 'He saved everything,' he said. 'We had a lot of clear chances but the keeper had a brilliant game. 'We can only congratulate him, but the important thing is we achieved our objective to get through.' VIDEO Pellegrini insists City are improving .

Summary: Joe Hart kept the score down as Manchester City lost to Barcelona . Only Ivan Rakitic was able to pierce the last line of City's defence . But Paul Scholes has criticised Hart for appearing to be delighted . The keeper was smiling and fist-bumping with his defenders . CLICK HERE for the best images from Messi's personal battle with Hart .


Bradford City striker James Hanson boasts a rags-to-riches tale fit for any FA Cup romance but his focus is firmly on the future as the Bantams aim to book their place in a Wembley semi-final on Saturday. The story of how Hanson rose from stacking shelves in his local supermarket to starring for his home-city club on the biggest stage has had plenty of airing in the course of his side's recent knockout heroics. And as he prepares for the big Valley Parade quarter-final against Reading, the 27-year-old Hanson believes the time has come to put his tale of non-league toil behind him and set higher targets for himself and his club. James Hanson celebrates scoring from Bradford during their victory over Millwall in the third round replay . Chelsea were beaten 4-2 by League One outfit Bradford during the fourth round back in January . Hanson and Jon Stead (right) celebrate after beating Sunderland 2-0 in the fifth round . Hanson said: 'Ever since I started scoring goals for Guiseley in the Unibond League I had the confidence I could play at a higher level and there is no reason why both myself and Bradford can't achieve this. 'We've shown in recent seasons what we're made of. When I joined in 2009 we were struggling at the wrong end of League Two and since then we've gone to a League Cup final and got promotion and now this. 'The club is thriving at the moment and with the money the club has made from the cup runs and last year's promotion it should be a massive factor for the club in terms of how it is able to progress in the next few years.' Hanson is the only member of the current Bradford squad to cost a transfer fee - he was snapped up for £7,500 with the fee including the guarantee of a pre-season friendly. But Phil Parkinson's side have already emphatically proved their credentials in back-to-back wins over Premier League opposition to the extent that many are making them favourites against high-ranked opponents on Saturday. Phil Parkinson is preparing to send his side out to face Reading in the quarter-final on Saturday . Filipe Morais, pictured after scoring against Chelsea, is expected to be recalled following injury . Bradford made it to Wembley for the 2013 Capital One Cup final, where they were beaten by Swansea . Hanson added: 'We know there's no reason why we can't do it again after what we did against Chelsea and Sunderland but there is no doubt we are still going in as the underdogs. 'We're looking forward to another chance to test ourselves against higher-level opposition. They have a lot of players who have played in the Premier League so we know it is going to be a test.' The game holds particular appeal for Bantams boss Parkinson, who made 361 playing appearances for the Royals and was voted their best ever central midfielder in an online fans' poll. 'I had a fantastic period there and I'm very honoured to be a

Summary: Bradford City aiming to book place at Wembley in FA Cup semi-final . James Hanson's side face Reading in last-eight on Saturday . Bantams striker Hanson has risen up from non-league football . Bradford have beaten Chelsea and Sunderland in last two rounds .


Some say that certain people can’t see the forest for the trees. But a skier in Kiroro, Japan proved that you can’t always see the trees for the ski slope either after one appeared to come out of nowhere and wipe him out on a mountain. Videoed skiing towards a slight lip in the piste, the skier gets a remarkable amount of air as he propels himself into a forward flip. But as quickly as the footage begins looking impressive, it begins looking painful as he ploughs straight into a tree upon landing. The failed stunt is repeated twice more in slow motion, which shows in greater detail the moment the man spots the tree and braces for impact. Crashing into it, the tree’s branches sway violently and its entire dusting of snow disappears into the atmosphere. The skier approaches a slight gradient in the slope before he jumps up into the air to attempt a foward flip . A close up shot of the man in the tree shows how tangled within it he is as one of his skis looks genuinely stuck. He looks relatively okay however considering the force in which he collides with it. The clip concludes with a doctor at the hospital utilising a rather ingenious app that translates his Japanese into English. Hurtling through the air the skier gains a surprising amount of height and initially appears to be pulling off an impressive flip . He asks the man: ‘Are you dizzy?’ to which he replies with a nod, circling his face with his hand as if to indicate where he is feeling pain. The doctor, now sitting in front of what seem to be X-rays of the man’s skull, then appears to say: ‘Three days’. Perhaps suggesting the amount of time the man should refrain from skiing for. The man realises his mistake while hurtling through the air and braces himself for the impact of the crash . While not an obvious place to ski, Japan has some 600 ski resorts and some impressive sites including Niseko, known for its international clientele. Japanese slopes are not as steep as some of the better known places to ski, but they are generally much cheaper to enjoy. And because of the lack of tourism to the skiing areas, they are sometimes occupied by only a handful of people. Watch out for that... The man crashes into the tree and becomes tangled within it as its branches sway violently .

Summary: Skier attempts impressive front flip and hurtles through the air . Before spotting a tree, bracing himself for impact and crashing into it . Close-ups show the man tangled in its branches but he appears okay . The video was captured on a ski slope in Kiroro, Japan .


A 14-year-old boy, who was so badly beaten by bullies that he spent the next 16 months in hospital with brain damage, has died after fulfilling his last wish - to see the sea. Antonio de Jesus Lopez Monje was attacked by a group of older boys from his school as he walked home in Amozoc, central Mexico. They beat him in a 'mindless and sickening' attack - and he was taken to hospital with a blood clot in the brain and subsequently went into a coma. A Mexican boy who was so badly beaten he spent the next 16 months in hospital with brain damage, has died . Antonio de Jesus Lopez Monje was attacked by a group of older boys from his school as he walked home in Amozoc, central Mexico . After surgery, he came out of the coma but was left with severe brain damage which had paralysed half of his body and left him with memory loss. Nine operations later, surgeons found that he was partially brain dead and had lost 60% of his sight in the vicious attack. Antonio's devastated father Roberto Castro Barranco said: 'For so long we had been clinging onto the faintest hope that he would come through and come back to us. 'But when we heard that his condition was worsening we were worried even more, and started to believe that all the medical help was not doing much for him.' Despite nine operations, surgeons found that he was partially brain dead and had lost 60% of his sight . When his condition began to worsen, his family discharged him against medical advice so he could see the sea . He added: 'He wanted one thing and that was to be by the sea. 'He longed to feel the waves, touch the sand and smell the sea breeze. 'So eventually we decided to take him out of hospital to give him that.' Against medical advice, Antonio was discharged and went to stay with his grandmother in Ensenada, a coastal city in north-western Mexico. He died three months later. Mr Barranco added: 'Because of this mindless and sickening attack we have lost the most precious thing to us, the life of our beautiful son. 'I hope the creatures who did this rot in hell.' Seven youths are awaiting trial for Antonio's murder. Three months after moving to Ensenada, a coastal city in north-western Mexico, to stay with his grandmother, the 14-year-old died .

Summary: Antonio de Jesus Lopez Monje was attacked by a group of older boys . He was left with severe brain damage which paralysed half of his body . When he began to worsen, family discharged him against medical advice . The 14-year-old went to live with his grandmother by the sea and died three months later .


A radical British Islamist who stabbed a football fan in the head with a pen and skipped bail to join ISIS has uploaded a new photograph showing him posing with a notorious German jihadi in Syria. Abu Rahin Aziz, 33, from Luton, fled the UK before he was handed a 36-week jail sentence in absence for attacking a football fan in London's West End. Since joining ISIS he has spent much of his time of social media posting provocative message aimed at his largely Western audience - including threatening MPs at the coming general election and attempting to justify the brutal burning to death of murdered Jordanian pilot Moath al-Kasasbeh. Now he uploaded a photograph showing him posing arm in arm with notorious German jihadi Denis Cuspert, who had been a relatively successful rapper under the name Deso Dogg before trading in his faux-gangster lifestyle to wage jihad on behalf of the Islamic State terrorist group. Militants: Abu Rahin Aziz, 33, from Luton has uploaded a photograph showing him posing arm in arm with notorious German rapper turned jihadi Denis Cuspert, 39 (right) Aziz, an ex office worker from Luton, previously told his followers on Twitter that he 'stabbed a kafir [non-believer] in the back of a head [sic] with a pen in London for insulting the Prophet Mohammed.' Threats: Abu Rahin Aziz, pictured in Syria, told his Twitter followers to attack MPs and servicemen . Last year he was sentenced to 36 weeks for the offence - but by the time the case came to court, he had already skipped bail and travelled to Syria to fight for ISIS. Aziz, 33, who tweets under the name 'Abu Adbullah Britani', is an associate of hate cleric Anjem Choudary who was once a member of radical group 'Muslims Against Crusaders'. Although his Twitter pages have been repeatedly removed thanks to the Anonymous cyber activist group's #OPISIS campaign targeting jihadi social media users, Aziz repeatedly sets up new accounts, which he users to taunt the West. In January Aziz contemplated on Twitter which method he would use to destroy his British passport, confirming his intention not to return to the UK. He wrote: 'Still deciding to what to do with my British passport, could burn it, flush it down the toilet.' Also in January, Aziz used Twitter to incite violence from jihadis who are still living in the West. 'Muslims in the West given instructions to strike the enemies of Islam and Muslims within their own countries,' Aziz wrote. 'Wonder who will strike first? 'Could it be UK first to be attacked? They've attacked us with jets killing scores, plus they have many Muslims in prison as war on Islam. 'Maybe sit and wait outside TA offices? Maybe some other interests, maybe an MP. Hmm interesting. UK can blame foreign policy.' Jihadi: Aziz has posted several photos of himself on Twitter dressed in military clothes and holding a rifle . In another message, Aziz wrote: 'A call upon Muslims in Europe to carry out attacks whether by explosive devices, bullets, car, rocks or even

Summary: Ex-officer worker Abu Rahin Aziz, 33, skipped bail to join ISIS in January . He had already been sentenced to 36 weeks in prison for stabbing football fan in the head with a pen for 'insulting the Prophet Mohammed' Now he has shared a photo showing him with a notorious German jihadi . Denis Cuspert, AKA Deso Dogg, was an aspiring rapper before joining ISIS .


