A remote island in the Pacific whose residents are descendants of the swashbuckling British sailors and Tahitian women immortalised in the Mutiny on the Bounty movies is set to lose its right to self-rule. Norfolk Island, 900 miles east of the Australian coast and settled by the relatives of Fletcher Christian and other HMS Bounty mutineers in 1856, has about 1,800 residents and has governed itself since 1979. But it is effectively bankrupt and on Thursday, Canberra said it would introduce legislation next week to scrap the Australian territory's parliament. The former military barracks in Kingston, the capital of Norfolk Island, which is set to lose its right to self-rule . Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has come under fire for the move - with the descendants of the mutineers leading the opposition. If it passes, the island's legislative assembly will be temporarily replaced by an advisory council, before local government elections in 2016. Personal and business tax will be introduced from July 2016 and residents will in return be able to access social security, healthcare benefits and services enjoyed by Australians. The island, which has it's own native dialect called Norfuk, will no longer run its own immigration, customs, quarantine, education, police and social services, according to The Telegraph. Australia's assistant regional development minister, Jamie Briggs, said the changes were long overdue and it was not sustainable to ask a community of just 1,800 to deliver local, state and federal services. He said the infrastructure on Norfolk Island was run down, the health system is not up to standard and the laws are out of date. 'The community overwhelmingly supports reform and is of the view that the current governance arrangements are not suitable,' he said, adding that Norfolk Island was effectively in administration and reliant on Australian bailouts. 'It is diabolical -- it is quite concerning that it's been left for so long,' he added. Norfolk Island: It is 900 miles east of the Australian coast and settled by the relatives of Fletcher Christian and other HMS Bounty mutineers in 1856 . Romanticised: Actor Mel Gibson played Fletcher Christian in the 1984 film The Bounty, based on the true story . Norfolk Island Chief Minister Lisle Snell said it was unfair to impose such a decision on the tiny outcrop, just five miles long by three miles wide. 'Norfolk Islanders will lose their identity, they will lose their way of life,' Mr Snell told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Most of the population are descendants of the mutineers who set Captain William Bligh adrift from British Royal Navy ship HMS Bounty in 1789. The mutiny gained such a romantic gloss that chief mutineer Christian has been portrayed by a series of Hollywood heartthrobs over the years, including Errol Flynn, Clark Gable, Marlon Brando and Mel Gibson. The mutineers settled in Tahiti but later fled, along with their Tahitian women, to remote Pitcairn Island to escape arrest. Some 60 years after arriving on Pitcairn, almost 200 descendents of the original mutineers relocated to Norfolk Island to avoid famine. Queen Victoria granted them

Summary: Residents of Norfolk Island are the descendants of HMS Bounty mutineers . It has governed itself since 1979 but is now set to lose its right to self-rule . Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has come under fire for the move . If passed, an advisory council will temporarily replace legislative assembly . Norfolk Island effectively in administration and relies on Australian bailouts .


A man in China has been sentenced to six years in prison for 'provoking trouble' because he grew a beard. The 38-year-old from the Uighur minority received several warnings before attending court in Kashgar, local newspapers reported. His wife was also given a two-year sentence for wearing a veil that hid her face. In China authorities widely discourage growing a beard because they say it is linked to extremist ideals. The Uighurs vehemently dispute this claim. A Uighur man in China has been sentenced to six years in prison for 'provoking trouble' because he grew a beard. Above, a rare photo of two men from the Uighur minority who were not involved in the court case . The unnamed man started growing facial hair in 2010 before being accused of 'picking quarrels and provoking trouble' by officials. A campaign dubbed 'Project Beauty' similarly encourages women to leave their heads bare and abandon wearing the veil - a relatively widespread practice among the Uighurs. Speaking after the court case officials said: 'Since the beginning of the year, a certain number of people breaking the regulation on beards, veils and burqa have been prosecuted and sentenced.' The repression of the Uighurs has been fanning tensions in the region for more than a year. The 38-year-old's wife was also given a two-year sentence for hiding her face. Above, a stock image of a woman defying officials by wearing a colourful veil . In 2013 Chinese authorities flooded into the region after a wave of unrest caused tension between the Uighurs and the Han Chinese, the majority ethnic group . Violence increased last year and at least 200 people were killed in a series of bombings and deadly clashes with security forces. In April authorities in Xinjiang's Shaya county offered cash to informants to report on neighbours with excessive facial hair. And in August authorities in Karamay city banned people with large beards or Islamic clothing from travelling on public buses. The origins of the Uighur tribe lie deep in the Altai mountains of Mongolia - or in Turkmenistan, depending on which version of the story you believe. According to the Uighurs, their origins are Turkic and date back more than 5,000 years. They now reside in the Xinjiang region. By contrast, the Chinese say the Uighurs are descendants of the Tiele tribes of Mongolia, who by 842, had coalesced into the Uighur people and moved to the Tarim Basin in what is now modern China. Either way, the debate around the origins of the Uighurs is yet another skirmish in the ongoing battle between the majority-Muslim tribe and the Han Chinese, the country's majority ethnic group. Mainly tolerated during the long rule of the Chinese emperors, the real problems for the Uighurs began in 1949. After a failed bid for independence, the Chinese cracked down on the fledgling state. Activists accuse the Chinese government of steadily eroding the minority's freedoms, as they have curtailed religion, commercial and cultural activities. Beijing has also been accused of seeking to dilute Uighur influence by arranging the mass immigration

Summary: 38-year-old Uighur received several warnings before attending, official said . His wife was also given a two-year sentence for hiding her face with a veil .


Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal believes the outcome of the FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal will not just affect the destiny of the venerable old trophy but also the contest for Champions League positions. The Gunners travel to Old Trafford on Monday to defend the trophy they won against Hull City last season with two sides also competing for a spot in the Premier League's top-four. Van Gaal said: 'Arsenal and United are now in third and fourth place, so it is a big event with two good teams. I hope we can give a fantastic match for the fans. Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal believes the FA Cup-quarter final will affect the Premier League too . Ashley Young (right) scored the winner against Newcastle to see Manchester United fourth in the league . Van Gaal has praised Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for his 'amazing' work at the north London club . 'I think if we beat them it is a big blow for them, but if they beat us it is a big blow for us. It is very important game, not only for the FA Cup but also for the [Premier League] rat race.' Van Gaal also paid tribute to the longevity of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who has been in charge of Arsenal since 1996. He added: 'In my opinion what he has done is amazing. It can only be in England, I believe, where managers are so long committed with one club. 'It shows how much he can mean for a club as a manager. I like that - like Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger - I think it's fantastic that you can do that.' Meanwhile, Marouane Fellaini admits United face a 'massive game' against Arsenal if they are to end the season with a trophy. The Belgium midfielder, who was on the losing side at a Wembley FA Cup final with Everton, insists however that Louis van Gaal's side can take confidence from their last-gap win over Newcastle in midweek. Marouane Fellaini (left) says United are in for a 'massive game' against Arsenal in the FA Cup on Monday . Newcastle midfielder Jonas Gutierrez dribbles away from United's Ander Herrera (right) Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney (right) flies in with a sliding challenge on Mike Williamson (left) He says United need to win at Old Trafford to avoid a tough replay at the Emirates. Fellaini told MUTV: 'It will be a challenge. Monday is a massive game. We have to win it in one game because playing at Arsenal would be difficult. The FA Cup is a special competition, a big trophy in England. I lost a final. I played in a semi-final. This season, I can win it. 'We have showed it spirit already a lot of times now and we have to continue like that. We have a big game on Monday, so it is good for the confidence. 'We always keep going and scored in the last minute [against Newcastle]. The spirit was good, we kept going and that is important.' Striker

Summary: Manchester United will face Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-final . The two clubs are also competing for a top four finish in the Premier League . Louis van Gaal believes the Cup game can influence league momentum . He has praised opposite number Arsene Wenger for his work at Arsenal . United defender Jonny Evans will miss the quarter-final through suspension .


An escaped murder suspect was recaptured on Wednesday after breaking out of a psychiatric hospital, police said. Rocco Jesse Zuccaro was found near a natural gas facility in Harrison County, West Virginia State Police told WHSV. The 30-year-old escaped from William R Sharpe Jr Hospital in Weston on Monday afternoon by climbing over a wall while he was undergoing a mental evaluation. Zuccaro has been charged with the murder of Jason Lee Pratz, 30, in 2013 after he allegedly shot him dead at his home. Murder suspect Rocco Zuccaro, 30, was captured on Wednesday after escaping from a psychiatric hospital on Monday afternoon . The trial of Zuccaro (right) in the killing of Pratz has been delayed several times because of mental competency issues . The murder suspect, who is originally from Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, about two hours drive from the West Virginia psychiatric hospital (pictured) Pratz, a former medical worker, was killed at his home in McKinleyville, West Virginia, on February 2013. Someone had also tried to set fire to his home before the shooting. The suspect was found incompetent to stand trial in late February. Zuccaro, who is 6ft, 170lb, is originally from Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. The suspect's lawyer said that his client is mentally ill and he has previously refused to take medication prescribed to him, according to the Weirton Daily Times. Earlier this year, Zuccaro was sentenced to 90 days at William Sharpe to 'regain competence'. West Virginia State Police had advised people who may come in contact with Zuccaro not to approach him and contact them with any information about his possible location. Lieutenant Baylous said that the murder suspect was 'a danger to the public'. Zuccaro was arrested in Pennsylvania after Jason Lee Pratz was found shot dead in his McKinleyville, West Virginia, home (pictured) in February 2013 .

Summary: Rocco Jesse Zuccaro was found near a natural gas facility in Harrison County, West Virginia . The 30-year-old escaped from a psych unit in Weston on Monday afternoon by climbing over a wall while he was undergoing a mental evaluation .


