Albert Bevins died last year after being diagnosed with dementia and suffering hallucinations . The family of a great-grandfather with dementia fear he may have hanged himself while acting out a 'vivid dream' that was triggered by a TV documentary about Harold Shipman. Albert Bevins died in Eachstep nursing home in Blackley, Manchester, the day after a programme was shown about Harold Shipman, a GP who killed 215 elderly patients with lethal injections. The 85-year-old was prone to vivid hallucinations, the result of untreated dementia, at the time of his death, an inquest heard. Family members fear he may have died during one such dream, with the widower having previously been found sleepwalking and acting out his hallucinations. At an inquest into his death, his daughter, Joanne Jones, said he had become plagued with paranoia since being diagnosed with dementia. 'The only conclusion I can come to regarding his death is he had very vivid dreams,' she said. 'He always thought the family was in danger, especially his grandsons and great-grandsons. 'He thought something had happened to them in the night like a car crash and he wouldn't be consoled until he spoke to us. 'He used to live out his dreams but we just don’t know what dream he had that night.' She added she feared a documentary on television the previous night about Shipman, who killed hundreds of elderly patients, may have sparked caused her father to hallucinate. 'I thought "could he have been watching that and that has triggered something?" He would see things on the TV and related it to himself.' The 85-year-old was being cared for at Eachstep home in Blackley, Manchester, at the time of his death . Mr Bevins was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2012 and moved into Eachstep care home the following year. Despite revisiting doctors in 2014, nothing was prescribed to treat his worsening condition which had started to cause him to hallucinate. Experts told the inquest that 'important elements' of assessment were missed out during the latter visit to doctors. The former office clerk died in April last year at around 7am, with staff at the specialist house having checked on him in his room just two hours earlier. An investigation into Mr Bevins's diagnosis was launched by the NHS trust after his death. At its conclusion, psychiatrist Dr Sean Lennon from the Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust said Mr Bevins's condition, dementia with Lewy Bodies, was not treated soon enough. 'The referral wasn't responded to urgently...there were a number of delays in providing him with the care he required,' he told the Manchester inquest. 'He should have been offered treatment which may have improved the psychotic symptoms but it may well have been he could be managed by further assessment.' Recording a narrative conclusion that Mr Bevins took his own life coroner Jean Harkin said: 'His time in the care home was, by all accounts, good. 'He was very well looked after and the family here have reported staff made him feel wanted. 'It is clear from the

Summary: Albert Bevins died in April at Eachstep care home in Blackley, Manchester . The 85-year-old was suffering dementia and was prone to hallucinations . His family fear he may have hanged himself after watching documentary . The great-grandfather 'thought he was in TV' , his daughter told an inquest . Doctors said they did not treat his psychological symptoms soon enough .


Eric Joyce has racked up a £13,000 expenses bill on train tickets and hotel costs for staff – some of which was run up on a special Parliamentary credit card . Parliament’s expenses watchdog has been forced to dock an MP's wages until the election in a bid to recoup £13,000 in debts he owes the taxpayer, MailOnline can reveal. Eric Joyce, who was convicted of assault in 2012 after head-butting a fellow MP in a bar, racked up the bill on train tickets and other expenses – some of which was put on a special Parliamentary credit card. Commons expenses chiefs made the unprecedented decision to recoup the cash by deducting around £1,000 a month from Mr Joyce’s wages after he objected to handing back the cash. The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority [IPSA], which overseas MPs’ expenses, began deducting cash from his salary in February, but he only has another two months’ pay before the election. Mr Joyce, who was kicked out of the Labour Party following the 2012 Commons brawl, is not standing for election in May and will therefore still owe thousands of pounds after leaving Parliament. IPSA has revealed that Mr Joyce now owes just over £10,000 - down from £12,919.61 at the end of January. If he refuses to repay the money after leaving Parliament he will be pursued through the civil courts, an IPSA source told MailOnline. The expenses body has never deducted cash directly from an MP’s salary before – and Mr Joyce is understood to be furious about the move. A source said: ‘We are doing it and he knows we are doing it. We have these powers to be able to do it. I wouldn’t say he was happy about it.’ IPSA informed the MP last month that they would not pay a host of travel and other expenses. A spokesman for the expenses watchdog said: ‘It is unusual for us to be in this situation, but we are clear that the MP has a duty to repay the sums due and it is our job to make sure that the taxpayer doesn’t lose out. ‘We are taking payments direct from the MP’s salary to recover the money due. If the MP leaves Parliament at the election and there are still amounts owing, we will continue to seek repayment.’ Mr Joyce, a former army officer, was thrown out of the Labour party after being arrested for head-butting Tory MP Stuart Andrew (right) in a House of Commons bar . Mr Joyce confirmed to MailOnline he owed around £10,000 in claims for ‘travel and accommodation for staff’. He revealed he was being docked ‘around a grand a month’ from his wages. Mr Joyce said he was told out of the blue by IPSA that he owed them the money and insisted that they had previously signed off his expenses claims – a claim which IPSA denies. The MP said he had made a complaint to the expenses watchdog’s compliance officer who was investigating whether it was a ‘fair demand’. He said: ‘It won’t be

Summary: EXCLUSIVE: Eric Joyce racked up the bill on train tickets hotels for staff . Some of the debt was run up on a special Commons credit card for MPs . Mr Joyce now owes just over £10,000, down from £12,919.61 in January . Commons expenses watchdog IPSA docking his wages by around £1,000 . But the MP only has two pay packets left before leaving Parliament . He is fighting the claim, insisting that IPSA signed off his expense claims . Mr Joyce was convicted of assault in 2012 after head-butting a fellow MP . Ex Army major was also banned from buying alcohol in Parliament in 2013 . Fined £1,500 for abusive language towards staff at Edinburgh Airport .


