John Inverdale’s latest on-air gaffe - inadvertently blurting out the c-word - has come at the worst possible time for his career. The host of Radio 5 Live’s Cheltenham coverage was in conversation with jockey Lizzie Kelly and former champion John Francome. They were chatting about Francome’s early days in racing when Inverdale said: ‘This is looking at it with rose-c***** — rose-tinted glasses from the past ... I apologise there for a slip of the tongue, but Lizzie your love of the sport just shines through.’ John Inverdale inadvertently said 'rose-c***** glasses' live on air during Radio 5 Live's Cheltenham coverage . The blunder comes just over a fortnight before ITV are due to announce their Rugby World Cup line-up. Inverdale was in pole position to be lead presenter after a sure-footed anchoring of the RBS 6 Nations helped restore his reputation following his crass remarks at Wimbledon 2013, when he said women’s champion Marion Bartoli was ‘never going to be a looker’. That incident caused Secretary of State Maria Miller to complain to BBC director-general Tony Hall, who wrote back saying Inverdale had been told ‘an incident of this nature must never happen again’. The BBC apologised but Inverdale could pay the price when ITV name their Rugby World Cup line-up . Paul Downton, managing director of England Cricket, must realise his job would be untenable if Peter Moores, whom he appointed as coach, is axed after the World Cup debacle. Downton naively rounded on a group of cricket reporters in Wellington during his stay at the tournament to ask them to lay off the beleaguered Moores and get behind him instead. If any move galvanises journalists to do the opposite to what they’re told, it’s a crass move like that. ECB managing director Paul Downton (left) asked reporters to get behind coach Peter Moores (right) Olympic gold medal cyclist Victoria Pendleton, who is taking a year to learn how to ride well enough to complete in next year’s Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup, will be at Cheltenham on Wednesday to gain more knowledge of racing. Pendleton will be a guest of her sponsors Betfair, who have PR company Pitch and racing strategist John Maxse to plot her course. This looks like a fanciful promotional ploy but everyone involved insists it is a serious venture. The proof will be seeing Pendleton in the saddle next March. Victoria Pendleton will be at Cheltenham on Wednesday as she bids to learn more about racing . The Olympic gold medal cyclist aims to complete as a jockey in next year’s Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup . Sky pundit Sir Ian Botham was not only allowed to miss England’s World Cup loss to Bangladesh in Adelaide so he could prepare for a golf pro-am at the New Zealand Open in Queenstown. It has also emerged that he persuaded Sky and host broadcasters Star to let him be based in New Zealand because he loves the outdoor life over there. Cricket World Cup broadcasters Sky Sports and Star allowed Sir Ian Botham be based in New Zealand

Summary: John Inverdale said rose-c***** when he meant rose-tinted glasses . Gaffe came during an interview for Radio 5 Live’s Cheltenham coverage . It comes just as ITV prepare to announce their Rugby World Cup line-up . Paul Downton made crass request to reporters to support Peter Moores . Future jumps jockey Victoria Pendleton at Cheltenham on Wednesday . Sky Sports and Star bow to Sir Ian Botham's New Zealand requests .


One man's 5,000 mile trek around Patagonia has been documented in a spectacular set of photographs. Polish adventurer Jakub Polomski, who specialises in landscape and travel photography set out on a 30-day trip around South America and took in some beautiful sights. Polomski actually started the trip back in February 2014, but due to his taking thousands of photographs, he has only just streamlined his fantastic collection. Scroll down for video . Bariloche in Argentina looks every inch the exclusive hideaway resort we all crave to stay in, with stunning views . Jakub travelled along the world famous Ruta 40 through Argentina, well known for thrill-seeking adventurers . Torres del Paine is a national park encompassing mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers in southern Chilean Patagonia . Polomksi's love for the earth's beautiful, and often mysterious, landscape has seen him travel to Argentina and Chile, as well as Slovakia, France and Norwa,y among others. He described his time viewing the Queens of Andes in Chile as 'the most beautiful national park,' and earlier this year he photographed one of the biggest glaciers in the world in Argentina, the Perito Moreno. More of Polomski's breathtaking photography can be see on his Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Polomski.Photographer and on his website. The Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina covers the equivalent of 35,000 football pitches . Torres del Paine is one of the largest and most visited parks in Chile, averaging around 150,000 visitors a year, of which 60 per cent are foreign tourists . El Chaltén is a small mountain village in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. It is located in the riverside of Río de las Vueltas . Speaking to MailOnline Travel, the 29-year-old, who lives in Cieszyn, Poland, said: 'The plan of this trip was very short. It was just departure and destination point, Santiago (Chile) and Ushuaia (Argentina). Everything else was changing. 'In our team there was an expert responsible for the list of stopovers. Sometimes negotiations concerning adding or removing point from the list were really tough. 'In the first part of our trip we were travelling by bus. We were going from Santiago through Melipeuco to Pucon. In Bariloche we decided to rent a car. So we rented small city car, but sometimes it was hard to drive hundreds of kilometres on gravel roads of Ruta 40. Sitauted at Villarica in Chile is one of the country's most active volcanoes, however this was obviously the calm before the storm . Polomksi's love for the earth's beautiful and often mysterious landscape has led him to travel to Argentina and Chile . The founding of the Argentinean town of Esquel dates back to the arrival of Welsh immigrants in Chubut in 1865 . 'After visiting Esquel, El Chalten, El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine we reached Ushuaia.' Polomski explained that he had visited Patagonia two years prior to this journey, but that 'five days were just not enough.' He added: 'The fantastic thing about South America is that you can always do something 'mañana' (tomorrow). Torres del Paine

Summary: Jakub Polomski, who specializes in landscape and travel photography set out on a trip around South America . The 29-year-old took around 5,000 shots from the journey, with only five per cent making the final cut . Polomksi's love for the earth's beautiful and often mysterious landscape saw him travel to Argentina and Chile .


She's famous for her colourful hats and now, a fascinating collection of previously unseen letters to her milliner has revealed just how much the Queen adores them. The letters, written to long-serving hat-maker Philip Somerville over 25 years, the missives also touch on Her Majesty's passion for corgis and her knowledge of running a business. Others contain thanks for hats made by Mr Somerville and a touching sentence in which the Queen describes herself as 'almost the only person' who wears hats all the time. Scroll down for video . Passion for hats: The Queen's love of colourful headgear has been revealed in letters to her milliner . Four of the epistles are now set to go under the hammer alongside a set of invitations and signed cards sent to Mr Somerville, who died last year aged 84. But it is the letters that are likely to attract the most interest, with auctioneers saying they could fetch as much as £2,000 when they are sold later this month. In one of the notes, which was written to Mr Somerville and dated January 5, 2009, the Queen thanks him for a Christmas present of a china corgi. 'Thank you so much for the charming china Corgi you gave me for Christmas,' she wrote. 'I am so pleased to have it and it is a good portrayal of the breed. It will join my assorted collection of them!' She added: 'Can I once more express my great gratitude for all the help and the fine hats I have had over the years from you.' Recipient: Philip Somerville, who died last year aged 84, made the Queen's hats for over 25 years . Handwritten: In the missives, the Queen details her love of corgis and thanks Mr Somerville for his work . No stamp needed: The stamp-free letters also reveal that the Queen does get some perks from Royal Mail . In another from February 25, 2007, she writes: 'Thank you for your letter telling me of the outcome of your business. 'I am very glad to hear that you will still be able to work for me... I know how difficult business can be nowadays - specially with matching fabrics for someone like me who must be almost the only person who wears hats constantly!' Another thank you note written on January 19, 2008, reads: 'Thank you so much for my Christmas present. It is sitting here on my desk and is very enjoyable. 'I fear this is very late - I seem to have been so busy even in the holidays. I am glad to hear your pacemaker is working well for you, it must be a great relief. 'I expect there will be a need for a few hats in the coming months!' Philip Somerville began making hats for the Queen in the early 1980s, a role he held right through to his retirement in 2008. Famous fan: Princess Diana was among the flock of celebrities and royals to wear Mr Somerville's creations . Stunning: Mr Somerville's designs also appeared on the

Summary: The notes were written over 25 years to milliner Philip Somerville . Mr Somerville died last year aged 84 and four notes will now be sold . They reveal details of the Queen's love of hats - and her corgis . The Queen is famous for her hats, which are the subject of bets in the UK . Most focus on her choice of colour during Royal Ascot week in June .


The British baby who was the youngest victim of the Alps plane crash has been pictured for the first time - being cuddled by his mother who also died in the tragedy. Little Julian Pracz-Bandres, who was just seven months old, was flying back from Spain with his mother, Marina Bandres, when the disaster unfolded. A photo released by Ms Bandres's family in Spain today shows the 37-year-old mother smiling with joy as she clutches her young son to her cheek. Blue-eyed Julian, who shows the first signs of hair growing from his head, is wearing a turquoise baby grow in the family picture. Julian and his Spanish-born mother, who is a film editor based in Manchester, had travelled to her family home in northern Spain for her uncle's funeral this weekend. Scroll down for video . Youngest victim: Seven-month-old Julian Pracz-Bandres, pictured with his mother Marina Bandres, died when the Germanwings Airbus A320 crashed in the Alps this week . Julian's mother was a film editor who had lived in Manchester for the last seven years. Her husband, Julian's father, had stayed in England while they made the trip to Spain. He said he was 'devastated' by their deaths . Ms Bandres's father has said she and her son were unable to get a direct flight back to the UK so arranged to fly via Dusseldorf, meaning they boarded the doomed Germanwing Airbus A320 on Tuesday. Julian was one of three British victims among the 150 passengers and crew who died in the disaster in south west France. Julian's father, Ms Bandres's husband Pawel Pracz, had stayed in Manchester while his wife and son flew to Spain for the short trip. Mr Pracz said in a statement yesterday: 'My wife Marina Bandres Lopez-Belio and our son Julian Pracz-Bandres were on-board the plane that crashed in the Alps yesterday. 'We have been living in Manchester for seven years. Marina was an editor and colourist, and we were both working in post-production for film and video. 'Marina was visiting her family in Spain for her uncle's funeral, she bought the tickets at the last moment, and decided to return to Manchester quickly as she wanted to return to her daily routine as soon as possible. 'I'm with my closest family in Manchester, and in close contact with our family in Spain at this very difficult time. We are devastated and would like to request that we be allowed to grieve in peace as a family without intrusion at this difficult time.' Ms Bandres's father, Manuel, said today that he is still waiting for official confirmation that his daughter and grandson had been killed in the crash. Martyn Matthews (pictured with his wide and children) was also killed in the Alps crash. He had been on a business trip to Barcelona and took a connecting flight so he could get home to his family sooner . Paul Bramley, a 28-year-old from Hull who was studying in Switzerland, was also among the 150 people killed . Cesar Ritz Colleges in Lucerne, where Mr Bramley was

Summary: Little Julian Pracz-Bandres had been visiting Spain with his mother . They were flying back to Manchester via Dusseldorf when plane crashed . He was youngest of the 150 passengers and crew killed in the disaster . His mother's family say they are still to hear official confirmation of deaths .