UEFA says it will add steroid profiling of players to its anti-doping program next season. European football's governing body's medical committee has approved urine analysis in addition to existing blood monitoring for its biological passport program. UEFA says each player tested in its club and national team competitions has a biological passport which 'indirectly reveals the effects of doping as a result, as well as providing intelligence for target testing.' UEFA's medical committee has approved steroid profiling of players in its anti-doping program next season . Urine analysis will be used in addition to existing blood monitoring for UEFA's biological passport program . In 2013, UEFA approved retrospectively analyzing urine samples from 900 players to decide if steroid profiling was required. Re-testing was anonymous and positive samples would not provoke anti-doping cases. The results of that study have not been revealed. Though top-level soccer has few doping cases, UEFA suspended three Russian players from CSKA Moscow in the 2009-10 season for doping violations.

Summary: UEFA will include urine analysis in their 'biological passport program' The Program already uses blood monitoring but will now be expanded . Change was approved by UEFA's medical committee this week .


Known at the time as 'America's sweetheart', Katie Couric was NBC's star. And in their moment of need, the station is reportedly trying to recapture that magic. According to a series of reports, the 58-year-old newscaster is in talks with incoming chairman Andrew Lack to make a return by replacing disgraced anchor Brian Williams on the Nightly News. NBC has yet to respond to DailyMail.com's request for a comment. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Lined up? Katie Couric is allegedly in talks with NBC chairman Andrew Lack to discuss replacing Brian Williams on the Nightly News. Williams is currently suspended without pay for allegedly fabricating anecdotes . 'It makes sense (that she could come back) because she is so closely associated with the brand,' a source The New York Daily News. 'She and Andy are close friends, but this is still only in the most preliminary stages.' It is possible that Couric could be lined up for other roles at NBC such as hosting the ratings-poor Today show or working as a 'special correspondent' in a 'Barbara Walters-type role', notes Brian Stelter, author of Top Of The Morning: Inside The Cut-Throat World Of Morning TV. Writing for CNN, Stelter says Couric is one of many A-list reporters that harbor a close relationship with NBC's returning chairman Andrew Lack - who is credited with masterminding her rise to fame. He writes: 'Lack has a special knack for working with A-list television anchors -- he knows how to massage egos, how to manage internal rivalries, how to pair anchors and producers. 'A 1999 profile of Lack in Brill's Content said "a number of on-air talent and top executives have asked to link their contracts with Lack's -- saying, essentially, "I don't want to be here if it isn't Andy." Making a return? Couric, 58, (pictured with Today's Matt Lauer) became a star on NBC's Today show . America's sweetheart: Since being known as America's sweetheart, she has worked at CBS and 60 Minutes . 'And one of the stars he's stayed in touch with, through the decades, is Couric.' The alleged talks come after Williams, 55, was suspended without pay for allegedly fabricating anecdotes about the Iraq war and Hurricane Katrina in news reports and interviews. Lester Holt and Savannah Guthrie are temporarily holding the spot until Williams is reinstated or a replacement is found this summer. Couric, who is now at Yahoo News, left NBC in 2006 after 15 years presenting Today. She worked at CBS Evening News until 2011, while also doing segments for 60 Minutes for a reported salary of $15 million a year - the most ever for a journalist at the time. The meeting comes as NBC tries to fumble its way back into viewers' hearts after the scandal surrounding Brian Williams' fabricated anecdotes. Williams, 55, is currently suspended without pay as a team investigates claims he lied in reports about the Iraq war and Hurricane Katrina, among others. In 2011, Couric was allegedly in talks to return to Today to reunite with her former co-host Matt Lauer -

Summary: Couric, 58, rose to fame on NBC's Today from 1991 to 2006 . She has reportedly met with returning chairman Andrew Lack . NBC is struggling to reinvent itself after the Brian Williams scandal . Williams was suspended without pay for 'fabricating anecdotes in reports'


Cheat: Melissa Whiting, 33, from Darlington, who used illegally claimed benefits as a 'financial security net' while enjoying foreign holidays and a lavish lifestyle . A mother-of-three who used illegally-claimed benefits as a 'financial safety net' while enjoying foreign holidays and lavish spending on her home was receiving thousands from her well-paid boyfriend, a court heard. Melissa Whiting told officials she lived alone with her three children and raked in income support, housing benefit and council tax relief, a court heard. But in reality, she was sharing her Darlington home with boyfriend Mark Briscoe - a former soldier working in private security in the Middle East. In one year, he was able to deposit £9,000 into his 33-year-old girlfriend's account - all the while claiming benefits, using them as a 'financial safety net'. It also enabled her to pay for family holidays to Majorca and Bulgaria, as well as a £1,000-plus sofa, fridge, washing machine, flooring and a Sky subscription. Her deception was discovered in 2013, although she initially denied being in a relationship with Mr Briscoe. However, her neighbours knew they were a couple, and Teesside Crown Court heard Mr Briscoe also had his car registered at the Darlington property, and his pension correspondence from the army went there. Eventually, Whiting admitted two charges of failing to notify a change in circumstances, and yesterday she was given a two-month suspended prison sentence. The judge, Recorder Martin Bethel, QC, described her dishonesty as 'blatant' and also ordered Whiting, of Chestnut Drive, to pay £400 costs. Penny Bottomley, mitigating, told the court that the fathers of Whiting's first two children 'contributed very little to their upbringing'. She added: 'Her explanation to the Probation Service for continuing to claim benefits is it was a financial safety net for her and her children. 'That's somewhat understandable given she had spent the past 11 years receiving very little money from their fathers. 'She accepts it was wrong.' Miss Bottomley told the judge that unemployed Whiting had struggled with a gambling addiction at one point, but that was 'now being managed'. The youngest of the defendant's three children - Mr Briscoe is the father - is three, and the others are aged seven and 11, the court was told. Prosecutor Nigel Soppitt said the allegation was she claimed more than £11,800 over 18 months, but the defence case is that it was £5,000 over nine months.

Summary: Melissa Whiting claimed she was a single mother in order to claim benefits . But Whiting was actually in a relationship with former soldier Mark Briscoe . The private security worker was depositing thousands into her account . So mother-of-three used benefits as a 'safety net' while spending lavishly . Defence say is 'understandable' due to lack of child support from fathers .


This is the terrifying moment a bus driver rams into a stream of traffic as he falls asleep behind the wheel. CCTV footage shows the 65-year-old motorist, who has not been named, slowly drifting off while he navigates a road in Oakland County, Michigan. After stirring he suddenly slams on the brakes, but it proves too late and he collides with a car in front. The driver's side of the windscreen immediately shatters and falls through. In a bid to avoid further damage, the driver is seen steering the bus into the hard shoulder. A loud scraping noise can be heard as the vehicle drags a trail of debris along. A number of other vehicles are bumped and scratched as the bus goes by. After the driver manages to stop, a woman who was sat in the middle of the coach, exits out of the front door. There were apparently no other passengers on board. Caught on camera: This is the terrifying moment a bus driver rams into a stream of traffic as he falls asleep behind the wheel . Cruise control: CCTV footage shows the 65-year-old motorist, who has not been named, slowly drifting off while he navigates a road in Oakland County, Michigan . Safety glass: After stirring he suddenly slams on the brakes, but it proves too late and he collides with a car in front - The driver's side of the windscreen immediately shatters and falls through . Trail of destruction: A number of other vehicles are bumped and scratched as the bus goes by . Authorities quizzed the driver about the incident on the spot. He plainly stated that he dozed off and tried to brake. While no one on the bus was hurt, two motorists were reportedly taken to hospital non-life-threatening injuries. The accident took place on October 21 2014 around 6pm but police have only just released details around the event. The driver, who had been employed by the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) for more than a decade, tested negative for alcohol. According to Local 4 News, he is expected to appear in court on Wednesday. Lucky escape: After the driver manages to stop, a woman who was sat in the middle of the coach (seen above), exits out of the front door . Longtime employee: The driver, who had been employed by the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) for more than a decade, tested negative for alcohol . Facing penalty: According to Local 4 News, he is expected to appear in court on Wednesday .

Summary: CCTV footage shows the 65-year-old motorist drifting off while he navigates a road in Oakland County, Michigan . After stirring he suddenly slams on the brakes, but it proves too late and he collides with a car in front . After the driver manages to stop, a woman who was sat in the middle of the coach, exits out of the front door . While no one on the bus was hurt two motorists were reportedly taken to hospital non-life-threatening injuries .