Radamel Falcao started in attack for Manchester United's Under 21 side just 24 hours after being given the cold shoulder by Louis van Gaal. The Colombian striker, who was an unused substitute during United's FA Cup defeat at the hands of Arsenal on Monday night, was named in a strong starting XI which also included fellow first team stars Rafael, James Wilson and Victor Valdes. Falcao, who earns £280,000 a week at the Barclays Premier League outfit, was replaced in the 72nd minute after failing to hit the back of the net in what proved to be yet another lifeless display. Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao started in attack for the Red Devils' Under 21 side . The Colombian was taken off in the 72nd minute after failing to impress at Old Trafford . First team stars Falcao, Victor Valdes, Rafael and James Wilson started against Tottenham . Rafael showed Falcao how to it's done by chipping Spurs keeper Luke McGee with his left foot from 30 yards to cancel out lively Tottenham midfielder Kenny McEvoy's opener. Falcao now has just 10 first team games to prove his worth to Manchester United manager Van Gaal before the end of his season-long loan deal. Manchester United have an option to sign Falcao on a permanent basis for £43million in the summer with Van Gaal deciding to stall his decision for as long as possible. Falcao has scored just four goals since joining the Red Devils on a temporary deal - with his latest strike coming against Leicester City on January 31. United boss Van Gaal jumped to the defence of Falcao on Monday night by hitting out at the press for criticising the former Atletico Madrid star. Falcao was left on the substitutes' bench for the duration of Manchester United's FA Cup defeat . Van Gaal and Falcao walk down the Old Trafford touchline after Manchester United's defeat by Arsenal . 'He scored four goals and has three or four assists, so that is his contribution,' said a clearly annoyed Van Gaal. 'And he stimulates also the other players, so that's also an aspect of the profession.' 'But it is now easy for you to say that (criticism of Falcao), and that's why you are saying that. And you are very happy to say that, I see that in your face.' Victor Valdes, on the other hand, has not made a senior appearance for United since finalising his move to Old Trafford at the beginning of January, while Rafael appears to be heading for the exit door. Manchester United goalkeeper Valdes is yet to make a first team appearance since joining the Red Devils . Rafael's last appearance for Manchester United came against Yeovil Town at the beginning of January .

Summary: Radamel Falcao led United's attack in Under 21 game at Old Trafford . Rafael, James Wilson and Victor Valdes also started in strong line-up . Falcao has just 10 first team games to prove his worth to Louis van Gaal . United must fork out £43m if they are to sign Falcao on permanent deal . Colombia international Falcao earns £280,000 a week at Manchester United .


A dramatic surge by the SNP looks set to claim Gordon Brown's Scottish seat and rob Ed Miliband of a Commons majority, according to a new poll last night. The study of marginal constituencies suggests Labour and the Conservatives are heading for electoral deadlock in May, with neither party able to govern alone. The poll, commissioned by former Tory treasurer Lord Ashcroft, suggests the SNP is on course for a landslide at the General Election, winning as many as 56 of Scotland's 59 seats - up from just six at present. The poll, commissioned by former Tory treasurer Lord Ashcroft, suggests the SNP is on course for a landslide at the General Election, winning as many as 56 of Scotland's 59 seats - up from just six at present. The SNP surge would claim seats held by a string of household names, including those of departing Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling, and former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy. The Tories are also in danger of losing their one Scottish seat, held by David Mundell. At Westminster the poll suggests Labour and the Conservatives will be tied on 272 seats each - well short of the 326 needed to command a Commons majority. Lord Ashcroft said the astonishing surge by the SNP in the wake of last year's independence referendum had thrown a 'giant spanner in Labour's works', although the party is forecast to win Tory seats south of the border. Of the eight Scottish seats polled, the SNP would gain six - including four from Labour - and tie with Mr Mundell, in Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale. 'It is hard to see things getting any worse for Labour in Scotland, while things are on a knife-edge elsewhere,' Lord Ashcroft said. 'But as things stand, Labour losses in Scotland could offset their gains from the Tories, leading to something close to a dead heat. 'This, then, is the battle: can the Conservatives fight back against Labour faster than Labour can fight back against the SNP?' Labour's leader in Scotland Jim Murphy (right) is facing an uphill battle to hang on to Labour's 40 seats north of the border . The SNP surge is on course to claim seats held by a string of household names, including those of departing Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling . The poll throws up the prospect of a weak Ed Miliband government propped up by Nicola Sturgeon's SNP - she has ruled out supporting a Tory government. The two pardicts ties would have a combined total of 328 seats - producing a Commons majority of just three. Former First Minister Alex Salmond, who is planning a return to Westminster, has refused to rule out becoming a government minister in the country he tried to break up as part of any deal. And the SNP has warned that it will demand a ruinously high price from Labour, including billions more in spending and borrowing, home rule for Scotland and the scrapping of Britain's Trident nuclear deterrent. Tory peer Lord Ashcroft has carried out a series of polls in marginal

Summary: Study of marginal seats suggests election heading for deadlock in May . The SNP is on course for a landslide in Scotland at the General Election . Nationalists could win as many as 56 of Scotland's 59 seats, up from six . Labour would be left with two MPs, the Lib Dems one and the Tories none .


UK defence cuts risk leaving America to tackle the twin threat of Russia and ISIS on its own, it has been claimed. Retired British army chief General Richard Dannatt suggested there was ‘no-one else’ for the US to turn to in Europe. It comes days after a UK think tank predicted that up to 30,000 British service personnel could go leaving the armed forces with a combined strength of just 115,000 by the end of the decade. Retired British army chief General Richard Dannatt (pictured) suggested there was ‘no-one else’ for the US to turn to in Europe . Now there are fears the United States could be left without a credible partner as it stands up to a number of global security threats. Lord Dannatt, who served as Chief of the General Staff between 2006 and 2009, told the Washington Post: ‘If the UK can’t do it, who else is the US going to turn to in Europe? There’s no one else.’ He added: ‘The concern is that we’re going to fall from being a significant player to a bit-part player. ‘The UK isn’t of much use to the US if we don’t have a worthwhile military force behind us. Anybody can talk tough. But if you don’t back it up, everyone just laughs at you.’ The comments come a week after the US Army chief of staff General Ray Odierno revealed he was ‘very concerned’ about cuts in the British military. A UK think tank predicted that up to 30,000 British service personnel could go leaving the armed forces with a combined strength of just 115,000 by the end of the decade (file picture) Earlier this week, the US ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, warned of a ‘dangerous’ gulf emerging between American and European spending on defence. She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that governments in Europe needed to spend more and that cuts around the continent were ‘concerning’. A defence think tank has warned that up to 30,000 members of Britain’s forces face redundancy over the next parliament. It comes as Prime Minister David Cameron faces calls to pledge that funding for the military will be kept above the Nato target of at least 2 per cent of GDP. The 2013-14 defence budget was £34.3billion, down from £35.9billion in 2010-11, when the coalition took over. It comes after a report by the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) said it was inevitable that Britain's defence spending would drop below the Nato target in the face of continuing austerity cuts.