Malaga are interested in Everton striker Steven Naismith. The Scotland international has arguably been Everton's best player this season and his tireless displays in the Europa League have caught the eye of Malaga staff. However, Naismith is well thought of at Everton and the Spanish side do not have much money to spend. Steven Naismith's displays for Everton in the Europa League have caught the eye of Spanish side Malaga . The 28-year-old joined Everton on a free transfer from Rangers in 2012 and has scored 11 goals in 40 appearances for the Toffees this term. The forward scored during Scotland's 6-1 victory against Gibraltar in Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier and has earned nearly 40 caps for his country. Naismith celebrates scoring during Scotland's 6-1 victory against Gibraltar in Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier .

Summary: Steven Naismith has found the net 11 times for Everton this season . The Scotland international is wanted by Spanish La Liga side Malaga . Naismith scored during Scotland's 6-1 win over Gibraltar on Sunday .


A shameless shoplifter who has spent almost £2million on three breast augmentations, luxury holidays and designer outfits has blamed her criminal habit on the Government - for not providing enough in benefits. Mother-of-six Kim Farry, 54, who reportedly lives in a rent-free council house in south west London and takes home £556 in benefits every month, has made almost £50,000 a year through stealing. Appearing on ITV's This Morning, Ms Farry, who currently receives £120 every two weeks in disability living allowance for stress, £20 a week for child benefit and £58 in child tax credits claimed her 44-year shoplifting spree had been a 'necessity'. Scroll down for video . Shoplifter Kim Farry appeared on ITV's This Morning and blamed the Government for her perpetual shoplifting cycle . 'I don’t know how people can live on benefits. They must have something on the side, it’s impossible. I’m trying to do it and I went without a lot of things. I didn’t eat yesterday. 'I was just stealing to get what I needed at the time,' she said defending her behaviour. 'So if there was a birthday - I would go out and get something.' When presenters Phillip Schofield and Amanda Holden questioned the necessity of three breast enhancements she laughed and said: 'My boobs were hanging down here after six kids.' But the presenters did not crack a smile. 'I like to live well, I eat nice food,' she said. The shoplifter, who has been jailed seven times, claimed she is now trying change her ways for the sake of 14-year-old daughter Paris. 'I don’t want my youngest to model herself on me,' she said. But she was flummoxed when presented with the hypothetical situation of having a broken TV and said she didn't know if she could refrain from stealing to fund a new one. Ms Farry, who last stole Christmas presents for her children 12 weeks ago, said her habit started at the age of nine when she saw her single mother struggle to bring her up, as well as her eight siblings: 'We didn’t have anything – my mum had a hard time, dad left her and one morning she had one egg between nine kids, she had no money and was crying so I took it upon myself to go and get some food. 'And that’s how it started. I got so involved I didn’t know anything else. 'I didn’t want to go without so I just carried on doing it. It became a habit,' she said. At her peak the mother-of-six said she was taking home almost £50,000 a year through stealing, but is now trying to go straight for the sake of her youngest daughter, 14-year-old Paris . 'I went to prison and when I came out I got a job. Then I got sacked because they found out I’d been in prison. 'So then I’d go back out again. I had to have money and that’s the only thing I could do. 'Sometimes I would steal stuff and then get other people to exchange things

Summary: Kim Farry, 54, lives in a rent-free council house in south west London . She started stealing to help her family when she was just nine . At her peak she claims she was earning £50,000 a year from shoplifting . She has over 50 shoplifting charges and has been jailed seven times .


Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara pointed the finger of blame at ref Craig Thomson after Paul Paton was sent off in an apparent case of mistaken identity during a stormy 1-1 draw with Celtic in the Scottish Cup. Paton was astonished to be shown a red card along with Virgil van Dijk after the Dutchman and Calum Butcher clashed on the ground following a poor tackle by Celtic captain Scott Brown on Nadir Ciftci – who appeared to kick Brown’s head in retaliation. McNamara vowed to appeal in a bid to clear Paton for next Sunday’s League Cup final against Ronny Deila’s men at Hampden, and it remains to be seen whether SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan will take retrospective action against Butcher, Ciftci or Brown, with TV pictures indicating they could all have seen red. Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara wasn't impressed with referee Craig Thomson's performance . Paul Paton was sent off in an apparent case of mistaken identity during a stormy 1-1 draw with Celtic . But the United boss claimed that, had the match official sent off Brown for the initial challenge, the ensuing melee and embarrassing card blunder would have been avoided. ‘I think we will be appealing,’ said McNamara, whose team were reduced to nine men in the second half when Paul Dixon was sent off for handling the ball in the box. ‘Paul Paton feels a bit hard done to for being sent off for nothing. He wasn’t even involved in the incident. But I think the ref should have dealt with the original bad challenge (from Brown) that sparked the whole thing off. But that went unnoticed. It was a two-footed challenge off the deck. It was a bad onebut it didn’t get dealt with properly. ‘We should be talking about the football rather than the ugly scenes. But, for me, the officials should have dealt with it first and we would not have had the problems we had today.’ Asked if he expects Brown to be hit with disciplinary action from the SFA, McNamara replied: ‘No comment.’ Ciftci scored United’s opener on the stroke of half time after Aiden Connolly appeared to go down easily in the box, with Celtic boss Deila later insisting the player should be punished for diving. Three minutes after the break, United’s Dixon was dismissed for blocking a goal-bound drive by Leigh Griffiths but the striker’s penalty was saved by keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak. Thomson ended up sending three players off, and United will appeal the red card of Paton . Griffiths had the last laugh, however, with a headed equaliser in the 71st minute to take the match to a replay at Parkhead on March 18. Ciftci was lucky to still be on the park after kicking out at Brown but McNamara claimed not to have seen the incident. ‘I need to see it. I haven’t looked back at the TV footage. And when Nadir gets tackled by Brown, the ball breaks and Butcher wins the challenge to put us through and I was looking at that next

Summary: Paul Paton was sent off in a case of mistaken identity . Dundee United's Calum Butcher had tangled with Celtic's Virgil van Dijk . Jackie McNamara vowed to appeal the sending off to clear Paton's name .


A San Francisco sheriff's deputy who was accused of forcing inmates to perform sex acts on him in 2006 is now alleged to have organized 'gladiator style' fights between prisoners. Deputy Scott Neu was accused of orchestrating two fights at County Jail No. 4 between inmates Ricardo Palikiko Garcia and Stanley Harris as deputies placed bets on the outcome, Jeff Adachi, the city's public defender, said on Thursday. Three other deputies Evan Staehely, Eugene Jones and Clifford Chiba have also been accused of forcing the inmates to fight. The alleged matches took place in March when Garcia and Harris were promised hamburgers if they won, or were threatened with Mace, handcuffed beatings and transfers to dangerous housing quarters if they refused to fight, according to a report. Scroll down for video . San Francisco public defender Jeff Adachi (above during a press conference on March 26, 2015) has alleged that Deputy Scott Neu is ringleader behind organized fights between inmates that took place in March . Neu was the subject of two sexual assault lawsuits in 2006 and 2008, which were settled out of court. All four deputies have been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation. 'These revelations are sickening,' said Adachi. 'Deputy Neu forced these young men to participate in gladiator-style fights for his own sadistic entertainment.' Ricardo Palikiko Garcia, 23, pictured, said Neu forced him to fight and promised him hamburgers if he won and beatings if he refused . Garcia, 23, told investigators that he does not know why Neu does it but believes he gets a kick out of it, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. 'It looks like it brings him joy by doing this, while we’re suffering by what he’s doing,' he said. Garcia, who weighs 150-lb, said he was forced twice to fight Harris, who weights 350-lb. Both men were injured in the bouts but were threatened with beatings if they sought medical treatment. In a recorded conversation with Adachi, Harris said that Neu, as part of 'training', made him do 200 push-ups within an hour, and also threatened to anally rape him. He also said Neu had a tattoo reading '850 Mob' in reference to the address of the county jail at 850 Bryant Street. Another inmate, Jonathan Christopher, said that Neu carried dice and playing cards he would use to make inmates gamble against him for benefits such as food and clean laundry. Adachi said he went public with details from the report prepared by private investigator Barry Simon to forestall a planned jailhouse fight meant to take place next week. He hired Simon after a public defender heard about the fights from Garcia's father on March 12. Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi (above speaking during the press conference on Thursday) has moved both Garcia and Harris from the jail and said he does not accept the alleged barbaric behavior in the county jail system . The San Francisco Deputy Sheriff's Association called the allegations 'exaggerated' and that the fighting was 'little more than horseplay'. '(Adachi) has done a cursory sham investigation

Summary: San Francisco sheriff's deputy Scott Neu is accused of forcing inmates Ricardo Palikiko Garci and Stanley Harris to fight at County Jail No. 4 . Three other deputies Evan Staehely, Eugene Jones and Clifford Chiba have been accused in the incident . Neu was subject of two sexual assault lawsuits in 2006 and 2008 . Inmates said they were promised hamburgers if they won and threatened with Mace and handcuffed beatings if they refused .


