A dying father known as 'napkin dad' for his daily heartfelt notes to his daughter, has celebrated seeing her achieve another milestone: making her high school varsity softball team. Garth Callaghan, 45, from Glen Allen, Virginia, has been writing short messages on napkins for his daughter Emma, 15, since she was in kindergarten - and now she looks forward to them every day. The heartwarming ritual has scored him a book deal and a movie is said to be in the works too. This week the doting father-of-one - who has stage four kidney cancer - uploaded a snapshot to Facebook revealing his latest note, reading: 'Dear Emma, I'm so proud that you made the varsity softball team. I can't wait till your first game!' Scroll down for video . Doting dad: Garth Callaghan, 45, from Glen Allen, Virginia, has been writing short messages on napkins for his daughter Emma, 15, since she was in kindergarten - and now she looks forward to them every day . Heartwarming ritual: This week the doting father-of-one, who has prostate and kidney cancer, uploaded this snapshot to Facebook revealing his latest note . Garth says doctors do not know how long he has to live but he's determined to remain strong. 'My goal is to actually write notes for my grandkids and I can't think of a better thing to fight for every single day.' Emma says that she also maintains a positive attitude when it comes to her father's illness. 'I don't even really think about the fact he has cancer too much because he's so present and always there.' The note-writing has long been a tradition in the Callaghan household; it began when Garth worked a busy sales job in Emma's elementary school days and wouldn't see her often. Battling on: Garth says doctors do not know how long he has to live but he's determined to remain strong . Source of support: Emma says that she also maintains a positive attitude when it comes to her father's illness . Long-running: The note-writing has long been a tradition in the Callaghan household . Thoughtful gesture: It began when Garth worked a busy sales job in Emma's elementary school days and wouldn't see her often . Daily dose: So that she always knew her father was thinking of her, Garth would write the notes - which were then just hearts, stars and simple words - and include them in her lunch box . Still going strong: But over the years, the notes have developed into words of advice or of encouragement on test days, and by the time she was about eight, Emma had come to expect the memos . So that she always knew her father was thinking of her, Garth would write the notes - which were then just hearts, stars and simple words - and include them in her lunch box. But over the years, the notes have developed into words of advice or of encouragement on test days, and by the time she was about eight, Emma had come to

Summary: Virginia dad Garth Callaghan has been diagnosed with cancer three times in past two years and doctors said it will take his life . He has been writing notes for his daughter Emma's lunchbox since she was little and it has become a tradition between father and daughter . This week the doting father-of-one uploaded a snapshot to Facebook revealing his latest note, reading: 'Dear Emma, I'm so proud that you made the varsity softball team. I can't wait till your first game!' Garth is now writing notes ahead of time and storing them away so his daughter can still receive them after he is gone.


England international Ravi Bopara says the side needs to 'stop being so English' as they bid to recover from their World Cup horror show. Peter Moores' men returned home from Australia and New Zealand before the quarter-finals, with questions and critics stacking up. The team's approach to limited overs cricket has been rubbished by some, while others have suggested the team puts too great an emphasis on data rather than performances. Ravi Bopara bats in the nets during a Lycamobile & Chance to Shine Street Partnership Announcement at the Kia Oval on Wednesday . Bopara was part of England's World Cup squad that failed so spectacularly in Australia and New Zealand . And Bopara, who was part of the squad which failed so miserably Down Under, knows changes are needed. He told the Daily Telegraph: 'We need to change the culture. We need to change it quickly. 'We need to be a bit more free as players and stop worrying about the consequences and at times stop being so English. 'We are very, very English and it feels quite institutionalised at times. If you look at other countries they are more open about things and more honest about things.' Bopara says England need to stop being so English and admit they are not good enough after World Cup . Bopara says the English are too worried about what people think of them . The Essex all-rounded cited an incident involving the touring Indian side last summer which he believes backs up his point that England need to get real. 'You had India eating McDonalds on the outfield here last summer (at Headingley) - does it matter? What's wrong with that? They were hungry! They are not worried about how they look - they were hungry they want to eat,' he said. 'For too long we have been worried about what people think of us sometimes that media has influenced the way we do things. We should be honest with everyone - say it straight up. 'We weren't good enough in the World Cup - our skills weren't good enough. Other teams have developed their skills a lot faster than we have because they were honest enough to say it earlier.'

Summary: Ravi Bopara was part of the England squad that failed at the World Cup . Essex all-rounder says they need to change the culture quickly . Bopara insists England must admit they are not good enough .


Marine Le Pen's hopes of becoming President of France suffered a huge blow tonight as her National Front was beaten into joint second place in regional elections. The far-right party was predicted to make massive gains, but early exit polls put Nicolas Sarkozy's conservatives out in front. It is a huge boost for the 60-year-old former President who - despite facing a string of corruption charges - is convinced he can become head of state again in 2017. Scroll down for video . Marine Le Pen gives a press conference after her hopes of becoming president of France suffered a huge blow in today's local elections . Guargaule's Mayor Charles Antoine Casanova counts votes during the first round of the French departments elections in Corsica . Election officials in Saint-Sebastien-sur-Loire count votes for the country's departments, or administrative regions . By 8pm, an hour after the last vote was cast, Ipsos put an alliance between Mr Sarkozy's UMP and the centrist UDI on 33 per cent, while the National Front (FN) was on 23.5 per cent, along with the ruling Socialists on the same figure. The figures made a mockery of Ms Le Pen's claims that her fiercely anti-immigration and anti-Europe party could mount a serious challenge for power. 'We'll get stuck into the regions and then we're off to invade the Elysee Palace,' the 46-year-old had said before the vote. At stake were 101 departments - or administrative regions - and 4,100 regional government seats. Ms Le Pen was certain that she could do better than the opposition conservatives and the ruling Socialists, who are performing appallingly because of the hapless government of President Francois Hollande. Ms Le Pen had positioned the National Front (FN) away from its overtly racist and anti-Semitic roots, and won 25 per cent of the vote at local and European elections last year. Sarkozy immediately ruled out any alliances between his party and FN candidates in next Sunday's second round. 'To those who voted National Front, we understand your frustrations,' the UMP chairman told supporters at party headquarters. 'But this party will not solve France's problems - it will only make them worse,' added the ex-president, who came out of retirement last year and hopes to secure the 2017 presidential ticket for his bitterly divided party in primaries next year. Manuel Valls, the Socialist Prime Minister, has also attacked the FN, claiming it is a huge danger to France. Conservative leader Nicolas Sarkozy delivers a speech after his party came first in the local body elections . 'I fear for my country, I fear it will split apart when confronted with the National Front. Its policies would be a disaster for the country,' said Mr Valls. 'Do you think a National Front scoring twenty five per cent in European elections, perhaps thirty per cent in local elections, and so on, cannot win the presidential election?' he asked. While the vote means she can no longer argue the FN is France's most popular party, Le Pen said the result was still a gain for a party almost

Summary: Sarkozy's conservatives made gains in today's French local elections . National Front leader Marine Le Pen claim to 'invade the Elysee' in tatters . Exit polls show her anti-EU party came second with 23.5 percent of vote . Hollande's deeply unpopular Socialists came joint second on same figures . The elections will determine political makeup of 2,000 local councils .


When Jose Mourinho returned to English football in 2013, he produced a pair of spectacles from his pocket to claim it was the only thing that had changed in six years away from Chelsea. This time Mourinho has read the small print, carrying out Roman Abramovich’s vision for his club to be self-financing and operating within UEFA’s strict Financial Fair Play guidelines. They were rather more gung-ho in 2004, spraying money around Europe to sign some of the best talent in the game to make sure Chelsea cleaned up in Mourinho’s first three seasons at Stamford Bridge. From July 1, 2004 to July 20, 2004, Abramovich splashed £89million on seven players — including Petr Cech, Arjen Robben and Didier Drogba — in a whirlwind shopping spree. They finished the season with the title. Jose Mourinho won his first trophy since returning to England when Chelsea beat Tottenham on Sunday . The Portuguese manager has reduced spending at the club but has continued to bring success . Players like Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa have been brought to the club and proved a huge success . On Sunday evening, less than half an hour after John Terry had lifted the Capital One Cup, Chelsea’s manager claimed the club are now operating in the ‘third tier’ of clubs. Financial Fair Play has become something of a hobby horse of Mourinho in recent months. He highlights the money-no-object strategies of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain while emphasising how Chelsea are working within strict, fiscal parameters. ‘There are teams who don’t care about FFP and are punished, but they play,’ he added. ‘Then there is a group, which Chelsea are in, the group who care about FFP.’ Last week, City manager Manuel Pellegrini did not have the confidence to start Eliaquim Mangala, who cost £32m last summer, alongside captain Vincent Kompany against Barcelona. After Chelsea collected the Capital One Cup, a trophy City won last season, Mourinho referred to £11m signing Kurt Zouma, 20, as his ‘Marcel Desailly’ after a mature performance alongside Ramires in midfield. Whichever way you look at it, the numbers add up for Mourinho as he turns his attention to winning his third Premier League title. Chelsea sold defender David Luiz to Paris Saint-Germain for a staggering £50million last summer . Juan Mata was a star player for Chelsea but when Mourinho arrived he sold him to Manchester United . Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku was sold to Everton for £28m, giving Chelsea a considerable profit . The average age of his Chelsea team at Wembley on Sunday was 27 years and three months compared to the 28 of City, beaten 2-1 by Liverpool at Anfield earlier in the day. And Mourinho’s squad looks the better long-term bet. Once a player has worn that blue shirt, there is an automatic premium, as Mourinho has used to great effect, whenever he decides to move them on. They made a profit of about £18m on Romelu Lukaku, who made just 10 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, when he was sold to Everton before the start

Summary: Chelsea more careful with their money since Jose Mourinho returned . The Blues are selling players for huge fees and investing wisely . Mourinho has been boasting that the club are complying with FFP . The Capital One Cup success was Mourinho's first trophy since returning . John Terry believes it will be a springboard for this current crop of players .