Liverpool defender Glen Johnson will hold talks with the club at the end of the season over a new contract. Manager Brendan Rodgers has told Johnson, 30, he wants him to stay and the defender is keen if they can reach agreement. England international Johnson is free to talk to foreign clubs and Roma have shown an interest. Glen Johnson says he has 'no idea' which team he will be playing for next season . Johnson's contract at Liverpool expires at the end of the season and he has been linked with Roma . Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has told Johnson he wants the defender to stay at the club . Johnson started against Blackburn on Sunday and, asked afterwards about his contract, he said: 'No talks. At this point I have no idea (where I will be next season). 'I haven't thought about it. It would be great for the kids to go abroad but I am not thinking about yet as we have two months left here and I'll think about it after that. 'We will have to wait and see.'

Summary: Glen Johnson's Liverpool contract expires at the end of the season . The defender does not know what team he will play for next season . Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wants him to remain at the club .


You get what you pay for, so they say. But the High Street is adept at doing tailored pieces in smart fabrics. TV presenter Kate Garraway tried three top-to-toe outfits. Could she spot the bargains from the bling? DINNER DATE . Dress, £20, oasis-stores.com . Necklace, £2.99, and bag, £14.99, newlook.co.uk . Ring, £7, asos.com . Shoes, £5, everything5pounds.com . Total: £49.98 . A belt would improve the overall shape of this dress, but at a smart evening event no one would know it cost the same as a posh bottle of wine. I can’t believe the shoes are only £5; they look as if they’d be at least £50. Dress, £650, beulahlondon.com . Necklace, £3,195, caratlondon.com . Ring, £235, monicavinader.com . Bag, £195, lkbennett.com . Shoes, £725, arunaseth.com . Total: £5,000 . This dress looks sweet and fits perfectly, but it doesn’t feel expensive (75 per cent stiff cotton, 25 per cent nylon with a 100 per cent silk lining). The platforms are comfortable. But the necklace (set in nine-carat gold, but these aren’t diamonds) does not look as if it’s worth thousands. WINNER: Split: I prefer the pricey dress, but the cheaper shoes and jewellery. OUT FOR DRINKS . Dress, £30, axparis.com . Jacket, £5, and shoes, £5, everything5pounds.com . Necklace, £7, and earrings, £3, claires.co.uk . Total: £50 . This dress may be less than a tenth of the price of the more expensive one, but I prefer it 100 per cent. The colour is better — it’s a warmer golden shade rather than a silvery grey — as is the fit. On looks, I’d think it was the more expensive of the two. The jacket is smartly tailored, worn-in looking and lightweight for spring. The shoes have a natty asymmetrical cut at the toe line and feel incredibly comfortable. Rag and Bone dress, £460, oxygenboutique.com . Leather jacket, £1,845, michaelkors.com . Star necklace, £1,495, sheeva.com . Earrings, £695, astleyclarke.com . Shoes, £505, giuseppezanottidesign.com . Total: £5,000 . This is a great dress: sexy, but the length prevents a mutton-dressed-as-lamb situation. The fabric feels a little viscose, though. The jacket is suspiciously shiny, but butter soft. The necklace is set with miniature white sapphires, but I wouldn’t have spotted this as different to the budget version. WINNER: The cheap option — it makes a better impact all round. SHOPPING TRIP . Coat, £30, boohoo.com . George at Asda sweater, £4, direct.asda.com . Shoes and jeans, £5 each, everything5pounds.com . Tote bag, £19.99, hm.com . Necklace, £7.99, daisystreet.co.uk . Total: £49.98 . I love this (admittedly thin) coat, which looks far more costly. The necklace looks almost identical to the dear one. The jumper is a bit see-through, but the jeans fit like a glove. Coat, £1,450, aquascutum.com . Adam Lippes silk and cashmere sweater, £740, net–a-porter.com . J Brand jeans, £300, selfridges.com . Tote bag with inbuilt phone or iPad charger portal, £1,500, aspinaloflondon.com . Shourouk necklace, £590, benna.co.uk . Shoes, £420, arunaseth.com . Total: £5,000 . A classy outfit. The jeans are soft and supple, the jumper warm,

Summary: The High Street has been reproducing expensive styles for years . Kate Garraway tried three outfits from the shops and three from designers . Can you tell which is cheap chic and which has a weighty price tag?


He is passionate about conservation and was in China's Yunnan Province to highlight the plight of the region's wild elephants and to call for an end to the ivory trade. But as Prince William was feeding treats to rescue elephant Ran Ran, just a few miles away, other animals were living in conditions that campaigners describe as 'dingy' and with their legs encased in chains. Filmed having their trunks sat upon by visitors by a Sky News camera crew, the elephants are displayed in twice-daily shows at the the Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Valley park. Scroll down for video . Conservation: William met Ran Ran the rescue elephant during a visit to China's Yunnan Province . However, when the prince was asked about the 'cruel' performances taking place just down the road, he turned away, saying nothing. Later, he did speak about the plight of China's elephants, although he once again steered clear of discussing the circus, which is on the same site as the sanctuary he was visiting. 'It is appalling that elephants and many others may be extinct in the wild in our lifetimes, and we seem to be hurtling towards the tragic outcome,' he said. 'The extinction of animals such as elephants, rhinos and pangolins would be an immeasurable loss to the whole of humanity.' But his efforts risk being overshadowed by the controversy over the visit, with Kensington Palace saying they were aware of the existence of the circus beforehand. Performance: The elephants were filmed being made to perform circus tricks for crowds of tourists . Chained: Campaigners say the elephants live in dingy pens between performances . There, say campaigners, the wretched performing elephants, many of which have had their tusks filed down, are trained to give rides and kick footballs around an arena. Some are even trained to dance to disco music and form a pyramid during shows that take place four times a day. Between their ‘performances’ they are chained by their legs in dingy pens. Kensington Palace, however, said that while it was aware of the issues, the focus of the visit was for Prince William to learn more about the region’s conservation efforts and engage with the positive work being done. The nature reserve says its elephants are from Thailand and not from the local wild population. Charlie Mayhew, chief executive of the Tusk Trust of which William is patron, defended the prince's decision to visit the park. 'Different cultures have different ways of doing things, of course it's not the way we do things,' he said. 'But you know I think today was very much about highlighting the illegal wildlife trade - this trip for him in terms of conservation has been about watching, listening, learning about the challenges faced by conservationists here in China.' Dressed up: The animals are also made to wear bizarre versions of human clothing such as glasses . Exposed: The performance was filmed by a camera crew from Sky News . Aware: Kensington Palace said they knew of the circus before the visit took place . The prince,

Summary: The prince was visiting an elephant sanctuary and met Ran Ran . 13-year-old Ran Ran was discovered with terrible wounds in 2005 . Now recovered, she lives at an animal sanctuary in Yunnan Province . But the sanctuary is attached to a circus for performing elephants . Campaigners say the beasts there live shackled in 'dingy' pens . William is trying to raise awareness of the illegal ivory trade . Lobbied for a ban during meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing .


Derek Jackson, 52, who was found dead in his Biddeston home, had a history of criminal behaviour and mental health issues . A grandfather whose body was found alongside his slain seven-year-old grandson and heavily pregnant daughter in a suspected murder-suicide, was well known to police and had a long history of mental illness. Derek John Sharpley, 52, was found dead of gunshot wounds to the head in the same room that his grandson Jackson's body was found tucked into a bed at his Biddeston property, west of Brisbane in Queensland. His 27-year-old daughter Kris-Deann Sharpley, who had moved to the Queensland town in 2011 to care for him following her mother's death, also died of gunshot wounds to the head and was found in the bathroom. Detective Inspector David Isherwood would not confirm the details of Mr Sharpley's criminal history, but told Daily Mail Australia that there had been no recent incidents. 'They [the family] are known to police and in regard to criminal history; the reality is that while he has a criminal history, it's not recent history,' Inspector Isherwood said. 'But he has got a criminal history and there is no doubt that he has had mental health issues.' Mr Sharpley is believed to have attempted suicide in the past and had a history of substance abuse, according to The Courier Mail. Police have stopped short of dubbing the incident a murder-suicide, but have said it is unlikely another party was involved. His daughter Kris-Deann Sharpley (left), who had moved to the town to care for him following her mother's death, was found dead in the bathroom while her seven-year-old son (rigth) Jackson's body was found in a bed . 'I must stress that we are in the early stages of our investigation however it would appear that two of the deaths are suspicious and the death of the man is non suspicious,' Inspector Isherwood said. Mr Sharpley is believed to have shot himself after killing his daughter and grandson, however detectives have been unable to determine the young boy's cause of death after preliminary pathology results returned inconclusive. Inspector Isherwood said there were no signs of physical injury on the child's body and that police were awaiting further results before making any conclusions about how he died. 'There are a couple of issues, they [forensic pathologists] think, with the decomposition. You'd think that with strangulation there would be lesion marks on the neck. What often happens in a lot of bodies in that case is that the head is tilted forward and you get bruising in the front of the body,' Inspector Isherwood said. 'Suffocation is very hard to prove, so the issue we've got is we really don't know'. Detective Inspector David Isherwood told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Sharpley 'was not the owner of a registered firearm', but would not release any other information about the gun used to kill the two adults . Detectives have been unable to determine Jackson's (pictured) cause of death after preliminary pathology results returned inconclusive. Suffocation and strangulation are still

Summary: Kris-Deann Sharpley and her seven year old son were found dead on Monday . Her father Derek was also found at the Biddeston house, near Brisbane . Detective Inspector David Isherwood said the grandfather had a history of criminal behaviour and mental health issues . The child's cause of death remains unknown as initial pathology results were unclear, but suffocation and strangulation are still being investigated . The owner of the gun used in the homicide also remains unknown . Police say the deaths of the boy and mother are suspicious but the death of the man is not suspicious .