Canadian police have charged a pet store owner with criminal negligence causing death after a 4-year-old boy and his 6-year-old brother were asphyxiated by a 100-pound python. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced the charge against Jean-Claude Savoie, 38, Tuesday. Noah Barthe, 4, and Connor Barthe, 6, were found dead on the morning of August 5, 2013, after an African rock python escaped its glass enclosure inside Savoie's apartment in Campbellton, New Brunswick, where the boys were staying for a sleepover. Scroll down for video . Death by python: Jean-Claude Savoie (left) with criminal negligence causing death after Noah and Connor Barthe (right), ages 4 and 6, were asphyxiated by his 100-pound python . Scene: The boys had been staying in the apartment above Reptile Ocean, a pet shop in the small city of Campbellton in New Brunswick, Canada . Suspected culprit: This African Rock Python is pictured on Jean-Claude Savoie's Facebook and could be the one that killed the boys as they slept . Police said at the time that the 14-foot-long snake slithered through a ventilation pipe. Its weight caused the pipe to collapse, and it fell into the living room where the boys were sleeping. Autopsies concluded that Noah and Connor died from asphyxiation. Savoie's son, who was sleeping in a different room, was not harmed. 'This was a unique case in Canada and required consultation with experts familiar with African rock pythons,' Constable Jullie Rogers-Marsh said in a press release. 'In addition, as is common in major investigations, a thorough review was conducted of the evidence and investigational steps. That review determined there was sufficient evidence to lay a charge.' Savoie is due back in court April 27. If convicted, he could face up to a life in prison. Connor and Noah (right and left) were the sons of Savoie's best friend, Mandy Trecartin (center) Tragic: Connor and Noah Barth are seen here with a third child as they mop out a massive glass enclosure that held some of Jean-Claude Savoie's large reptiles . The two little boys are seen here playing in the sand it a smaller snake enclosure . Strangled: Autopsies concluded that Noah and Connor died from asphyxiation . Savoie said earlier that when he found the boys, he initially thought they were sleeping, but they never woke up . The Royal Canadian Mounted Police completed their investigation in July 2014, but Savoie was not arrested until February. He was later released from custody. At the time of the tragic incident, Daily Mail Online spoke to a reptile expert briefed by police who said that the snake had escaped from its enclosure before and was 'an accident waiting to happen'. 'This was preventable, if the snake had been kept safe and secure,' Bry Loyst, curator of the Indian River Reptile Zoo in Ottowa, told Daily Mail. The two boys spent August 5, 203, with Savoie and his son, swimming, barbecuing and playing with rabbits and other animals at a farm. Connor and Noah were the sons of Savoie's best friend, Mandy Trecartin. A private zoo

Summary: Noah and Connor Barthe, 4 and 6, died August 5, 2013, after African rock python escaped glass tank inside Jean-Claude Savoie's home . Boys were staying at Savoie's Campbellton, New Brunswick, apartment located above his exotic pet store . The 14-foot-long, 100-pound python slithered through a ventilation pipe and fell into living room, where it asphyxiated the boys as they slept .


Laboratory beef could surpass the real thing within 10 years to solve environmental and animal welfare problems, while remaining just as tasty, a Dutch scientist says. Mark Post, Professor of Physiology at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, 18 months ago oversaw the creation of the first 'cultured beef' burger made of stem cells from cow muscle tissue. He says beef producers already recognise the looming obstacles for the industry, such as how to sustainably and effectively feed the world's population, including the growing Asian middle class, which is projected to reach 3.2 billion people by 2030 and to double the region's food consumption by 2050. Mark Post, Professor of Physiology at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, 18 months ago oversaw the creation of the first 'cultured beef' burger made of stem cells from cow muscle tissue . 'They recognise the same problems, probably better than anybody else, and they see there could be alternatives,' Professor Post told reporters in Darwin on Friday, where he was a guest speaker at the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association annual conference. He says consumers will eventually drive the demand for laboratory beef and producers will have to fall in line. Initially, it will be considered a luxury product, with an appeal to those with environmental and animal welfare concerns. 'The more traditional meat consumer, and probably also richer and younger segment, will tap into this much sooner than people in India and China, who for the first time ever can afford meat and will go for the lower cost traditional meat sources,' he said. He told the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association annual conference in Darwin on Friday that he predicted lab-made meat would be competing with traditional beef in about 10 years time . The first cultured beef patty cost a whopping 250,000 euros, but within 10 years production could be scaled up to compete with traditional beef in cost, especially if beef prices continue rising, Professor Post said. One stem cell can make 10,000kg of beef, so the capacity is huge, he said. Farmers will be able to adapt production systems to incorporate cultured beef, which will eventually piggyback on the industry's resources, distribution networks and access to consumers. But the two forms of beef production won't really be able to co-exist, Professor Post said. He claimed it will initially considered a luxury product, with an appeal to those with environmental and animal welfare concerns . 'If this technology produces exactly the same product with less resources and... less animal welfare issues, then I think the consumer will eventually decide for us,' he said. Taste remains the biggest issue: the lab burger currently tastes 'okay, not great', but fat tissue is being added to improve the flavour. 'It's essentially the same tissue in the end, so the taste has to be similar,' he said.

Summary: Prediction was made by Dutch Professor of Physiology Mark Post . He oversaw the creation of the first 'cultured beef' burger made of stem cells from cow muscle tissue 18 months ago . Mr Post said lab-made meat will be considered a luxury product and appeal to people with environmental and animal welfare concerns . It is still being perfected by scientist who are adding fat tissue to improve taste .


Scientists have found that pollution coming from Asian countries is affecting weather in the United States. The effect that pollution in Asia may have on other parts of the world has been examined by both NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) and the California Institute of Technology, NASA's Earth Science News reported. Jonathan Jiang, who is part of JPL, and Yuan Wang looked at the potential link between more intense storms in the Northwest Pacific, deeper clouds over the Pacific Ocean, and Asia's period of economic growth -- all of which happened in the same 30-year period, according to the news outlet. Research: Scientists have found that pollution coming from Asian countries is affecting weather in the United States. A hazy Shanghai skyline is seen in this file photo . 'We found that pollution from China affects cloud development in the North Pacific and strengthens extratropical cyclones,' Wang, who is a postdoctoral fellow, told Earth Science News. Jonathan Jiang, pictured, was one of the researchers involved in the project . Wang told the news outlet that more powerful extratropical cyclones likely played a role in 2013 winter weather on the East Coast. He also said that during extratropical cyclones, a larger amount of water undergoes condensation on aerosols -- due to greater pollution. Heat released from the process can contribute to a cloud becoming both larger and deeper, Earth Science News explained. Jiang told the news outlet 'Before, we thought about the North-South contrast: the Northern Hemisphere has more land, the Southern Hemisphere has more ocean. 'That difference is important to global atmospheric circulation. 'Now, in addition to that, there's a West-East contrast. Europe and North America are reducing emissions; Asia is increasing them. 'That change also affects the global circulation and perturbs the climate.' Speaking to the Weather Channel, Jiang said 'During the wintertime, human-induced pollution such as coal burning in many Asian cities can create smog that lasts for weeks. Cold conditions: Postdoctoral fellow Yuan Wang has said that more powerful extratropical cyclones likely played a role in 2013 winter weather in the East. (A woman is seen in Boston in this February 2013 file photo) 'Under favorable wind conditions, pollution particles can be transported downwind across the North Pacific, where winter storms are prevalent.' However, Jiang told NPR that he does not know to what extent powerful Pacific storms can cause severe weather in other parts of the United States. 'We have not reached a final conclusion yet,' he told the media outlet.

Summary: Scientists have found that pollution coming from Asian countries is affecting weather in the United States . The effect pollution in Asia may have on other parts of the world has been examined by NASA and the California Institute of Technology . They looked at the potential link between more intense storms in the Northwest Pacific, deeper clouds over the Pacific Ocean, and Asia's period of economic growth .


A pair of student lovebirds who met in their first week of university got engaged just three months later. Doting 19-year-olds Kate Wood and James Carter plan to spend the rest of their lives together after their eyes first locked over a badminton net in their freshers' week. Three months later, James got down on one knee, produced a diamond ring and proposed to Kate during a romantic getaway. Kate Wood and James Carter met at the University in East Anglia and got engaged three months later . James and Kate met whilst playing badminton during freshers' week . James proposed to Kate in January whilst the couple were on holiday in Istanbul, presenting her with this pretty diamond ring . The students at the University of East Anglia, in Norwich, are to move out of their halls of residence and into a flat together. Politics student Kate told student newspaper The Tab how they met on 3 October: 'We were playing badminton and we got talking and at first neither of us were really trying but then we got to talking more and we didn't really want to ever stop.' She added: 'When I got home I told all my flatmates that I had met someone really special. 'The next day we went down to the lake near campus and sat for about four hours doing nothing but talking. We went out together that night and it went perfectly.' The couple spent nearly every day together before they took a trip to Istanbul, where Kate is from, in January. It was there that computer science student James, from Berkshire, popped the question at 1am on 3 January - three months after they had met. Kate said yes and admitted she struggled to hold back the tears during the romantic moment. The couple clearly like to joke around with one another as Kate wore this T-shirt which reads 'Property of James' and includes arrows pointing to her breasts . James and Kate got engaged on the 5th of January and announced it on Facebook, pictured, but don't plan to marry until they graduate . The couple have announced their engagement on Facebook and admitted it did come as a surprise to their parents. Kate said: 'Our friends are not surprised and our parents are over the moon but at first they found it a bit weird but they knew straight away things were different between us.' She said they are not bothered about people who may criticise them for getting engaged so soon into their relationship as she says people can't judge them if they don't know them. She added that 'the ring and the engagement are symbolic of our commitment to each other' but they do not have any plans to actually tie the knot for the foreseeable future. They don't intend to marry until after they have both graduated and Kate said they have no plans to start a family till after then either.

Summary: Kate Wood and James Carter met during their first week of university . James, 19, got down on one knee just three months later . The couple are moving in together but don't plan to marry just yet . Kate, 19, says their parents are 'over the moon' about their union .