Summary: Retired British army chief General Richard Dannatt says there is 'no-one else' for US to turn to in Europe . Comes amid fears 30,000 British personnel could go by end of the decade . US army chief of staff General Ray Odierno ‘very concerned’ about cuts in the British military .


An 8-year-old boy crawling through a space in an automatic gate died Tuesday after being crushed by the metal arm that opens the entryway to the suburban Las Vegas housing community where he lived. The arm that controls the gate moves back and forth in the space measuring 7 inches tall and nearly 3 feet wide that Matthew Cattlet was known to play in. Cattlet was trying to crawl through the horizontal opening designed to allow the arm of the gate to pass through when the gate swings open, police said in a statement. Freak accident: Matthew Cattlet, 8, was crushed by the metal arm that opens this gate in Las Vegas . No child's play: Matthew was trying to crawl through this horizontal opening in a gate measuring 7 inches tall and 3 feet wide - something he's been known to do . He was struck after another child on a bicycle approached the gate Tuesday afternoon, inadvertently triggering a motion sensor for it to move, North Las Vegas police spokeswoman Chrissie Coon said. His official cause of death is pending, the Clark County coroner's office said Wednesday. A teenager who saw the bar hit the boy called 911 around 5.30pm, reporting that Matthew was lodged in the gate at the Village at Craig Ranch and suffered a severe injury, Coon said. Other children between the ages of 8 and 14 playing nearby also witnessed the freak accident and have spoken to police. 'Reportedly, this young child frequently crawls through the space in the gate. He was trying to crawl through the arm of the gate but he couldn't get out in time and the arm of the gate crushed him,' Coon said. Community: Tragic struck at the Village at Craig Ranch in North Las Vegas Tuesday . Dangerous: The boy was struck after another child on a bicycle approached the gate Tuesday afternoon, inadvertently triggering a motion sensor . Matthew was taken to University Medical Center in Las Vegas, where he died from his injuries. It is protocol to notify child protective services of the incident, but police say they don't suspect criminal negligence. 'It appears just to be a tragic accident,' Coon said. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: Matthew Cattlet, 8, was trying to crawl through horizontal opening in a gate measuring 7 inches tall and 3 feet wide in North Las Vegas . He was struck after another child on a bike approached the gate, triggering a motion sensor .


Patricia Baines, 62, failed to inform authorities that her mother Dorothy passed away in August 1986 and stole almost £70,000 by collecting her pension . A daughter who stole almost £70,000 by collecting her dead mother's pension for 17 years has been spared jail. Patricia Baines failed to inform authorities that her mother Dorothy passed away in August 1986. Officers found £6,000 of the cash hidden in the 62-year-old's shed during a police search, Nottingham Crown Court heard. Baines, of Arnold, Nottinghamshire, was given a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, on Friday after pleading guilty to theft earlier this year. An investigation is now under way to establish where the rest of the money is. Recorder David Chinery said he took account of her personal circumstances and decided not to send her to prison, even though her crime crossed the custody threshold. He said: 'I think you are a vulnerable lady and I am comforted to hear you now have support and are prepared to let people assist you.' Baines stole £68,211.13 between August 1986 and April 2013, the court heard. Justin Wigoder, prosecuting, said the defendant's father received the pension under the Nottinghamshire Local Pension Scheme. His wife then claimed a widow's pension until her death, when Baines should have alerted the authorities. Mr Wigoder said Baines abused a position of trust. He said: 'The pension should have ceased. This defendant did not notify Nottinghamshire local government of her mother's death and she carried on receiving over 17 years.' Digby Johnson, defending, said Baines was of good character. He added that she recently let the Salvation Army into her life to help. Recorder David Chinery told Nottingham Crown Court he took of account her personal circumstances and decided not to send her to prison, even though her crime crossed the custody threshold . He said: 'Before, she said she was okay. The reality is she was not. 'She will let The Salvation Army into her home and will accept the support that they can give. I'm confident there is genuine support there.'

Summary: Patricia Baines did not tell authorities her mother Dorothy had died in 1986 . 62-year-old given 26-week prison sentence suspended for two years .


This video shows the shocking moment an Uber driver threw a man to the ground 'in self-defence' during a brawl on the streets of central London. The taxi driver, wearing a black coat and white cap, can be seen grappling with a man next to his white car, with the driver door wide open. As the man wearing a beige jacket, who is believed to be a member of the public, throws punches at the cabbie, the driver suddenly picks him up and slams him to the ground. Shocking: An Uber driver (wearing black) was seen grappling with a member of the public in central London . Apparently in 'self-defence', the driver picks up the man and throws him to the ground on Shaftesbury Avenue . As onlookers shout out of shot, the man gets to his feet and dusts himself off before kicking the driver in the shin. At this point people intervene to stop the brawl, which happened on Shaftesbury Avenue in Soho, central London, on Wednesday evening. The driver, who works for Uber, claims he was on his way to a job when the man pulled open the driver-side door as he was waiting to allow pedestrians across the road. A spokesman for Uber, which allows people to book cabs using a mobile app, said the driver did not have a passenger in his car at the time. She said: 'The driver was not on a job - he was heading to go to collect someone. 'He was stopped waiting for pedestrians [to cross in front of him] and while he was stopped someone ripped open the car door - so he was defending himself. 'We’re shocked to hear that an Uber partner driver was attacked in Soho. We are offering our full support to the driver who has gone to the police to report the incident. Thankfully the driver in question, whilst shaken up, is unharmed.' After being thrown to the ground, the man gets to his feet and dusts himself off before kicking the driver . The scuffle happened near Shaftesbury Avenue, known for its theatres, on Monday evening . The video was taken by black cab driver Hassan Mostafa, who was dropping off a passenger nearby at the time. He said: 'I looked and saw the Uber car and a man shouting. I knew something was happening, . 'I started recording and the man came out of the car. Then he and a guy started fighting. 'At that point I had to drive off and later I saw police at the scene.' The Uber driver was called into the firm's London offices on Thursday morning and later went to report the incident to the police. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said they were aware of the video and that officers spoke to two men in the Shaftesbury Avenue area on Monday night. No arrests have been made.