Jason Harrison was shot dead by Dallas police officers last June . A body-camera video of the June 2014 police shooting of a mentally ill Dallas man has been released, showing the chilling moments that led to the man's death. The family of Jason Harrison, a 39-year-old man who suffered from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, released the graphic video Monday to show the public how the police handled the mentally ill man. . The video clip, the first body-camera footage released of an officer-involved shooting in Dallas, WFAA reports, shows two officers responding to an Oak Cliff home on June 14, 2014. Harrison's mother answered the door after contacting police for help with her son. Family members told WFAA that it was not the first time police were called to help control the man. However, what happened next was far from what anyone expected. The body-camera footage shows Harrison's mother stepping away from the home as she told the police, Officers John Rodgers and Andrew Hutchins, that Harrison was 'bi-polar and schizo' and 'off the chain.' The 38-year-old is seen standing in the doorway twirling a screwdriver in his hands. The officers, noticing the potential weapon, yell for the man to drop it as his mother is heard in the background screaming 'Jay! Jay!' Harrison appears to take a step away from the doorway and the two officers immediately fire at the man. In the video, a stun gun is seen in one of the officer's holsters but was never used to control Harrison. Harrison stumbles toward the garage, covered in blood, and falls as his mother is heard yelling 'You killed my child!' The officers reportedly shot the man five times. 'It was the most heartbreaking experience in my life,' Harrison's mother, Shirley, told NBC. 'To stand there helpless, he's helpless. I couldn't help him. To be gunned down right before my eyes.' In October, Harrison's family filed a wrongful death and violation of civil rights lawsuit against the officers, arguing that Harrison, who the family says was not a violent person, posed no threat to the cops, NBC reports. Screwdriver: The 38-year-old is seen standing in the doorway twirling a screwdriver in his hands (photographed), the officers notice the potential weapon and yell for the man to drop it . Step: Harrison is seen here taking a step away from the door, officers immediately draw their weapons and shoot the man several times . Stumbles: Harrison stumbles toward the garage, covered in blood, and falls as his mother is heard yelling 'You killed my child!' However, the officer's attorney, Chris Livingston, says the men feared for their lives, The Dallas Morning News reports. Livingston said that killing someone with a screwdriver would be 'pretty easy. It'll only take one blow.' Police say that the video confirms the officer's claims of self-defense. Police note that the situation unfolded quickly in a small space and the officers were protecting themselves, the Morning News reports. 'The officer has literally less than about three seconds to react to this situation,' Keith Wenzel, a tactical

Summary: WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT . The family of Jason Harrison released the chilling video of his fatal June 2014 confrontation with police . Harrison's mother called police for help controlling the man who suffered from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia . Officers noticed Harrison holding a screwdriver and within seconds shot the man multiple times . Harrison's family has since filed a lawsuit against the officers .


Tottenham Hotspur winger Erik Lamela is clearly enjoying his mini-break from football as he enjoyed dinner with his family in Spain. He posted a picture of the Lamela clan to his Instagram account along with the caption: 'Visiting family in Spain, enjoying my day off. Hello to everybody. #españa #galicia #villalba' The Tottenham players are currently enjoying a few days off and are not back in action until Sunday's clash against Manchester United. Erik Lamela took to Instagram to show fans his family as they enjoyed a meal while away in Galicia, Spain . Lamela, who joined the north London club from Roma in 2013, helped Spurs go sixth in the Premier League on Saturday as they beat relegation candidates QPR. The Argentinean only managed 11 minutes of the London derby, but it didn't stop him from jetting out to Galicia for a relaxing break. Pochettino's side can go level on points with Louis van Gaal's Manchester United if they can beat the Red Devils at Old Trafford when they return to action on Sunday. Lamela in action against Chelsea during Tottenham Hotspur's Capital One Cup final clash at Wembley . Tottenham can go level on points with Louis van Gaal's Manchester United with a win on Sunday .

Summary: Tottenham's Erik Lamela enjoyed a Spanish lunch with his family in Galicia . Argentinean ace posted the picture to his Instagram account on Monday . Players are currently enjoying a mini-break ahead of Manchester United . Tottenham can go level on points with the Red Devils with a win .


Roy Hodgson has never called up a League Two player to one of his international squads, but that didn't stop Adebayo Akinfenwa trying his luck with the England manager. The AFC Wimbledon powerhouse met Hodgson at the London Football Awards at Battersea Evolution on Thursday, and was quick to ask for a picture with the 67-year-old. He later uploaded it to Instagram, admitting: 'I've got to say he is actually a kool (sic) & humble guy, we had a good chat. VIDEO Scroll down to see Sportsmail's Adam Shergold take on 'The Beast' at arm-wrestling . Adebayo Akinfenwa (right) posed for a photo with the England manager Roy Hodgson in London . The AFC Wimbledon striker has scored 13 goals this season, including a memorable one against Liverpool . 'I did ask if I could be considered for a cheeky England call up but don't think he was having a bar of it. Never mind, I will stick to gym & chicken #Banter.' Akinfenwa has scored 13 goals for the League Two outfit this season, including one on a memorable night against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Hodgson will have his mind focused on picking an England squad for the upcoming March matches, but on a night when Harry Kane scooped the award for 'Young Footballer of the Year', the England manager's thoughts are unlikely to be with Akinfenwa. Akinfenwa wheels away in celebration after scoring against Liverpool in the FA Cup in January . The 32-year-old admitted he asked the England manager for a 'cheeky call-up', but was rebuffed .

Summary: Adebayo Akinfenwa met England manager Roy Hodgson on Thursday . Both were attending the London Football Awards at Battersea Evolution . Akinfenwa joked that he had asked the England manager for a call-up . The AFC Wimbledon striker has scored 13 goals in League Two in 14/15 .


NASCAR driver Kurt Busch will not face criminal charges after his ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll claimed he grabbed her by the throat and slammed her head into a wall three times. But the state attorney general's office has now said it could not establish 'beyond a reasonable doubt' that Busch committed a crime during the September incident. Last month Busch was indefinitely suspended from NASCAR after Driscoll was granted a 'protection from abuse' order from the Delaware Family Court. Scroll down for video . NASCAR driver Kurt Busch will not face criminal charges after his ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll claimed he grabbed her by the throat and slammed her head into a wall three times . Busch and Driscoll attend court in December. State prosecutors said there was not enough evidence to establish 'beyond a reasonable doubt' that Busch committed a crime during the September incident . Busch has lost two rounds of appeals for his reinstatement and has missed the first two races of the season, but officials said he will be following their recommended guidelines to be eligible in the future. His attorney Jim Liguori said Busch knew 'all along' he was going to be exonerated and that Driscoll tried to destroy the racecar driver's image in the press. 'But the truth wins out,' he said. 'The truth is its own defense.' Driscoll's attorney Carolyn McNeice said they were disappointed with the state attorney general's decision, but that it only made the no-contact order from the family court 'that much more important'. Under the order, Busch is not allowed to buy or possess firearms or ammunition, must undergo evaluation for 'mental health problems related to anger control', and must stay 100 yards away from Driscoll - with the exception of NASCAR races and related events - for one year. Driscoll, 37, testified that she and her son went to Busch's motorhome at the Dover International Speedway the night of the assault after receiving a slew of worrying texts from the racecar driver that seemed to indicate he was depressed. The couple had broken up a week before the alleged assault in September following a fight after one of Busch's races. Driscoll said after she entered the home, her ex-boyfriend accused her of 'having spies everywhere and having a camera on the bus to watch him'. Then, she said in documents filed in November, he jumped up, grabbed her face and smashed her head three times against the wall next to the bed before she ran to a nearby bus to put an ice pack on her head and neck. Last month Busch was indefinitely suspended from NASCAR after Driscoll was granted a 'protection from abuse' order from the Delaware Family Court . Under the order, Busch is not allowed to buy or possess firearms or ammunition and must stay 100 yards away from Driscoll - with the exception of NASCAR races and related events - for one year . Driscoll said she suffered severe pain, difficulty breathing and bruising on her neck following the assault. Busch testified that he was having a

Summary: Patricia Driscoll said Busch grabbed her by the throat and slammed her head into a wall three times . Attorney general said there wasn't enough evidence to bring criminal charges . Last month family court granted Driscoll a 'protection from abuse' order . Stated that Busch had to stay 100 yards away from her for a year . The driver was indefinitely suspended from NASCAR, who said he is following their recommended guidelines to be eligible for reinstatement .


Lord Ashcroft today stopped the last Dambusters pilot auctioning off his medals to pay for the upkeep of the Bomber Command Memorial by donating £75,000. Squadron Leader Les Munro, 95, had planned to auction his decorations to pay towards the maintenance of the monument in Green Park, central London. But he has now accepted Lord Ashcroft’s offer to donate £75,000 to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund in return for gifting his decorations and medals to a museum in his native New Zealand. War hero: Les Munro had planned to auction his decorations to pay towards the monument's maintenance . Remembrance: The memorial in London - which features a sculpture of seven aircrew - was unveiled in 2012 . Team: Mr Munro (centre at front) with his crew in front of Lancaster, which they flew on the Dambusters raid . Donation: Lord Ashcroft has stopped the pilot auctioning off his medals to pay for the memorial's upkeep . Mr Munro, one of only two New Zealanders to have taken part in the 1943 raid, said: ‘I am content that I have achieved my goal of doing all I can to ensure that the men of Bomber Command who lost their lives during the Second World War will be remembered with pride for generations to come. ‘I have been astonished and very touched by the huge interest that the sale of my medals to raise funds for the upkeep of the memorial has aroused. ‘In the end, in consultation with my agents Dix Noonan Webb, I have decided that there was a delicate balance to be achieved between raising funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund and ensuring that my medals are preserved for future generations of New Zealanders to appreciate. ‘Lord Ashcroft’s very generous proposal represents the best way of attaining both these objectives. I am extremely grateful to him.’ Leaning out: Mr Munro in the cockpit of Lancaster 'W for William', which he flew on the Dambusters raid . Royal appointment: Mr Munro (left) being introduced to George VI by Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC (right), who led 617 Squadron on the Dambusters raid . Servicemen: Mr Munro (left), sharing a lighter moment with Wing Commander Leonard Cheshire VC (right), who took over as 617 Squadron commander, at a 1986 reunion in New Zealand . Collection: The decorations and medals awarded to Mr Munro, which are: New Zealand Order of Merit, Companion's neck badge (top), then (from left to right) the Distinguished Service Order, New Zealand Queen's Service Order, Distinguished Flying Cross, 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star with clasp France and Germany, Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, New Zealand Service Medal 1939-45, New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal . Mr Munro’s original decision to sell his decorations for an estimated £50,000 sparked a row in his native New Zealand, where the government wrongly claimed the medals were protected objects. The Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park . The Bomber Command Memorial that honours 55,573 airmen killed in the war is maintained by the RAF Benevolant Fund. A permanent monument was

Summary: Les Munro, 95, had planned to auction his medals to fund maintenance . But he has accepted Lord Ashcroft's offer to donate £75,000 to RAF fund . In return he will gift decorations and medals to museum in New Zealand . Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park was unveiled three years ago .