Borussia Dortmund's Ciro Immobile struck twice in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory at third tier Dynamo Dresden and a place in the German Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday. The Italian, criticised for a lack of Bundesliga goals this season, pounced on a cross-field pass from Dynamo's Michael Hefele to snatch the lead five minutes after the break on a bumpy pitch that resembled a ploughed field in parts. Dortmund struggled to play the flowing football that has seen them win their last four league matches and Mats Hummels almost gifted Dynamo an equaliser when his back pass bounced awkwardly and was intercepted before Mitch Langerak saved. Borussia Dortumind's Italian striker Ciro Immobile scored a brace agianst Dynamo Dresden . Dresden's Sinan Tekerci (left) tussles for the ball with Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (right) Dortmund's Henrikh Mkhitaryan (centre) is challenged from behind by Dresden's Quinn Moll (left) Dynamo Dresden goalkeeper dives to stop Borussia Dortmund's Vasquez Ramos from advancing . Dortmund's substitute striker Adrian Ramos almost got a second but his shot squeezed past a defender and hit the near post before rolling along the line and being cleared. However, Immobile scored again when he slotted in from a Jakub Blaszczykowski cutback in the box at the final whistle. The only negative for Dortmund was the loss of winger Marco Reus, who missed much of 2014 with a string of ankle injuries, midway through the first half when he limped off. Earlier, Bayer Leverkusen's Hakan Calhanoglu rescued his side from embarrassment with a sensational free kick to steer them to a 2-0 extra-time win over second tier Kaiserslautern. The Turkey international fired a shot around the wall from 25 metres past keeper Marius Mueller towards the end of the first half of extra-time to break the visitors' resistance. Stefan Kiessling added a second goal 10 minutes later after Leverkusen struggled for most of the game. Fellow Bundesliga club Hoffenheim had a much easier task against second division Aalen with Eugen Polanski and Germany international Kevin Volland on the scoresheet, while Freiburg beat visiting Cologne 2-1 to also reach the last eight. Holders Bayern Munich are in action on Wednesday against Eintracht Braunschweig. Dortmund were dealt a blow in the 22nd minute when star player Marco Reus (on ground) was injured . Dresden's Michael Hefele controls the ball ahead of the oncoming Immobile (right) in the German Cup . Immobile (left) has scored nine goals in 27 appearances for Dortmund so far this season . The Italian joined Dortmund from Serie A side Torino in 2014 for a reported £15 million fee . Dortmund players are congratulated by their travelling fans after taking a 1-0 lead over Dresden .

Summary: Dortmund beat third-tier Dynamo Dresden 2-0 in the German Cup . Two goals from Ciro Immobile sealed their passage to the quarter-finals . Marco Reus was substituted through injury for Dortmund .


A new Alzheimer’s drug that reverses the damage the disease causes in patients’ brains could ‘change the landscape’ of future treatment, according to researchers. It has already performed so well at early-stage trials involving people living with the disease in the United States that scientists are now in talks aimed at leapfrogging the usual second stage and fast-tracking it for larger trials. Pharmaceutical firm Biogen, which developed the drug, called aduncanumab, wants to recruit at least 1,000 patients for tests by the end of the year. It is not yet known if this will include any from the UK. A new Alzheimer’s drug that reverses the damage the disease causes in patients’ brains could ‘change the landscape’ of future treatment (file picture) There are currently half a million people in the UK living with Alzheimer’s, and as yet there is no cure. ‘A lot of potential Alzheimer’s drugs never quite make it,’ says Biogen spokesman Kate Niazo-Sai. ‘But the results we have seen in a relatively small patient sample are very hopeful. If this was replicated in a further trial, then it could change the landscape for treatment of Alzheimer’s.’ Pharmaceutical firm Biogen, which developed the drug, called aduncanumab, wants to recruit at least 1,000 patients for tests (picture posed by model) The trial shows that aduncanumab significantly reduces amyloid plaque – clumps of protein typically found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. This plaque can lead to the death of nerve cells and loss of brain tissue, causing devastating symptoms such as memory loss and personality changes. Dr Eric Karran, director of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, says the drug could prove an effective – and safe – treatment. He adds: ‘These are very promising early results. It will be important to see results from much larger trials before we can understand how effective this treatment may be.’ The year-long early-stage trial saw 166 patients with mild or early symptoms of Alzheimer’s given either aduncanumab in varying doses, or a placebo. Brain scans revealed that those patients on the strongest dose showed the most significant improvement in amyloid plaque by the end of the trial. Patients were also given a number of ability tests and it was found that those on the highest dose had a ‘significant slowing’ of mental decline, while those taking the placebo declined the most. The findings were unveiled at the 12th international conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases held in the French city of Nice last week.

Summary: New Alzheimer's drug reverses the damage disease has on patients' brains . It has performed so well that scientists could fast-track it for larger trials . Pharmaceutical firm wants to recruit 1,000 patients for tests by end of 2015 .


Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone concedes that a third place finish is the best the La Liga champions can hope for this season after losing yet more ground at the top after a 1-1 draw with Valencia on Sunday. Beating Real Madrid and Barcelona to the Spanish title last term, as well as reaching the final of the Champions League, were remarkable achievements but it appears Atletico will fall some way short of matching the Spanish giants this season. The draw at home to fourth-placed Valencia means Simeone's men have won only one of their last four La Liga outings and are now seven points adrift of leaders Barca and six behind second-placed Real with 12 games left. Koke's fierce low strike was too much for Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves to save . But Shkodran Mustafi (second right) headed in Valencia's equaliser in the 78th minute . Atletico manager Diego Simeone admits the limit of his side's ambition this season is to finish third . A resurgent Valencia are breathing down Atletico's necks a point behind in fourth and Simeone said he and the players are determined to hang on to third and secure a place in Europe's elite club competition for next season. Sevilla, who held Atletico to a 0-0 draw at their Sanchez Pizjuan stadium at the start of the month and are five points behind Valencia in fifth, are also still in with a chance of a Champions League berth. 'The league is long and we have always said that our championship is competing against Valencia and Sevilla,' Simeone told a news conference after the stalemate at the Calderon. Koke leads the celebrations after putting Atletico into a first-half lead . Koke is mobbed by his team-mates after his goal had put Atletico ahead against rivals Valencia . 'Neither could beat us in these last two matches and we still have the one-point advantage that we need to protect,' added the former Argentina captain. 'Reinventing ourselves the way we have and competing the way we are competing is a great achievement for the players. 'Hopefully when the season ends we will have secured that third spot.' Atletico were unfortunate not to take all three points on Sunday after Valencia rode their luck to steal a late equaliser that cancelled out Koke's first-half strike. Mustafi celebrates his header with Rodrigo Moreno in the draw at the Vicente Calderon . Mustafi's goal leaves Spanish champions Atletico are seven points adrift of leaders Barcelona . A Dani Parejo free kick ricocheted off the Atletico crossbar and centre back Shkodran Mustafi reacted quickest to nod home. Atletico have a trip to Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday before they host Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last 16, second leg on March 17. The Bundesliga side won last month's first leg in Germany 1-0.

Summary: Atletico Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Valencia at home on Sunday . Diego Simeone's side fell seven points behind table-toppers Barcelona . The Argentine admits that third is the best his team can hope for . CLICK HERE for the La Liga table Â .


QPR director of football Les Ferdinand has called for a Rooney Rule-style law to be introduced in English football to challenge what he believes is a 'lack of diversity' in the game. Football Association chairman Greg Dyke was first to suggest the adoption of the American system - which requires NFL teams to interview at least one minority candidate for each head coaching role - in 2014. And now Ferdinand has reopened the debate by insisting it could be the best way to give prospective black managers the confidence to aspire to positions they currently feel are beyond them. QPR director of football Les Ferdinand would like to see the introduction of a Rooney Rule-style law . The QPR director of football believes there is a lack of diversity in English football . Ferdinand told Sky Sports: 'We're not saying you have to give anybody the job - we're just saying "give us an interview" - that's all. 'It's just a case of being able to sit down and put your credentials on the table. At the moment we're not even getting that chance. 'People often talk and say "I'm not racist" and don't even realise that they are being racist because they won't give you that opportunity. 'You may have already decided who your next manager is going to be but if I sit down in front of you I might impress you so much that you might recommend me to someone else.' FA chairman Greg Dyke was first to suggest the adoption of the American system in 2014 . Ferdinand wants black managers to be given the opportunity to showcase their credentials at interviews . Dyke's support for the Rooney Rule was not shared by others in the game with Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore rejecting the idea. But Ferdinand's views are shared by anti-racist campaigners Kick It Out, which told Sky Sports News: 'The access to opportunities for employment in football continue to be out of reach for many. The recruitment procedures are flawed, and there is a lack of accountability and transparency in the processes. 'We need to see a level playing field established where individuals possessing the necessary qualifications and experience are able to apply and be taken into proper consideration for positions. 'As it stands, many credible candidates who are suitable for jobs do not feel it is worthwhile applying as they see a closed culture which exists preventing them from having a fair chance.' The League Managers Association supports the implementation of a Rooney Rule-style law, and a spokesman said: 'The LMA is committed to the fundamental principle of equal opportunities for anyone, from any background, who wishes to work and build a career, as a manager or coach, in professional football and we are focussed on the need to increase the number of managers from black and ethnic minorities who have coaching or management qualifications.'

Summary: QPR director Les Ferdinand believes there is a lack of diversity in football . Former striker has called for a Rooney Rule-style law to combat it . Ferdinand says black managers are not even getting chance to interview . FA chairman Greg Dyke first proposed the idea back in 2014 . Suggestion is supported by anti-racist campaigners Kick It Out .