Summary: Video shows Uber driver and pedestrian grappling in central London street . The pair were recorded brawling as the man punched the taxi driver . Cab driver then seen picking up the man and throwing him to the ground . Uber say driver was acting in self-defence and that police were informed . Do you know the Uber driver? Email ollie.gillman@mailonline.co.uk .


A former Boy Scout saved by hero pilot Harrison Ford after getting lost while on a camping trip has told the injured star: 'Get better soon, my family is thinking of you.' Cody Clawson says Ford is a 'genuine hero' after saving his life in a dramatic helicopter rescue back in 2001. Cody was just 13 when he lost the trail during a Boy Scout camp in a remote forest just south of Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park. He was missing for almost 19 hours and helicopter pilot Ford – who lived part-time in Jackson, Wyoming at the time - joined a massive search-and-rescue mission to find him. Scroll down for video . This is the moment Harrison Ford rescued stranded Boy Scout Cody Clawson (both pictured) in his chopper . Rescue: Cody Clawson, pictured left as a boy scout aged 13, went missing during a camping trip in Yellowstone National Park and was lost for 19 hours overnight in the snow. He shone his belt to flag Ford down . 'Genuine hero': Clawson, now 26 and married with a son, hails the Star Wars actor as a real life star . Cody, now 26, recalls: 'We had just got to the camp and started unloading and I started to follow somebody who I thought was my dad. 'I lost track of him and before I knew it I was completely lost. 'I was just 13, I was pretty scared. I stayed where I was for about half-an-hour but no one came, so I started wandering, then I got really lost. 'I was missing overnight, it had rained and snowed that day so it was freezing cold. 'I was soggy, tired and hungry. I found a cave to take shelter and curled in to a ball. 'I was so tired I slept on and off.' Cody said he prayed to be rescued and was was only comforted by his religious beliefs. 'In the night I guess I had an epiphany or whatever you want to call it and the next morning I knew where I needed to go,' he said. 'I walked for a good few miles before I started hearing the search planes. I found a clearing next to a steep rocky outcrop and started making my way up. He was able to find a cave to sleep in and navigate himself but eventually, Clawson was stuck and afraid . 'I was about to start climbing it and that's when I saw the chopper.' Cody had seen Ford's helicopter circling above him but then suddenly the aircraft vanished from view. 'I had a Scout belt on which had a shiny brass buckle and I used it to reflect the sunlight to get their attention,' he said. 'I was definitely glad of my Boy Scout training at that point, but then the chopper passed over and had gone. 'I thought they hadn't seen me, I felt terrible and got a little depressed.' Luckily for Cody, Ford had spotted the teen and had set down his helicopter on the crest of a nearby hill.

Summary: Cody Clawson was 13 when he got lost in Yellowstone National Park . He walked for hours alone in rain and snow and took shelter in a cave . Heard planes flying by, used his belt to reflect sunlight to get attention . Harrison Ford was in a chopper, spotted the teen and landed nearby . Now 26, he recalls thinking 'Han Solo just rescued me, how cool is that?' Ford 'expertly' crash-landed his vintage spitfire plane in a Los Angeles golf course after the engine failed on Thursday afternoon .


A baby, a dog and a young couple embracing each other are among the models used in a remarkable new photo series which captures people as they are drenched in honey from head to toe. Photographer Blake Little was photographing one of his subjects, who he said looked 'bear-ish', when the sweet idea came to him. Little said he originally planned to shoot the model as he was eating honey, but found it too cliche and planned to scrap the idea. That is until he became captivated by the way the substance looked dripping off the man's hands. Scroll down for video . Little said that some of the models were comfortable being photographed in the honey for an hour - others, not so much. Pictured is a baby photographed from behind as it is covered in the substance . This dog's attempt to shake off the thick honey created a remarkable effect when captured in a single frame . Photographer Blake Little has created 'Preservation', a series of photographs featuring subjects of all shapes and sizes covered in honey . Little used 1,000 pounds of honey every week he shot for the collection, and found models that ranged from a one-and-a-half year old child to an 85-year-old woman using both Craigslist and professional model and dance agencies . 'It looked like he was preserved in amber,' Little said in a video documenting his photo shoot. 'That was the whole start of the process.' And so 'Preservation', a series of photographs featuring subjects of all shapes and sizes covered in vats of the sweet, sticky substance, was born. Little used 1,000 pounds of honey every week he shot for the collection, and found models that ranged from a one-and-a-half year old child to an 85-year-old woman using both Craigslist and professional model and dance agencies. The honey was shipped in five-pound containers, and was collected as it dripped off the models for re-use. The honey was shipped in five-pound containers, and was collected to be re-used as it dripped off the models . Little said he wanted to use a variety of people with different body types to show how the honey had 'a way of democratizing' them, transforming the subjects 'in kind of a universal way'. Little said he wanted to use a variety of people with different body types to show how the honey had 'a way of democratizing' them, transforming the subjects 'in kind of a universal way'. Because the honey forces the models to shut their eyes, Little said the most important part of the photographs is how they show the subjects' physical reaction to the act of being covered in the substance. 'People react different to the experience and that creates the emotion of the picture,' he told Slate. 'Those different responses created some of the power in the photos.' Because the honey forces the models to shut their eyes, Little said the most important part of the photographs is how they show the subjects' physical reaction to the act of being covered in the substance .

Summary: Blake Little first got the idea for his 'Preservation' series when he photographed a 'bear-ish' man eating honey . He thought the photo cliche, but was captivated with the way honey looked dripping off the man's hands . He found models of all shapes and sizes, including a one-and-a-half year old child, an 85-year-old woman, and a dog . Little used 1,000lb of honey every week, which was then reused on the next model, while shooting the series . One model said she found the substance cold and 'weird feeling' but then said she felt 'protected in a way'