Forgive the gross presumption in offering career advice to Lewis Hamilton, but he has given his father’s management the flick and told Simon Fuller’s XIX Entertainment their services are no longer needed. He, a novice in such entanglements, is now negotiating his own future, albeit with the help of a lady lawyer of impeccable and long-standing loyalty to the family. We are told by Mercedes that a new contract to replace the one that expires at the end of the season is a formality. Hamilton has said he wants to sign it. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates his win at the season-opening race in Melbourne, Australia - but is yet to sign a new deal with the team . Hamilton's current Mercedes contract runs out at the end of this season and no new deal has been agreed yet . Yet four months after he won the world championship in Abu Dhabi, there is only one important fact: no deal has been concluded. This is strange. It is literally only an afternoon’s job sorting out the terms of a contract if there is a willingness on both sides to tie it all up. So why the delay? It may be that Hamilton is holding out for the salary he wants. It is not £1million a week he seeks, despite some reports to the contrary. It is probably about €1m – or the piffling matter of £720,000 according to the current exchange rate. Perhaps the two sides will yet come to a mutually agreeable financial arrangement. But, as one of my mentors advised me about the chicanery of the paddock, there is a reason behind everything in Formula One. Mercedes say a new contract is a formality while Hamilton says he wants ti sign, so why the delay? Hamilton celebrates his Australian GP win in front of second-placed Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel . I hope that the delay is because Hamilton is seeking a move to Ferrari. Madness? No. By the end of the season, he hopes to have emulated his hero Ayrton Senna in winning three world titles – the number that most clearly defines a driver’s status in the pantheon. What has he got to lose? Such is Senna’s immortal fame that here in Australia, from where I write this, Senna’s face is still emblazoned on billboards advertising Tag Heuer watches. Never mind that he died in 1994. Before his fatal accident at the San Marino Grand Prix, Senna, as has since become common knowledge, talked to Ferrari about racing for them. I suspect scratching the itch that Senna could not - namely, competing for the sport’s most evocative marque - would mean more to Hamilton than the possibility of clocking up win after win, title after title. He has never been a chaser of records for their own sake. That kind of thing is for Vettel and the birds. Vettel joined Ferrari ahead of the new season after six seasons driving for Red Bull . The German finished third in his first race for the Scuderia in Melbourne eight

Summary: Lewis Hamilton's current Mercedes deal expires at the end of this season . Mercedes say a new contract for the world champion is a formality . Hamilton says he wants to extend his stay, so why the delay? Hopefully the 30-year-old is holding out for a move to Ferrari . Hamilton could finally prove that he is a better driver than Sebastian Vettel . CLICK HERE for all the latest news from the world of Formula One .


Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty paid tribute to the team's effort after he starred in a 2-1 win over Finland. Lafferty's first half double was enough to win the game for Michael O'Neill's side and keep them only a point behind European Championship qualifying group F leaders Romania, who beat the Faroe Islands 1-0. They had to endure a nervous finish after Berat Sadik's late goal but held on for victory. Kyle Lafferty praised his team-mates 'attitude, heart and performance' excellent after their win over Finland . Lafferty told Sky Sports 5: 'It was obviously nervous but we deserved to win the game. 'It was excellent today, the attitude, the heart and the team performance.' The Turkish-based frontman's first goal was an excellent volley on the turn before he nodded in the second, taking him second among his country's all-time leading scorers ahead of Colin Clarke and Billy Gillespie. The Northern Irish front man scores the opening goal during the first half of the Euro 2016 qualifier . And he said: 'Obviously it's all going right for me at the minute and I'm enjoying it. 'The first goal, I decided to hit it first time and luckily it went in. 'But it's down to the team, everyone was excellent today. Although I'm getting the goals and the rewards you have to look at the team performance.' Defender Jonny Evans, currently serving a six-match ban for Manchester United for spitting, was delighted to be able to contribute for his team. Lafferty of Northern Ireland scores with a header to make the score 2-0 at Windsor Park . 'It was great to be out there and especially to get the win,' he said. 'We ground out the result and Kyle scored two great goals. 'It puts us in a really good position going into June, we play Romania here and it'll be a top-of-the-group clash.' O'Neill saluted Lafferty, who now has five goals in five games in this qualifying campaign. Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill praised his striker after his two goals in the crucial clash . He said: "Confidence is obviously a big issue, he had a bit of a difficult year but he's put that behind him, he's playing with a smile on his face and he recognises how important he is to this team. "He scored two fantastic goals, we emphasise getting the ball in the box with quality and we saw the benefits of that." Four wins from five games give Northern Ireland an excellent chance of at least finishing in the top three in the group if not the two automatic qualifying places. O'Neill said: "We're eight (points) ahead of Finland, eight at least ahead of Greece (who play Hungary later on Sunday), we've still got a cushion over Hungary and we have a game in June where a win will take us top of the group. "We're looking forward to a good week or 10 days with the players and hopefully a similar performance. (Romania) are an excellent team and they top the group so we know we'll

Summary: Kyle Lafferty praised his Northern Ireland team-mates after the win . The striker scored a double in the first half to put his side in control . Finland scored a late consolation to make it a nervy final few minutes .


Barcelona president Marc Bartomeu is plotting a bid for Juventus star Paul Pogba worth a total of £144million, according to reports in Spain. Catalan-based publication Sport say that the move will be part of Bartomeu's chief aim as he attempts to remain in power with the club's presidential elections taking place at the end of the season. The newspaper also adds that Bartomeu wants to speak to the France international to arrange a preliminary deal to secure his services with Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and eternal rivals Real Madrid also interested in the 21-year-old midfielder. Spanish paper Sport (left) are reporting that Barcelona president Marc Bartomeu is lining up a bid worth a total of £144million for Juventus' Paul Pogba as part of his plans to win the electoral vote at the end of the season . Elsewhere in Spain, Madrid-based AS focuses on the La Liga title race. League leaders Real travel to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening in what could be a potential banana skin for Carlo Ancelotti's men. The 55-year-old has come under pressure recently following Real's dip in form but the Italian has hit back at his critics for his managerial style. 'With this lenient approach I've won three Champions Leagues,' he was quoted as saying on Friday with his trophy-laden CV proving that he knows how to get results. Over in Italy, Inter Milan midfielder Freddie Guarin has praised the impact that manager Roberto Mancini has made at the club since arriving midway through the campaign. Over in Italy, both Freddie Guarin (left) and Xhedran Shaqiri are both appraisal of the feelgood feeling at Inter . The Serie A giants were struggling prior to his arrival, but have slowly improved under the Italian. And Guarin believes Mancini has changed the club's mentality already and helped him improve as a player, adding that the good times will come back to the San Siro outfit. The feel-good feeling at Inter appears to be well spread among the squad as Guarin's team-mate Xherdan Shaqiri believes qualification for a Champions League spot is not out of the question too. Inter are currently 10 points behind third-place Napoli with 13 games remaining but the January window signing feels Rafael Benitez's men can be caught in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Summary: Barcelona are holding presidential elections at the end of the season . Current president Marc Bartomeu wants to agree a preliminary agreement with Paul Pogba - who is also wanted by PSG, Chelsea and Real Madrid . Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has hit back at his critics over dip in form .


Her day job is a million miles away from the glamour of the fashion world, but scrap yard worker Kelly Rowland is hoping to make it on the world's catwalks. The 24-year-old, from Wales, plans to quit her job in a bid to become Miss Universe. Kelly swaps her daytime dirty overalls for tiaras and ballgowns in the evenings, and has already been crowned Miss Carmarthenshire and was a runner up in the Miss Wales competition. Kelly Rowland may spend her days at the junk yard, but she hopes to scoop this year's Miss Universe crown . She is set to represent Great Britain at the international battle of the babes . She will now swap the wreckers yard for the catwalk at an international battle of the babes. Kelly hopes to wow American billionaire Donald Trump to win the sash in the hotly contested competition. She said: 'It's a world away from the mud and twisted metal of the scrap yard. 'I just enjoy the excuse to get on stage and wear a pretty dress.' Rowland admits she loves dressing up in pretty dresses and hopes to win Miss Universe . The scrap yard worker was crowned Miss Carmarthenshire, right, and was a runner up in Miss Wales . At night, she swaps noise and smells of the junk yard for ball gowns and pageants . Kelly spends her days surrounded by the noise and smells of her family's scrap metal business in Ammanford, South Wales. But at night she swaps the scrap heap for the catwalk and gets dolled up to compete against other beauties. She is set to represent great Britain at the Miss Universe competition organised by real estate mogul Donald Trump. But she hasn't quit her job working in the office at Ammanford Metals just yet. Kelly said: 'Miss Universe is one of the biggest pageants in the world and I think it's going to be a huge adventure as well as a lot of fun. But she hasn't quit her job working in the office at Ammanford Metals just yet . 'The UK has never won Miss Universe but I think that this year could be our year' - Paula Abbandonato, the national director of Miss Universe Great Britain hopes that Kelly could be Great Britain's hope . 'I will be doing all I can in the next few months to prepare.' Paula Abbandonato, the national director of Miss Universe Great Britain, wished Kelly and all the other competitors 'the very best of luck'. She said: 'The UK has never won Miss Universe but I think that this year could be our year.'

Summary: Kelly Rowland is set to represent Great Britain at the international contest . Already crowned Miss Carmarthenshire and was a Miss Wales runner up . She currently works in the office of Ammanford Recycling Metals, Wales .