Vice President Joe Biden has taken the Internet by storm after releasing a comedy video to support Michelle Obama's #GimmeFive campaign to encourage people to lead active and healthy lifestyles. In the video, posted on Vine by the White House on Friday, the 72-year-old politician is filmed performing arm curls with a dumbbell while apparently talking on the phone with 'world leaders'. Donning a white skirt, a striped tie and black pants, he can be heard saying, 'Yeah, yeah', on the phone. He then turns to the camera and says: 'I do a million of these a day. So, just give me five.' The video was uploaded alongside the caption: 'A million arm curls. Calls with world leaders. All in a day's work.' It was later circulated on Twitter and Instagram, with some users deeming it 'priceless'. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Humorous: In a new video, released to support Michelle Obama's #GimmeFive campaign, Vice President Joe Biden is filmed performing arm curls while apparently talking on the phone with 'world leaders' (pictured) Multi-tasking: Donning a white skirt, a striped tie and black pants, the 72-year-old can be heard speaking on the phone. He then turns to the camera (pictured) and says: 'I do a million of these a day. So just give me five' 'All in a day's work': The video was posted on Vine by the White House on Friday, alongside the caption: 'A million arm curls. Calls with world leaders. All in a day's work.' It was later circulated on Twitter and Instagram . Twitter user Clarke Berry wrote: 'That Instagram video of Joe Biden doing arm curls while on the phone is what I've been waiting for my entire life.' Scott Haavisto labelled the footage 'amazing'. Meanwhile, user Olivia Bergemann, who lives in Branford, New Haven County, Connecticut, said: 'The fact that Joe Biden just put up a video of him doing bicep curls is priceless #theBroVP.' And Bud Sheppard, from New Orleans, tweeted a clip from the video, remarking: 'This is hilarious.' The footage was released by the White House - and subsequently shared by Biden's office and hundreds of others online - to mark the fifth anniversary of Mrs Obama's 'Let's Move!' program. The 51-year-old's #GimmeFive campaign - part of the initiative 'to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation' - challenges people to list five ways they are living a healthy lifestyle. Earlier on Friday, FLOTUS had tweeted the Vice President: 'Hey @VP: Ready to join the workout? #GimmeFive of your best reps and pass on the challenge' - a request he then quickly fulfilled. Reaction: Twitter user Olivia Bergemann (pictured), who lives in Branford, New Haven County, Connecticut, said of the video: 'The fact that Joe Biden just put up a video of him doing bicep curls is priceless #theBroVP' Positive: Meanwhile, user Clarke Berry (pictured) tweeted: 'That Instagram video of Joe Biden doing arm curls while on the phone is what I've been waiting for my entire life.' Scott Haavisto labelled the footage 'amazing' Amused: And Bud Sheppard, from New Orleans,

Summary: Vice President released comedy video to support #GimmeFive campaign . In footage 72-year-old seen performing arm curls while talking on phone . White House posted video to Vine; it has since taken the web by storm . Wrote: 'A million arm curls. Calls with world leaders. All in a day's work' Many Twitter users deemed footage 'amazing', 'hilarious' and 'priceless' Campaign is part of 'Let's Move!' to encourage active and healthy living . On Friday, Mrs Obama danced to Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars's Uptown Funk on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to promote the nationwide initiative .


Everton's rivals are taking increasing interest in midfielder James McCarthy as the Goodison Park club's Premier League plight worsens. Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United are all monitoring the stylish 24-year-old who signed from Wigan in a £13million deal. They each want a proven midfielder and McCarthy is on their lists as they assess summer targets. James McCarthy (right) has attracted interest from Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal this season . The midfielder, pictured in action against Arsenal on Sunday, joined Everton in the summer of 2013 for £13m . McCarthy signed a five-year contract on summer deadline day in 2013 but is not one of Everton's big earners and the nature of the last-minute negotiations meant assurances were given that his deal would be revised as his Goodison career progressed. However, though other Everton players have since opened discussions over new terms, McCarthy has yet to be approached. Tim Howard, Seamus Coleman, Ross Barkley and John Stones all agreed new deals last year with manager Roberto Martinez, who himself signed a new deal last June, seeking to maintain a long-term core to his squad. Ross Barkley is one of a number of young players to have signed a new long-term deal with Everton . McCarthy has not been approached about a new contract despite his good form for the Toffees . McCarthy, a Republic of Ireland international, has matured into one of the most consistent Premier League players and shown his ability on the international and European stage. In Everton's 4-1 Europa League rout of Wolfsburg earlier this season he had a pass completion rate of 98 per cent. He is highly regarded at Everton and his influence on the team was sorely missed when he was out with a hamstring injury; in the 13 games Everton played without him, they won just one. Arsenal and Tottenham have both watched him since his return to the fold but were put off January bids knowing Everton would refuse all offers. Arsenal and Tottenham are still interested in Southampton's defensive midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin (left) Manchester United are considering McCarthy as an alternative to Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman (right) Everton's faltering season though has given them a sense a deal could be brokered in the summer. Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin remains on their list of options too. United have concerns that Roma's Kevin Strootman may not recover quickly from his latest knee surgery and are assessing other options across Europe. McCarthy has over 150 Premier League games under his belt already and at 24 has his best years ahead of him.

Summary: James McCarthy has attracted interest from a number of clubs this season . The midfielder joined Everton from Wigan for £13m in the summer of 2013 . He signed a five-year contract but is yet to be offered a new deal . Arsenal and Tottenham also remain interested in Morgan Schneiderlin . United are considering McCarthy as an alternative to Kevin Strootman .


Talk about going out with a bang! Video captures the moment bomb technicians from Midland Police Department in Texas detonated ten tons of illegal fireworks on Monday afternoon. The deafening footage shows a giant plume of smoke sailing into the sky interspersed with flashes of brilliant white and red. Most of the explosives were reportedly confiscated during last year's Fourth of July festivities. Consumer fireworks must be stored by a licensed pyrotechnician and labeled properly otherwise they are subject to confiscation. Russ Morrison, from the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, told the Midland Reporter-Telegram that the explosive materials are usually stored for months in off-site bunkers before being collectively destroyed. Caught on camera: Video captures the moment bomb technicians from Midland Police Department in Texas detonated ten tons of illegal fireworks on Monday afternoon . Turn down the volume: The deafening footage shows a giant plume of smoke sailing into the sky interspersed with flashes of brilliant white and red . He added that highly-skilled technicians are put in charge of the job as fireworks can prove fatal. In the Texas case, the explosives were disposed of in a controlled destruction during the day, because authorities did not want it to be confused for a public fireworks show. The fiery footage of the discharge was posted on the Midland Police Department Facebook page and has been viewed more than 128,000 times.

Summary: Video captures the moment bomb technicians from Midland Police Department in Texas detonated seized explosive on Monday . They were disposed of in a controlled destruction during the day because authorities did not want it to be confused for a public fireworks show .


Proud pose: Tory poster boy Afzal Amin, in ceremonial Army uniform, whose political career is in ruins . Afzal Amin was to be the Tories’ poster boy at the General Election. But his political career was in ruins last night as he suffered the shame of being suspended from the party over his self-serving plot to win votes by stirring up racial hatred. It is a spectacular fall from grace for a politician from a humble background who seemed set for high office with the Conservatives but is now a victim of his over-reaching political ambition. Amin was the first ethnic minority candidate to be chosen for this year’s poll, and has been pictured alongside Prime Minister David Cameron, Chancellor George Osborne and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. The 40-year-old has appeared on the BBC’s flagship Newsnight programme four times and was praised when he spoke out against the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby by Islamists, insisting that Muslims were an ‘integral part’ of Britain. Despite his ambitions, Amin – who is married with two teenage children – has not been afraid to criticise Conservative Party bosses. Last year he admitted that many ethnic minority voters in his target seat of Dudley North, held by a Labour majority of just 649, think that the Tories ‘remain a racist party’. And he told a newspaper that British society and political leaders as well as community leaders must share the blame for the ‘jihad generation’ that is travelling to Syria to join murderous Islamic State. His high-profile position with the Conservatives and sought-after views contrast markedly with his humble beginnings. Amin was brought up in the deprived Black Country town of Smethwick, where the Tories had once infamously used openly racist slogans on election leaflets. He left school with practically no qualifications and took a series of menial jobs, including being a waiter, before going to university in London as a mature student. His fortunes changed in 2001 when he was selected to attend training at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. He rose to the rank of captain and saw active service in Iraq and did three tours in Afghanistan. Role model: A campaign poster encouraging youngsters to canvass for him . Influential: With Justin Welby at a seminar about sex crimes in war last year . High profile: Meeting George Osborne at train manufacturer Bombardier in Derby . Spokesman: Interviewed on BBC News about the murder of Lee Rigby and the effect on the Muslim community . Later moving into an educational role, he says he was a personal tutor to Princes William and Harry, as well as serving as chairman of the Armed Forces Muslim Association. After leaving the Army he set up a consultancy called The Curzon Education Ltd, which won a £120,000 grant to give lectures to schoolchildren about the role of Commonwealth soldiers in the First World War. It sparked controversy as the grant was given by the Department for Communities, where his ‘political acquaintance’ Baroness Warsi was a Minister. Mr Amin worked at the Army’s Counterinsurgency

Summary: Star Asian Tory candidate planned fake English Defence League demo . Scheme would have seen thugs plan phoney march against 'mega-mosque' Star rose from Smethwick to Sandhurst and posed with PM and Osborne . He also claimed that he taught Princes William and Harry at Windsor .