Kelly Percival, 32, locked the 43-year-old victim into her flat at which point a male and female accomplice jumped out and demanded £100 . A honeytrap mother-of-one lured a lonely man to her flat with promises of a drunken romp before two thugs burst in and demanded cash. Kelly Percival, 32, lured a 43-year-old to her flat for a 'sexual encounter' in April last year, but once he was inside he was set upon by a man and woman who said: 'Give me £100 or I will cut you up.' Despite being punched several times in the head, he managed to escape, before calling the police who arrested Ms Percival. Prosecutor Jolyon Perks told the court Pervical had started chatting to the victim over dating site Badoo, using the name 'Jess' on her profile. Mr Perks said: 'This culminated in the complainant being invited to visit 'Jess' for what the victim believed would be effectively a date, a sexual encounter. 'He travelled to the address in a taxi, having bought vodka and cigarettes.' The court heard when the victim arrived at the upstairs flat he was led by Percival, who by then had told him her real name, into the living room. Mr Perks added: 'The complainant sat down on the settee and it was at that point a male and female burst into the room. 'The male immediately said "give me £100 or I will cut you up".' The court heard the victim was also threatened by the female before he tried to get out and realised he was locked in the flat. The male attacker demanded the victim's mobile phone when he saw him trying to contact the police before opening the door to let him out. Mr Perks added: 'He was punched by the male to the head a number of times, which knocked off his glasses.' The victim showed police his dating profile and messages and Pervical. Officers then used this to track her down as she had used pictures of herself as her profile images. Mr Perks said: 'The defendant fully admitted agreeing with the others for the victim to go to her flat and they they would then effectively 'tax' him, get money by force.' The man and woman who threatened the victim escaped, and have never been caught. Percival was sentenced to 15 months, suspended for two years, with a supervision order. Newcastle Crown Court heard that, despite being repeatedly punched in the head, the man managed to escape from the flat and call police, who arrested Percival . Judge Jeremy Freedman told her: 'He believed you were willing to engage in sexual relations with him on April 6 when he wnet to an address you had given him. 'When he arrived he was confronted by two other people who burst into the room and demanded £100 and threatened to cut him up. 'Your role was as a facilitator, you lured him to the property, knowing what was to happen. 'There was a plan afoot, it was not sophisticated but you had obviously agreed with

Summary: Drug addict Kelly Percival, 32, lured man, 43, to flat via Badoo dating site . Man went to home with bottle of vodka and cigarettes for 'sex encounter' Man and woman then jumped out and demanded £100 'or I will cut you up' Despite being punched in the head victim escaped and called the police . Percival walked free from court today, while accomplices were not caught .


Jose Mourinho claims Arsenal are back in the race for the Barclays Premier League title after Chelsea were held 1-1 by Southampton. Arsenal beat West Ham 3-0 on Saturday and Arsene Wenger’s side, who have not won the league since 2004, are now seven points behind Chelsea. Manchester City were beaten at Burnley 1-0 and Chelsea could only draw at Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho has admitted that Arsenal have joined Chelsea and Manchester City in the title race . The Blues struggled to break down Southampton despite Diego Costa's first-half opener at Stamford Bridge . Arsenal saw off the threat of West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with an impressive 3-0 win . Mourinho said: ‘Of course Arsenal are in it. They are seven points behind Chelsea, but have one less match to play than Chelsea. ‘Both City and Arsenal are in the title race. It depends on the momentum for Arsenal - the 3-1 defeat against Monaco or the 3-0 defeat against West Ham? ‘So the danger is always there. But I keep saying, we are there. If someone had told me in August that, at the end of March, we'd be six points in front with a match in hand, I'd have signed for that immediately. ‘There are two perspectives. One perspective is a draw at home to Southampton is not a good result. For me, that perspective is very acceptable. ‘The second perspective is we had a lead of five points from second, and now it's six points with one less match to play.’ Mourinho believed a wrongly-awarded penalty denied his side an eight-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the league. The Portuguese coach was fined £25,000 for saying there was a 'clear campaign' against his side after Cesc Fabregas was denied a penalty and booked for diving instead in the December 28 draw at St Mary's. Mourinho says that Arsenal are a danger to Chelsea, although he is happy with his current strong position . On Sunday Mourinho was frustrated Nemanja Matic was penalised - allowing Dusan Tadic to score from the spot and cancel out Diego Costa's first Premier League goal for almost two months - while Branislav Ivanovic was not awarded a spot kick at the other end. 'I'm happy with the situation. I'm happy with the six-point lead, but I'm not happy with the result,' Mourinho said. 'If you remember our two matches against Southampton: in one game, one penalty that is not a penalty and in another game a penalty that was not given. You are speaking about six points transformed into two points.' Mike Dean (right) gave Southampton the penalty for their equaliser, Mourinho said that it 'is not a penalty' Thibaut Courtois could not keep out Dusan Tadic's spot-kick and the playmaker secured a point for Saints . Mourinho was clearly upset with the penalty decisions, but bit his tongue on this occasion. He said: 'My opinion is not important. Important is Mr Mike Dean (the referee). 'His decision was a penalty and his decision was no

Summary: Jose Mourinho says Arsenal can be title contenders in the Premier League . But he questions whether Arsenal have the momentum after Monaco defeat . Dusan Tadic equalised from the spot after Diego Costa put Blues ahead . Chelsea coach believed decision to award penalty was incorrect . Mourinho had a public disagreement with Graeme Souness this week . The Special One was again critical of Souness' comments post-match .


Victor Razumov Jr., who stands accused of murder, gouged out both of his eyes in prison in December . A man accused of murdering an elderly widow in her home during a robbery has gouged out both of his eyes in separate incidents in prison, it has emerged. Victor Razumov Jr.'s horrific injuries were revealed as it emerged he will receive a competency hearing due to the two incidents in New Jersey State Prison in Trenton last December. 'He was transported to Trenton State Prison where he apparently, according to the guards, put his own eye out and was brought to Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia,' his attorney Robert Baer told the New Jersey Herald. 'Then he was brought back to Trenton State Prison and the next thing you know, he was back in the hospital and they're having to take his other eye out. Now he is completely blind.' It is not clear how Razumov gouged out his eyes. Baer said he is still waiting for further information as to what exactly happened. He will now undergo a hearing to determine if he's fit to stand trial, NJ.com reported. A status conference on the case is scheduled for May 30, his attorney said. Razumov was 18 when he was charged with murder for allegedly stabbing Virginia 'Suzy' Sommer, 73, to death during a robbery at her Wantage home in November 2012. Police tracked him down several days later after they found some of her stolen jewelry at local pawn shops. Locked up: Razumov, who had been transferred to a state psychiatric hospital after his November 2012 arrest, took out both of his eyes while behind bars at New Jersey State Prison, pictured . Among his multiple charges, he faces counts of stealing jewelry, selling stolen jewelry and tampering with a probation receipt by eating it, the New Jersey Herald reported. Razumov was a senior at High Point Regional High School at the time. His older brother, Alexey Razumov, was also charged in the crime after allegedly driving his younger brother to the pawn shops. He was charged with third-degree conspiring to deal in stolen property and third-degree conspiring to receive stolen property. After Victor Razumov was arrested, he was transferred to a state psychiatric hospital and placed under suicide watch, authorities said. It is not clear if he remained under suicide watch at the time of the eye-gouging incidents. Sommer, a retired nurse who lived about half a mile from Razumov, was found by a family friend who had been unable to reach her on the phone. She had been stabbed several times. Scene: Virginia Sommer, known to her friends as Suzy, was found stabbed to death inside this home where she lived alone after her husband passed away. Her jewelry was stolen and turned up in a pawn shop . Police said there were no signs of forced entry and that nothing was out of place, and only the jewelry appeared to be missing. She left behind her three children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her late husband, Bob, had served

Summary: Victor Razumov Jr. gouged out his eyes in two separate incidents in Trenton State Prison, New Jersey in December, his attorney has said . He will now undergo a competency hearing to see if he can stand trial . He is accused of stabbing Virginia Sommer to death inside her Wantage home in November 2012 and then selling her stolen jewelry . After his arrest several days later, he was transferred to a state psychiatric hospital and placed under suicide watch .


For Michael O’Neill, working under Gordon Strachan in the English top flight was a bittersweet experience. In fact, at Coventry City, the midfielder found the experience of being an inferior player to a manager in his early 40s about as palatable as Strachan’s famed longevity-fuelling concoction of porridge, bananas and seaweed. If O’Neill’s injury-scarred spell at Highfield Road was not the most notable of an otherwise successful career, the Northern Ireland manager retains a high regard for his Scotland counterpart and hopes the pair can soon share success in the international arena. Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has been preparing his side to face Gordon Strachan's Scotland . Strachan's side will be hoping to go into their Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar on the back of a win . Scotland have not qualified for a major tournament since France 98, while Northern Ireland have not been seen at a Finals since the days when Brazil’s Josimar rocketed one of the all-time great World Cup goals past Pat Jennings. But on the road to France 2016, Scotland are third in Group D, while Northern Ireland are second in Group F. As the two nations face off in a friendly at Hampden, O’Neill hopes both men can lead their respective countries out of the international wilderness. ‘I played under Gordon at Coventry — it’s always a concern when the manager is a better player than you,’ quipped the 45-year-old former Dundee United and Hibs midfielder. ‘Other than that it was fine. It was a bit unfortunate that injuries thwarted my opportunity at Coventry but it was evident back then what type of manager Gordon was going to be. ‘He had the ability to motivate and to invigorate. He knew how to get players to respond to him. So it doesn’t surprise me how well he has done with Scotland. He was a great appointment and exactly what Scotland needed at that time. Scotland national team boss Strachan, pictured in 2001, coached O'Neill during his time as Coventry manager . ‘It’s pretty evident the improvement they have made under Gordon. And having played half my career up here, it would be good to see both countries qualify for the Euros. ‘We’ve been nearly 30 years away from a major tournament. Scotland haven’t quite had that to deal with - but I’d love to see both countries do it.’ O’Neill still lives in Edinburgh and remains an avid viewer of the Scottish game, not just because it is home to several Northern Ireland internationals. He believes football in this country is in ruder health than many outsiders – and insiders – perceive amid the often unrelenting negativity that has accompanied the collapse and pained rise of Rangers. ‘I watch Scottish football a lot,’ said O’Neill, who may not risk Aberdeen striker Niall McGinn’s hamstring but could start with two Manchester United centre backs in Jonny Evans and debutant Paddy McNair. ‘There are now potential internationals of the future getting their chance in first-teams in the Premiership and Championship and that can only be good for the

Summary: Michael O'Neill worked under Gordon Strachan during his time at Coventry . Northern Ireland boss O'Neill is looking forward to facing Strachan's side . O'Neill's side take on Scotland in friendly match before Finland qualifier .