Former two-weight world champion Ricky Burns has been left with only £228 to his name after his legal battles with Frank Warren. The 31-year-old, who fights in Texas on May 9 against Omar Figueroa, has declared himself bankrupt this week with debts of £419,888 after a courtroom showdown with his former promoter. Warren had claimed unsuccessfully for £1.8million in lost profits at the High Court in London last year after Burns joined Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable on March 11, 2013. But the judge also ruled Burns was not entitled to end the promotional agreement with Warren’s company and owed him commission. Ricky Burns, pictured in action against Raymundo Beltran in 2013, has been declared bankrupt . The former world boxing champion said his remaining assets are worth only £228 . Boxing promoter Frank Warren (left) and Burns, pictured here in 2010, were embroiled in a courtroom battle . Burns paid his own £200,000 legal fees and a further £170,000 to cover Warren's damages . Burns teamed up with promoter Eddie Hearn in 2013 amid frustrations over two postponed fights . In December, Burns paid his own £200,000 legal fees and a further £170,000 to cover Warren’s damages and costs. The judge ruled Frank Warren Promotions owed Burns £102,000 in purses but said he was unlikely to receive anything from the liquidated company. Frank Warren said: ‘I brought a claim against Ricky Burns because he wrongly terminated his management and promotional agreements. I offered to meet him to try to sort things out after he had terminated, but he did not take me up on this offer.’ Burns and Warren are pictured at a press conference in 2012 before they went their separate ways . The Scottish fighter, in action against Jose Gonzalez in 2013, joined Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing . Burns is hoping to revive his career in America with a fight against former world champion Omar Figueroa .

Summary: Ricky Burns has gone bankrupt with debts of more than £400,000 . Scottish fighter said his remaining assets are worth just £228 . Burns applied for bankruptcy after courtroom battle with Frank Warren . Both Burns and Warren declared victory after the High Court showdown . But Burns paid £200,000 legal fees and a further £170,000 . A previous version of this story repeated a claim that suggested Eddie Hearn had encouraged Mr Burns to leave Mr Warren’s management. We have since learnt that the court considered and rejected a similar allegation and we have taken immediate action to amend the article. We apologise for repeating the allegation.


A prostitute killed her pimp boyfriend then posed as him on Facebook for five years in an attempt to fool his family and get her hands on his money. June Buttle, 56, killed her 'domineering' partner of ten years Thomas Groome, 54, by hitting him over the head with a piece of wood before his body was dismembered and burned, a court heard. She then used his Facebook account to try and convince his family that he had run away to Portugal where he was living the single life and wanted nothing more to do with them. Sheffield Crown Court heard Buttle then tried to access Mr Groome's bank accounts where he had stored 150,000 Euros he was awarded after being abused in a care home as a child. June Buttle, 56 (left), has been jailed for 16 years after admitting killing partner of ten years Thomas Groome, 54, then posing as him on Facebook before trying to steal his money . Today Buttle was jailed for 16 years after admitting manslaughter, with Mrs Justice Andrews telling her: 'You lied so much and so continually that it is difficult to separate the truth from the fiction.' Mr Groome had been in a long-term relationship with Buttle, but the court heard that it was sexually abusive, and that Mr Groome had often forced her into prostitution. Mr Groome was a car salesman by trade, but often had little to live on, staying in friends' houses and caravans, often without heating or running water. But in 2009 he was awarded 150,000 Euros compensation by a court after he was found to have been abused in a care home in County Offaly, Ireland. The court heard that Mr Groome had used the money to buy a caravan and two cars, and had planned to use the money to move to Portugal and open a bar. However, three days before he died Mr Groome got into an argument with Buttle after she refused to move abroad, and accused him of keeping the money from her. The court was told he flew into a rage after she refused to have sex with him and stormed off. Three days later, on New Year's Day 2010, Buttle and her son, Jason Thaxter, beat Mr Groome over the head with two pieces of wood, before rolling his body up in a carpet, the court heard. It is not known exactly what became of the body, but Buttle is reported to have told friends that Mr Thaxter cut the corpse into pieces before burning it on a bonfire. However, Buttle has refused to tell police what happened and the Crown Prosecution Service said that there was not enough evidence to charge Mr Thaxter with disposing of the body. After Mr Groome disappeared Buttle began posting status updates on his Facebook page pretending to be him, and claiming he was still alive. She falsely suggested he had run off with a younger woman in Portugal and didn’t want to contact his family because he thought they were after his money. Buttle killed

Summary: June Buttle, 56, killed partner Thomas Groome, 54, on New Year's Day 2010 . Used his Facebook account to lie about him running away to Portugal . She then tried to access £110,000 he had stored in his bank accounts . Even got another man to pose as Mr Groome but was denied access . After five years of keeping up charade she admitted crimes to police . Was jailed for 16 years for manslaughter at Sheffield Crown Court .


A single mother-of-three who is on benefits says she would love to work but employers won't give her a chance as she's overweight. Vicky Benson, 33, from Gateshead, tipped the scales at 28st and said she has struggled to lose weight despite her efforts to diet. 'I am well and truly overweight. This big tummy doesn't seem to budge,' she said on the latest edition of Channel 5 documentary Benefits Britain: Life On The Dole. Vicky, pictured on Channel 5 documentary Benefits Britain, says she would like to work but employers won't give a chance because she's 'well and truly overweight' 'I have tried to lose weight, I have tried everything. It's hard to diet, what's right for you, what not to eat, what to have in place of the rubbish. The temptation of just saying, "I'm just going for a kebab".' She said she has tried to find work but hasn't been successful and is angry that, as a result, her handouts have been sanctioned. She used to get £270 a week benefits but this was cut to £200 a week when she failed to apply for enough jobs. 'It's terrible living on benefits, it's not what I want. I have looked at a lot of cleaning jobs, coffee shops, shoe shops, everything but I never hear anything back,' she said. 'If there are two people standing for the same job and one is big and one is slim, they will take the slim one.' As a single mother to twins Lexi and Levi, five, and daughter Chloe, 13, as well as looking after a dog, Vicky says she's no stranger to hard work. The single mother has been on the dole for eight years and is angry her benefits have been cut recently because she hasn't applied for enough jobs . 'It's a full-time job looking after three kids, in fact it's probably harder,' she pointed out. She has been living off handouts for eight years after quitting a job she had as a cleaner. She said: 'I last worked in 2007. I had a job cleaning in sheltered accommodation. I did it for eight weeks. It didn't work out so I just gave it in. Maybe I should have stuck at it and tried harder.' After her twins started at school, Vicky was warned her benefits would be sanctioned if she didn't demonstrate she was actively seeking work. But she said she struggled to find a job because of her size, lack of qualifications and the fact she would have to fit it in around childcare. Vicky, pictured applying for jobs with her daughter, said she is trying to find work . She said it's not fair her benefits have been cut as a result of her not applying for enough jobs. 'I applied for four jobs as they were the only ones suitable for me to do. As a result, my benefits have been sanctioned as they said it wasn't enough,' she explained. 'I'm really angry at the fact they can put the sanction on me when I

Summary: Vicky Benson, 33, from Gateshead, tipped the scales at 28st . She has struggled to lose weight despite her efforts to diet . Been on the dole for eight years . She said employers won't give her a chance because of her size . Had her handouts sanctioned when she failed she apply for enough jobs . Believes this isn't fair as she had three children to feed .


It is the most glamorous weekend in Dubai’s social calendar and the ladies were out in force today in an array of outrageous hats and bright dresses that would give the fashionistas at Ascot a run for their money. With a highly anticipated fashion competition taking place behind the scenes, the stakes were just as high for the stylish women in the crowd at the Dubai World Cup as those racing for glory. Around 50,000 revellers attended the world's richest horse race at Meydan this year, with many hoping to be considered for the off-track prizes including best dressed lady and man, best dressed couple, best hat, most creative hat and Longines most elegant lady. The race produced an unexpected winner with Prince Bishop, an eight-year-old trained by Saeed bin Suroor, which pulled away from race favorite California Chrome on the home straight to win the race by two and three-quarter lengths. Kylie Minogue is set to close the event tonight which saw a total prize money of £20million handed out - including £6.7million for the winner. The ladies were out in force today in an array of outrageous hats and bright dresses at the Dubai World Cup held at Meydan . The impressive headgear on show, such as this headpiece inspired by cherry blossom, gave the fashionistas at Ascot a run for their money . These guests went for more unusual designs, with one woman (left) wearing a hat showing the flags from all the countries competing . With a highly anticipated fashion competition taking place behind the scenes, the stakes were just as high for the stylish women in the crowd as those racing for glory . Fascinators were a popular look at the event which is the most glamorous and highly-anticipated weekend in Dubai's social calendar . A racegoer pairs an ornate jewelled-headpiece with beautiful earrings and a ruffled dress for the Dubai World Cup at Meydan . Around 50,000 racegoers attended the festivities at Meydan this year, with many hoping to be considered for the off-track prizes . Abbey Clancey displayed her growing baby bump in a form-fitting black floral dress at Geales restaurant, housed in Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa . One lady was spotted fanning herself to cope with the heat as she watched the competition at the world's richest horse race . Many of the racegoers were hoping to be considered for the off-track prizes including best dressed lady, best dressed couple, best hat, most creative hat and Longines most elegant lady . Danielle Lloyd, who recently divorced footballer Jamie O'Hara, stunned in a baby blue dress and Denise van Outen arrived at the event in a grey two-piece . The stakes were just as high for the stylish women in the crowd at the Dubai World Cup as those racing for glory . A lady wore a geisha-inspired red and pink kimono and protected herself from the glaring sun with an elegant black parasol .