The UK's only female giant panda Tian Tian has been artificially inseminated for a third time after two previous failed attempts. The procedure took place earlier today, before an attempt is made at natural mating with partner Yang Guang later, Edinburgh Zoo said. On the two previous occasions keepers have inseminated Tian Tian she has failed to produce a panda cub. Scroll down for video . Tian Tian in her enclosure: She was artificially inseminated today with an attempt at natural mating to follow . Tian Tian the panda in her enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo: On the two previous occasions keepers have inseminated her she has failed to produce a panda cub . Semen from Yang Guang was used in the procedure carried out by a team of three vets at the zoo, alongside a panda expert from China. Iain Valentine from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, which runs Edinburgh Zoo, said: 'Natural mating will also be attempted today before the short breeding window comes to a close this afternoon. 'Both pandas remain extremely interested in one another, but as Tian Tian's transition to peak was so rapid it was a priority to move straight to artificial insemination first. 'Throughout yesterday Tian Tian remained very quiet and sleepy, but by 5pm there was a behavioural shift and the results of hormone tests that came back at 7pm, carried out by the University of Edinburgh, confirmed ovulation had occurred. 'As each individual panda is different and their pattern can vary from year to year, this is why we start hormone monitoring via urine samples so early and continually observe our female via CCTV as the window approaches. 'Tian Tian is doing very well and everything went according to plan.' Panda reproduction is a notoriously tricky process, with females only ovulating once a year.The gestation period is typically five months and one or two cubs are usually born . Tian Tian stretches after eating her panda cake in her enclosure: Both pandas are said to be extremely interested in one another . The panda enclosure will remain closed until Sunday. Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine) are the first giant pandas to live in the UK for 17 years. The animals arrived on loan from China in December 2011 and will remain at Edinburgh Zoo for a decade. There were hopes that a panda cub would be born last year when Tian Tian became pregnant following insemination. Yang Guang feeds on bamboo as he bulks up for the breeding season: Each individual panda is different and their pattern can vary from year to year which is why producing a cub can be so difficult . Yang Guang stands up as he looks into the enclosure of Tian Tian. Throughout yesterday Tian Tian remained very quiet and sleepy, but by 5pm she had a behavioural shift which meant ovulation was likely . Vets who closely monitored her believe she may have reabsorbed the foetus. Panda reproduction is a notoriously tricky process, with females only ovulating once a year. The gestation period is typically

Summary: Procedure took place at Edinburgh Zoo before an attempt at natural mating . The bears, Tian Tian and Yang Guang, were donated from China in 2011 . Pandas notoriously difficult to impregnate with ovulation just once a year . Tian Tian will be under 24 hour surveillance to monitor the pregnancy .


It's not every day that you find yourself sitting in the front row while a scantily clad dancer writhes in front of you but that is exactly what happened to the Netherlands' Queen Maxima last night. The 43-year-old royal did, however, manage to keep a straight face during the modern dance performance which took place at Copenhagen's Royal Library. Sat beside Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik, who also managed to look suitably interested, the royal was enjoying the second evening of a three-day state visit to Denmark. Scroll down for video . Interesting evening: Queen Maxima, Prince Henrik and Crown Prince Frederik watch the performance . Sharing a joke: Maxima and Frederik (far right) share a joke during the modern dance performance . As the performance by Dutch dancers from the Het International Choreographic Arts Centre wore on, the two couldn't resist sharing a joke while Denmark's Prince Consort Henrik looked decidedly nonplussed. They had flown over especially for the performance which was part of a return banquet hosted by Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander for the Danish Royal Family. Designed to highlight Dutch culture, Maxima arrived for the event looking wonderful in a patriotic russet gown studded with rhinestones. Eschewing her usual up-do, the mother-of-three wore her long blonde hair loose and curled for the event, which was designed to give Denmark and its royals a sneak peek at Dutch culture. Sitting on her other side during the performance was Willem-Alexander, who, like 46-year-old Frederik, was dapper in a dinner jacket. Nonplussed: Not everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves with some of the audience looking baffled . Glitzy: All of the royals had dressed up for the occasion, including the sequin-loving Princess Marie (right) Scantily clad: Most of the dancers chose to keep clothes to a minimum for the event . Round of applause: The royals, among them Queen Margrethe, politely clapped when the performance ended . Well done: The dancers enjoy the adulation at the end of their performance . Not to be outdone, 43-year-old Crown Princess Mary opted for a striking strapless black dress with a flattering empire-line cut. In contrast to her Dutch counterpart, the Australian-born royal had pulled her hair into a sleek low chignon and wore eye-catching diamond-shaped gold earrings. Equally glamorous was Denmark's Queen Margrethe who donned a rose-pink gown with a white lace bodice and fur shrug. Also at the event was Margrethe's younger son, Prince Joachim, 45, and his impeccably dressed French wife Marie, 39, who swept Maxima an impressively low curtsey as she arrived. Glamorous: Queen Maxima cut a patriotic figure in her dramatic russet gown . Convivial: King Willem-Alexander cracked a joke as he posed with the Danish royals outside the venue . In charge: Denmark's Queen Margrethe and the Netherlands' King Willem-Alexander on the red carpet . Pucker up: Queen Maxima puckers up as she greets Denmark's Prince Consort Henrik outside the event . The cultural celebration topped off a busy day for Maxima and Willem-Alexander who had earlier experienced the best of Danish weather during a sunny but blustery ferry

Summary: Dutch Queen was treated to a modern dance performance in Copenhagen . Smiled brightly throughout and traded quips with Crown Prince Frederik . Performance featured a number of men wearing minimal clothing . Crown Princess Mary and Queen Margrethe were also at the event .


A Premier League footballer's son was one of two boys expelled from a leading public school after they allegedly stabbed 15 other pupils with a used needle, causing an HIV scare. The pair, both 14, were dismissed from the school in south England after claims they found a used diabetes pen, which normally tests levels of glucose in the blood, belonging to a pupil before attacking their classmates with it. School authorities alerted the police and public health officials, who recommended that the students be tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV, it is claimed. Fifteen pupils at a leading public school have been tested for HIV after they were allegedly stabbed with a needle used by diabetics to test the level of glucose in the blood by two 14-year-old pupils . The father of one of the expelled pupils is a star with one of the country's top football clubs, according toThe Sun. The shocking incident happened last month when the teenagers jabbed their classmates in a prank gone wrong. They used the needle of the diabetes pen, believed to have been left behind by someone with the condition, which is usually used to test levels of glucose in the blood. Teachers immediately called the police and public health officials, with affected students undergoing emergency tests. The police took no further action but the boys were expelled. A spokesman for the school said: 'We can confirm that an incident took place at the school last month involving a diabetic testing pen. 'The incident was extremely concerning and as soon as we became aware of it all parents of pupils involved were contacted immediately and given the advice received from public health experts. 'While the risk of infection was low or negligible, children affected were advised to have blood tests all of which proved negative.'

Summary: Two schoolboys jabbed classmates at a top public school with needle . Teenagers used a diabetic pen found in a classroom, it was reported . Needle is usually used to test blood sugar levels for people with diabetes . One boy is reported to be son of Premier League star .


A Michigan father thought that he was having a stroke after eating several brownies with marijuana in them. The unnamed Independence Township man, 58, didn't realize that the sweet treats his teenage daughter had baked the night before contained the drug. Emergency services including firefighters and police were dispatched to the family's house after the father thought he was dying and called 911 on Wednesday just after 8am. A 58-year-old father thought he was having a stroke after eating several pot brownies left on the counter by his 17-year-old daughter. Above, legal marijuana baked goods are made in Boulder, Colorado . The 17-year-old daughter later admitted to making the pot brownies, according to the Detroit Free Press. She told police that she left the baked goods on the kitchen counter. 'I don't know about you, but when my wife bakes some brownies and leaves them out, they're there for someone to eat,' Oakland County Undersheriff Mike McCabe told Local 4. Her father was taken to St Joseph's Hospital in nearby Pontiac. The father was taken to St Joseph's Hospital in nearby Pontiac, Michigan. The pot brownies were taken to a lab for analysis . Officials had not determined whether the girl would be charged as of Friday. While some states have decriminalized small amounts of marijuana possession, any amount in Michigan is at least a misdemeanor with up to $2,000 fines or a year in prison. The rest of the pot brownies were taken to a lab for analysis and tested positive for marijuana. Legalization of marijuana in Colorado has led some doctors to see a number of cases where children accidentally ate edible versions of the drug, according to ABC.

Summary: Man in Independence Township, 58, saw treats from daughter on counter . Family called 911 after he ate several without realizing they had marijuana . Girl admitted to baking the illegal brownies and dad was taken to hospital .