A 23-year-old former anorexic says finding love with her 40-year-old neighbour saved her life. Banker Nina McArthur shrank to little more than five stone after becoming stressed while working for a graduate scheme bank job. The former triathlete, who weighed a healthy eight-and-a-half stone throughout her teens, started obsessing over calories after starting the demanding occupation. Her periods stopped and at her worst she was so thin she drank endless cups of tea and coffee 'to keep warm'. But after moving into her own flat, Miss McArthur started dating her neighbour, IT manager Martin Nash, who helped her on the road to recovery. Nina McArthur was able to recover from anorexia after boyfriend Martin Nash, 40, convinced her to seek help . Miss McNash's weight plummeted to five stone after the stress of a job at a bank triggered anorexia. She is pictured when she was battling the disease (left) and after recovering (right) Miss McArthur was at low point in her life when she met Mr Nash in 2013. Her periods had stopped and her work colleagues were worried about her health. Mr Nash convinced her to go to the doctor for help . Miss McArthur, from Newton Heath, Manchester, said: 'It's his support that has really got me through. 'It sounds dramatic but, without him I think I would have ended up dead.' Miss McArthur had always been sporty and loved swimming, and competed in her first triathalon aged nine. The pair formed a friendship in June 2013 after Miss McArthur moved out of her parent's home. 'I'd had a few hard years,' she said. 'After competing in triathlons from the age of nine, I stopped when I developed hyperthermia during a race in 2009. 'I decided to focus my energy on studying and started my bank job. I found it incredibly stressful and began limiting what I ate. 'When I was training as an athlete I'd always been quite strict with my diet. Then a coach told me if I lost weight I'd run quicker and I limited it even more. 'I started taking those dangerous eating habits even further and began skipping meals.' But Miss McArthur's diet soon got more severe, and her weight plummeted to just six stone. 'Mum would try and force me to eat my favourite childhood foods like corn beef stew and jam on toast, but the thought made me sick,' she said. Now she has recovered, Miss McArthur says she is enjoying life. 'I've been promoted at work and I've recently moved in with Martin. We're very settled and he makes me smile everyday,' she said . Miss Nash said at her worst she looked like a 'walking skeleton' when she weighed 5st. She is pictured battling the illness (left) and now (right), weighing nearly eight stone . 'It wasn't that I was desperate to be skinny, I was desperate to be in control. I was so thin I hadn't had a period since I was 18. 'It got pretty extreme. I would not eat all day if I was drinking with mates

Summary: Nina McArthur started a demanding job on the graduate scheme of a bank . The stress of the job triggered anorexia and her weight plummeted to 5st . Her periods had stopped for years and began worrying about her health . Met neighbour Martin Nash, 40, who encouraged her to go to the doctor . It was revealed she had liver damage and she decided to seek help . After checking herself into a private hospital she was able to recover . Credits recovery on his support: 'I don't think I'd be here if it wasn't for him'


Shunning their reputation for harsh critiques and exacting high standards, the judges on a Belgium talent show have been won over - by a singing dog. The Belgium's Got Talent judging panel appeared delighted when a man revealed not his own talents, but that of his singing pet dog Lady Xena, on the TV show recently. Accompanied by a backing track of 'I Will Always Love You' by Whitney Houston, Lady Xena was broadcast crying in accompaniment to the signing. The pet dog named Lady Xena howls in accompaniment to Houston's singing during the live audition . Lady Xena's owner sits beside her as she cries along to the love ballad before a huge TV audience . It was during the song's crescendo that she received the biggest applause from the crowd and judges - letting off a loud and high pitched howl as the song concluded. Throughout the performance, two judges could be seen bursting into laughter while two more watched on in mild bemusement. In particular, Karen Damen, a singer and member of girl group K3, could be seen clutching her sides at the utterly bizarre audition. However, the audience applauded the pet's performance with enthusiasm - so much so that she has become a sensation in her home country. Her owners, Mick Depreytere, 32, and Daphnee Naessens, 28, from Ostend in Belgium's north-west, explained to HLN that they bought Xena when she was 12 weeks old. It was when they took her to a cafe which was playing the Whitney Houston song that they discovered her talent. 'When Xena heard the sound of the song, she began to cry. It was really weird,' Mr Depreytere said. Judge Karen Damen was seen in hysterics at the utterly bizarre performance . Niels Destadsbader also appeared to enjoy the performance, which lasted about two minutes . Lady Xena's owners later explained they had no idea their pet could sing until the song was played while they were sat a cafe .

Summary: Belgium's Got Talent judges won over by a dog singing Whitney Houston . The pet named Lady Xena howled its way through 'I Will Always Love You' She has become an instant sensation following the bizarre TV audition .


When they bought the house, it was boarded up and in need of a total renovation. But Chris Benn and Rebecca Dennis knew they were getting their potential dream home at a bargain – for it cost them just £1. Now, after six months of hard work, they have a property worth £60,000. However the couple are not in a hurry to cash in – which is just as well because to get the two-bed mid-terrace for such a low price they had to agree not to sell it or rent it out for five years. Through the keyhole: This is the refurbished interior of the house that Rebecca Dennis, 21, and Chris Benn, 22, bought for just £1 . Rebecca Dennis, 21, and Chris Benn, 22, pictured left, are quids in after the property in Stoke-on-Trent, pictured right, is now believed to be worth £60,000 . Car factory worker Mr Benn, 22, and his 21-year-old fiancee bought the house in Stoke-on-Trent under a regeneration scheme. The city council has been offering homes for less than the cost of two first-class stamps as it seeks to turn around swathes of its run-down or unwanted housing stock. Buyers receive a £30,000 interest-free council loan to help cover the cost of essential repairs and refurbishment. The new homeowners agree to repay it over ten years – by which time the property will be worth far more than £30,000. Photography student Miss Dennis, who is eight years younger than the average first-time buyer, said: ‘It’s a dream come true to have a house of our own. ‘We would never have been able to afford a house without the scheme. We had been engaged for four years but the prospect of us actually getting married would have been years away if we were saving for a house as well as a wedding. ‘It would have been years before we could have afforded a house alone. ‘My grandad heard about the scheme on TV and suggested we apply. We didn’t fit the criteria during the first round of the scheme. When it reopened a year and a half later, we decided to do whatever it took to get a place. 'My mum and dad wanted us to get married before we got a house together but now they’ve seen it even they agree that it was too good an opportunity to pass up.’ The couple has transformed the property, which was just a shell when they bought it, and turned it into a home that they can be proud of . To qualify for the scheme, Miss Dennis had to get a regular part-time job as Mr Benn is self-employed. Since they moved in last September, they have transformed the property. They had to insulate the whole house and put up a supporting wall on the ground floor. The house had previously been a three-bed, but the pipes for the bathroom ran through the third bedroom, and the council deemed this unsafe. So the couple took a wall out upstairs and boxed off the pipes, making the

Summary: Rebecca Dennis and Chris Benn bought their first home together in Stoke-on-Trent for the bargain price of just £1 . The young couple have spent the last four months doing up the terraced property and it is now worth £60,000 . They bought the property together as part of Stoke-on-Trent City Council's home ownership scheme . The council invested £30,000 in the two bedroom mid-terrace property that they will pay back over next 10 years . Miss Dennis, 21, said they would never have been able to afford their own home without the council scheme .


Parents of a two-year-old girl have been slapped with a police warning after CCTV caught the infant venturing out alone at night to buy candy from a Detroit-area gas station. Surveillance footage shows the toddler crossing the dark forecourt of Citgo on Hamilton Avenue around 11pm in boots and a bright coat before pulling open the door and wandering around inside. Another customer can be seen glancing over at her. Mohamad Bazzi, who runs the convenience store, told Inside Edition that he was shocked when the youngster came in unaccompanied and put two pennies on the counter in a bid to get some treats. Caught on camera: Parents of a two-year-old girl have been slapped with a police warning after CCTV caught the infant venturing out alone at night to buy candy from a Detroit-area gas station. Surveillance footage shows the toddler crossing the dark forecourt of the Citgo station on Hamilton Avenue around 11pm in boots and a bright coat before pulling open the door and wandering around inside . The businessman swiftly called 911 and officers from Highland Park Police Station came to collect the tearful little girl before tracking down her parents. They apparently lived over the road from the gas station and failed to notice the toddler leave home. About an hour after the girl was taken into custody, her family went to collect her. Footage shows them being shouted at by Chief Kevin Coney, who criticized their laissez-faire attitude. 'There's a [two]-year-old girl walking across the street at night to a gas station fully-dressed and you come in like, "so what?"' Spotted: Another customer can be seen glancing over at her . Sweets please! Mohamad Bazzi, who runs the convenience store, told Inside Edition that he was shocked when the youngster came in unaccompanied and put two pennies on the counter in a bid to get some treats . Dangerous crossing: Inside Edition's Les Trent noted that the incident could have proved tragic . Things that go bump in the night: He was filmed crossing the same busy road as the little girl, struggling to navigate the dimly lit stretch of tarmac . Store owner Bazzi says he's glad the girl was okay. He added that she seemed distressed and was crying when he waited with her for police to arrive. Inside Edition anchor Les Trent noted that the incident could have proved tragic. He was filmed crossing the same busy road as the little girl, struggling to navigate the dimly lit stretch of tarmac. On top of that the area is also known for having a high crime rate. Two years ago there was a fatal shooting at Bazzi's gas station where one of his employees was killed by an armed robber.

Summary: Surveillance footage shows the toddler crossing the dark forecourt of the Citgo station on Hamilton Avenue in Detroit . She then opens the heavy front door and wanders around inside the store . Mohamad Bazzi, who runs the convenience store, said he was shocked when the youngster came in unaccompanied . He swiftly called 911 and officers from Highland Park Police Station came to collect the girl before tracking down her parents . They were given a stern warning by police .