Summary: Ladies were out in force today in an array of outrageous hats and bright dresses at Dubai World Cup at Meydan . It is the world's richest horse race with a total prize money of £20million including a cool £6.7million for the winner . But the stakes were just as high for those going head-to-head in the fashion competition as those racing for glory . Race produced an unexpected winner with Prince Bishop an eight-year-old trained by Saeed bin Suroor .


A couple who were brought together by their mums' cancer diagnosis, have revealed they tied the knot just days before the bride's mother died. Kirsty Summers, 27, met her husband, Darren Summers, 34, through a cancer support forum. As they chatted, they discovered they only lived three miles away from each other in Lincoln and their mothers both suffered from inflammatory breast cancer. Kirsty and her husband Darren were bought together through a cancer support group and have gone on to have two children together Jack, five and Isabelle, two . As mother's day approaches Kirsty Summers has revealed how hard it will be to spend the day without her mother Carol who died just eight days after her wedding . But while Maureen Summers recovered, Carol Mellars was given just months to live, forcing the couple to bring their wedding forward. Despite being confined to a wheelchair and on oxygen, she managed to watch her daughter walk down the aisle and whisper: 'You look like a princess.' She died just eight days later, aged 50. Now Mrs Summers has paid tribute to her mum for finding her 'perfect man'. The baby sign language teacher said: 'She was so happy the day I got married and I'll always have her to thank for finding my perfect man. 'Mum being diagnosed was the worst thing that happened to me but it ended up leading to the best thing that happened to me.' The couple have had two children together since their wedding in 2008, Jack, five, and Isabelle, two. On Sunday, Mrs Summers will remember the tragic circumstances she met her husband in. She said: 'Mother's Day has become easier to cope with now I have the kids and they can make their own little presents. Sarah was pleased her mother Carol, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, got to attend her wedding . Kirsty, pictured with Darren, has paid tribute to her mother for helping her find the perfect man . 'That gives things a nicer focus but it's always bittersweet.' Ms Mellars was first diagnosed with grade-three inflammatory breast cancer in 2007. This meant that the cancer had spread from her breast to her lymph nodes. When she was undergoing her first round of gruelling chemotherapy, devastated Mrs Summers joined an online support forum. 'When Darren and I started messaging, the main topic of conversation was always about our mums,' she said. 'But then we got to talking about other things, like hobbies and how much we had in common. 'It just felt like there was a bit of a connection there.' After 10 days of chatting online, the pair arranged to meet at a coffee shop as friends. She said: 'I was looking forward to the prospect of meeting up with somebody and being able to honestly tell them how I was feeling and know that they were going through the exact same thing.' When Mr and Mrs Summers' relationship deepened, they introduced their mothers. Soon Ms Mellars and Maureen Summers, 67, also became great friends. 'I think their

Summary: Kirsty and Darren Summers met in a cancer support group . Both of their mothers were suffering from cancer at the time . Sadly Kirsty's mother did not make it dying eight days after their wedding . Now she has revealed the struggle she faces every Mother's Day .


More than a dozen dangerous offenders committed terrorism offences while on bail, including jihadist Choukri Ellekhlifi who fled to Syria while on bail for a spate of violent muggings in London . More than a dozen dangerous offenders committed terrorism offences while on bail, damning figures have revealed. In the last three years, 13 suspects allowed to walk free for other offences were arrested for breaching anti-terror laws. The figures, obtained by MailOnline, also show the shocking scale of offences committed by suspects on bail, with one crime every five minutes. It is likely that the 13 terrorists were allowed to walk free after committing minor crimes before then being caught endangering national security, legal experts say. The staggering figures, released by the Ministry of Justice under Freedom of Information laws, show that nearly 350,000 offences were committed on bail in the last three years. This equates to one offence every five minutes - sparking yet more fears about the state of Britain's justice system. The statistics raise further questions over the monitoring of terror suspects, such as jihadist Choukri Ellekhlifi, who fled to Syria in 2012 while he was on bail for a spate of violent muggings in London. Ellekhlifi, 22, threatened victims with a Taser-style high-voltage stun gun and forced them to hand over valuables including designer watches and mobile phones, but fled the country before he could face trial. He is believed to have been two years below Mohammed Emwazi - revealed last week to be Jihadi John - at Quintin Kynaston school in north west London and was killed in 2013 near the city of Aleppo. Emwazi was himself on a terror watch list when he travelled to Syria and the Government has admitted that hundreds of ISIS extremists 'slipped through the net' and were not properly monitored by the security services. The figures also make for a chilling comparison to Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis, who was on bail in Australia when he took 17 hostages captive in a cafe before killing two. Tory MP Nick de Bois, a member of the Commons Justice Committee, said: 'Any hint that someone may be involved in terrorism and who is facing criminal charges must be remanded in prison - no ifs no buts. 'We have to accept that bail conditions are not tough enough, leaving those with criminal intent to wander our streets. 'If courts are not going to remand defendants in jail then we should at least place them under 24-hour house arrest using electronic tagging to keep them at home rather than free to commit crime.' Ellekhlifi (right) was killed near Aleppo in 2013 alongside Mohammed el-Araj, from west London (left) Magistrates have been under mounting pressure in recent years to remand fewer suspects into custody to ease the burden on over-stretched prisons. Joseph Kotrie-Monson, criminal defence lawyer at Mary Monson Solicitors, said: 'People who have gone on to commit terror offences while on bail would not have been on bail for terror offences or anything in the same category of seriousness. 'If there was any

Summary: More than a dozen offenders committed terrorism while they were on bail . Shock figures obtained by MailOnline reveal crime on bail every 5 minutes . Nearly 350,000 offences were committed on bail in just three years . MP calls for suspects to be tagged and placed on 24-hour house arrest . One in nine murder and manslaughter victims are killed by thugs on bail .


Assuming Northern Ireland don’t now stumble on the road to France, they will owe a big debt of thanks to their big No 10 for firing his country to a major championships for the first time in 30 years. Not since the 1986 World Cup have the Northern Irish graced a big stage. Indeed, they have never qualified for the finals of the European Championships. But after Kyle Lafferty scored twice against Finland at Windsor Park to take his total in qualifying to five goals in five games, Michael O’Neill’s side will never have a better chance as they remain one point behind leaders Romania following their fourth win of the campaign. Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty celebrates after scoring against Group F rivals Finland at Windsor Park . Lafferty scores past Finland goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky to open the scoring at Windsor Park in Belfast . The Northern Ireland striker leaped above Finland's defence to double the scoreline just five minutes after his opener . NORTHERN IRELAND (4-1-4-1): Carroll 6; McLaughlin 7, McAuley 6.5, J Evans 6.5, Brunt 6; Baird 6; Ward 7, Davis 6.5 (C Evans 46, 6), Norwood 6, McGinn 6.5 (Dallas 64, 6); K Lafferty 8 (Magennis 79). Subs not used: D Lafferty, Mckay, Mannus, McCourt, McNair, Hughes, McCullough, Grigg, McGovern . Goals: Lafferty 33, 38 . Booked: Baird, Brunt . FINLAND (4-3-2-1): Hradecky 5.5; Sorsa 6, Toivio 4.5 (Arajuuri 46, 6), Moisander 5, Uronen 6; Ring 6, Mattila 6.5, Sparv 6; Hamalainen 5.5 (Pohjanpalo 42, 6.5), A Eremenko 5.5; Pukki 6.5 (Sadik 70, 7). Subs not used: Maenpaa, Moren, Schuller, Lod, Riski, Raitala, Lam, Kauko . Goal: Sadik 90 . Booked: Pohjanpalo, Arajuuri . Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Attendance: 10,264 . Star man: Kyle Lafferty . Northern Ireland remain just one point behind Group F leaders Romania . The two countries meet here in June when Northern Ireland will have a great opportunity to go top. Even if it all goes wrong, this result puts them eight points clear of fourth-placed Finland and almost guaranteed of at least a playoff place. ‘We’re in a really strong position, there’s no doubt about that,’ said O’Neill. ‘Will 18 points be enough? Possibly. But Belfast in June is as far as we’re looking ahead.’ Finland simply couldn’t handle Lafferty, the 6ft 4in striker on loan to Turkish club Caykur Rizespor from Norwich after a frustrating spell at Carrow Road, who made life as difficult for them as possible in the blustery conditions. He had already caused central defenders Joona Toivio and Niklas Moisander plenty of problems before putting Northern Ireland in command with two classy finishes in the space of six minutes. The first goal came from a freekick after Lafferty was fouled by an exasperated Moisander in the 33rd minute. Finland cleared Oliver Norwood’s inswinging free-kick but Niall McGinn nodded the ball back to Lafferty 15 yards from goal and he showed fantastic technique to turn and volley it beyond goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky and into the far corner. Ireland looked most dangerous down their right-hand side and when Jamie Ward

Summary: Kyle Lafferty scored two first-half goals to help Northern Ireland claim all three points against Finland . Finland grabbed a consolation goal through Berat Sadik in the closing stages of the Euro 2016 qualifier . Northern Ireland remain one point behind Group F leaders Romania with five games left to play . Michael O'Neill's side face Romania at Windsor Park in Belfast on March 29 . READ: Religious protests held outside Windsor Park as Northern Ireland stage first ever home match on a Sunday .