Daniel Taggart, 50, has been charged with sexually abusing a 15-year-old friend of his daughter's during a sleepover at his home in Highland County, Ohio . A co-founder of the family history database Ancestry.com has been charged with sexually abusing a 15-year-old friend of his daughter's during a sleepover at his home. Daniel D. Taggart, 50, allegedly provided his daughter and her friend with alcohol while they played games and offered shot glasses and sex toys as prizes during the June 2014 sleepover. According to charging documents, Taggart then turned on a pornographic video and sexually assaulted the alleged victim after his daughter fell asleep at their home in Highland County, Ohio. When the young girl returned to the home for another sleepover the following month, Taggart allegedly once again gave her alcohol, turned on the pornographic video and sexually assaulted her. Taggart has been charged with two counts of object rape, one count of forcible sodomy, one count of second-degree forcible sexual abuse, two counts of third-degree dealing in harmful materials to a minor, and two counts of supplying alcohol to a minor, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Taggart allegedly provided his daughter and her friend with alcohol while they played games and offered shot glasses and sex toys as prizes and then assaulted the 15-year-old after his daughter fell asleep . Taggart denied providing alcohol or partaking in an 'incriminating act' but acknowledged that a sleepover with games did occur, charging documents state. His daughter confirmed details of incidents that occurred while she was awake, according to the charges. Taggart co-founded Ancestry.com in 1997 and served as president for a year. A spokesman said he hasn't been with the company 'for years' Taggart co-founded Ancestry.com in 1997. His LinkedIn page states that he was president of the company for one year. A spokesman for the website told the Salt Lake Tribune that Taggart has not been part of the company 'for years'. According to his LinkedIn, Taggart served as an internet consultant for Mitt Romney's presidential campaign from 2006-2007. He wrote that he helped the campaign develop their 'online fundraising strategy' and website.' Taggart, a Brigham Young University graduate, writes on his page that he is known for 'vision and creativity' but is 'primarily a doer' who excels 'in execution'. He was the CEO and co-owner of Kringles Toys and Gifts at the time of his arrest. Taggart is currently being held at Utah County Jail.

Summary: Daniel Taggart allegedly gave his daughter and her friend alcohol while they played games at his Highland County, Ohio home . He then offered shot glasses and sex toys as prizes, according to charges . Taggart allegedly assaulted victim after his daughter fell asleep . Charges state he attacked her again when she returned for a sleepover the following month in summer 2014 . Taggart has been charged with object rape, forcible sodomy, forcible sexual abuse and supplying alcohol to a minor . An Ancestry.com spokesman said he hasn't been with company 'for years'


Real estate heir Robert Durst (pictured during a court appearance in August) was charged on Monday in Los Angeles with first-degree murder . Robert Durst's mumblings about how he 'killed them all' provided the dramatic kick to a documentary about the millionaire's troubled life and connection to three slayings, but it was words he penned that helped lead to his arrest on a murder charge, a law enforcement official said. Analysis linking a letter Durst wrote to his friend Susan Berman a year before her death with one he said 'only the killer could have written' to point police to her body was the key new evidence in the long-dormant investigation, a police source said. Durst, 71, was charged on Monday in Los Angeles with first-degree murder in the shooting of Berman, the daughter of a prominent Las Vegas mobster, back in 2000. He could face the death penalty under special circumstances that allege he ambushed her and murdered a witness to a crime. He waived extradition in New Orleans, but authorities there charged him late on Monday with being a felon in possession of a gun because he had a revolver when he was arrested there Saturday. He was also found in possession of a small amount of marijuana. Prosecutors believed that Durst was a flight risk after the revelations of the documentary and may have been planning to head for Cuba. He was found with fake IDs in his hotel room. However one of his lawyers, Chip Lewis, told The LA Times that his client had left his Houston home for New Orleans to escape the media and that he had called daily to check in with him, asking for him by name. It was not clear how soon Durst would be returned to California. Attorney Dick DeGuerin said outside court that Durst didn't kill Berman, and is 'ready to end all the rumor and speculation and have a trial'. Presented with the two letters in the finale of The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst that aired Sunday on HBO, the eccentric heir blinked, burped oddly, pulled his ear and briefly put his head in his hands before denying he was the killer. Then he stepped away from the tense interview and went to the bathroom, still wearing the live microphone that recorded what he said next. 'There it is. You're caught!' Durst whispered before the sound of running water is heard. 'What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course.' That moment didn't just make for a captivating ending to the documentary on the eccentric life of an heir to a New York real estate fortune, it could also provide additional evidence for prosecutors. The official said the bathroom recording was not presented to prosecutors before charges were filed because detectives were still trying to determine if the recording was tampered with in any way. But legal experts said the audio and other parts of the interview could become key evidence. Durst and documentary producer Andrew Jarecki (right) examine handwriting examples from two letters.

Summary: Durst, 71, was charged on Monday in LA with first-degree murder in the shooting of Susan Berman, daughter of a prominent Las Vegas mobster . He could face the death penalty under special circumstances that allege he ambushed her and murdered a witness to a crime . The eccentric heir was charged in New Orleans with being a felon in possession of a gun and also had a small amount of marijuana .


Hillary Clinton has been accused of deleting all her emails while under subpoena. The allegation, leveled by a Republican chairman for a House committee on Benghazi, is the latest in a series of claims that are hammering the former First Lady's reputation as 2016 approaches. In a letter released on Friday night, Rep Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., said the former Secretary of State has failed to produce a single new document in recent weeks and has refused to relinquish her server to a third party for an independent review. Clinton's attorney, David Kendall, rubbished the claims. Scroll down for video . The latest: Hillary Clinton (left), a likely Democratic candidate for 2016, wiped all her emails from her server while under subpoena, according to Benghazi committee chairman Trey Gowdy (right) on Friday night . Clinton, a likely Democratic presidential candidate, faced a Friday deadline to respond to a subpoena for emails and documents related to Libya, including the 2012 attacks in a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi that killed four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador to Libya. The Benghazi committee demanded further documents and access to the server after it was revealed that Clinton used a private email account and server during her tenure at State. House Speaker John Boehner has not ruled out a vote in the full House to force Clinton to turn over the server if she declines to make it available by Gowdy's April 3 deadline. In a six-page letter released late on Friday, Kendall defended Clinton, saying she had turned over all work-related emails to the State Department. That included everything sent or received during her tenure as secretary of state from 2009 to 2013. 'The Department of State is therefore in possession of all Secretary Clinton's work-related emails from the (personal email) account,' Kendall wrote. Kendall also said it would be pointless for Clinton to turn over her server, even if legally authorized, since 'no emails ... reside on the server or on any backup systems associated with the server.' Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, the top Democrat on the Benghazi panel, said Kendall's letter confirmed 'what we all knew: that Secretary Clinton already produced her official records to the State Department, that she did not keep her personal emails and that the Select Committee has already obtained her emails relating to the attacks in Benghazi.' Dispute: The claims come as the former Secretary of State defends her use of a private email system . No take two? Analysts warn the saga could have a devastating affect on Clinton's approval ratings before the 2016 Presidential race, which could hamper her chances of a second White House stint with husband Bill . Cummings said it is time for Gowdy and other Republicans to stop what he called a 'political charade' and instead make Clinton's emails public. Gowdy also should schedule Clinton's public testimony before the Benghazi panel as soon as possible, Cummings said. Kendall said in his letter that Clinton's personal attorneys reviewed every email sent and received from her private email address — 62,320 emails in total

Summary: Republican chair of Benghazi committee leveled allegations on Friday . He claims Hillary Clinton has not produced any new documents and refused to let a third party review her server . It is the latest in a series of allegations hammering Clinton's reputation . She has come under fire for keeping a private unsecured email system . Clinton's attorney says State Department has all emails sent or received . Democrats have slammed the new claim as a 'political charade'


Jonathan Martin has been claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers. Aday after his release from the San Francisco 49ers, the offensive tackle joins his third NFL franchise in three years. Martin was a second round pick for Miami in 2012 and was at the centre of the Dolphins bullying scandal. He was abused by team-mates Richie Incognito, John Jerry and Mike Pouncey and left the franchise in October 2013. Jonathan Martin heads to Carolina after drawing a close to his one-year stint with the San Francisco 49ers . Martin joined San Francisco last year and played 15 games at right tackle. The 25-year-old joins Michael Oher, who came to Carolina in free agency after a year with Tennessee, and the returning Mike Remmers on a revamped offensive line. 'Our goal is to build the strongest roster possible and add competition at every position,' Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman said in a team release. "Jonathan brings quality experience to our offensive line, having started 32 games in his career at both tackle spots.'' Carolina also strengthened their receiving corps with the addition of Jarrett Boykin on a one-year deal.

Summary: Martin, a second-round pick by Miami in 2012, heads to his third NFL franchise . He was cut by the 49ers after a year in the Bay Area . The 6ft 5in offensive tackle was at the centre of the Dolphins bullying scandal .


Ronny Deila has branded Dundee United’s Aidan Connolly a diver - then called on the SFA to prove they don’t just punish Celtic players for simulation. Connolly tumbled to win United’s goal from the penalty spot - scored by Nadir Ciftci - towards the end of the first half after ref Craig Thomson deemed he had been tripped by Anthony Stokes. In August, Celtic winger Derk Boerrigter was handed a two-match ban for diving to win a penalty in a 2-0 win at St Johnstone. And Deila insisted he was baffled as to why it’s only his team that is targeted – albeit he was seemingly unaware St Johnstone’s Brian Graham was also suspended for diving to win a penalty against Inverness in December. Celtic manager Ronny Deila wants retrospective action after claiming Aidan Connolly dived to win a penalty . The referee points to the spot after Connolly was brought down in the Celtic box during Scottish Cup clash . Celtic keeper Craig Gordon fails to stop Nadir Ciftci from giving Dundee United the lead at Tannadice . ‘The United penalty was a dive and hopefully it will be the same rules for everybody,’ fumed Deila. ‘We are the only team this season in the league to have a suspension for diving, Derk Boerrigter. ‘I said at the time it was no problem because that is the line that will be taken by everyone. But I don’t think anybody has had it since then. The Scottish players have been unbelievably good. They’ve not dived but if they do (like Connolly) it should be the same rules. ‘Is it the fault of the ref or the player they got a penalty? It’s both. But I accept people make mistakes. We have a rule where people look at things afterwards but I don’t see anybody else getting suspensions.’ Celtic defender Virgil van Dyke (right) was sent off after only nine minutes of the Scottish Cup quarter-final . In what appeared to be a case of mistaken identity, the referee also sent off Dundee United's Paul Paton . Dundee United had a second player sent off after Paul Dixon (3rd left) receives his marching orders . Deila will study footage of the melee that saw Virgil van Dijk ordered off alongside Paul Paton before deciding whether to appeal in a bid to clear him for Sunday’s League Cup final against United at Hampden. But Stefan Johansen will miss the Scottish Cup quarter-final replay at Parkhead on March 18 after being booked yesterday. ‘I have looked at some pictures but it’s hard to see what happened,’ said Deila. ‘Virgil just said there was a tackle and suddenly somebody was holding his legs. There was some kicking of each other to get off each other. It was nothing. 'Hopefully everybody can play in the next game. Will we appeal? We will see. I actually didn’t know until now that Stefan is out of the replay. It’s good we have a big squad.’ Leigh Griffiths missed his chance to equalise for Celtic from the penalty spot .