Jihadi John dumped two schoolboys on the M1 motorway at gunpoint in revenge for an attack on his brother, it was revealed today. Mohammed Emwazi - unmasked as the killer in the infamous ISIS beheading videos last week - carried out the kidnap during his days living on a notorious housing estate. He and two bearded associates are said to have abducted two gang members accused of beating up his younger brother, Omar, in 2008. Mohammed Emwazi (left) - now unmasked as ISIS killer Jihadi John - reportedly kidnapped two schoolboys and threatened them with a gun after his younger brother Omar (right) was attacked in 2008 . The brothers were living on the Mozart estate in west London at the time of the incident, which was known for its postcode gang 'the Mozart Bloods'. A former friend of Omar told the Evening Standard today that he went to buy a stolen bike from Emwazi's younger brother in 2008, a time when the now notorious terrorist was still studying at Westminster University. The friend, who was 14 at the time, said he and Omar were then attacked by two teenage members of the 'Bloods', who broke his arm because he was from a different postcode and punched Omar in the face. When Emwazi found out about the incident, he sought revenge on the two schoolboys who had carried out the beating, the source said. He told the London paper: 'They drove round in a car and found these two guys who attacked us, threatened them with a gun, made them take all their clothes off and drove off. 'They dumped them on the M1 motorway. They weren't attacked physically but they were threatened. It was a message.' A former friend of Omar Emwazi say boys who assaulted him and Omar were dumped on the M1 motorway without their clothes in revenge for the violent attack (file picture) Details of Emwazi's links to criminals have emerged since he was unmasked as the ISIS killer last week . The source said Emwazi was not a known gang member at the time but was 'a bit of a hard nut'. Since Emwazi was unmasked as Jihadi John last week, his links to criminals during his time growing up in London have been exposed. He was known to associate with Choukri Ellekhlifi – a member of a gang which preyed on rich targets in a series of violent attacks and who also later travelled to Syria to join ISIS. The Moroccan-born criminal was thought to have been two years below Emwazi at Quintin Kynaston academy in St John's Wood, North West London, which Omar also attended. It was also revealed last week that Emwazi stood trial twice, accused of having stolen bikes hidden in the family shed and was twiceacquitted. The first case only came to court after the owner of one of the stolen bikes tracked down Emwazi, who had put it up for sale on Ebay. The victim contacted him posing as a prospective buyer to get his details which he then passed on

Summary: Mohammed Emwazi and brother Omar were living on London estate in 2008 . Former friend of younger brother says he and Omar were attacked by gang . He says Emwazi then kidnapped the boys who attacked them in revenge . Attackers were 'threatened with gun and left on M1 without any clothes' Claims follow revelations about brothers' past links to criminals in capital .


A University of Oklahoma fraternity has been shut down after members were caught chanting the n-word and glorifying lynching in a sickening video - on the same day that President Obama spoke at the 50th anniversary of the Selma march. The footage, uploaded to YouTube Sunday, shows members of a Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter singing that there 'will never be a n*****' in their fraternity. In the brief clip, one two students stand up to a group of their peers, wearing bow ties and dress shirts, in the vile chant, sung to the tune of If You're Happy And You Know It. The footage is believed to have been filmed on Saturday - when the rest of the nation was focused on Selma, Alabama, where the president said the civil rights movement has not yet completed its long march. Scroll down for video . 'There will never be a n***** SAE': The vile chant was made by members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity chapter at the University of Oklahoma . The idiotic student could be seen leading the chant as one of his friends tried to stop the filming . National heads of Sigma Alpha Epsilon closed the fraternity Sunday night after the video was shared widely online, and suspended all of its members. During the sickening clip the students are clearly heard singing: 'There will never be a n***** SAE, there will never be a n***** SAE. 'You can hang him from a tree, but he'll never sign with me, there will never be a n***** SAE.' A female voice in the background can also be heard asking a friend: 'You've never heard it before?' The footage shows the group on a bus, apparently headed to a party. It was made public by a black students' pressure group at the university called Unheard. In the wake of the video, the national leadership of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, which has branches across the country, said the University of Oklahoma chapter would be punished. Reaction: The national heads of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon have said those responsible will be punished . Frat house: The SAE base at the University of Oklahoma is pictured above. The national organization has some undergraduate 15,000 members . Brad Cohen, the Eminent Supreme Archon of the organization, confirmed that the video was authentic. He added that he was 'shocked and disgusted' by it, and said those responsible 'will be dealt with'. Cohen also said the song, which the video participants seemed to know well, was not part of any SAE traditions. A statement from SAE said: 'Sigma Alpha Epsilon's national headquarters has closed its Oklahoma Kappa chapter at the University of Oklahoma following the discovery of an inappropriate video. Investigation: Oklahoma University President David Boren released a statement via Twitter saying the 'behavior will not be tolerated' 'Reprehensible': The university's president, David Boren, said investigations were underway and warned this behavior would not be tolerated . Shut down: National President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Brad Cohen, took to Twitter to say the fraternity chapter had been closed and

Summary: Sigma Alpha Epsilon members said there 'will never be a n*****' in their fraternity . Sickening footage shows young students in formal dress on a bus . Sigma Alpha Epsilon's national headquarters closed its Oklahoma Kappa chapter on Sunday after confirming video is authentic . Chants apparently made Saturday as nation was commemorating Selma . Members pride themselves on being 'True Gentlemen' Obama spoke powerfully at 50th anniversary to praise participants .


The Australian family of MH17 victim Gabriele Lauschet have been asked by Malaysia Airlines to provide details of her tax returns, payslips and mortgage repayments before it will make a compensation payment. Ms Lauschet's son, Tim Lauschet, was astounded when the airline got in contact with him and claimed that he needed to support his claim for damages with a long list of paperwork, and believes his mother's life should not be means tested. Speaking to Fairfax Media, Mr Lauschet said he felt like he has to 'grovel for a pittance'. Scroll down for video . German-born, Sydney-based kindergarten teacher Gabriele Lauschet (right) was identified as NSW's sixth victim on flight MH17 . 298 people, including 28 Australians, died on the flight, after Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile, over rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine on July 17 last year. Gabriele Lauschet was identified as NSW's sixth victim. The 47-year-old was flying back to Sydney for the new school term at the German International School in Terrey Hills. The Sydney kindergarten teacher who was returning from her German homeland, had taught at the school for 15 years. Gabriele Lauschet was flying back to Sydney for the new school term at the German International School in Terrey Hills . Ms Lauschet's son has been asked to provide details of her income to support a claim for compensation . Malaysia Airlines' have paid Mr Lauschet a $50,000 advance payment, however, they have now asked him to provide nine documents to support his claim that there is a 'loss of financial dependency upon his mother at the time of her death.' However, lawyers, who are also representing a number of other families of MH17 victims, say the victims' lives should not be means tested. On March 4, relatives of those killed on MH17 had the chance to view the wreckage of the plane. Speaking to Fairfax Media , Ms Lauschet's son, Tim, said he felt like he has to 'grovel for a pittance . 298 people, including 28 Australians, died on the flight, after Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down by a missile, over rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine on July 17 last year . For almost all of them, it was the first chance to see the twisted and charred wreckage that lay for months in the battlefields of eastern Ukraine after the plane plunged to the ground July 17. The wreckage was brought back to the Netherlands, where civil and criminal investigations are underway to establish the cause of the disaster and attempt to prosecute those responsible. Since the horror, Moscow has repeatedly claimed that MH17 was shot down by a Ukrainian warplane in the skies close to the Malaysian plane, while also vigorously denying the West's analysis that it was hit by a BUK missile fired by pro-Moscow rebels. Yesterday, Dutch experts returned to the Ukraine to probe the MH17 crash site, including visiting a location previously considered unsafe because of fighting with pro-Russian separatists. Since the horror, Moscow has repeatedly claimed that MH17 was shot down

Summary: The family of an MH17 victim have been asked for her personal details . Gabriele Lauschet's son has been asked to provide details of her tax returns, mortgage repayments and payslips . It is to support his claim for compensation against the airline . Lawyers for the family say compensation should not be means tested .


Manchester City are pressing ahead in their interest for Wolfsburg's Kevin de Bruyne. The Bundesliga side want to keep the Belgium international for at least one more season as they plan a crack at the Champions League next year. However, City, Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain are all interested in signing him this summer. Manchester City are pressing ahead with a deal for Wolfsburg playmaker Kevin de Bruyne . De Bruyne has been in fine form for club and country this season and is rated at £40m . De Bruyne celebrates with Marouane Fellaini (c) and Radja Nainggolan after a goal against Cyprus . De Bruyne’s agent Patrick de Koster has hinted it would take a bid close to £40million for Wolfsburg to consider selling. Talking last week he said: ‘Clubs who are ready to bid 30million euros for Kevin have no sense of reality. A player like Kevin has a market value of some €50million, €55m or even €60m by now.’ De Bruyne, 23, cost Wolfsburg £16.7m when he signed in January 2014 from Chelsea and has scored 14 goals for his club this season. City defender Aleksandar Kolarov has admitted he’s tempted by a return to Italy after starting just 11 Premier League games this season. The 29-year-old Serb, who cost £16m from Lazio in 2010, fuelled the speculation while praising the job compatriot Sinisa Mihajlovic has done as manager of third-placed Sampdoria. He told Sky Italia: ‘I’d like to return to Italy, but it’s difficult. ‘I’m happy for Mihajlovic. He’s doing very well, as are Lazio.’ De Bruyne, who signed for Wolfsburg in January 2014, chats with team-mate Andre Schurrle against Mainz . De Bruyne is a former Chelsea youngster but never got a real chance to impress at Stamford Bridge . Meanwhile, Yaya Toure has suggested he may be about to step away from international football, after claiming ‘my target is done’. Toure captained the Ivory Coast to glory in this winter’s Africa Cup of Nations, their first major trophy in over two decades, and could now follow his brother Kolo in retiring after suggesting that the Elephants’ new generation should be allowed to flourish. ‘My future?’ he said. ‘You have to wait. Now, my target is done. The time of the youngsters will come soon. We need to let them. ‘It’s always beautiful when everything is going in the right way. I’m delighted with the trophy of 2015. Now I will wait a couple of days before we decide my future.’