The days of long, luxurious showers on holiday could be numbered. That's if the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gets its way. The agency has paid researchers $15,000 (around £10,000) to develop a wireless device for monitoring water use in hotel room showers. 'Hotels consume a significant amount of water in the U.S. and around the world,' says a proposal on the EPA's website. The gadget will fit onto hotel shower fixtures and transmit data back to an accounting system using an app . 'Most hotels do not monitor individual guest water usage and as a result, millions of gallons of potable water are wasted every year by hotel guests.' Which is why they want to create an app to monitor the amount of water hotel guests are using - and, they hope, compel people to shorten their shower time by a minute. The gadget will fit onto existing hotel shower fixtures and transmit water usage data back to a central hotel accounting system using an app, which it is hoped will be doled out in major hotel chains. It will be made up of a flow metre, an embedded system and software, and a resource accounting system, and will allow hotel guests to monitor their daily water online or using a smartphone app. The EPA has paid researchers $15,000 (around £10,000) to develop a wireless device for monitoring water use . The proposal will be marketed to the hotel industry to reduce costs by promoting water conservation among hotel guests. The current average length of shower is estimated to be 8.2 minutes or 17.2 gallons - but it's unknown how hotels will encourage guests to limit this. A spokesperson for the EPA told The Washington Free Beacon that calling for the device was not intended to enable the monitoring of guests shower time. 'It’s ultimately up to hotels to use technology like the monitors being developed at the University of Tulsa. EPA is encouraging creativity with water conservation efforts,' they said.

Summary: U.S researchers given £10,000 to develop a device to monitor shower use . Environmental Protection Agency want to save millions of gallons of water . It hopes hotel guest will reduce their shower times by up to one minute .


The WGC Match Play will move to Austin, Texas, in 2016 after the International Federation of PGA Tours announced a new four-year title sponsorship deal with Dell. This year's event, sponsored by Cadillac, will take place in San Francisco - beginning on April 29 - as Jason Day looks to defend the title he won in a thrilling final against Victor Dubuisson last year. In 2016, the event will not only move location but also time as it is moved to the week beginning March 21, with the host course yet to be announced. Rory McIlroy could be one of the players involved in the newly-named tournament in Austin, Texas in 2016 . The World No 1 plays a shot during at the first hole during the first round at The Honda Classic at PGA . 'We couldn't be more pleased to welcome Dell as a sponsor of the World Golf Championships and, beginning in 2016, as the new title sponsor of the Match Play,' said PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem in a statement on behalf of the International Federation of PGA Tours. 'The Match Play has a tremendous future with Dell as the incoming title sponsor, the event's move to Austin and the new round-robin format that is being introduced this year.' Dell chairman and chief executive officer Michael Dell added: 'We're excited to sponsor the Match Play Championship, to showcase Dell technology to golf fans and to bring the world's greatest golfers to our hometown, Austin, Texas. 'We're also proud to support the championship's tradition of philanthropy that has raised millions of dollars for charitable causes.' The tournament will be known as the World Golf Championships-Dell Match Play until 2019. Jason Day won the tournament last year and he'll be looking for the same result in San Francisco .

Summary: WGC Match Play will now take place in Texas for the 2016 tournament . A new four-year title sponsorship deal has been announced with Dell . The competition will be known as the World Golf Championships-Dell Match Play until the deal with the computing giants end in 2019 . Click here for all the latest golf news .


England take on Afghanistan on Friday morning looking to finish a dismal World Cup campgain on a rare positive note. Defeats to New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka and, most embarrassingly, Bangladesh, have seen Peter Moores' side crash out of the competition at the first side. But the England coach will hope his team can at least show some spirit against minnows Afghanistan, to avoid going home having only beaten Scotland all tournament. Like England, their opponents have only picked up one win in the tournament and will be going home after this match, but for Afghanistan a win against Scotland was all they could have reasonably hoped to achieve. Beating England would be a major scalp, and raise even more questions about captain Eoin Morgan's side. Realistically, England should be hoping for a dominant win, which might help salvage some confidence even if it comes too late to enable progress in the tournament. But with confidence levels as low as they can be, there is a chance of a defeat which would be even more shocking than Monday's failure against Bangladesh.

Summary: England are already out of the World Cup going into final Pool match . Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the clash against Afghanistan . Eoin Morgan's side start their final game of the tournament at 3.30 am GMT . CLICK HERE for all the latest from the 2015 Cricket World Cup .


Branko Loncar, 55, won a long legal battle against being returned to Croatia to serve four years in prison for attempted murder . A man who shot his dying wife 14 times as she was hanging from a noose can continue to live freely in Britain – after judges refused to extradite him. Branko Loncar, 55, has won a long legal battle against being returned to Croatia to serve four years in prison for attempted murder, despite committing further crimes, including an assault, while living in London. He earlier won asylum after complaining he had to flee Croatia because of anti-Serb discrimination – and his lawyers argued locals would persecute him over the shooting. Last week’s High Court ruling is a sharp reminder that while the Government talks of ejecting foreign criminals, in practice the criminals routinely win the right to stay here. Loncar, who has been on benefits and had a drink problem since arriving in Britain with his two sons in 1999, made the extraordinary defence that he was not aiming at his wife when he fired repeatedly from a few yards away. In any case, his lawyers claimed, she died as a result of hanging herself, not because of the 14 bullets he ‘accidentally’ fired into her defenceless body. A Croatian court which heard the case in his absence rejected his defence, sentenced him to four years in prison, and ten years ago the country formally issued an international arrest warrant and requested his extradition from Britain. His lawyers first successfully fought against the extradition on human rights grounds, arguing that he had a new Serbian ‘partner’ in Britain – who actually lives a hundred miles away – and that he now had grandchildren in London. And last week British judges finished off the extradition bid for ever, giving Loncar the right to remain free here, after ruling it ‘oppressive’ to send him back to prison in Croatia after so long. He was also commended for raising his children alone after shooting his wife. Speaking in broken English to the Daily Mail last night at his housing association flat close to fashionable Camden in North London, Loncar said he had every right to remain in Britain, adding: ‘Croatia is dangerous – they still want me there.’ The case began in 1994, amid the chaos of the Balkan wars, when Loncar, an ethnic Serb and former soldier in the Yugoslavian army, lived with his wife Mirjana and two sons in the village of Ostrovo. The area was declared part of a Serbian republic but was also claimed by Croatia. UK court documents note: ‘After a quarrel with his wife Mirjana, she went out of the house, stood on a ladder, took a rope and indicated she intended to kill herself. As she stood from the ladder and the noose tightened around her neck and rendered her unconscious, the defendant fired a number of bullets into her body. ‘The cause of death was determined to be by strangulation but was accelerated by the injuries inflicted from the defendant’s gun. The defendant

Summary: Branko Loncar, 55, moved to UK after being cleared of murdering his wife . He won asylum by claiming he fled country due to anti-Serb discrimination . But Croatian court convicted him in his absence during a retrial in 2000 . Croatia asked for his extradition from UK in 2005 but lawyers fought move . They said he had right to family life with new Serbian partner in the UK . Loncar continued claiming benefits and was convicted of common assault . High Court has now ruled it 'oppressive' to send Loncar back after so long .


Former NFL star Darren Sharper has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman in Arizona. Sharper on Monday admitted to charges of sexual assault and attempted sexual assault arising from the 2013 Arizona case. He appeared in the Phoenix courtroom by video-conferencing from Los Angeles. Former NFL star Darren Sharper has been sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty . Sharper admitted to charges of sexual assault and attempted sexual assault arising from the 2013 case . Sharper also is expected to change his plea in person in Los Angeles on similar allegations. Similar hearings will follow in Las Vegas this week and in New Orleans in April. The Arizona and California cases, combined with others in Nevada and Louisiana, are likely to lead to a long prison sentence. In each state, Sharper was accused of drugging and sexually assaulting women when they were unconscious or otherwise unable to resist or consent. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Warren Granville said Sharper will serve his time in federal custody and that the Louisiana case will be resolved through a federal court. In Arizona, Sharper admitted sexually assaulting one victim, though police say he drugged and sexually assaulted three women, at an apartment in the Phoenix suburb of Tempe in November. The 39-year-old was part of the New Orleans Saints side which won the NFL Super Bowl XLIV in 2010 . Authorities say a search of the Tempe apartment turned up a shot glass with a white residue that turned out to be zolpidem, and California investigators discovered that Sharper had a prescription for the drug. Last year, Sharper's attorneys said their client did not make the drinks that authorities say he used to drug the women. One of the women told police she hadn't had any alcohol that night until Sharper insisted she drink a shot. Another young woman said she had been drugged, then went to bed, locked her door and wasn't attacked. The next day, one of the women confronted Sharper, who denied wrongdoing, according to the reports. The reports said Sharper was in Arizona to visit a woman who lived at the apartment. The two had met about a year earlier in Las Vegas. Sharper is a former defensive back for the New Orleans Saints and other teams.

Summary: Darren Sharper has admitted to charges of sexual assault and attempted sexual assault arising from the 2013 Arizona case . He was sentenced immediately to serve nine years in federal prison . Sharper admitted sexually assaulting one victim, though police say he drugged and sexually assaulted three women back in November . A search of his apartment turned up a shot glass with a white residue that turned out to be zolpidem .