A 35-year-old divorcee enlisted her family and friends to help her ravage and eventually destroy her beautiful bridal gown over the course of seven months before she ceremoniously torched it in a bonfire. After splitting from her husband of eight years in 2014, Dayna Rumfelt, from Wasilla, Alaska, knew she didn't want her wedding dress hanging in her closet for the rest of her life. Her desire to rid herself of the memory-filled garment prompted her to devise Operation Destroy The Dress, a detailed plan which would enable Ms Rumfelt to wreak havoc on her gown by dragging it through the mud and donning it for a day of paintball shooting, among other things. 'It felt so freeing,' she told The Huffington Post. 'For a long time after my divorce, I felt like I had a monkey on my back dragging me down into the mud.' Dirty dress: Divorcee Dayna Rumfelt, from Wasilla, Alaska, spent seven months destroying her wedding gown, including covering it in mud, after she split with her husband of eight years in 2014 . Finally over: Operation Destroy The Dress ended when she set her gown ablaze in a backyard bonfire . She continued: 'When the dress adventure began, I started to feel that less and less.' Ms Rumfelt's adventure began when she was photographed modeling her white gown at the Rage City Rollergirls roller derby game, where she coached the skaters from the sidelines as a bench manager, all the while clad in her fancy frock. Her friend Spenard Itch, who was also helping from the sidelines, wore a suit so she could match Ms Rumfelt's bridal attire. Next Ms Rumfelt and her friend Laura Burns, who was also going through a divorce, wore their dresses as they jumped into Reed Lakes. Overdressed: Ms Rumfelt started her adventure by wearing her gown to a roller derby game . Support system: The 35-year-old and her friend Spenard Itch, who wore a suit to match her, posed for a photo during the game . Surprisingly, the murky lake water didn't affect her dresses appearance in anyway. 'It's funny how when you're getting married your wedding dress seems so fragile, but really when it comes down to it, those suckers are tough as nails,' she said. According to Ms Rumfelt, her dress was still in fine condition after it dried - albeit a bit smelly. Just when she was really about to get started, Ms Rumfelt was approached by photographer Kathy Shifflett who asked if she wanted to star in her own trash the dress photoshoot. All together: Ms Rumfelt can be seen laughing with friends who joined her for this silly picture . Swim time: Ms Rumfelt and her friend Laura Burns, who was also going through a divorce at the time, wore their dresses to jump into Reed Lakes in the Talkeetna Mountains of Alaska . Bonding session: Ms Rumfelt laughed at the camera as she swam in the lake water . One captivating images shows her donning the dreaded dress after it was covered in mud, but

Summary: Dayna Rumfelt, from Wasilla, Alaska, embarked on Operation Destroy The Dress in 2014, following her divorce from her husband of eight years . A series of photos show the 35-year-old covering her dress in mud, wearing it to go paintballing and taking it for a swim in a lake .


A million women were raped by Allied soldiers in Germany in the immediate aftermath of World War II, a new books claims. ‘When The Soldiers Came,’ by historian Miriam Gebhardt, is hailed as the definitive account of the treatment meted out to the defeated women of Nazi Germany which they remained silent about for decades out of shame and humiliaton. 'At the very least 860,000 women and girls - and also men and young boys - were raped by the occupying Allied soldiers and their helpers. It happened everywhere,' begins the book. A new book claims Allied troops raped German women during the Second World War by manipulating them with gifts of chocolate and cigarettes. Above, a soldier takes a photograph of a German woman . Until now it was widely thought that only the Red Army, which advanced on Germany with rape as a weapon sanctioned by Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, committed the mass rapes upon tens of thousands of women, many of whom committed suicide. 'Soldiers of the western Allies were also guilty,' said Mrs. Gebhardt, a renowned historian in Germany who tracked down some victims to interview them about their ordeal at the hands of Briish and American soldiers. 'I researched the book for over a year and-a-half,' she said. 'I wanted to tell the story of what 'happened from the perspective of the victims. I wanted to reconstruct the crimes as gently as I could.' She said the 'terrible crimes' did not only take place in the Soviet zones of occupation - long chronicled and well-known about - but also in French, British and American sectors. A familiar slogan of the times was: 'It took six years for the Americans to struggle against the German armies but it only took a day and a slab of chocolate for them to conquer German women.' But not all collaboration in the bedroom was voluntary, writes Gebhardt. German author Miriam Gebhardt made the claims in a new book . She said the false impression grew up after the war that German women gave themselves to western soldiers because they brought with them things they desperately needed - nylons, food, cigarettes, coffee. 'The impression grew that there was no rape in the west but rather a kind of prostitution grew up,' said the author. But in fact countless women were raped, she said, with soldiers believing they could treat the as they wanted after bearing coveted gifts. 'Post-war society was hardly ready to differentiate between voluntary and forced sexual contact. 'Between women who prostituted themselves out of emergency needs and those who had become victims of rape.' Added to the trauma of the western victims was the shame suffered by the children they bore from their attackers. 'Their fathers were, mostly, unknown, and the women received no financial help at all,' said Gebhardt. She said in parts of southern Germany, occupied by American troops, there were often 'free nights' where soldiers were encouraged to abuse women at will for up to 48 hours at a time. The alleged victims are 'relieved' their

Summary: 'When The Soldiers Came' claims Allied troops raped one million women . Children, men and young boys were also abused by soldiers, it claims . Until now it was thought only the Stalin's Red Army raped German women . But author insists she has spoken to some who can attest to the abuse . There was a misconception all women traded sex for coveted goods . But western soldiers took advantage of power to rape, says the author .


Virtual reality gaming is coming 'this year,' Facebook's chief technology officer Mike Schroepfer has promised. The release date for the firm's Oculus headset has been shrouded in secrecy until now. He also said people would be able to game in VR on 'something' shipped by Oculus - and said work was progressing well on Facebook plan to build drones to give internet access to underdeveloped nations. Scroll down for video . The move will allow users to see 360 degree videos using the Oculus Rift headset (pictured) The latest prototype of Facebook's headset . Schroepfer showed off what appears to be an advanced version of Eve: Valkyrie, a game that puts users in the cockpit of a spaceship on stage at day two of the social network's F8 Developer Conference in San Francisco on Thursday. 'Why is VR going to work now, when it didn't work in the '80s and '90s?' asked Schroepfer. 'Because the technology is more advanced than before and ready for primetime, he said. 'Each one of these core tracks of technology had to hit a minimum core viability...to get to that sense of presence to sense that you're truly there.' 'You're going to be able to do it in something shipped by Oculus,' Schroepfer said. 'This is going to be incredible.' 'VR is more than just another platform, it can create a whole range of human experiences,' said Michael Abrash, the Chief Scientist at Oculus. 'VR has the potential to change just about everything about the way we live.' He also reveald the firm thought drones were key to getting connectivity around the world. 'This basically mean going to the sky,' Schroepfer says. He showed off the Aquila, an Internet-connected unmanned drone with the wingspan of a 737 and the 'mass of a small car.' It would fly over regions of the developing world, sprinkling Internet access like so much rain. The drones, flying at 65,000ft (19,800 metres), will be capable of staying in the air for months. They are relatively cheap and will be most effective for suburban areas that do not have the cables or infrastructure to carry internet or telephone signals. Yael Maguire, engineering director of Facebook’s Connectivity Lab, has previously told the Social Good Summit that the planes will be ‘roughly the size’ of a Boeing 747, but much lighter than the popular aeroplane, which weighs around 600,000lbs (272,155kg) without passengers or fuel. Facebook previously said the drones will be 'relatively cheap' - although did not specify a cost - and will be most effective for suburban areas that do not have the cables or infrastructure to carry internet or telephone signals. Facebook has revealed more details about its plans to provide web access to the world. Drones as large as jumbo jets are set to extend the reach of Wi-Fi around the world. They will be powered by the sun and hover some 65,000 feet (19,800 metres) above the ground . The California-based tech giant has joined forces with Nokia, Qualcomm, Samsung and other tech firms to develop the planes in an initiative

Summary: Facebook recently bought virtual reality headset make Oculus . Users will be able to explore videos using a VR headset . Promised 'something' would be shipped this year .


One chef is giving a new meaning to pot roasts by creating a range of cannabis-infused dishes. Mary Jean Dunsdon, who hosts cookery show, Baking A Fool Of Myself has made a name for herself online for her sultry Nigella-Lawson style delivery and presentation. With the help of her elderly mother, the 35-year-old, who goes by the name Watermelon, uses weed to tempt taste buds with everything from marijuana-infused ice cream and burgers to margaritas. Scroll down for video . Chef Mary Jean Dunsdon, aka Watermelon, poses in her kitchen while cooking with marijuana . A meal of marijuana infused food: What seems to be bean thread noodles with tuna and marijuana seeds . Turning on all pleasure receptors: The glamorous chef poses seductively among crops of marijuana for her photography sessions . The chef has been cooking pot-infused treats for more than 13 years. 'There is still a stereotype of marijuana smokers as a dumb surfer guy or a gangster but it's just not the case any more,' she said. 'The marijuana market is growing rapidly, I think its going to be the new money. 'Marijuana is the new medicine, it's the new recreation, it's the new booze, marijuana is already a massive market. 'Marijuana is the hero that's coming to save the day. 'It's coming to save nana from morphine and shrinking cancerous tumours.' Watermelon has been at the forefront of campaigns to legalise recreational marijuana in Vancouver, Canada - which has 61 medicinal marijuana dispensaries. She has her own online cooking show Baking A Fool of Myself where she demonstrates her recipes . Smoking hot: The 35-year old believes that 'marijuana is the hero that's coming to save the day' Watermelon launched her show on YouTube in 2002 and currently has over 5,000 subscribers who watch her cook and bake with marijuana . The plant's use became legal in Canada in 2000, allowing users to grow the plant for medically approved use only. The current law requires that patients buy their marijuana from producers approved by the federal government. Since launching her show on YouTube, in 2002, Watermelon has been attracting attention from all over the world and currently has over 5,000 subscribers. She said: 'People have responded so well to the show. The first question is what blender do I use, the second is usually, "will you marry me?". 'I started smoking pot in my 20s and got involved in baking when I moved back from from New York. 'My friend had a bag of marijuana in the basement and I decided to bake up a batch of pot cookies. 'I took them to the beach and sold every single one and realised the demand for them was high. Dope-a-mine? The chef got involved with baking when she moved back to Canada from New York . Chef Watermelon poses with one of her creations, oven-baked potato with cheese and marijuana . Smoking hot: For Watermelon, mainstream acceptance has been a long road . 'I see the marijuana industry going super mainstream.' Watermelon's mother, Mary Elizabeth Dunsdon, 72, taught

Summary: Canadian Mary Jean Dunsdon goes by the name Watermelon . Nigella Lawson-style delivery for cookery show Baking A Fool of Myself . Creates marijuana dishes with some help from her 72-year-old mother .