Beth Cowan pushed herself to the brink, living on just an apple a day. But now the 19-year-old, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, has fought back to fitness and is in the running to be crowned Miss British Empire 2015. The brave teenager even took to the stage at a recent beauty contest to tell crowds how she had battled eating disorders and hoped her participation would inspire others fighting the illness. Beth Cowan, 19, of Chester le Street, County Durham, struggled with anorexia and bulimia, at one point tipping the scales at just 6st 3lbs. Now, she is a healthier 8st 2lb (pictured) Beth has fought back to fitness and is currently in the running to be crowned Miss British Empire 2015 . During a Q&A round, she told the host how she'd love to win to send a message of hope to others in the same boat. Beth has now shared a shocking snap of the way she used to look in a bid to convince other young people not to take the path she chose. Beth, who suffered bulimia and anorexia, would spend hours running on a treadmill in her bid to shrink her body to a tiny size. Weighing just 6st 3lb and standing at 5ft 8in, she had a BMI of 13.2 and was classed as dangerously underweight. Beth said: 'I was 16 and still at school. I do not know how it started - there was no specific cause. At 5ft 8in, Claire had a BMI of 13.2 and was classed as dangerously underweight . 'I just started restricting what I ate. I would go on a treadmill for an hour and eat an apple a day. 'Then, I was in Newcastle's Marks and Spencer when I walked past a mirror and I could not believe how skinny I was. 'People used to say I looked like I was dying. I went to the doctors - I knew I needed to do something or I would not be able to have kids. 'The disease took everything away from me. It was my way of gaining some control, everything else was out of my control.' Her condition became so dangerous she could no longer attend school and had to be home tutored. Miraculously, Beth still managed to earn As and Bs in her GCSEs and now hopes to be a teacher. Threatened with the prospect of hospital, Beth started to see an eating disorder specialist who helped her get her life back on track. 'They said to me if I did not do something right now I would be an inpatient tubed up because my weight was too low,' she said. 'I used to cry at the thought of going into hospital - I was absolutely terrified.' After being scouted at the Miss Bijoux beauty competition for Miss Newcastle, Beth will now take part in Miss British Empire. It's a long way from the days when she would live off one piece of fruit a day - and she is urging other girls in her situation to seek

Summary: Beth Cowan, 19, developed bulimia and anorexia at the age of 16 . Once weighed just 6st 3lb and was classed as dangerously underweight . Now overcome her illness to compete in Miss British Empire 2015 .


Opinion has swung to the Left since the last election – but Ed Miliband lacks the credentials to take advantage of it, a major report revealed yesterday. Five years of austerity have pushed the mood further from the Right on issues such as public spending, Europe, welfare and business, it showed. Political attitudes have now returned to the same point as 2005 when Tony Blair secured the last of his three election wins for Labour. But the party still 'struggles to attract support' despite the shift in the public mood, according to detailed analysis of the latest British Social Attitudes Survey. The report shows Labour's problems may be the result of a poor reputation for economic competence and leadership and the Conservative Party's ability to portray itself as moderate . It shows that Labour's problems may be the result of a poor reputation for economic competence and leadership and the Conservative Party's ability to portray itself as moderate, said the report. The shift to the Left could also help explain the rise of the Greens and SNP in Scotland, it added. Veteran pollster Peter Kellner said: 'Ed Miliband loses more from a perception that he is not up to the job than he gains from being seen as closer to the centre ground.' The report's author, Dr John Bartle, said the change in attitudes presented a potential danger for the Conservatives if it campaigns hard on issues like benefits and spending cuts. He said: 'The general leftward shift that has taken place since the last general election suggests that arguments about the need to shrink the state, reduce waste and cut income taxes will have less traction than in 2010.' The report's author, Dr John Bartle, said the change in attitudes presented a potential danger for the Conservatives if it campaigns hard on issues like benefits and spending cuts . Veteran pollster Peter Kellner said: 'Ed Miliband loses more from a perception that he is not up to the job than he gains from being seen as closer to the centre ground' The study, carried out by NatCen Social Research and the University of Essex, is based on an analysis of hundreds of opinion polls on a range of issues since 2010. They feed into a wider study which has tracked political attitudes since the mid-1960s. Dr Bartle said the trend since 2010 was typical of that seen in the past – with public opinion moving in the opposite direction to the government of the day. He said: 'Beginning in 1964, the average left-right position generally tracked rightwards until 1980, the year after Margaret Thatcher came to power. 'The public then gradually moved left during the 1980s and remained there for the duration of the [John] Major premiership. 'The mood shifted rightwards from 1997 under New Labour and then left under the Coalition. Consequently, governing parties that achieve their party's preferred policies cut the electoral ground from beneath their own feet – a Conservative government that reduces spending and taxes reduces concerns about waste and regulation, while a Labour government that increases

Summary: Five years of austerity have pushed the mood further from the Right . Ed Miliband still cannot take advantage of it despite shift in perception . Potential danger to Tories if it campaigns on issues like benefits and cuts . Study carried out by NatCen Social Research and the University of Essex .


Diego Simeone has signed a new contract at Atletico Madrid that will keep him at the club until 2020. The current Spanish champions have long since made it clear they want the Argentine coach to be ‘their Sir Alex Ferguson’ and build an empire in Madrid. And finally on Monday negotiations concluded with Simeone’s sister and agent, Natalia, over a new deal that extends his current commitment to 2017 by three years and raises his annual net salary to £4.4m. Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has signed a contract extension at the club until 2020 . Simeone has pledged his future to Atletico for the next five years, with the aim of building an empire . The contract includes a clause allowing him to leave at the end of a season for reduced compensation . All but confirming he had received offers from other clubs Simeone said: ‘I have chosen to stay here because the club is growing. 'It is strong and that fills me with enthusiasm. In life it is difficult to choose sometimes but I am sure about the decision I have taken.’ Confirmation of Simeone’s loyalty to the club where he won La Liga last season will disappoint a clutch of Premier League clubs interested in his services but the deal is believed to include a clause that would allow him to leave for a reduced compensation package if he did so at the end of any given season. Atletico Madrid are now 20 per cent owned by Chinese corporation Wanda and Simeone has been told money will be available in the summer without the need to cash in on top players as in previous seasons. He has already made a summer shortlist of transfer targets and recouping Chelsea full-back Felipe Luis and signing Villarreal striker Luciano Vietto are part of it. Simeone led Atletico Madrid to the Champions League final last year and has been on the radar of both Manchester United and Manchester City in the past year and Chelsea before they hired Jose Mourinho for a second time. The Argentine revealed he had the chance to join other clubs, but chose to stay in Madrid with Atletico . Simeone led the Vicente Calderon outfit to the La Liga title and Champions League final last season .

Summary: Diego Simeone will pen a contract extension at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday . Simeone led Atletico to their first La Liga crown in 18 years last season . Argentine also led Atletico to the Champions League final last year .