Cycling's international governing body (UCI) has announced tougher anti-doping measures including night-time visits by testers and an integrity test for team leaders and doctors. The announcement comes in response to the Cycling Independent Reform Commission (CIRC) report into the Lance Armstrong scandal and other doping cases. The UCI has also established a task force to ensure the CIRC recommendations are followed through. The UCI has announced tougher anti-doping measures to be brought into cycling including night-time tests . The announcement of the new measures came in response to CIRC report into the Lance Armstrong scandal . UCI president Brian Cookson said: 'I am absolutely determined to use the CIRC's report to ensure that cycling continues the process of fully regaining the trust of fans, broadcasters and all the riders who compete clean. 'We value the recommendations of the CIRC and have now established an internal task force to ensure the recommendations are properly followed up.'

Summary: The Cycling Independent Reform Commission published their reporting into the Lance Armstrong scandal this week . The UCI have responded by introducing tougher anti-doping measures . These measures include the introduction of night-time testing for cyclists .


Gay actor Russell Tovey has apologised after causing outrage for saying he was glad he didn't go to a drama school because its students are 'effeminate' and 'prance around'. Tovey, who plays a British convict deported to Australia in the upcoming BBC drama Banished, made the comments when discussing how the school his father forced him to attend helped 'toughen' him up. The 33-year-old's remarks outraged many and were criticised as 'disparaging' and helping to 'divide the gay community and propagate hate'. Scroll down for video . Actor Russell Tovey (pictured) has been criticised for saying he was glad he didn't attend drama school where students are 'effeminate' and 'prance around' Tovey (pictured far left) with his co-stars in the 2006 film The History Boys, which was based on a successful Broadway play . Tovey, who has previously said he came out to his parents when he was 18, began his career as a child actor but received fame for his role in the Broadway play and subsequent film The History Boys alongside James Corden. He went on to star in a series of BBC dramas, such as Being Human, Him and Her and most recently Banished, while he is also well known to American audiences for his role as a gay man in the HBO series Looking. During an interview with The Observer at the weekend, he spoke of how disappointed he was as a teenager when his father refused to allow him to attend the famed Sylvia Young Theatre School in Marylebone, London. But he claimed that in retrospect this was a good thing because the school he did attend forced him to 'toughen up'. He said: 'I feel like I could have been really effeminate, if I hadn't gone to the school I went to. 'If I'd have been able to relax, prance around, sing in the street, I might be a different person now. 'I thank my dad for that, for not allowing me to go down that path.' He added that his upbringing gave him unique acting qualities and there were not many actors who audiences were OK with playing straight or gay characters. But the comments were quickly seized upon, with Australian actor Brendan Maclean stating there was 'nothing unique about internalised homophobia' and liberal ThinkProgress editor Zack Ford saying he was 'disappointed' to see Tovey 'disparaging effeminate guys'. Actor Russell Tovey posted a series of tweets yesterday (pictured) in which he apologised and backtracked on the comments, claiming they had been misunderstood . Another wrote that such statements 'divide the gay community and propagate hate towards us by others'. Tovey responded yesterday with a series of tweets in which he claimed to 'raise the white flag'. He wrote: 'If you feel I have personally let you down I'm sorry, that was never my intention. 'I'm proud to be who I am and proud for others. We're in this together, I want you to know whatever you think I meant, I didn't. 'I'm gonna ride this out, and one day we will all look back on

Summary: Russell Tovey, 33, said 'effeminate' drama school students 'prance around' He added he was glad he went to a state school in order to 'toughen up' His comments at the weekend were condemned by many on social media . Tovey has now posted a series of tweets apologising for his remarks . The gay actor is the star of The History Boys, Being Human and Looking .


An 800lb man, whose depression and size once brought him to the brink of suicide, vowed to lose 150lbs in order to qualify for the weight loss surgery needed to save his life after a series of dangerous falls sent him to the hospital 10 times in nine months. When Joe Wexler, 31, first joined TLC's obesity series My 600lbs Life, he was using food as an emotional crutch and consuming roughly 10,000 calories a day. And on last night's episode of the series, a weight loss specialist insisted that, if Joe had to get down to 650lbs, he would be unable to undergo the live-saving surgery he so desperately needed. But despite making the life-changing decision to move from Johnson City, Tennessee, to Houston, Texas, to be close to Dr Younan Nowzaradan, Joe struggled to shed the necessary weight - and actually managed to gain a further 15lbs in just one month. Scroll down for video . No hope: Joe Wexler, 31, can be seen calling an ambulance after he fell at his home in Johnson City, Tennessee. At nearly 800lbs, he was unable to get up by himself . Team work: It took multiple emergency technicians to lift Joe off of the floor to take him to the hospital . 'I'm mad at myself,' Joe said tearfully. 'Not only did I not lose, but I gained. I am really scared.' During his appointment, Dr Nowzaradan attempted to address his patient's weight gain - however Joe continued to make excuses for his failure to follow orders. He blamed being on the road during the move to Houston, noting that he was forced to eat fast-food at convenient stores and rest stops. Joe alleged that he ate two grilled chicken sandwiches a day, but Dr Nowzaradan told him that his claims were mathematically impossible. 'Joe is still in denial about how much he is eating,' Dr Nowzaradan explained. 'He is still eating just as much, if not more.' He told his patient that he was on 'borrowed time' and 'spiraling out of control'. 'At this rate every day is a question as to whether he is going to make it,' Dr Nowzaradan said. 'Any number of things could [become] a deadly situation with him.' Daily chore: Joe can be seen getting dressed after bathing himself. He said he would rather die than have someone have to do that for him . Best friends: Joe's sister Annie came to visit him and make him lunch . Feeling lost: Annie cried while explaining that she felt unable to really help her brother . Fearing for Joe's safety, Dr Nowzaradan sent him for testing to ensure he was even healthy enough to return to his own home. And after Joe was cleared to leave his doctor's office, he was appointed a nutritionist to help him get his eating under control. During their first meeting, Joe admitted to her that his 'greatest struggle with food is emotional eating'. 'If I feel bad, I go to it,' he said. One of Joe's biggest emotional hardships was feeling

Summary: Joe Wexler was told he needed to lose 150lbs if he wanted to undergo the procedure on last night's episode of My 600lb Life . The 31-year-old and his mom Robin moved from Johnson City, Tennessee, to Houston, Texas, to be close to his weight loss specialist . After being told to lose weight, Joe gained a further 15lbs . Joe's struggles with emotional eating are tied to his father's rejection of him when he was a child .


The trial of a pizza delivery boy who has been charged with strangling his roommate before stabbing her and then having sex with her corpse has been delayed. Bryan Santana of Orlando, Florida, who is accused of killing Shelby Fazio and her dog last October, has been ordered to undergo a mental evaluation by the judge in the case. This after Santana's lawyer argued that he is not competent to stand trial following an incident earlier in the day where he smeared feces all over himself and tried to hit a corrections officer at the courthouse. Scroll down for video . Bryan Santana (left) of Orlando, Florida has been charged with murder in the death of his former roommate Shelby Fazio (right) He is also charged with attempted murder for allegedly attacking their third roommate with a knife and killing Fazio's dog (above) 'He has now soiled himself and smeared himself in feces and smeared the wall, said Judge Renee Roache after the incident, according to WKMG. 'I've ordered security to clean him up and bring him up here in full restraints.' And while she is allowing two doctors to examine the young man, she has made it clear that she has no time for this behavior. 'He certainly knows how to behave himself in the courtroom. He behaved himself very well yesterday. Now that the train is coming down the tracks at full speed, we are seeing some other behavior,' she said. 'I will not tolerate disruption in this courtroom. If I have to gag him, I will. If I have to remove him I will.' Testimony has now been pushed back to begin on Wednesday morning as Santana, 21, faces murder charges for allegedly strangling Fazio with a belt before stabbing her in the neck with a pen and the having sex with her corpse. In earlier court documents, Santana confessed to the strangling, stabbing and sexual intercourse. He also allegedly killed Fazio's dog and wrote out 'I'm sorry I did this' in animal blood on a wall. In court documents, Santana (right) admitted to strangling and stabbing Fazio (left), a Disney World employee, to death, and then having sex with her corpse . This after Fazio, 23, had moved in with the young man to begin a job at Disney World. The two had a third roommate who Santana also allegedly tried to kill, and for which he faces an attempted murder charge. That roommate claims Santana pepper sprayed them and came at them with a knife. After the incident, Santana is believed to have taken Fazio's car and tried to go to a Walmart to buy a toy gun in hopes that he would be shot dead pointing it at police. He also went and got a haircut. Friends say the young man no longer wanted to live.

Summary: Bryan Santana of Orlando, Florida has been charged with murder in the death of his former roommate Shelby Fazio . In court documents, Santana admitted to strangling and stabbing Fazio, a Disney World employee, to death, and then having sex with her corpse . He is also charged with attempted murder for allegedly attacking their third roommate with a knife and killing Fazio's dog . His trial was set to begin on Tuesday, but was pushed back after he smeared feces all over his body at the courthouse and tried to hit an officer . He will now be evaluated by two doctors, and the trial will begin on Wednesday morning . Santana's lawyer argues that he is not competent to stand trial .