A 28-year-old man has been indicted in the murders of an elderly couple who believed they were meeting him to buy their dream car. Ronnie 'Jay' Towns, who was arrested on January 26, was formally charged with multiple counts, including malice murder, felony murder and armed robbery, in Telfair County, Georgia on Monday. Towns allegedly shot Marietta couple, Elrey 'Bud' Runion, 69, and his wife June, 66, after he responded to Mr Runion's Craigslist post seeking his dream car. The grandfather was looking for someone willing to sell their 1966 Ford Mustang convertible; he had bought the same model after returning from the Vietnam War decades ago. Scroll down for video . Indicted: Ronnie 'Jay' Towns, pictured in court in January, has been indicted in the deaths of an elderly Georgia couple. They were killed after Towns allegedly told them he had a car they were interested in buying . After receiving a response from a potential seller, the couple set out for Telfair County to check out the car. They were last seen taking their evening trip on January 22. According to the indictment, Towns met the couple and, brandishing a weapon, stole their phones, Mr Runion's wallet, his wife's purse and the couple's SUV, the Macon Telegraph reported. Their SUV was found submerged in a pond near Towns' home several days later, and the couple's bodies were found along a nearby dirt road. They had been shot in their heads. Telfair County Sheriff Chris Steverson has previously said that robbery appears to be the motive for the killings. He said investigators found no evidence he had the sort of car the couple had been seeking. On Monday, Towns' attorney, Franklin J. Hogue, told the Macon Telegraph that his client, who worked in construction and has a wife and a two-year-old daughter, had not confessed to anything. Killed: Bud and June Runion, who had been married for 38 years, were found shot dead along a dirt road in Georgia in January, several days after they left their home to meet a potential car seller . Beloved: The couple, who ran their own charity, left behind three daughters and three grandchildren . Hogue called Towns, who has no prior criminal record, 'very courteous and polite'. Towns will return to court on April 9 for a bond hearing and on June 25, he will appear at an arraignment, where he will plead guilty or not guilty to the charges. At that hearing, prosecutors will also reveal if they plan to seek the death penalty. The beloved couple, who had been married 38 years, left behind three daughters and three grandchildren, according to their obituaries. They ran a charity called Bud's Bicycles which had helped people in need from storm-damaged Alabama towns and impoverished pockets of West Virginia to their hometown in suburban Atlanta. 'He said, "You can't take money with you when you're gone,"' the couple's daughter, Brittany Patterson, told the Associated Press in January. 'You might as well spend and enjoy it.' Dream car: Mr Runion had posted an advert on Craigslist

Summary: Ronnie 'Jay' Towns was formally charged with malice murder and armed robbery, among other counts, in Telfair County, Georgia on Monday . He is accused of robbing and shooting dead Bud Runion, 69, and his wife June, 66, on a dirt track in January . Mr Runion had posted an advert on Craigslist seeking his dream car and after Towns responded to the ad, the couple headed off to meet him . Their car and bodies were found days later . Towns, a married father of a two-year-old girl, will enter a plea in June .


Jonas Gutierrez has signalled his readiness to step into the depths of a crisis which is threatening to end Newcastle's season with a whimper. The 31-year-old Argentinian has been used as a substitute in the Magpies' last two games after his return to the squad following a successful battle against testicular cancer. However, as head coach John Carver prepares for Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture against Arsenal at St James' Park with suspension and injury severely limiting his options, Gutierrez is offering his services in whatever role he is needed. Jonas Gutierrez posted this picture to his official Instagram account on Wednesday morning . The Newcastle midfielder made his second substitute appearance in the defeat by Everton on Sunday . He told the Journal: 'Three years ago when we finished fifth, I played in many positions. I was playing in different positions because we had problems with injuries. 'I'm here to help. I work hard and I want to enjoy. Always, I have to do the best for the team. 'We have to finish in the top 10. We don't have any excuses. We have hard games up to the finish of the season, but we have to take points and finish in the top 10.' A winger by trade, Gutierrez played as a full-back for his country at the 2010 World Cup finals, and that ability could come in useful during the remaining weeks of the season. Skipper and close friend Fabricio Coloccini will miss the next three games after failing in a bid to have the red card he received at Everton on Sunday overturned on appeal, and with Steven Taylor and Paul Dummett out for the rest of the season through injury, Mike Williamson is the club's only recognised senior central defender. Gutierrez, who recently returned to first team after beating testicular cancer, is ready to step in where needed . Gutierrez and his Newcastle team-mates applaud the travelling fans after the 3-0 defeat by the Toffees . VIDEO Bringing Jonas on wasn't sentimental - Carver . That could mean a move inside for right-back Daryl Janmaat against the Gunners, and with the Dutchman currently the club's only fit specialist full-back, Gutierrez could be required to slot into a re-shaped back four, as Ryan Taylor has done in recent weeks, although Carver will hope to have Massadio Haidara ready for the weekend. Newcastle have won only one of their last six games and scored just three goals in the process, and with leading marksman Papiss Cisse just one match into his seven-game ban, their hopes of a top-10 finish appear to be receding. Gutierrez said: 'We don't have enough players at the moment. Colo is banned for three games. But we have to keep together and work hard for the manager. 'The manager will tell us what we have to do. We have to do it right on the pitch. No excuses, we have to do it better.'

Summary: Newcastle play Arsenal at St James' Park in Premier League on Saturday . Mike Williamson is the club's only recognised centre back for the game . Jonas Gutierrez is ready to fill the void and play wherever necessary . Argentine has made two substitute appearances since returning to side . CLICK HERE for all the latest Newcastle United news .


First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she wanted to end the 'obsession of benefit caps' as part of any deal to lock the Tories out of power . The SNP today demanded the end of the £26,000 cap on benefits claims as a price for supporting Labour, as a new poll confirmed a surge in support for the nationalists. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she wanted to end the 'obsession of benefit caps' as part of any deal to lock the Tories out of power. A new opinion poll shows a 19-point swing from Labour to the SNP, as pressure grows on Ed Miliband to stem the haemorrhaging of support north of the border. The SNP have vowed to do whatever it takes to keep David Cameron out of Number 10 after the election on May 7. Mr Miliband has ruled out a formal coalition, but could be forced to rely on the support of SNP MPs if, as the polls suggest, he falls short of a majority. Alex Salmond has already vowed to hold a Labour minority government to ransom to secure a £180billion debt-fuelled spending spree in Scotland. Today Ms Sturgeon called for an end to the freeze on benefits payments, and said they should rise by more than inflation, making welfare claimants better off each year. She told BBC Radio Scotland: 'We've got a situation where the poorest in our society are plunged being deeper into poverty, where in-work poverty is on the rise. 'So I don't agree with the obsession of benefit caps. I want to look at how we lift people out of poverty.' She called for the minimum wage to rise to £8.70 per cent hour by 2020, adding the Westminster parties were 'scapegoating and penalising the poorest'. She added: 'I've said repeatedly that we shouldn't be holding benefit increases below the rate of inflation because if you do that, and you continue the freeze that we've seen, you drive people on the lowest incomes deeper into poverty.' A new ComRes opinion poll for ITV News looked at voting in 40 Labour-held seats in Scotland. It found that the SNP is backed by 43 per cent of voters in the seats, up from 18.9 per cent in 2010. At the same time, support for Labour has dropped from 51.3 per cent five years ago to only 37 per cent now. However, 49 per cent of people in the battleground seats want Mr Miliband as Prime Minister, compared to only 29 per cent who want Mr Cameron. A new ComRes opinion poll for ITV News looked at voting in 40 Labour-held seats in Scotland. It found that the SNP is backed by 43 per cent of voters in the seats, up from 18.9 per cent in 2010 . The SNP insists it can end the shared 'ideological commitment to austerity' of both the Conservatives and Labour if enough of its MPs are elected to Westminster. SNP deputy leader Stewart Hosie said MPs from his party would work together with 'allies from across the UK' such as the Greens

Summary: SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon wants to end the 'obsession of benefit caps' Poll shows a 19-point swing from Labour to the SNP in 40 key seats . SNP vowed to do whatever it takes to keep David Cameron out of No.10 .


An opulent London home that was to be given an extravagant makeover by Italian designer Gianni Versace, who was murdered before he was able to move in, has been put up for sale for £15million. Versace decided on the 18th century four-bedroom home in Charles Street in Mayfair while looking for a London base as he considered floating his fashion empire on the stock exchange in the 1990s. He ordered an overhaul of the inside of the expensive Grade II listed townhouse, which included plans to install a giant diamond patterned marble slab entrance hall and 30-foot high double doors - believed to be the largest of their type in a private home in London. Gianni Versace ordered a radical makeover of a Mayfair mansion he planned to buy, but never got to complete the sale because he was murdered before he could move in. The opulent four bedroom grade II listed property has now gone on the market for £15million . The house (blue door) was to be a London base for Versace who was considering floating his company on the stock market . But the designer never got to live in the palatial home because he was shot dead outside his Miami beach mansion in 1997 by Andrew Cunanan, a serial killer he had met in San Francisco whilst designing costumes for the opera. The purchase of the house was never completed. Following his death the ambitious conversion plans for the property were scaled down and it was quietly sold to a businessman later that year. However the house, which was owned by various members of the aristocracy and wealthy merchants before being converted into offices after World War Two, has retained some of its extravagant elements. A designer kitchen takes up almost the entire lower ground floor and leads into an atrium. While the second floor is dominated by a master bedroom suite which features a large double bedroom opening onto a private balcony, a walk-in dressing room and a large master bathroom with oversize oval bathtub. A kitchen and dining room covers almost an entire floor of the London townhouse, and has been extensively modernised . Wetherell estate agents, who are handling the sale, said the glass back of the mansion makes it particularly unique for prospective buyers . There are three further bedrooms and lifts to all floors, including extensive storage vaults on the lower ground floor. The first floor boasts a reception room with gold leaf ceiling coving along with a marble fireplace and a separate study. The Versace home that never was has now been put on the market with Wetherell estate agents for £15 million and also boasts a 34ft garden. It covers 5,756 sq ft. Peter Wetherell, chief executive of Wetherell, said: 'The Charles Street mansion is a striking fusion of highly traditional and contemporary, with a brick front and a glass back, and inside classic rooms and modern open plan spaces. The 18th century property has four bedrooms and includes lifts to all its floors and was to be extensively redecorated by

Summary: Gianni Versace chose opulent Mayfair home as his London base as he prepared to float business on stock market . He ordered a number of renovations including the installation of a giant diamond patterned marble entrance hall . But Versace was shot dead in 1997 outside his Miami mansion and never got to live in property or complete the sale . Conversion plans were scaled down and the four bedroom grade II listed property was sold to a businessman . It has now been put on the market for £15million and boasts a master bedroom which takes up an entire floor .