Summary: William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final ended in a 1-1 draw at Tannadice . Referee sent off Celtic defender Virgil van Dyke and Dundee United's Paul Paton (in a case of mistaken identity) and Paul Dixon . Ronny Deila has accused Aidan Connolly from diving to win a penalty . Nadir Ciftci opened the scoring for the hosts from the penalty spot . Leigh Griffiths missed a penalty before equalising for the Hoops .


Animal behaviour experts had warned that this morning’s eclipse could make owls more alert, sheep feel sleepy and change the flight of moths. And while some animal lovers have taken to Twitter to describe how their cat ‘went nuts’ or dog looked confused, some say pets and farm animals didn’t react at all to the astronomical phenomenon. The partial eclipse saw skies across the UK darken at around 9.30am as the moon travelled in front of the sun, casting a shadow over Earth. Scroll down for video . The partial eclipse saw skies across the UK darken at around 9.30am as the moon's orbit saw it travel in front of the sun, casting a shadow over Earth. This image shows the partial eclipse in Penzance, Cornwall . Before the event, Dave Clarke, Head of Invertebrates at ZSL London told MailOnline: ‘A solar eclipse, especially a full eclipse, could affect the flight of nocturnal moths and diurnal butterflies - who use the light for navigation.’ While the zoo had prepared by amending the lighting slightly in Butterfly Paradise, it said that in the end, it was ‘pretty underwheming’ with no strange behaviour seen. An expert from ZSL London told MailOnline that the eclipse could affect the flight of nocturnal moths and diurnal butterflies (an owl butterfly is shown) This may be because the skies of London were grey and cloudy. The Royal Zoological Society Scotland said there was also no unusual activity at Edinburgh Zoo either. However, many people took to Twitter to say it was eerily quiet during the eclipse, with birds falling silent, as predicted. RizkeyG in Staffordshire, tweeted: ‘It went cold and dark and the wind changed. There were no birds flying, then they started to tweet again in the trees. Brilliant #eclipse’, while Robert Thompson said: ‘Eclipse is weird even though cloudy the sky has almost a lilac haze, the birds have gone and the wind has stopped eerie out there.’ Kitty Gallannaugh in London said: 'It's just kind of dusky flat light here and all the birds have gone silent. It's eerily peaceful!', to which Laura Amy replied: 'There is a hazy feel to everything, no birds flying and no wind at all! Very eerie.' Donald Broom, Emeritus Professor of Animal Welfare at the University of Cambridge, told MailOnline earlier this week that the most people would notice that many of the common birds stop singing and some may move to higher perches or more secluded spots to feel safer. 'Farm animals out in the fields might stop grazing and move to a more sheltered place as they do at night,' he said, before adding that because all animals have 24 hour body clocks, they know it is not night time but that something unusual is going on,’ he added. A Twitter user called €va said: ‘It's REALLY calm. No animals make sounds out there. It's STILL, like NATURE is holding its breath. :-) #eclipse The mood is ODD’ and Yvonneridley tweeted: ‘Animals on farm are acting a bit weird #eclipse’. The path of totality for Friday's eclipse

Summary: Eclipse saw skies darken across the UK at around 9.30am . There was no unusual behaviour at London or Edinburgh zoo . But people across the UK said the birds stopped singing in the dim light . Expert had predicted that dogs and cats may be 'sightly disturbed' And people took to Twitter to say their dogs howled and cats 'went nuts' Observations of previous eclipses said nocturnal animals such as owls become more active, while daytime creatures went to sleep .


Harry Kane turned to social media on Thursday, full of emotion after England manager Roy Hodgson called him up for the first time. The Tottenham striker talked of ‘pride’ and ‘honour’ on Twitter after being named in the squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania next Friday and the friendly in Italy four days later. Kane, who has scored 26 goals for Tottenham this season, merits his place alongside England captain Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck. Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling is also in the squad but a niggling toe injury could see him play against Lithuania and sit out the Italy clash. Scroll down for full squad . Harry Kane celebrates after scoring for Tottenham Hotspur against Arsenal at White Hart Lane last month . Kane rounds QPR goalkeeper Rob Green to score Spurs' second goal at Loftus Road on March 7 . ‘The whole country is excited to see Harry Kane,’ said Hodgson. ‘His rise has been fantastic. He deserves his chance. He hasn’t been in the squad before, but he has to show he belongs.’ Beyond that, poor Kane discovered what it is really like to be a senior international when he was immediately caught in a club-versus-country row. First the background. The lure of the Aussie dollar has seen Tottenham agree to play Sydney FC on May 30, six days after the final game of the Premier League season. That same weekend, the England squad meet to prepare for a friendly against the Republic of Ireland on June 7 in Dublin, followed by the Euro 2016 qualifier in Slovenia on June 14. There is also a possibility that Kane, a regular in Gareth Southgate’s Under 21 squad, will be selected for the European Championship starting on June 17. ‘Playing for England at Under 21 level is more important than a friendly in Australia and I would be hypocritical if I didn’t give that answer,’ said Hodgson. ‘This business about being tired — he’s played quite a lot of games but he’s not played any more than Wayne Rooney, Jordan Henderson, Joe Hart, Gary Cahill and lots of other players. ‘If he needs a rest there’s a great opportunity when the season ends, before our Under 21s get together. You can’t expect me to say, “Oh no, I understand he will play in Australia and be resting when the Under 21s pitch up”.’ Kane celebrates after scoring for England U21 against Croatia in a Euro 2015 qualifier last year . Still, Tottenham were adamant on Thursday that Kane will travel to Australia to fulfil the Sydney fixture. Kane, 21, has played 42 times for Spurs this season and his goals in three competitions — Premier League, Europa League and Capital One Cup — have earned him international recognition. Inevitably, boss Mauricio Pochettino would prefer the potential PFA Player of the Year to put his feet up this summer. There is a fear of burn-out. ‘We will speak (with Hodgson). It’s a good chance to speak because England train here,’ said Pochettino after England’s squad of 24 was announced.

Summary: Harry Kane revealed his 'pride' and 'honour' on Twitter after receiving his first England call-up on Thursday . Kane was named in Roy Hodgson's squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania and the friendly against Italy . The Spurs striker has scored 26 goals for his club this season .


Disgraced celebrity chef Paula Deen will release a new cookbook titled Paula Deen Cuts The Fat . Disgraced celebrity chef Paula Deen has continued her recent comeback attempt with a distribution deal and a new healthy cookbook. Paula Deen Cuts The Fat will feature 200 light recipes and low-fat updates to 50 of her 'classic' dishes. The announcement came just days after Deen, 68, said she would be launching a daily radio show and a weekly podcast in May. The new cookbook, Deen's fifteenth,is being sold and distributed by Hachette Book Group. Under Deen's new distribution and multi-book deal with the publisher, Hachette will also reissue Deen's previous cookbooks in print and electronic form, according to the Los Angeles Times. Deen, who recently lost 40lb after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2013, told People Magazine the recipes included will preserve 'the same delicious southern taste' she is known for. Todd McGarity, Hachette's vice president of client distribution services, said the company was 'thrilled' to be working with Deen and her 'trademark warmth and culinary flair', which are 'appealing as ever'. 'Her large, dedicated fan base is eager for more from her,' McGarity said in a released statement. 'And we are looking forward to continuing to build on her impressive sales.' The new cookbook will be Deen's first since she was dropped from the Food Network after she admitted in court to using racial slurs. Deen was sued in 2012 by a former employee who claimed the then-beloved Southern chef and her brother had made racist remarks at their Savannah, Georgia restaurant. The new cookbook will be Deen's first since she was dropped by Food Network and a previous publisher after she was sued for making racist remarks to an employer at her restaurant and admitted to using the 'N' word . In a court deposition, she admitted to using the 'N word' and later released a video, in tears, apologizing for the incident. 'I want to learn and grow from this,' she said. 'Inappropriate and hurtful language is totally unacceptable.' 'I've made plenty of mistakes along the way but I beg you, my children, my team, my fans, my partners, I beg for your forgiveness.' Deen was then dropped by the Food Network, where she was a host for 13 years, as well as Wal-Mart and Target. She also lost a book deal with Ballantine Books.

Summary: Paula Deen Cuts The Fat will feature 200 light recipes and low-fat updates to 50 of the chef's 'classic' dishes, she said . Deen also has a new distribution deal with Hachette Book Group . The publisher will release multiple new cookbooks from Deen, and will reissue her previous books in print and electronic form . Just days ago Deen announced she will launch a daily radio show and weekly podcast in May .