Summary: Kevin de Bruyne has been in fine form for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga . Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain interested . City's director of football Txiki Begiristain reported to have met entourage . De Bruyne, a former Chelsea youngster, is rated at £40m by his agent .


A clubhouse outbreak of pink eye is forcing the Milwaukee Brewers to find a new way to celebrate top plays at spring training. As in, no high-fiving hand slaps until the condition is under control. Catcher Jonathan Lucroy and pitching coach Rick Kranitz were the latest victims of pink eye. They stayed home in hopes of stopping the spread of the annoying and highly contagious malady that causes itchy eyes, among other symptoms. Keep your distance, boys: The Brewers will have to find a new way to celebrate runs, after catcher Jonathan Lucroy and pitching coach Rick Kranitz became the latest victims of Pinkeye on Thursday . 'We've been going through it for a while and it seems like a couple of more show up every day,' manager Ron Roenicke said. 'Trying to stay away from it. We can't have it go through the whole clubhouse,' he said. For now, Milwaukee players are supposed to avoid high-fives and instead tap elbows or bump batting glove-covered fists. In the seventh inning of a 10-5 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Friday, after scoring on sacrifice fly, Hunter Morris approached the coaches sitting outside the Brewers dugout with his hand out as if he wanted to shake hands. But at last moment he pulled his hand back and gave them fist bumps. Infielder Yadiel Rivera returned to action from pink eye on Friday and played in the loss. Juan Centeno, who started at catcher, returned Thursday and homered on Friday. Ban: The Brewers are dealing with a rash of pink eye that has broken out in the clubhouse. Hoping to avoid spreading the annoying and highly contagious malady, they have banned high-fives in the dugout . Roenicke's club also is dealing with flu-like symptoms. All-Star outfielder Ryan Braun was scratched for that reason on Friday. 'I'm hoping we put an end to this thing. Now we've got this darn chest thing going around that I've got,' Roenicke said before the game. Pitcher Wily Peralta was sent home because he felt ill, as well. Lucroy is expected to return for Saturday's game and possibly catch. 'Luke, getting him back on the field and having him healthy going into the season, that's pretty important,' Roenicke said. 'The other little things, they're one or two days here and there. Everybody's going to have those.' Reliever Mike Fiers was trying to avoid the pink eye problem. 'I just don't want to catch it,' he said. 'Just try to be sanitary. Wash your hands after everything you do, be careful and don't put your hands in your eyes or your mouth. Just try to stay as clean as possible.' Break: Hoping to avoid spreading the annoying and highly contagious malady, the Brewers are staying away from the usual high-fives, for now .

Summary: 'It seems like a couple of more cases show up every day,' said manager Ron Roenicke . Catcher Jonathan Lucroy and pitching coach Rick Kranitz latest victims . Players encouraged to tap elbows or bump gloves . 'We can't have it go through the whole clubhouse,' Roenicke added .


Briton Mark Cavendish on Sunday won Belgium one-day race Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. The Etixx-QuickStep rider triumphed in a sprint finish ahead of Katusha's Alexander Kristoff and Team Sky's Elia Viviani. It was a second British win of the weekend after Ian Stannard (Team Sky) won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on Saturday. Mark Cavendish raises his hand in victory after winning in Belgian one-day race Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne . The Etixx-QuickStep rider (centre) celebrates alongside Alexander Kristoff (left) and Elia Viviani (right) Cavendish gets a kiss on the cheek from two podium girls after his victory in Belgium . Cavendish had been warned earlier this week that he must regain his status as the world's top sprinter to earn a lucrative contract extension at Etixx-QuickStep. The Manx Missile is in the final year of his three-year deal with the Belgian squad he joined after exiting Team Sky prematurely at the end of 2012, after one season. The 25 time Tour de France stage winner is 30 in May and has seen Marcel Kittel emerge as the dominant sprinter in recent seasons but his win in Belgium will certainly help his cause if he is to stay at Etixx-QuickStep.

Summary: Mark Cavendish triumphed in Sunday's one-day Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne . Etixx-QuickStep rider won a sprint with Alexander Kristoff and Elia Viviani . It was a second British win of the weekend following Ian Stannard's victory .


Neil Jenkins says that Wales will be concentrated totally on winning - rather than potential mathematical permutations - when they tackle RBS 6 Nations opponents Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday. Wales, courtesy of successive victories over Scotland, France and Ireland, have put themselves firmly in the Six Nations title mix alongside England and Ireland. Although Wales' inferior points difference means they have a mountain to climb in pursuit of silverware, a possible third Six Nations crown in four years cannot be discounted. Sam Warburton (left) and George North (right) lead the celebrations after beating Ireland last week . Neil Jenkins (left) says Wales are only thinking about an Italy victory, rather than checking other results . Wales are first into action on so-called Super Saturday, with Ireland then tackling Scotland before England host France. 'The main objective and focus for us is obviously winning a Test match. If other things happen, well, so be it,' said Wales skills coach Jenkins, speaking at the team's Rome hotel on Friday. 'I am sure that we will be kicking ourselves if we didn't win and the other games went Scotland's way and France's way. 'The main objective is to win the game, and see where that takes us. 'England will know what they have to do when they play last on Saturday, but no matter what time you play, the focus is still the same for us. We have to win the game and win another Test match.' Italy's preparations have been rocked by the absence of their inspirational captain Sergio Parisse through injury, which has meant the Azzurri back-row being reshuffled and hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini taking over as skipper. 'Sergio is obviously a fantastic rugby player, a world-class number eight, and no matter what side he plays in, if he is not playing they are obviously going to miss him,' Jenkins added. 'We played them two years ago in Rome and Sergio didn't play, and they were pretty strong. Conditions weren't great that day, but it was a pretty tough Test match. 'He played pretty well against us in Cardiff last year and caused us an awful lot of problems. He is a world-class player, and any team would miss him. 'I think Italy have played some good rugby in the competition. 'It was nip and tuck with Ireland early on in that first game, and Italy probably just lacked a bit of possession. They played some good rugby against England, and then had a fantastic win in Edinburgh. 'They will probably say themselves they were disappointed with their performance last week against France. Wales, pictured this week in training, have travelled to Rome knowing a win could secure Six Nations glory . Mike Phillips passes the ball during an open session in Cardiff on Tuesday . 'But look, every time we come here it is a very tough game. Generally, we have been successful, but not by much, so we are expecting another tough game tomorrow.' Key for Wales will be to set out their stall and build points, like they

Summary: Wales face Italy in final Six Nations tie at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday . Warren Gatland's side have chance of winning tournament . Skills coach Neil Jenkins insists squad must focus on victory first . England and Ireland face France and Scotland in other games .


As he knelt next to the goal clutching his slit throat, while blood pulsed out like a fountain and pooled around him, all Clint Malarchuk could think of was to get off live TV so that his mum did not have to watch him die. The footage remains on YouTube of the extraordinary incident precisely 26 years ago on Sunday when the then 27-year-old ice hockey goaltender suffered one of the most gruesome injuries ever seen in professional sport. His throat cut by a stray skate, he survived thanks to his team’s trainer reaching into his neck to pinch shut the severed artery that would later need 300 stitches. WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT . Clint Malarchuk's throat was cut by a stray skate during an NHL game and required 300 stitches . But the traumatic accident led to a spiral of nightmares, insomnia, chronic depression and alcoholism. Twice he tried to kill himself, with the bullet from one attempt still lodged next to his right eye, and only now feels he can cope with his demons thanks to the love of his fourth wife. Malarchuk was playing for Buffalo Sabres in the NHL against St Louis Blues, when the freak accident left him fighting for his life. Amid shocking, gory scenes, Malarchuk tried and failed to get to his feet, as three pints of blood spilled on to the ice. ‘Once I realised this could be death, my first thought was “get off the ice, go through the gate, get off camera”,’ Malarchuk told The Mail on Sunday. ‘So my mum didn’t have to watch me die.’ Malarchuk’s mother, Jean, both of whose own parents were English, always watched her son’s matches live on TV. Malarchuk’s traumatic accident led to a spiral of nightmares, insomnia, chronic depression and alcoholism . NIKI LAUDA: Came close to death after his Ferrari burst into flames at the 1976 German Grand Prix. Suffered massive injuries but won F1 titles later. ALEX ZANARDI: Lost both legs in a CART crash in 2001 but returned two years later to race in the World Touring Car Championship for BMW. He also went on to win two golds and a silver in handcycling at the Paralympics in London. DAVID BUSST: Coventry defender's double leg fracture against Man Utd in 1996 involved the fibula piercing the skin. Considered English football’s worst leg break. DANIEL ALBRECHT: Swiss skier sustained serious brain and lung injuries after horrific wipeout at Kitzbuhel, Austria in 2009. Returned to action nearly two years later. FABRICE MUAMBA: Suffered cardiac arrest playing for Bolton against Tottenham in March 2012. His heart stopped for 78 minutes but he recovered. Amazingly Malarchuk was back playing within 10 days, resumed his career as a player and then became a coach. But three years later, in 1992, trying to obliterate his demons, he drank a bottle of whisky and took pills that led to his heart stopping. His OCD and depression were finally diagnosed. ‘It was the first time the chaos in my head was given a label,’ he says. At another low, in

Summary: Clint Malarchuk's throat was cut by a stray skate during NHL game . The Buffalo Sabres goaltender required 300 stitches in horror wound . traumatic accident led to spiral of insomnia, depression and alcoholism .