Two teenagers convicted of sexually assaulting an elderly woman and then pouring bleach down her throat after breaking into her Southern California home have been sentenced to 30 years in prison. The 87-year-old woman, named as Jane Doe, told Raymond Miranda, 15, and Ruben Melanson, 16, in court on Friday that they terrorized her, as they were sentenced as adults for the crime that occurred last April. The boys will remain in custody of the California Department of Juvenile Justice until they turn 18 and then will be transferred to a state prison. They will remain registered as sex offenders for life. Scroll down for video . Two teenagers convicted of sexually assaulting an elderly woman (above, the elderly woman named as Jane Doe during the sentencing on Friday) and then pouring bleach down her throat after breaking into her Southern California home have been sentenced to 30 years in prison . The 87-year-old woman told Raymond Miranda (above), 15, and Ruben Melanson, 16, in court on Friday that they terrorized her as they were sentenced as adults for the crime that occurred last April . The boys (both Miranda and Melanson pictured during court on Friday) will remain in custody of the California Department of Juvenile Justice until they turn 18 years old before being transferred to a state prison . The teenagers pleaded guilty to several charges including robbery last year after forcing their way into the apartment of Doe, a resident at the gated Camelot Retirement Community in Hemet. Miranda and Melanson, who were aged 14 and 15 at the time of the incident, also admitted to rape, elderly abuse and a gang enhancement during the April 17, 2014 attack, according to the Los Angeles Times. Prosecutor Sean Crandell from the Riverside District Attorney's Office said it was one of the worst cases he has worked on during his 17-year career. Both boys were charged with burglary, elder abuse with great bodily injury, sexual penetration with a foreign object by force and rape, according to the Press Enterprise. The teenagers reportedly crawled through a window of the woman's home while she was asleep, tied her up, sexually assaulted and beat her using knives and bottles, and poured two bottles of bleach over her body and down her throat, according to prosecutors. During the sentencing, Doe (above) brought Judge Judith Clark to tears as she told the boys that they did evil things and took away her independence, but said she appreciated Miranda's apology . Prosecutor Sean Crandell (above during the sentencing) from the Riverside District Attorney's Office said it was one of the worst cases he has worked on during his 17-year career . Nearly unable to breathe, she pulled a cord that alerted the Camelot complex manager who called authorities for help. Doe had completely stopped breathing by the time responding officers arrived but was revived through CPR. The victim was placed in a medically-induced coma following the crime and now has to use a wheelchair and oxygen tank to help her breathe. Miranda apologized to her for

Summary: Raymond Miranda, 15, and Ruben Melanson, 16, committed gruesome attack last April in California . Woman, 87, named as Jane Doe, was tied up and beat using knives and bottles inside her own home . Miranda and Melanson were charged with burglary, elder abuse with great bodily injury, sexual penetration with a foreign object by force and rape . Teens will remain in juvenile custody until 18 before being transferred to state prison; both will register as sex offenders for life . Woman, who is wheelchair bound and has to use oxygen tank to breathe, told boys in court they did 'evil things' and 'took away her independence'


A popular noodle brand has launched an investigation after pictures emerged online apparently showing maggots crawling around the lid of one their products. The disturbing photos were posted on numerous complaint websites by a person using the name 'Concerned Public'. They claimed they bought Maggi Noodles in Coles Coorparoo and Coles Morningside, two neighbouring suburbs in Brisbane's south-east. The owner of the infested cup of noodles said it was the second time in a month they had found maggots in their noodles and decided to take the matter public to 'alert people of the outbreak'. Scroll down for video . Popular brand Maggi have launched an investigation into their noodles after pictures emerged online (above) showing tiny maggots crawling around inside the lid of a cup of beef noodles . The pictures, which show the noodles with an expiry date of October 14, 2015 and September 10, 2015, appear to show a flesh coloured larva perched under the lid of a cup of instant, beef flavoured noodles. 'We have been buying Maggi Noodles for our kids as a snack for a long time and nobody should have to buy a product that has been imported to find maggots, or whatever the infestation is under the lip of the packet,' the concerned consumer said. 'Both times these have been in our cupboards for only a few hours, which is why we are posting this report. We reported it and they promised it would never happen again but it has.' Nestlé Australia say they received a complaint in February regarding the presence of maggots on a cup of Maggi Noodles. They told Daily Mail Australia they were investigating the incident together with the Brisbane City Council. 'The quality and safety of our products is a non-negotiable priority,' a Nestlé spokesperson said. 'For this reason, we have programs in all our factories and warehouses to monitor for and exclude food pests from the time we receive raw ingredients through to delivery to our customers.' The disturbing photos were posted on numerous complaint websites by a person who goes by the name 'Concerned Public' 'We understand that the larvae was found outside the cup of noodles but we take every complaint seriously and are currently conducting tests to identify the type and origin of the larvae.' Maggi is a particularly well known brand in Australia, New Zealand, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Nigeria, the Philippines and Singapore for its instant noodles. The product, which is made by Swiss company Nestlé, is made and imported from Malaysia. They are also the manufacturer of a range of well-known Asian sauces, curry sauces, recipe bases and stir fry creations. Brisbane City Council told Daily Mail Australia they received notification of this complaint from Queensland Health on February 11, 2015. The council was not contacted directly by the owner of the noodle cup. The complaint said that the cup of Maggi Noodles was purchased from Coles Coorparoo, while online the poster also mentions Coles Morningside. 'A Council officer conducted an on-site investigation on 11 February 2015 and found that there was no

Summary: A consumer has found maggots on the lid of their Maggi Noodles . In an online post, the person said it happened twice in one month . They claim they bought the noodles in Coles Coorparoo and Morningside . They say they don't want 'another Nanna Berries scenario' Nestlé say they are investigating the incident with Brisbane City Council .


Matthew Cisneros, 13, was found dead at his home in Garland, Texas, on February 26 . A 12-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of his 13-year-old friend in Garland, Texas, last month. Cops initially considered Matthew Cisneros’ death a possible suicide after responding to a 911 call on February 26. When police and paramedics arrived in the Dallas suburb they found 13-year-old Cisneros dead from an apparent gunshot wound and a gun on the ground beside him. Joe Harn with Garland Police said it wasn’t immediately certain if the shooting was self-inflicted, reports CBSDFW. A subsequent investigation revealed the victim and a 12-year-old friend had been playing with the gun inside Cisneros' home and the friend didn’t realize it was loaded when the trigger was pulled, said Harn on Monday. Detectives arrested the 12-year-old boy in connection with Cisneros' death on March 20. He now faces a manslaughter charge. His identity has not been released because he is a minor. A friend of the Cisneros family set up a GoFundMe pay to help raise funds to help pay for Matthew’s funeral. He was the eldest of single mom Laura Ciseros’ three children. A police investigation has revealed that Matthew and a 12-year-old friend had been playing with the gun inside Cisneros' home, pictured, and the friend didn’t realize it was loaded when the trigger was pulled . Cisneros, pictured with his mom Laura, was the eldest of three children. A family friend has set up a GoFundMe pay to help pay for his funeral .

Summary: Matthew Cisneros, 13, was found dead at his home in Garland, Texas, on February 26 . Police initially believed that he may have committed suicide after they found a gun beside his body . Investigation revealed the victim and a 12-year-old friend had been playing with the gun and the friend didn’t realize it was loaded . The unnamed 12-year-old was arrested on Friday and now faces a manslaughter charge .


Harry Kirkham was killed as he crossed the road outside Erdington police station in Birmingham . A 15-year-old schoolboy was knocked down and killed by a police car while walking home from church with his younger brother. Harry Kirkham was run over by an officer on a routine patrol as he crossed the road outside Erdington Police Station in Birmingham. The teenager suffered a heart attack and was rushed to hospital but died the next day. Harry had been making his way home with his 13-year-old brother after attending a service at the nearby Potter's House Christian Fellowship Church when he was mowed down at 9pm on Wednesday. The officer, from Sutton Coldfield police station, gave the youngster first aid along with a passing paramedic who witnessed the crash. Police said he has been left 'traumatised' by the ordeal but has been questioned by detectives from the force's Professional Standards Department. A local resident, who saw the aftermath of the incident, but did not want to be named, added: 'There were blue flashing lights all along the road. 'I saw one young lad being comforted by a police officer - he looks in absolute shock. He was in floods of tears. 'I couldn't see much else apart from blankets and a stretcher and lots of emergency services. I didn't get too close though, you don't want to be disrespectful. 'Its a busy road and a lot of people bomb up and down it - but you don't expect a police officer to, especially if he isn't attending an emergency. It's an absolute tragedy.' Harry, from Kingstanding, Birmingham, suffered a cardiac arrested and was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. West Midlands Police confirmed the teenager tragically died as a result of his injuries yesterday afternoon. The 15-year-old schoolboy was knocked down by a police car on a routine patrol as he crossed New Sutton Road in Erdington, Birmingham as he walked home from a church service . Tributes have been left at the scene to the teenager who went into cardiac arrest after he was hit by a police officer's car- he died in hospital the next day . Pastor Lewis Claxton from the Potter's House Church added: 'He was running across the road probably. He wasn't playing a game or anything like that. 'Just beforehand, his brother Max told me that they were just going to the shops so they were on the way there at the time. 'I think he just did not use the crossing and thought he could just rush across the road when tragedy struck.' Chief Inspector Neil Hobson said: 'No parent should have to lose a child, particularly in such tragic circumstances. 'Our thoughts are with Harry's family following their tragic loss. 'As Harry was hit by a police car West Midlands Police has informed the Independent Police Complaints Commission who continue to be updated. 'We have launched an investigation to understand what happened last night and to provide answers. Hundreds of tributes have poured into the teen online and friends and family left messages at

Summary: Harry Kirkham, 15, was killed after he was run over by a police officer . The schoolboy was returning home from attending a weekly church service . He was hit as he crossed the road outside a Birmingham police station . 'Traumatised' officer questioned by Professional Standards Department . Hundreds of tributes have since been paid to the tragic young teenager .