Men drink considerably more than women and at around age 25 peak at around 13 drinks per week, according to a new study observing drinking habits in Britain. Women drank the most, between 4 and 7 drinks per week in their 40s, but lessened their drinking after 65, says research published in the Journal of BMC Medicine based on data from nine longitudinal studies in the UK. Frequent drinking (daily or most days of the week) became more common during mid to older age, most notably among men, reaching above 50 per cent of men, said the study. Men versus women: Men drink considerably more than women and at around age 25 peak at around 13 drinks per week whereas women peak in their 40s . Middle-aged men don't drink as much as men in their twenties but they tend to drink more regularly even in old age. According to the World Health Organization, Americans drink less than people living in the UK and up to 30 per cent of the US population doesn’t drink at all. The study found that non-drinking in the UK was as low as 10 per cent and that it only rose to 20 per cent in those above 90-years-old. The Washington Post reports that low to moderate drinking, especially of red wine, is linked to health benefits and it's therefore not surprising that so many men drink into old age. However, prior research has documented that both heavy drinkers and nondrinkers have higher risks of premature death than their peers who drink in moderation. Some data linked to non-drinkers may be skewed because some non-drinkers may have chosen to stop drinking due to pre-existing health problems. Drink frequency: Men drink more frequently in older age than women but don't drink as much as they did in their 20s whereas women stopped drinking at around 65-years-old . The Post also mentions that alcohol is one of the most toxic substances that people consume and can often interfere with certain blood pressure medications that people take later in life. 'It raises concerns that [men] are becoming dependent on alcohol and there are risks in this age group mixing alcohol with medications,' said Dr Annie Britton at University College London, who carried out the study. One drink doubles someone's chances of going to the emergency room and is an even greater risk for drunk drivers who may crash their car while under the influence. Heavy drinking poses grave dangers to health and makes people more likely to die from suicides, homicides, liver disease, and some cancers, reports Culture of Health.

Summary: Men drink considerably more than women and at around age 25 peak at around 13 drinks per week . Women drank the most, between 4 and 7 drinks per week in their 40s, but lessened their drinking after around 65 . Frequent drinking became more common during mid to older age, most notably among men, reaching above 50 per cent of men . Heavy drinking poses grave dangers to health and makes people more likely to die from suicides, homicides, liver disease, and some cancers . People in the UK drink more than people in the US and up to 30 per cent of people in the US don't drink compared to 10 per cent in the UK .


Diego Costa is never short of controversy and Sunday was no different as he played a prominent role in Chelsea's 2-0 win against Tottenham in the Capital One Cup final. The 26-year-old clashed with Tottenham trio Eric Dier, Nabil Bentaleb and Kyle Walker in the first half of the game, as he got stuck into Mauricio Pochettino's men. Here, Sportsmail looks at Diego Costa's main moments from the Wembley showdown. 7min: It didn't take long for Costa to pick his first personal fight of the afternoon. The striker loses possession after seeing the ball whipped from him by Eric Dier's sliding challenge - with the Chelsea man in no uncertain terms letting the Spurs defender know what he thought of the challenge. Diego Costa (right) feels the full force of a crunching challenge from Tottenham defender Eric Dier (left) The 26-year-old reacts angrily to the challenge from the Spurs youngster in the opening stages of the game . The Chelsea striker (second left) and Nabil Bentaleb (right) have to be separated by referee Anthony Taylor . 29min: Moving on from Dier, Costa then upsets Nabil Bentaleb, raking his hand down the face of the Algerian while blind to the Spurs midfielder. Play is waved on despite the duo tussling right in front of referee Anthony Taylor. 29min: Walker and Costa are then caught at loggerheads moments later as they have their own falling out following a duel for possession. Bentaleb (right) hits out at Costa, while the Chelsea man looks on undeterred (middle) Walker (right) reacts furiously to Costa (left) after the Chelsea striker winds the Spurs defender up . Chelsea's main man picked up a coin that was thrown on to the pitch in the first half - tucking it into his shorts. Every little helps after all... 31min: Costa sure does know how to wind Spurs up - that's for sure. Dier - who earlier in the match he clashed with - receives a booking after the Chelsea man goes down under a sliding challenge from him. Spurs players and Dier alike, are furious with the decision. 45min: Dier is lucky to remain on the field after another exchange with Costa, with the latter rolling around in perceived agony following a kick from the 21-year-old. The combative striker picks up a coin that found its way on the pitch during the first half . Chelsea's main man pockets the coin as he tucks it into his shorts shortly after . Dier (second left) can't believe his eyes after being yellow carded for a challenge on Costa (far right) 56min: He's never one to stay out of the headlines and today has been no different. Costa's deflected effort - which goes down as a Walker own goal - looks to all but have secured the Capital One Cup for Chelsea after linking up well with Cesc Fabregas - a familiar scenario for Blues supporters who have watched their side throughout this season. 93min: Costa is replaced in stoppage time by veteran striker and Chelsea's Wembley hero many a time over the

Summary: Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-0 to win the Capital One Cup on Sunday . Goals from John Terry and Kyle Walker (og) were enough for the Blues . Diego Costa was heavily influential in his side's Wembley win . He clashed with Eric Dier, Nabil Bentaleb and Kyle Walker in the first half . The 26-year-old had the last laugh though as Chelsea won the first competitive piece of silverware available this season .


An active woman who has shed four stone to fulfil her desire to have children has been told that she's still too fat to adopt. Donna Adams, 42, who suffers from a hormone condition that makes losing weight harder than normal, was left reeling when her local council said her BMI of 38 exceeds their criteria for adoption. The civil servant from East Grinstead attends belly dancing classes, goes on long country walks and swims 30 lengths each week yet officials don't deem slim her enough to become a mum. Donna Adams has shed four stone, reaching 15st and a BMI of 38 in her bid to become a mother . Donna goes belly dancing once a week, she swims and she takes long walks and says she's fit and healthy . Donna claims that West Sussex County Council said she exceeds their guidelines which require substitute carers to have a BMI of 35. The council states that it has a 'responsibility to identify and address obesity in substitute carers' and that with a body mass index of 38, she fails to meet its guidelines. Donna said: 'I understand they need to think about people's lifestyles and the welfare of children, but I can't believe you need to be a certain size to be a good parent. 'I just want people to know what's going on because I'm definitely somebody who is fit and healthy enough to be a mother. 'There are plenty of children in care who need a loving home and loving parents, and I feel bad for them.' However at despite her activity levels and slimmer body, Donna's BMI is still considered to be in the 'very obese' range on the calculation chart, and just two figures below the 'morbidly obese' range. Donna, pictured with her husband Jeremy, managed to reduce her BMI from 48 to 38 thanks to a strict diet . Donna and husband Jeremy, 41, have struggled to conceive themselves because she suffers from called polycystic ovarian syndrome. She said: 'My body makes too much testosterone and insulin - it causes problems with fertility and makes you bulk up and have a chunky figure. It is incredibly hard to lose weight. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a way of seeing if someone's weight is appropriate for their height. BMI can be divided into several categories and generally the higher your BMI, the greater your risk of a large range of medical problems. Inaccuracies can occur for people who are very muscular as it will result in a higher BMI even if there's a healthy level of body fat. 'It affects about one in ten women, but most of them don't realise they have it until they try for a baby and it doesn't work.' But thanks to a strict diet and active lifestyle, Donna managed to shed the pounds and went from a whopping 19 stone to 15 stone and is now a much slimmer size 14. She also reduced her BMI from 48 to 38. The couple then gave themselves another year in the

Summary: Donna Adams, 42, shed four stone, slimming to 15st, to start a family . Local council said her BMI of 38 was too high for her to adopt . Civil servant, who has a hormone condition, says she's active and healthy . She's pledged to lose a further 2st and adopt through an adoption agency .


Debbie Jevans is understood to have received a six-figure pay-off from the RFU after walking out as chief executive of England Rugby 2015 less than six months before the World Cup. That the RFU are prepared to hand over around £150,000 suggests the Twickenham hierarchy were just as keen to part company with Jevans as she was to leave them. Jevans is believed to have been paid around £250,000-a-year and her leaving cheque would consist of the remainder of her contract for 2015 plus part of her bonus agreement. Debbie Jevans has left her role as chief executive of England Rugby 2015 ahead of the World Cup this summer . Jevans is understood to have agreed a £150,000 pay-off with the RFU after her departure . Despite the breakdown of her relationship with the RFU high command of Ian Ritchie and Bill Beaumont, the size of the pay-off shows tournament preparations were in good shape. The last big split before the Jevans affair in which both sides kept this quiet followed Adrian Chiles’ sacking as ITV’s lead football presenter. Chiles has still not spoken out about losing his prime sports host role to Mark Pougatch, despite having settled his pay-off terms with ITV. Jevans' relationship with RFU duo Ian Ritchie (pictured left) and Bill Beaumont deteriorated . Television presenter Adrian Chiles has still not spoken out after settling his pay-off terms with ITV .

Summary: Debbie Jevans understood to have received large pay-off after walking out . Jevans was chief executive of England Rugby 2015 ahead of World Cup . She is believed to have been paid around £250,000-a-year in her role .