Ever wondered what the football world would be like without Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo? Well naturally we'd miss their stunning goals and dazzling trickery, but it seems erasing them would shake up the order of things in Spain. Stats gurus Opta have calculated what the La Liga table would look like if the goals of the divine duo were taken away - and there's quite a dramatic change at the top. La Liga would look very different if the goals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were taken away . The deadly duo have scored 57 goals between them in La Liga alone this season - Ronaldo 30, Messi 27 . Real Madrid currently enjoy a two-point advantage over their rivals Barcelona in the La Liga standings . How the La Liga table would look if goals by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were taken away (Opta) In real life, Real Madrid currently enjoy a two-point advantage over their Clasico rivals, thanks in no small part to the 30 league goals of Ronaldo this season. But if they and Messi's contribution of 27 goals were subtracted, it's Barcelona who would enjoy a slender one-point advantage at the summit. Opta went through every match this season in which Messi and Ronaldo have scored and took away their goals from the final score. Ronaldo celebrates his goal in Real Madrid's 1-1 home draw with Villarreal at the weekend . The Portuguese was also on target in Real's 2-0 victory at Elche last month . Ronaldo celebrates one of his hat-trick of goals in Real's 3-0 home win over Celta Vigo in December . With Messi, Barcelona would still win all but one of the matches in which he has scored. That is the 3-2 home win over Villarreal last month, which would end in a draw. But taking away Ronaldo's goals affects Real's season more dramatically. The Portuguese scored four in the 5-1 home win over Elche, meaning they would only draw 1-1. Lionel Messi claims the match ball after his hat-trick in Barcelona's 5-1 rout of neighbours Espanyol . Messi's 27 league goals this season have seen him surpass the all-time La Liga scoring record . Messi celebrates with team-mates Pedro and Marc Bartra after scoring in the 5-0 rout of Levante last month . Removing his hat-trick against Celta Vigo would see them claim one point rather than three, and subtracting his goal against Villarreal last weekend means they would lose instead of draw. It does prove to an extent that Real are more reliant on the goals of Ronaldo than Barcelona are on the goals of Messi. But in such a nip and tuck title race, who's to say that won't change again by the end of the season. Cristiano Ronaldo's La Liga goals 2014-15 . Lionel Messi's La Liga goals 2014-15 .

Summary: Cristiano Ronaldo has 30 La Liga goals this season, Lionel Messi 27 . While real table shows Real Madrid with a two-point lead over Barcelona . Removing the duo's goals would give Barcelona a one-point advantage, regardless of Messi's 27 goal influence . CLICK HERE to see the real La Liga table .


Nicklas Bendtner has admitted he is unhappy at new club Wolfsburg. The Arsenal flop, who made over 100 appearances for the Gunners, joined the German side on a three-year deal last summer. But he has started only four Bundesliga matches and has scored just one goal – albeit in the club’s recent win over Inter Milan in the Europa League – since November. Nicklas Bendtner in action for Wolfsburg in their 1-1 draw at Mainz in the Bundesliga on Sunday . The Denmark international is unhappy with his lack of game time for the German side . ‘I have been training really well and done everything you’ve asked me, so am I happy with my situation? No, not at all,’ said Bendtner. ‘I’ve played a match and scored a goal, of course excellent, but the lack of playing time must change.’ Bendtner, on international duty with Denmark as they prepare for friendlies against the United States later on Wednesday, and France on Sunday, expects Wolfsburg to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Bendtner scored in Wolfsburg's win over Inter Milan - his first goal for the German side since November . Bendtner, on international duty for Denmark this week, is congratulated by his team-mates after his goal . They are second in table, 10 points shy of leaders Bayern Munich with eight games remaining. ‘With a little more time I have no doubt that I’m going to score lots of goals,’ added a typically confident Bendtner, who was speaking to Danish outlet DR Forsiden. ‘We are to be in the Champions League, and so we must achieve in the next season. ‘It is about keeping a stable level, and we have the team to. If we do not sell any, and at the same time get a few reinforcements we can make it great again and follow up on this season.’

Summary: Nicklas Bendtner disappointed with lack of games at Wolfsburg . Denmark international has scored just four goals for the German side . He joined on a three-year deal in the summer after spell at Arsenal .


World powers intensified nuclear talks with Iran yesterday, two days before a deadline for reaching a framework deal. The foreign ministers of the United States, France and Germany cancelled their travel plans for the next few days so they can push for the accord that would lay the foundations for a final settlement with Tehran by the end of June. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's spokeswoman said he would not fly to Boston for a ceremony in honour the late Senator Edward Kennedy, who was his mentor. Officials close to the talks in the Swiss city of Lausanne also confirmed the French and German foreign ministers, Laurent Fabius and Frank-Walter Steinmeier, had cancelled a planned joint trip to Kazakhstan. Scroll down for video . World powers intensified nuclear talks with Iran yesterday, two days before the deadline for reaching a framework deal. Pictured from left: US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman, US Secretary of State John Kerry, US Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond . 'We're hopeful, but there is still a lot of work to be done,' Fabius told reporters on Sunday. Iran denies charges from the West and Israel that it wants to build a nuclear weapon, and says its programme is purely peaceful. It wants the removal of international sanctions that are hurting its economy. The remarks from Fabius contrasted to a hostile blast from Israel, which is not a party to the talks between Iran and the six powers also including China, Russia and Britain. 'This deal, as it appears to be emerging, bears out all of our fears, and even more than that,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet in Jerusalem. Israel, which is believed to have the Middle East's only nuclear arsenal, feels especially threatened by the possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran. Netanyahu referred to advances made by Houthi rebels allied to Tehran in Yemen, and accused the Islamic republic of trying to 'conquer the entire Middle East'. 'The Iran-Lausanne-Yemen axis is very dangerous to humanity, and must be stopped,' he said. Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz, the Israeli official who has been spearheading efforts to lobby world powers against the Iran deal, voiced cautious hope that the negotiations would collapse as they have in the past. 'There are still great doubts in the United States as well as in France, even in England,' Steinitz told Israel Radio. US Secretary of State John Kerry,(left) will not fly to Boston for a ceremony in honour of his mentor, the late Senator Edward Kennedy . In the past, Israel has threatened to attack Iran if it is not happy with an eventual deal and has long described France as the negotiating power with views closest to its own. The six world powers are seeking a halt to Iran's most sensitive nuclear work, settling a dispute that dates back more than a decade and has threatened at times to trigger a new Middle East war. Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif have been in Lausanne for days to

Summary: Foreign ministers of the United States, France and Germany cancelled travel plans for the next few days . Aim to push for accord that would lay foundations for final settlement with Tehran by the end of June . Iran denies charges from the West that it wants to build nuclear weapon . It wants removal of international sanctions that are hurting its economy .


These dramatic photographs show a huge fire breaking out last night in the bell tower of a Russian monastery dating from the 16th century. The blaze at the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow broke out late yesterday in wooden scaffolding surrounding the tower as it undergoes restoration. The emergencies ministry for Moscow said the tower itself did not suffer significant damage and the fire's spread had been halted around midnight. Scroll down for video . Fire: The blaze at the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow broke out in wooden scaffolding surrounding the tower as it undergoes restoration . Blaze: The emergencies ministry for Moscow said the tower itself did not suffer significant damage and the fire's spread had been halted . Stunned: Dramatic photographs showed shocked orthodox nuns watching firefighters extinguishing the blaze last night . Emergency: The octagonal tower, which is more than 200ft tall, is on the site of one of the Russian capital's top visitor attractions . Noted for its buildings and cemetery: The convent - which was founded in the 1520s - sits above an oxbow turn in the Moscow River . One vivid image showed shocked orthodox nuns watching firefighters extinguishing the blaze last night. The octagonal tower, which is more than 200ft tall and dates from the late 1600s, is on the site of one of the Russian capital's top visitor attractions. The convent - which was founded in the 1520s - sits above an oxbow turn in the Moscow River, and is noted both for its buildings and its cemetery. Many of Russia's most celebrated figures are buried there, including Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev and Russia's first president, Boris Yeltsin. Also among those buried there is playwright Anton Chekhov, and composers Dmitri Shostakovich and Sergei Prokofiev. Cemetery of celebrities: Many of Russia's most celebrated figures are buried there, including Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev and Boris Yeltsin . Tower: Built in the so-called Moscow Baroque style, the convent was part of a series of monasteries integrated into the city’s defence system . Top attraction: The convent was closed in 1922 and became the Museum of Women’s Emancipation before reopening as another museum . How it normally looks: A nunnery was reintroduced there two decades ago in 1994, and it was given Unesco World Heritage status in 2004 . Buried in cemetery: Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev (left), Russia's first president, Boris Yeltsin (centre), and playwright Anton Chekhov (right) The convent, built in the so-called Moscow Baroque style, was part of a series of monasteries that were integrated into the city’s defence system. It contains what Unesco states is an ‘important collection of paintings and artefacts’, and was used by women of the Tsar’s family and the aristocracy. The convent was closed in 1922 and became the Museum of Women’s Emancipation, before later being reopened as an historical and art museum. A nunnery was reintroduced there two decades ago in 1994, and it was given Unesco World Heritage status ten years later in 2004.

Summary: Blaze at Novodevichy Convent broke out in wooden scaffolding surrounding tower as it undergoes restoration . Emergencies ministry for Moscow said tower did not suffer significant damage and fire's spread was halted . 200ft octagonal tower, which dates from the late 1600s, is on site of one of Moscow's top visitor attractions . Convent founded in 1520s, sits above oxbow turn in Moscow River, and is noted for buildings and cemetery . Among those buried in cemetery are Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev and composer Dmitri Shostakovich .