A Minneapolis weatherman made an entire newsroom crack up in laughter after he realized he left hanger in his suit and pulled it out on air. Steve Frazier was sitting at the news desk with two anchors when he realized his suit was fitting a bit tighter than usual. Midway through a comment on cold weather, Frazier stops and apologies, reaching into the back of his suit jacket, only to find a wire hanger. Minneapolis weatherman Steve Frazier was sitting with the news anchors on live TV when he realized his suit was fitting a bit snug . He paused mid-sentence to reach into the back of his suit, only to find a hanger that he forgot to take out when he put the jacket on . The news anchors burst into laughter on live TV as Frazier sets the hanger on the desk, saying that he thought the suit was feeling tight because of a button. 'It felt weird and I noticed it when it was too late,' the Fox 9 weatherman added. Frazier then cut to the weather map, attempting to continue the weather roundup, but his laughs got the best of him. Frazier gives the hanger a weird look before setting it on the desk, attempting to continue talking about the weather . But the news anchors can't contain their laughter as Frazier explains that he thought his suit was fitting too tightly because of a button . He returned on screen and explained how he ended up with a coat hanger in his suit. He apparently forgot to take the hanger out of his jacket when he was leaving the gym.. 'I went to the gym today and the suit was fitting tight and I couldn't figure out why but I must have put it on to quick,' he said. Frazier attempted to continue the weather, but he stopped to explain that he must have put his suit on too quickly after going to the gym .

Summary: Steve Frazier, of Fox 9 in Minnesota, said his suit was feeling a bit tight . He stopped mid-sentence to pull a hanger out of his suit jacket . The entire newsroom burst into laughter before news could continue .


Fernando Alonso ‘woke up in 1995’ after his crash in testing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, according to reports in Spain. The extent of the double world champion’s memory loss has been revealed in El Pais, a daily newspaper close to Alonso and his management. They reported that when asked who he was, Alonso replied: ‘I’m Fernando, I drive go-karts and I want to be a Formula One driver.’ Fernando Alonso waves as he leaves hospital but it has been reported he was confused when waking up . In 1995, Alonso was a 13-year-old pupil at Holy Guardian Angel School in his home town of Oviedo, northern Spain. When doctors pressed him further, Alonso, 33, could not remember his debut with Minardi in 2001 or his world championships for Renault in 2005 and 2006. The reports in Spain came 48 hours after Sportsmail revealed concerns that Alonso may have an underlying condition that caused him to crash a week last Sunday and which throw his future career into doubt. Alonso gives the thumbs up after his crash. McLaren have refused to comment on his medical state . Despite MRI and CT scans during three nights in hospital in Barcelona and further tests in Oviedo on Monday, there are no assurances from his doctors, management or McLaren team that he will return for the Malaysian Grand Prix on March 29. He has already been ruled out of the opening race in Melbourne on Sunday week. The concussion he suffered in Barcelona means he cannot be exposed to a second knock to the head, which doctors fear could kill him, regardless of the wider questions about his health. A McLaren spokesman said: ‘As regards Fernando’s medical situation, McLaren will not and indeed should not take the lead, since his medical care is being handled by the people best equipped for that task, namely his doctors. ‘So all we can say is that he is making good progress, and that we hope and expect he will soon be back to his brilliant best.’ Alonso is reported by El Pais to have said: 'I'm Fernando, I drive go karts and I want to be a Formula 1 driver' White screens are lifted as Alonso is treated and taken to an air ambulance following his crash . Medics act quickly to ensure Alonso is secure as he is wheeled closer to a waiting air ambulance . McLaren staff are not necessarily close to Alonso, after he left the team in 2007 following a season of infighting, and may not even know their driver’s condition as well as do some reporters in Spain do. Confusion has, therefore, surrounded the situation, not least after McLaren chairman Ron Dennis said that Alonso had not been concussed, a misunderstanding that was corrected by the team’s official statements. David Coulthard, a former McLaren driver, said: ‘My experience of getting knocked out or having big shunts is that you remember the bit before, the bit after but not the bit in the middle. When you get knocked out it does not come as

Summary: Reports in Spain claim Fernando Alonso suffered memory loss after crash . The McLaren driver spent three days in hospital after crash during testing . He will miss the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne .


Allies of George Osborne last night denied he has given up hope of succeeding David Cameron – just as the Chancellor launched a new charm offensive. Just ten days before he is due to unveil a multi-billion-pound giveaway budget which could decide the result of the Election, Mr Osborne is working hard to boost his image. He took part in a magazine interview with the Financial Times which included ‘man of the people’ images of him building a dry stone wall. Dreams: Allies of George Osborne last night denied he has given up hope of succeeding David Cameron . The newspaper suggested Mr Osborne’s behaviour was at odds with a recent claim that he had abandoned hope of becoming Tory leader. A Tory MP close to the Chancellor said last night: ‘George will always be loyal to Cameron, but he is not the type to rule anything out.’ Mr Osborne said he had decided against challenging Mr Cameron for the Tory leadership in 2005 after watching Shakespeare’s Henry IV. The two-part drama opens with Henry racked with guilt after stealing the crown from his predecessor Richard II, who was murdered. Claim: Mr Osborne said he was urged to run against Mr Cameron by Michael Howard, whose resignation as Tory leader triggered the contest . Apparently, ‘the drama and intrigue on the stage and people being assassinated’ convinced him it was an ‘omen’. Mr Osborne said he was urged to run against Mr Cameron by Michael Howard, whose resignation as Tory leader triggered the contest. Mr Osborne said he discussed it with wife Frances, his parents and friends including William Hague. But he denied he and Mr Cameron had a Blair-Brown style deal whereby one allegedly promised to hand over power to the other after a few years in power. ‘There was never any deal, that’s not the nature of our relationship,’ he told the Financial Times.

Summary: Chancellor's allies insist he still hopes to succeed David Cameron as PM . Mr Osborne has been working to boost image in lead up to new budget . Recently had interview with FT which included ‘man of the people’ images .


The body of Frank Viggiano was laid to rest on Thursday in Linden, New Jersey, after the 28-year-old police officer was killed during a horrific car wreck in Staten Island last week. His fellow officer, Pedro Abad Jr., was driving the wrong way and smashed head-on into a truck during the crash which also killed Joseph Rodriguez, 28, and injured Linden officer Patrik Kudlac. Records show Abad, who is now conscious in the hospital, has had two DUI arrests in the last four years. Scroll down for video . Pallbearers carried the casket holding Linden Officer Frank Viggiano following funeral services in New Jersey . Police officers embraced following funeral services for Viggiano at Linden Presbyterian Church on Thursday . Viggiano was killed early on Friday, March 20, when the car he was in crashed head-on into a truck . Abad suffered two broken legs in the crash and he is recovering at Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, according to the Staten Island Advance. Frank Viggiano was killed in the crash on March 20 . The six-year Linden police veteran was arrested on a DUI charge in Roselle in 2011. That arrest apparently led to no citation or violation. Abad's license was suspended for seven months after a 2013 DUI arrest in Rahway a spokeswoman for the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said earlier this week. Linden police didn't comment Thursday on why Abad remained on the force or say what sanctions he may have faced. Prior to the most recent crash, Abad posted photos of three whiskey shots on his Instagram account. Linden Mayor Derek Armstead said the Union County Prosecutor's Office is handling an investigation of the Linden Police Department, New Jersey Advance media reported. He said: 'We spoke to prosecutor's office yesterday. 'We basically are relying on the prosecutor's office to handle the investigation. We feel that they will do a complete and thorough job.' Armstead knew Viggiano and he spoke at the funeral. Officials issued a salute outside of Linden Presbyterian Church before funeral services for Viggiano began . Pedro Abad Jr. (pictured both) had eight accidents and two DUIs on his record before the Staten Island crash . Dozens of police and firefighters stood at attention as pallbearers brought the coffin into the church . Linden Mayor Derek Armstead said the prosecutor's office is investigating the Linden Police Department . The mayor said: 'This young man was loved by everybody in this community, he was a hard worker, we know he loved fishing, and we talked about fishing during the time I got to spend with him. 'He's going to be missed by his colleagues on the force and I think we lost a very valuable member of our police department.' Loved ones also remembered Viggiano after the service at Linden Presbyterian Church, CBS New York reported. Friend Robert Thieling said: 'He was a good friend and he always helped me. 'Helped everyone, never did wrong.' Dozens of police and firefighters stood at attention as pallbearers brought the coffin into the church. Officials and mourners

Summary: Funeral for Linden Officer Frank Viggiano was on Thursday in New Jersey . Linden Officer Pedro Abad Jr. was driving during crash that killed Viggiano . Abad, 27, was going wrong way when he drove into tractor trailer last week . Friend Joe Rodriguez was killed and Linden Officer Patrik Kudlac was hurt . Abad is conscious, but suffered two broken legs and has other injuries . Investigators have applied for a warrant to test Abad's blood-alcohol level . Linden Police Department is being investigated by prosecutor's office .