This is the heart-warming moment two young African elephants locked trunks in a touching embrace that was caught on camera. The very public display of human-like affection was photographed by Jacques Matthysen at the Kariega Game Reserve, east of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It occurred while a herd of nearly 30 elephants playfully chased each other and rolled around on the floor at the popular tourist destination. Photographer Jacques Matthysen said two young elephants locked trunks, like humans would hold hands, in a touching embrace . Jacques, who works as a photographer for the reserve, said he is used to seeing the young elephants act in a playful manner, but their affectionate behaviour took him by surprise. As Jacques and a group of visitors looked on, two of the elephants stopped chasing each other and entwined their trunks in a loving gesture. At one point it appeared as if they were ‘kissing’. The 37-year-old photographer said: ‘The mood in the herd seemed “excited”. We moved out to a safer distance - about 50 metres (164ft) - away when one of the younger bulls, about eight years of age, started chasing a younger bull. The heart-warming moment occurred as a herd of nearly 30 elephants playfully chased each other and rolled around on the floor . ‘What we first thought to be aggression, turned out to be all playfulness. ‘Soon a number of younger bulls and cows started to play around. They pushed, head butted and rolled onto each other for quite a few minutes. ‘Soon after, it looked like they were embracing each other, with gentle touches to the faces with their trunks.’ Jacques Matthysen, the game reserve's photographer, said the elephants' affectionate behaviour caught him by surprise . He said two of the elephants locked trunks like humans would hold hands. ‘I quickly focused my camera on them, to capture the “loving” moment. ‘I am very happy with the sighting and images. This just shows us how these giants, that can be so dangerous and so aggressive, can in fact be so gentle and loving animals.’

Summary: Jacques Matthysen photographed the heart-warming moment at Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa . It occurred as a herd of nearly 30 elephants playfully chased each other and rolled around on the floor . Mr Matthysen, the reserve's photographer, said the elephants' affectionate behaviour took him by surprise .


A former Fortune 500 executive is facing a wrongful death lawsuit for fatally crashing into a pregnant woman, her fiance and their fetus in what New Hampshire authorities called a failed suicide attempt. The estate of 24-year-old Amanda Murphy sued Robert Dellinger February 20, the day after he pleaded guilty to negligent homicide in the deaths of Murphy and Jason Timmons, 29, of Wilder, Vermont. Dellinger also pleaded guilty to assault for the death of their unborn baby. Murphy was eight months pregnant at the time of the crash. Sued: Former Fortune 500 executive Robert Dellinger, 54, was hit with a wrongful death lawsuit last month, a day after he pleaded guilty to negligent homicide in the deaths of a young couple . Tragic: John Timmons, 29, and Amanda Murphy, 24, were killed instantly in the crash on December 7, 2013 . The lawsuit, which lists five counts, seeks damages for Dellinger's 'wanton, reckless and grossly negligent' conduct, according to The Valley News. Investigators say Dellinger was trying to kill himself when he drove through the median of Interstate 89 in December 2013. The lawsuit was filed by Murphy's mother, Tammy Langlois, who oversees her daughter's estate. Timmons mother, Deborah Blanchard, is also expected to sue Dellinger. Dellinger has not been served with the suit yet. Dellinger's lawyer said he was not attempting to end his life, but rather suffering from delirium due to a 'toxic regime' of medications. Dellinger, 54, of Sunapee, New Hampshire, was initially charged with manslaughter, but that was later upgraded to second-degree murder. 'I’m extremely remorseful to the families, and to my own family, as well. I wish I could have that day over,' Dellinger said in court. Negligent homicide is a lesser charge. Dellinger will be sentenced in April. He could face 12 to 24 years in prison. Pregnant: This is an ultrasound of the couple's unborn baby who they were going to call Reagan Elizabeth . Crushed: This is a picture of the scene of the crash after Dellinger careered over the central median . Dellinger's attorneys claimed that the former high-powered executive was suffering from Ambien withdrawal, the effects of a psychiatric drug overdose and Prozac, and the advanced symptoms of multiple sclerosis . Dellinger, who held high-level posts at PPG Industries Inc., Sprint Corp., Delphi Corp. and General Electric Co., told investigators he was trying to kill himself on December 7, 2013, when he steered his pickup across a highway median in Lebanon, New Hampshire. His truck became airborne and sheared the top off of the victims' SUV, causing injuries so severe that the medical examiner said the couple looked like they had been in a plane crash. The Vermont couple, who had met while working at a home for the elderly, were killed instantly. Dellinger, who suffered cuts on his head and face, was initially charged with two counts of reckless manslaughter. Miss Murphy, 24, was excited to be a mother for the first time, and the couple had already named their unborn baby girl Reagan Elizabeth. A week before the crash,

Summary: Robert Dellinger allegedly tried to kill himself by driving across highway, killed two . Amanda Murphy, 24, and Jason Timmons, 29, were killed instantly in the crash on December 7, 2013, in Lebanon, New Hampshire . Murphy was eight months pregnant with their first child, a girl . Dellinger pleaded guilty in February to negligent homicide for their deaths, and to assault for the death of the fetus . His attorneys claimed Dellinger was suffering from delirium due to a 'toxic regime' of medications, including Ambien and Prozac . He had held top jobs at GE, Sprint and Delphi and had been CFO at PPG Industries .


Sportsmail takes a look at 10 things we have learned from a weekend of international fixtures and reflects on a selection of interesting rumours from the Football League. 1. Ashley Williams was on Arsenal’s radar for ages before signing a new four-year deal at Swansea last summer, but a move to the Emirates fell through supposedly because he wasn’t considered Champions League quality. The 30-year-old has made a nonsense of that verdict since with his performances for Wales. Brilliant in a defiant defensive display when they gained a 0-0 draw away to Group B favourites Belgium in November, the Welsh captain was again outstanding in the 3-0 win in Israel which put Chris Coleman’s side top of the group. While Gareth Bale grabbed the headlines, Williams was superb at the back. He gave the ball away only twice in 90 minutes – and won it back both times. Ashley Williams (right, pictured with Gareth Bale) was in impressive form during Wales' win against Israel . 2. John Terry is clearly a far more decent bloke than the various unsavoury episodes of his past would suggest. At the age of 34 and with a back that needs constant treatment, Chelsea’s captain could have done with a weekend off after playing all but four of Chelsea’s 45 games so far this season. But he gave up his time to play 45 minutes of Steven Gerrard’s All Star charity game supporting various good causes in the Merseyside area. Terry was also first to agree to play when Stiliyan Petrov ran out a sell-out game in Glasgow 18 months ago to raise funds for Leukaemia research. John Terry, pictured with Mario Balotelli, played 45 minutes of Steven Gerrard's All Star charity match . 3. Nathaniel Clyne might have to rein in some of the attacking instincts that have worked so well for him at Southampton when he’s wearing an England shirt. The 23-year-old is beginning to look like a natural at right back for Roy Hodgson after winning his third cap in the 4-0 win over Lithuania. But Hodgson clearly asked Clyne to keep his position to let opposite full back Leighton Baines do most of the marauding forward. The Everton man played 53 passes in the forward half, nearly twice the number (28) that Clyne did. England ace Nathaniel Clyne may have to keep his position in order to let Leighton Baines maraud forward . 4. Portugal might have gone top of Group I with their 2-1 victory over Serbia but new boss Fernando Santos could do with finding some fresh talent for his squad. Seven of the side that started the game, including Cristiano Ronaldo, were already in their country’s senior squad for Euro 2008. Portugal have failed to significantly freshen up their international squad since Euro 2008 . 5. There must be something about the north London air because if Harry Kane can’t stop scoring goals, the same is true of Olivier Giroud. Arsenal’s centre forward, who has 11 goals from 13 starts for his club since the start of 2015, was on

Summary: Ashley Williams' proposed move to Arsenal fell through in the summer . The deal collapsed over fears Williams was not Champions League quality . Chelsea ace John Terry played in Steven Gerrard's All-Star charity match . Terry was also the first to agree to play in Stiliyan Petrov's fundraiser .


Puppy killer Nathan Thompson has spoken out after his court hearing claiming he is a dog lover. The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to four counts of animal cruelty and as a result, has been banned from owning, acquiring, buying or possessing any animal for a decade. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Thompson made comments at his home after being released on bail saying he knew he looked 'cold blooded' but he believed he was helping out a friend. Nathan Thompson, 25, allegedly loaded 11 Bull Terriers in his car and took them to bushland at McLeods Road, Kurri Kurri - north of Sydney - on Wednesday afternoon. Only one of the animals survived (pictured) 'People are looking at me like I'm a cold-blooded killer because of what I have done and I can understand that,' he said. But he 'loved his dog' and was shattered that she was confiscated. RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector David O'Shannessy said it was definitely one of the worst animal cruelty incidents he has seen in his career. 'This is a far more significant situation where there is an element of pre-planning and a deliberate attack on the animals,' he said. Nathan Thompson allegedly loaded 11 bull terriers cross puppies into his car and took them to bushland at McLeods Road, Kurri Kurri on Wednesday, according to the Daily Telegraph.. Scroll down for video . Thompson (pictured) leaves East Maitland Court after pleading guilty to animal abuse . Magistrate Caleb Franklin granted Thompson bail to be sentenced on April 28. The 25-year-old allegedly loaded 11 Bull Terriers in his car and took them to bushland at McLeods Road, Kurri Kurri - north of Sydney - on Wednesday afternoon and bashed a number of them to death with a rock. Police say an advertisement on Gumtree was placed online last Thursday for the sale of 11 Bull Terrier cross puppies. Almost a week later, it is alleged the owner had not sold the dogs and offered the puppies free of charge to the 25-year-old who accepted. It's alleged that a witness saw the 25-year-old man begin to kill a number of the puppies, aged six to eight weeks, by hitting them over the head with a rock, then throwing them into the bush. The witness confronted the man, who drove from the area with five of the dogs still alive. The RSPCA were contacted and attended the location, before taking the attacked puppies to a vet. Only one of the animals, named Lucky, survived. David O'Shannessy, told Daily Mail Australia on Friday he was shocked by the incident. 'We deal with a lot of cases but in this particular incident someone has allegedly gone out of their way to do something to the dogs which makes it even more concerning for us,' he said. 'This sort of situation doesn't have to occur.' Mr O'Shannessy says by the time the RSPCA arrived at the scene only two dogs were alive. Nathan Thompson, the man accused of horrifically murdering 10 puppies, pleaded guilty to four counts of animal cruelty . 'There

Summary: Nathan Thompson claimed he is a dog lover even though he killed 9 pups . The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to four counts of animal cruelty . As a result, he is banned from be around animals alone for a decade . Nathan Thompson allegedly loaded 11 Bull Terriers in his car . Police say he then took them to bushland at Kurri Kurri, north of Sydney . This is where he allegedly began to hit the puppies with a rock . David O'Shannessy of the RSPCA said its one of the worst cases he's seen .