England’s experiment of having two coaches fell apart when tension arose between Andy Flower and Ashley Giles over the need to rest the best players from one-day matches. Now, things could be different. There is a strong case for Paul Farbrace, an impressive assistant coach amid the rubble of this World Cup, to be given extra responsibility for limited-overs cricket if England are bold and pick a largely different one-day team when they move on from this disaster. The primacy of Test cricket remains an important principle but there is no doubt it has contributed to the worst World Cup showing of them all. There is a strong case for England assistant coach Paul Farbrace to be given extra responsibility . Farbrace remains a firm believer that England coach Peter Moores (left) will get it right . If England are serious about closing a gap which has become a gaping chasm between them and the best one-day nations, they need to have completely different personnel to the Test team. And Farbrace, who guided Sri Lanka to the Asia Cup and World Twenty20 titles last year, has been a calm and sensible presence here. He remains a firm believer that England coach Peter Moores will get it right - another reason the pair should be able to share coaching responsibilities. ‘It’s unfair that Peter is the one in the limelight,’ said Farbrace ahead of this morning’s dead rubber against Afghanistan. Farbrace talks with Ravi Bopara as the disastrous World Cup campaign comes to a close . Farbrace guided Sri Lanka to the Asia Cup and World Twenty20 titles last year and is calm and sensible . ‘At the last ICC tournament, I left having been head coach of the team that won it and you take the adulation then. But you also receive the stick when things go badly. We’re all responsible, not just Pete.’ Farbrace also addressed the controversial subject of statistics, adding: ‘When I was with Sri Lanka we had a lot more meetings and looked at stats a lot more than England do.’ England assistant coach Farbrace conducts fielding practice during an England nets session in Sydney . Glenn McGrath has predicted England will suffer another whitewash in this summer’s Ashes. Australia won all five Tests in the 2013-14 series and their former bowler said: ‘I can’t see England beating them and I’m more than happy to predict 5-0.’ Former Australia bowler Glenn McGrath cannot see England winning anything at next summer's Ashes .

Summary: England experimented with having two coaches but it failed . Paul Farbrace has impressed as assistant coach in an awful World Cup . He could take extra responsibility if England are bold enough to give him it . Farbrace helped guide Sri Lanka to success and believes in Peter Moores . Glenn McGrath predicts England to suffer another Ashes whitewash .


A suspect in a fatal cop shooting was found dead at his home on Wednesday but it was unclear whether he had taken his own life or been killed in an exchange of gunfire with the police. Veteran officer Michael Johnson was shot dead on Tuesday after he responded to a 911 call over a man threatening to commit suicide. The San Jose Police Department said officers were met with gunfire as they approached an apartment building on Tuesday and Johnson was hit by a bullet. He was pronounced dead at the scene. In the early hours of Wednesday, police found suspected gunman, Scott Dunham, 57, dead on his apartment balcony with a gunshot wound after they evacuated the apartment complex, CBS reported. Scroll down for video . Officer Michael Johnson, who served 14 years with the police, was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday night in San Jose, California . Police cordoned off an area in San Jose, California following the fatal shooting of veteran cop Michael Johnson on Tuesday night . Scott Dunham, 57, was found dead with a gunshot wound on the balcony of his apartment complex in San Jose, California . A witness told KPIX that the gunman was shooting from his balcony, adding: 'He just shot him (the officer) in the head with a rifle.' Police has closed off several streets around the murder scene and authorities enlisted all San Jose police resources in the search. Nearby homes were evacuated and dozens of officers swarmed the areas of Senter and Umbarger to find the gunman, while armored vehicles and a helicopter were summoned from neighboring police agencies. Residents were advised to stay inside as the search intensified, but dozens of people still gathered near the scene, watching as police helicopters circled overhead. Condolences from across California began pouring in on Twitter on Tuesday evening. The Mayor of San Jose Sam Liccardo wrote on Twitter: 'My hearts and prayers of a grieving city go to the mother, fiancee and family of the fallen SJPD officer we owe their family our deepest debt.' Sonoma Sheriff's Department tweeted: 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of San Jose PD at the traffic loss of a fellow peace officer.' Officer Johnson was an experienced police officer who had served 14 years on the force, theSan Jose Mercury News reported. HIs death is the first time in 14 years a member of the force has been killed in the line of duty. The last San Jose police officer killed while on duty was Officer Jeffrey Fontana, a rookie who was shot during a vehicle stop in South San Jose on October 28, 2001 - and a former classmate of Mr Johnson. Police officers maintain a parameter blocks away from a crime scene following the fatal shooting of a San Jose Police officer identified as 14-year veteran Michael Johnson by a reportedly suicidal suspect . San Jose police Chief Larry Esquivel, center, and Mayor Sam Liccardo (right) speak during a news conference on Tuesday after a police officer was shot

Summary: Veteran officer Michael Johnson was shot dead in San Jose, California on Tuesday evening . Officers were responding to 911 call about a suicidal man but were fired at when they approached apartment complex on Tuesday . Police found suspected gunman, 57, dead on his apartment balcony with a gunshot wound in the early hours of Wednesday .


An educational centre at Cambridge University nearly lost two 'irreplaceable' artefacts after they were taken by an oblivious tourist who thought they were souvenirs. The Japanese artefacts – a wooden plaque and replica school textbook – went missing from the Kaetsu Educational and Cultural Centre last Saturday as it hosted a Japan Day celebration. The replicas were loaned to the university from a museum in Japan, marking the first time they had ever been taken out of the country. Punt boats carry tourists on the river Cam past King's College at Cambridge University . Staff launched a search after they noticed the precious objects were missing. They eventually found the tourist who had mistaken the artefacts for souvenirs and returned them with an apology. University officials said the textbook is a replica of those used in Japanese schools during World War II. During the war residents of the island of Okinawa – a key battleground for Japanese and American forces – were forced to speak the Japanese language the rest of the country used, rather than their own dialect, for the purposes of unification. The Japanese artefacts were taken by a tourist during a Japan Day celebration at Cambridge University . As punishment, those who spoke their native tongue were forced to wear the wooden plaque around their neck. The artefacts are now being returned to the Peace Memorial Museum in Okinawa. Peter Roberts-Taira, the education centre's director, said he was relieved when he found out that the artefacts had been recovered. He said: ‘It's the first time these items have ever been out of Japan, so the museums themselves were taking a risk. University officials said they located the tourist and the artefacts were returned with an apology (file photo) ‘It was Saturday, right at the very end of the day when everyone was packing away that we realised they had gone. ‘One was a wooden plaque with some Japanese on it, the other was a maths book which children had in their classrooms.’ He added: ‘You wouldn't know they were valuable to look at, so maybe somebody just though they could take them. ‘The message went out wider to people who asked their friends, and apparently they discovered a friend of a friend had thought those things were possible to take away as souvenirs. ‘They are irreplaceable, if they are gone, they are gone forever. It's very, very special to have them at all.'