A former jailhouse informant testified Thursday that someone other than the man on trial for killing 6-year-old Etan Patz admitted decades ago to kidnapping and molesting him. Jeffrey Rothschild, now 67, took the stand for the defense representing Pedro Hernandez, who confessed to police that he killed the boy. His attorneys say the confession was a delusion and their client is mentally ill. Etan vanished on his way to school in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood in 1979. His disappearance helped galvanize the modern-day missing children's movement, with his picture one of the first to appear on a milk carton. His body was never found. Testimony: Jeffrey Rothschild, now 67, took the stand for the defense representing Pedro Hernandez (pictured), who confessed to police that he killed the boy. His attorneys say the confession was a delusion and their client is mentally ill . Never found: Etan Patz vanished on his way to school in 1979. His disappearance helped galvanize the modern-day missing children's movement, with his picture one of the first to appear on a milk carton . Hernandez was a teenage stock clerk at the convenience store where Etan was headed the morning of May 25, 1979. In hours of a videotaped confession, Hernandez calmly recounts choking the boy, putting his body in a bag and putting the bag in a box, then walking it down the street. Prosecutors point to admissions he made over decades where he told a prayer circle, his ex-wife and a friend that he'd killed a child in New York. Hernandez's lawyers, however, suggest that another longtime suspect, convicted pedophile Jose Ramos, is the real killer. Argument: Hernandez's lawyers have suggested that another longtime suspect, convicted pedophile Jose Ramos (pictured), is the real killer . Rothschild said Ramos admitted molesting the boy while the men were roommates in prison. Ramos was never charged in Etan's disappearance, but he was considered the prime suspect for decades. Rothschild said Ramos recounted in horrifying detail how he molested Etan and many other boys. 'I've never been the same since that day,' Rothschild said. 'I thought my life was just a total wreck and a complete and total mess, but there are other people deeper or darker than me.' Ramos never admitted killing Etan. Rothschild met Ramos when they were both at a prison in Otisville, and Rothschild agreed to help prosecutors by trying to get a confession. Rothschild, a self-proclaimed con man, had been in and out of prison for various scams when he crossed paths with Ramos. He said Ramos told him he 'loved' Etan and 'honored him every day.' When Rothschild asked if the boy was dead, Ramos spat: 'Of course he's dead. But there is no proof.' Ramos told then-Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart GraBois that he picked up Etan at Washington Square Park and took him back to his apartment to molest him. But the boy refused, and he put him on the subway. Rothschild recounted how Ramos told him he lied about saying he picked up the boy in the park and drew him a map

Summary: Jeffrey Rothschild, now 67, took the stand for the defense representing Pedro Hernandez, who confessed to police that he killed the boy . Hernandez's attorneys say the confession was a delusion and that their client is mentally ill . Hernandez's lawyers, however, suggest that another longtime suspect, convicted pedophile Jose Ramos, is the real killer . Rothschild said Ramos admitted molesting the boy while the men were roommates in prison . Etan vanished on his way to school in Manhattan in 1979 . His disappearance helped galvanize the modern-day missing children's movement, with his picture one of the first to appear on a milk carton .


A mourner was told to produce her late friend's death certificate after being given a £60 parking ticket during a funeral. Sylvian McMillan, 70, of Plaistow, east London, was ordered by Newham Council parking officers to ask her friend’s relatives for a copy of the document, to prove she was at his funeral. The fine was issued in October as she returned from the service at the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium in Manor Park to park in a space reserved for the funeral cortege near her home. Successful appeal: Sylvian McMillan, 70, of Plaistow, east London, was told by Newham Council parking officers to ask her late friend’s relatives for a copy of the death certificate, to prove she was at his funeral . The slots were held until 6.30pm - and the secretary was fined despite arriving just before then, prompting a four-month battle with the council’s parking team. Miss McMillan immediately appealed the fine, but weeks later she was sent a letter warning her that she had 14 days to provide a copy of the death certificate or pay the £60. She said: ‘I had to go to the family at such a sad time for them - I was really embarrassed. I thought that was really nasty - it’s left a very bad taste. ‘They shouldn’t be doing that. I had to go to my neighbour to get the death certificate as proof that I was at the funeral. If they’re doing that to me, what are they doing to other people?’ She sent a copy of the certificate to parking officers and threatened to take her appeal to the council parking adjudicator. But she received a letter last month saying her appeal had been successful. Service: The fine was issued in October as she returned from the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium (above) in Manor Park, east London, to park in a space reserved for the funeral cortege near her home . Miss McMillan added: ‘I’m pleased because I was going to fight this all the way. Don’t just pay the money if you think something is not right.’ A Newham Council spokesman said procedures were now being urgently reviewed after the case. She said: ‘Newham Council apologises for any distress that Ms McMillan and her neighbours have experienced during this sad time. 'As requested by the relatives, bays in the residents’ parking zone were suspended to accommodate the funeral cortege and the council was also provided with registration details of these vehicles.' The spokesman added: 'Ms McMillan’s car was not one of these vehicles and she was issued with a Penalty Charge Notice. 'At the time we considered it was reasonable to request a death certificate be provided as evidence. However, the council now accepts that a letter from the family confirming Ms McMillan’s attendance of the funeral would have been reasonable evidence to enable the PCN to be cancelled.’

Summary: Sylvian McMillan had to ask late friend's relatives for copy of document . She parked in space reserved for funeral cortege near home in London . Secretary appealed fine in October and only heard of her win last month .


Thieves rummaged through an unconscious man's pockets to steal his phone as he lay dying from hypothermia, a court heard. Scott Stephenson, 19, took the iPhone 4 from the 22-year-old victim as he lay in the street in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, while friend Dale Walker, 25, looked on. The next morning the victim's body was discovered close to a playground, and a post mortem examination revealed he had died from hypothermia during the cold December night. Teenage thief Scott Stephenson (left) rummaged through an unconscious man's pockets to steal his phone as he lay dying in an alleyway from hypothermia, while friend Dale Walker (right) looked on, a court heard . Stephenson and Walker are now facing jail after Stephenson admitted theft at South Tyneside Magistrates Court while Walker admitted handling stolen goods. The court was told that the pair had been travelling on the same train as the 22-year-old victim, who was not named in court, and they had all got off at the Chichester Metro station in South Shields. The victim had suggested that they all continued on to one of their homes, but Stephenson and Walker declined and ran away. The 22-year-old is then thought to have tripped and fallen as he tried to go after them, landing in the road. Stephenson and Walker, who are both from South Shields, returned 30 minutes later and found him still lying there unconscious. But instead of helping him or calling an ambulance Stephenson rummaged through his pockets and stole the iPhone 4. The next morning the victim's body was discovered close to a playground in this alleyway in South Shields, and a post mortem examination revealed he had died from hypothermia during the cold December night . It is thought the man tripped and fell as he tried to go after Stephenson (left) and Walker (right). They returned 30 minutes later and found him unconscious . Keith Laidlaw, prosecuting, told the court: 'They found him lying there. Stephenson said he was breathing and snoring. 'He searched his pocket and stole a mobile phone. Walker later said that he watched as Stephenson stole the phone from the victim's pocket. 'Now, the defendants have said as far as they were concerned, they felt he was alive and sleeping at the time the property was taken. 'The victim was vulnerable, he was 22, just a young man. The ramifications of what happened spread far beyond the victim.' District Judge Helen Cousins committed the case to Newcastle Crown Court, where the pair will be sentenced on April 13. 'They have taken away the one thing that would have allowed him to get help if he was able to,' she said.

Summary: Scott Stephenson, 19, stole man's iPhone while Dale Walker, 25 looked on . Victim had tripped over while chasing after pair, who he met on a train . Body was discovered the next day, close to a playground in South Shields . Stephenson admitted theft and Walker admitted handling stolen goods .


The age-old proverb states that slow and steady wins the race, and a tortoise proved that to be true once again when it beat a rabbit which one would expect to come out on top. Filmed at the Paws and Claws Pet Store in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, the video presents the two competitors lined up against each other as a woman shouts ‘go’. Moving from their mark, the Russian tortoise named Herbert immediately gets its head down and begins walking in the correct direction. The animals line up alongside each other and it initially appears to be no contest for the quicker rabbit . The dwarf bunny named Sven on the other hand becomes instantly distracted and hops off to the right. Giving the rabbit a helping hand, a woman redirects it back onto the correct path and actually puts it into the lead. Checking out the tortoise, the rabbit begins sniffing at its shell and the surrounding women can be heard laughing. The rabbit gets distracted and heads off to the right as the tortoise surges forward into the lead . Undeterred by the tactics of its competitor, Herbert continues to storm forward and regains the lead as the rabbit once again tails off to the right. Momentarily retaking the lead after a number of hops, the rabbit appears to finally have the upper-hand. But after getting distracted once more, the tortoise regains its advantage. The distracted rabbit sniffs the tortoise and attempts to put it off its stride but Herbert is undeterred . Sven the rabbit is given a helping hand at the end of the race (left) but the tortoise is first to cross the line . Going in the wrong direction, the rabbit well and truly surrenders any hope it had of winning. And even with another helping hand from one of the women watching the race, the tortoise surges forward. The video concludes with the rabbit disappearing from the shot as the relenting tortoise reaches the door and the women cheer in excitement.

Summary: The Russian tortoise called Herbert makes an immediate run for success . But it is pegged back by the dwarf bunny named Sven who takes the lead . Eventually the tortoise makes a surge forward and is named the winner . The video was captured at the Paws and Claws Pet Store in Pennsylvania .


In-flight meals can be unappetising at the best of times so it’s always a good idea to bring along some snacks if you are going to be in the air for a while. The problem is, when you’re confined to a little seat on a fighter jet hurtling through the clouds at the speed of sound and the pilot is holding a chocolate bar, just how can you get your hands on it? Well a pilot and his navigator found the perfect way without having to take their eyes off the sky, and captured the moment on camera. The pilots appear to be part of the US Navy, judging by their helmets, but little is known about the origin of the video. The pilot lets go of the chocolate bar to allow the gravitational pull to transport it to his navigator . Holding a Snickers chocolate bar in his hand, the pilot lets go and allows the gravitational force to do the rest. Waiting with an outstretched arm, as the chocolate bar floats behind the pilot, the navigator reaches out and after a little bit of scrabbling manages to catch it in his hands. Throwing it back up in the air before catching it again the navigator waves the bar around in celebration and the pilot gives him the thumbs up in approval. Floating in the air, the chocolate begins its journey towards the navigator who waits with an outstretched hand . On its way: The navigator scrambles for the chocolate bar as it floats towards him and manages to catch it . The fact that it was uploaded to an empty Youtube account however has brought about speculation that the video is a commercial for Snickers. But it may just be a way for the two pilots to keep their identity a mystery while having some fun. Weightlessnes like this occurs when there are no external objects touching the chocolate bar and exerting a push or pull upon it. When in a state of free fall like the pilots, the only force acting upon the snack is gravity – a non-contact force. And since gravity cannot be felt without any other opposing forces, there is no sensation of it present. Success: After catching the chocolate bar the navigator celebrates and the pilot gives him the thumbs up .

Summary: The Snickers bar is released by the pilot and floats behind him . Scrabbling in the air the navigator catches it in his hand . Pilot gives him the thumbs up as a seal of approval . Believed to be US Navy pilots judging by their helmets .