Fernando Torres says he returned to Atletico Madrid to experience the special Vicente Calderon atmosphere after scoring his side's winning spot-kick in Tuesday night's penalty shoot-out victory over Bayer Leverkusen. The former Chelsea striker, on loan from AC Milan, netted from the spot before Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling missed his penalty to send Atletico Madrid through to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-2 shoot-out victory. The 30-year-old, who left the Spanish capital for Liverpool in 2007, admits he returned to his first club for those occasions. Fernando Torres celebrates after scoring the winning penalty in Atletico Madrid's shoot-out victory on Tuesday . Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno is unable to stop Torres' penalty as Atletico progressed . Speaking to Teledeporte, Torres said: 'I'm happy to see the fans being happy from the first to the last minute. I wanted to live these nights in the Calderon again.' Substitute goalkeeper Jan Oblak had to step up in the shoot-out, replacing the injured Miguel Moya before denying Hakan Calhanoglu from the spot. On the shoot-out, Torres added: 'That was not easy as people think. We suffered a lot, which made us more cautious. When they began to break the game down we had to regain control. 'When it comes to penalties, the team with the greater decisiveness wins.' The victory made front page news in Spain with AS showing a picture of Arda Turan shouting in celebration with Mario Suarez and Miranda with the headline 'What a way to go through!' while Marca's headline read: 'The quarters as heroes' with an image of Atletico's players celebrating after Kiessling's miss. Torres congratulates substitute goalkeeper Jan Oblak following the Slovenian's impressive performance . Atletico Madrid players sprint towards Oblak's goal after Stefan Kiessling missed his spot-kick . Spanish papers Marca and AS both celebrated Atletico Madrid's progression to the quarter-finals .

Summary: Fernando Torres scored decisive penalty in Atletico Madrid's shoot-out win . Atletico progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday . Torres says he returned to the Vicente Calderon for 'these nights' CLICK HERE to read our match report on Atletico's Champions League win .


Romelu Lukaku can score the goals to keep Everton in the Premier League, according to manager Roberto Martinez. The Belgium international impressed while on loan from Chelsea last season, but struggled initially after making the move permanent last July. A total of seven goals before Christmas was fewer than Everton might have expected from a striker they had just spent a club-record £28m on. Romelu Lukaku has been 'phenomenal' in 2015, according to Everton manager Roberto Martinez . Lukaku has struggled at times this season after his £28million move from Chelsea in the summer . But the 21-year-old has scored 11 times since the turn of the year, finding the net in each of Everton's last three matches. Martinez puts that recovery down to the fact that Lukaku is no longer suffering the after-effects of helping Belgium reach the quarter-finals of last summer's World Cup. Everton are far from safe in the Premier League as they prepare for Sunday's trip to relegation-threatened QPR. But Martinez feels that the goals of Lukaku will see them out of trouble. He said: He said: 'We made a big investment in him because we always felt that he's a one-off. 'It's always tough for players after a World Cup, and Rom found it extremely difficult. 'But I've been so impressed by the manner in which he's put everything together. 'I think he's been phenomenal. His performances from January have been impressive. 'Now the target is to see that in the next 10 weeks, and make sure he finishes the season really strongly. 'Rom's becoming the type of player who needs one chance to make the difference. 'He likes to carry that responsibility, which is something that goes with your character. He's the full package.' The Belgian striker competes with Moussa Sissoko during Everton's win against Newcastle last week . Martinez has no doubt that Everton are in a relegation fight. Last Sunday's 3-0 home victory over Newcastle was only the second time his side had won in 12 Premier League matches. He said: 'Any team who haven't got 40 points in the final third of the season are fighting for every point. Make no mistake about it. 'It's a massive period of the season for us. Every point is going to be extra significant for the team.' Robert Martinez insists Everton are in a relegation dog fight this season .

Summary: Romelu Lukaku signed for £28million from Chelsea last summer . Roberto Martinez impressed with Belgian striker's form in 2015 . Everton play relegation-threatened QPR in Premier League on Sunday .


A former Penthouse Pet accused of smuggling the drug 'ice' into Australia has broken down in court while detailing her former addiction and a suicide attempt. At a sentence hearing at Sydney's District Court on Tuesday, Simone Farrow said her mother told her when she was a teenager it was OK to be a prostitute. The 39-year-old, who is also known as Simone Cheung and by her professional name Simone Starr, was arrested in October 2009 by Australian Federal Police on her return from the United States. Scroll down for video . Former Penthouse Pet Simone Farrow (pictured) has broken down in court after revealing her extreme addiction to the drug 'ice' It is alleged Farrow smuggled methylamphetamine inside bath products and 'large sums' had been transferred into her bank account. Farrow said she abused prescription drugs and smoked ice daily while in the US. 'I couldn't basically function unless I smoked it,' she said. The former model became emotional while describing her childhood, saying her mother used to lock her in a room and alleged she had taken her to a brothel when she was 17 and told her 'it was okay to do that work'. When she was 20, Farrow said she worked at an escort agency. While at the business she claimed a man whom she 'gave all my money to', held her by her feet over the edge of an apartment at Rushcutters Bay in Sydney's east. Given her mother's lifestyle, which allegedly involved bouncing between partners and taking drugs, Farrow said she thought she believed she was 'a mistake'. 'I don't have any brothers and sisters,' she said. Farrow, who suffers from a range of mental health issues, including bipolar and depression, said she's proud of being drug free for the two years and seven months she's spent in custody. The 39-year-old, who is also known as Simone Cheung and by her professional name Simone Starr, was arrested in October 2009 by Australian Federal Police on her return from the United States . On September 13, 2013, Farrow pleaded guilty to importing a marketable quantity of a border controlled drug. She denied that she was an international leader of a drug ring and claimed she had been set up. In court she said she was unknowingly set up by some employees who had obtained complete control of her bank, phone and email accounts and ran the drug ring behind her back. Ms Farrow's lawyer told the court that if buyers believed she was behind the syndicate, it was because her employees would have imitated her way of speaking in order to pass off as her. Farrow was looking noticeably less glamorous as she was led into court in handcuffs after her arrest . The Australian Federal Police arrested Ms Farrow in 2012 at the Gold Coast before extraditing her to Sydney. Prosecutors maintain that she controlled the drug ring while pursuing a career in the United States as Simone Starr. Prosecutors claim they have video footage of Ms Farrow smoking drugs and claimed in court she personally

Summary: Former Penthouse Pet Simone Farrow has broken down in court . The 39-year-old was discussing her addiction to the drug 'ice' She said her mother told her it was OK to be a prostitute . It's alleged she smuggled 'ice' inside large bath products . She said she smoked 'ice' daily in the US and used prescription drugs .


A couple who racked up thousands of pounds in debts with payday loan firms were evicted from their home and have been sleeping rough in their Ford Focus, it was revealed today. For the past two months Philip and Victoria Sherlock have been bedding down overnight in their old car, with their worldly belongings in its boot, on an industrial estate in Warrington, Cheshire. Times have become so tough they celebrated their wedding anniversary by sharing a Twix chocolate bar. The desperate pair borrowed £830 from lenders to try and cover their rent after Mr Sherlock, a self-employed landscape gardener, was forced to stop working through ill health in October. Tough times: Philip and Victoria Sherlock have been forced to live in their Ford Focus after falling in to debt . Possessions: Everything the married couple own is piled into the car after they were evicted from their home in North Wales . But with interest rates of more than 1,000 per cent the debt soon spiralled out of control. Even though Mrs Sherlock, 32, was working 12 hours a week as a shop assistant, her £6.50 an hour minimum wage salary was not enough to pay their £125-a-week rent. They fell behind and by Christmas owed more than £2,000. In January they couple were evicted from their two bedroomed home, in Wrexham, north Wales, and have been living in the car ever since. Today there was no sign of the pair at the industrial unit, but CCTV footage from a local business appeared to confirm they had been arriving after dark and leaving early in the morning. Mr Sherlock, 41, told the Sun it was humiliating not being able to provide for his wife. ‘We celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary a few days after moving all our belongings into the boot of our car,’ he said. ‘We sat there, shared a Twix chocolate bar and told ourselves we would turn this around. ‘But the days have turned into weeks. As an adult couple who want to work, it’s humiliating how far we have fallen. All I want to do is take care of my wife. But without a job, savings or a home, it’s just impossible.’ Rest: Mr Sherlock grabs some sleep in the car, which is usually based in a Warrington car park . Support: Mrs Sherlocks lays her head down - but the couple sleep in shifts so the other can keep an eye out . The couple’s problems began in October when Mr Sherlock went into hospital for an operation on a twisted intestine. It meant he had to give up his £400-a-week job as a self-employed landscape gardener because it was too physical – a job he had done for the past 24 years. 5.45am: Couple wake up in the car and head to nearby shopping centre to use the toilet . 8am: Pasty each from bakery and then head to nearby pub for coffee and to charge phones . 11am: Victoria heads to work and Philip goes to the Job Centre . 5.30pm: Dinner of baguette

Summary: Philip and Victoria Sherlock have been evicted from their two-bed flat . Couple are destitute after taking a series of payday loans to pay the bills . Forced to live in a Ford Focus in a car park after running out of money . Sleep and eat meals in the vehicle and go to the loo in shops and pubs . Pair claim that council can't help because their case is not 'high risk'