Summary: Artefacts were on display at the Kaetsu Educational and Cultural Centre . Staff launched a search for the wooden plaque and replica textbook . They were loaned to the university by Okinawa's Peace Memorial Museum . Tourist returned the artefacts and offered an apology to staff .


Alex Baah was jailed for 18 years today for a horrific series of rapes on a 13-year-old girl . A sex attacker who repeatedly raped a 13-year-old was jailed for 18 years today. Ghanaian Alex Baah, of south-east London, paid the girl £2 after each assault, the Old Bailey heard. The 42-year-old raped the girl at an address near Croydon and sent her perverted text messages, the court was told. The victim finally complained to police in August 2013 when she was aged 15. Jobless Baah denied touching the girl and claimed she had planted evidence and stole his mobile to send the messages. But the jury convicted him of five counts of rape committed between 2010 and 2013. The jury failed to reach verdicts on a further two counts of raping the girl when she was eleven and those charges were dropped. Judge Simon Farrell told the father-of-three his behaviour was ‘wicked'. He said: ‘This was a terrible case. The damaged caused to this girl is incalculable.' The judge added: ‘Rape of a child is a particularly serious offence and calls for severe punishment.’ The girl, who cannot be identified, told how Baah would give her money after he raped her. After an attack in early August 2013, she turned up unexpectedly at her aunt’s house in floods of tears. Her aunt said: ‘As soon as she arrived at my house she walked through the door and said: “He’s been touching me”. ‘I called her mother and she managed to get hold of her first but she was hysterical and wasn’t talking clearly. Then she showed me the text messages.' Baah’s name had been was saved in the girl’s phone under ‘P****’, the court heard. Traces of Baah’s DNA were found on the girl’s clothes during a medical examination after she alerted police. Giving evidence Baah claimed: ‘I don’t know how it got there, but the only way I can think is she go to the bathroom and use it against me.’ He also tried to argue that text messages sent from his phone may have been an attempt to set him up. Baah, of Plumstead, denied two counts of raping a child under the age of 13 and five counts of rape of the same victim between 2008 and 2013. In addition to his jail term, the judge passed a sexual offences prevention order which bans Baah from wilfully being in the presence of a girl under the age of 16. He waved at relatives in the public gallery as he was led to the cells. A judge at the Old Bailey told Baah: ‘This was a terrible case. The damaged caused to this girl is incalculable'

Summary: Unemployed Ghanaian sent girl perverted text messages before rapes . He denied the allegations against him, accusing the girl of setting him up . But jury today convicted him of five counts of rape and he was jailed . Judge told him: 'The damage caused to this girl is incalculable'


The bassist in a popular indie band has ruled himself out of the group's upcoming tour after he literally shot himself in the foot. Nick Gardner from Perth ensemble San Cisco was on a friend's farm taking some time out last week to hunt pests when the unfortunate incident occurred. The band member was with a friend near the West Australian town of Collie, about 200 kilometres south of Perth, when they were driving through rough terrain and the gun went off. The bass player in Perth band San Cisco has ruled himself out of the first leg of the band's upcoming tour after he literally shot himself in the foot . 'As we were driving through an exceptionally rough paddock, I reached down to stop the gun from bouncing around and before I knew it, it had gone off,' Gardner said. 'The bolt had slid down and the jolting had triggered the gun. Somewhat of a freak accident. I realised I had been shot and ripped off my boot and sock to reveal a hole in my foot and blood everywhere. Gardner then explained the mate he was with, Isaac, quickly jumped into action grabbing his first aid kit and bandaging his friend's foot up. The gun went off accidentally while the bassist was in the car on the way to hunt pests . 'He then started driving towards the nearest hospital, which was 100kms away. I passed out in shock and came to shaking and being yelled at. 'By the time we got to the hospital I was calm, but in excruciating pain. The doctors got morphine into me and put me in an ambulance headed for a bigger hospital,' he continued. 'I eventually made it to the Perth hospital where a specialist has done a great job putting my foot back together.' San Cisco (Nick Gardner is pictured left) kick off their international tour across the US, Mexico and Europe later this month . Although the bassist is now on the mend, he will miss the first leg of San Cisco's tour, which sees them hit the US and Mexico before heading to Europe. Gardner said he's devastated to be missing the band's first festival in Mexico, but will rejoin San Cisco in Europe 'when I'm not completely knocked out by painkillers'. 'However I know the band will do me proud and there will still be the same show, just without my embarrassing dancing!,' he added. This news comes ahead of the release of the band's latest album, Gracetown this Friday March 6.

Summary: WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT BELOW . Bassist for San Cisco Nick Gardner shot himself in the foot last week . He has been ruled out of the Perth band's upcoming US and Mexico tour . Gardner was on the way to hunt pests with a friend when the gun went off . He will rejoin the band on their tour when they hit Europe later this month .


Javier Hernandez has voiced his disappointment over a lack of playing time at Real Madrid. The Mexico international, nicknamed Chicharito, joined the European champions last summer on a season-long loan from Manchester United and has made just one Primera Division start. Real have an option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season but the 26-year-old forward is unlikely to remain at the Bernabeu stadium. Javier Hernandez says his lack of playing time has been frustrating since he joined Real Madrid on loan . First team opportunities have been thin on the ground for the Manchester United striker during his loan . 'My situation is frustrating,' Hernandez said in an interview with Fox Sports which will air on Monday evening. 'I cooperate, I help and give my 100 per cent in training but in the games the opportunities are slim. 'I'm in a team but left out of what is important, which are the games. 'At times my confidence is rock bottom although I try for it to be sky high, thanks to the people that are always there with me and support me.' Hernandez, who joined United from Chivas de Guadalajara in 2010, feels he has delivered for Real when called upon. He has scored three goals and provided one assist in 13 league appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's side. Hernandez, who scored for Mexico in a friendly this week, has just three La Liga goals this season . The Mexican left Manchester United to get first team football after the arrival of Radamel Falcao . 'The most important thing is to have opportunities and feel confidence in yourself,' Hernandez said. 'Whenever they (Real) have placed their confidence in me, the numbers have been positive.' Hernandez opted to leave United last summer after falling down in the pecking order following the arrival of Radamel Falcao to Old Trafford from Monaco. He is under contract with the Red Devils until June 2016. Hernandez is currently on international duty with Mexico and he started and scored in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Ecuador in an international friendly in Los Angeles.

Summary: Javier Hernandez has played just 13 times during loan spell in Madrid . Mexico striker admits 'my situation is frustrating' Hernandez has scored three goals, but says he delivers when given chance . Striker had been unable to force his way into the Manchester United team . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news .


Prime Minister Tony Abbott has defended himself against the suggestion in a live radio interview that he is guilty of bullying behaviour. ABC radio host Jon Faine probed Tony Abbott while the prime minister was on his way an anti-bullying conference in Melbourne on Friday morning. Mr Faine questioned Mr Abbott's credibility on speaking about the topic when he had been accused of being a bully himself. Prime Minister Tony Abbott 9left) has been grilled in a scathing radio interview with ABC radio host Jon Faine (right) Mr Abbott released a video this week addressing Australian youths and pledging his allegiance to victims of bullying. 'What credibility do you have on bullying - you've been accused of it so often yourself?' Mr Faine asked. 'You yourself admit you have an aggressive streak - isn't that the core of bullying?' Mr Abbott responded by saying the comment was 'without foundation.' 'Obviously when I feel strongly about things I argue strongly for them but of the things I've always tried to do is give credit where it's due,' Mr Abbott told Mr Faine. In another segment, the broadcaster asked the prime minister about a string of controversial comments. He mentioned Mr Abbott's recent comment about Aboriginal people living in remote communities as being 'lifestyle choices' and his comparing of Labor leader Bill Shorten to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebells. 'Mr Abbott, for a Rhodes scholar, how come you say so many stupid things?' he asked. Mr Faine questioned the Prime Ministers credibility in adressing bullying, being an accused bully himself . In another segment, the Prime Minister was asked why he continues to make ill-advised comments despite his esteemed education . 'All of us from time to time in the heat of debate, and you know how heated the Parliament can get, sometimes can go too far,' Mr Abbott said. It comes after Mr Abbott sparked outcry on Thursday when he likened Labour Party leader Bill Shorten to the Germany WWII propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. One month earlier, Abbott had referenced the Nazi's another time when he claimed job losses in the Defence industry under the former Labor government amounted to a 'Holocaust of jobs'. Last week, Mr Abbott prompted furore for indigenous communities when he backed a plan in to close more than 100 remote communities saying 'what we can't do is endlessly subsidise lifestyle choices'.

Summary: ABC broadcaster interviewed Mr Abbott before an anti-bullying conference . He said Mr Abbott had been accused of being a bully himself . He also grilled the Prime Minister about a string of ill-advised comments . Mr Abbott defended himself, saying the bullying allegation was 'without foundation'


Alex Bruce has defended his dad Steve over the touchline bust-up with Gus Poyet – a spat which could yet land the two managers in trouble with the Football Association. The FA were last night going through referee Mike Dean's report of the unsavoury incident - which came during Tuesday's 1-1 draw between Hull and Sunderland at the KC Stadium – and could decide to bring charges against the pair. Poyet protested at Dean's decision to book Jack Rodwell for diving by kicking over a drinks carrier. He was sent to the stands by Dean before sarcastically applauding in Bruce's face and directing a comment which the Tigers boss later said was 'not very pleasant'. Hull City boss Steve Bruce (left) was involved in a touchline row with Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet . The two men argued after Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell was booked for simulation . Steve Bruce's son Alex (left) did not appear to make contact with Rodwell (right), who fell to the floor . That provoked a reaction from Bruce, who had to be restrained by the assistant referee as he attempted to get at the Uruguayan. Bruce Jnr was the defender who challenged Rodwell before the dive which sparked the clash, and he said: 'I didn't touch him. If that's what Gus was unhappy about then he was wrong, because I didn't touch him. He was just too quick for me.' Bruce has also attempted to play down the subsequent confrontation between his dad and Poyet. 'It was just handbags,' he said. 'In games like that there's always going to be a bit of a hoo-ha. It was a big game that everyone wants to win. 'Temperatures were high and I'm sure all the supporters enjoyed it.' Meanwhile, Bruce has accused Rodwell of using his arm to score Sunderland's late equaliser. 'I saw it. I was claiming for it when he put it in,' he said. 'To be honest, I thought it was going in anyway. He didn't need to touch it but he definitely put it in with his arm as it went in. 'We can't be too down about it. At least we weren't been beaten, that's the main thing, and that point could yet be crucial.' The incident during Hull's 1-1 draw with Sunderland could see both men punished by the FA . Alex Bruce has since attempted to play down the row between his father and Poyet . The 1-1 draw leaves both sides still fighting for their Premier League survival this season . Hull are 15th in the table with 27 points while Sunderland are just one point behind them in 16th . The pressures of a relegation battle are stressful for any manager and Bruce is no exception .

Summary: Steve Bruce and Gus Poyet were involved in a touchline altercation . The incident happened during Hull City's 1-1 draw with Sunderland . Both men could face potential sanctions from the Football Association . Poyet had sarcastically applauded the decision to book Jack Rodwell . Alex Bruce has played down the row between his father and Poyet .


Curiosity - or greediness - almost got the better of this brazen cat. Denis Ovcharenko from Russia filmed his kitten Marquise jumping up on a desk in a bid to get his paws on a couple of ice cream sandwiches. Footage shows the feline mischievously tiptoeing backwards as he hauls away one of the frozen treats to demolish. But as he retreats, he fails to realize he's reached the desk's edge. Suddenly his back feet go and then his entire body disappears from view as he tumbles to the ground. The ice cream sandwich is left upturned on the wooden counter top with a small bite missing. Marquise's owner can be heard laughing as he watches the scene unfold. But never fear; it appears that the Himalayan cat lived to tell the tail. A video uploaded to YouTube after the ice cream sandwich incident shows the pet seemingly dancing on his back legs to a power ballad. Up to no good: Denis Ovcharenko from Russia filmed his kitten Marquise jumping up on a desk in a bid to get his paws on a couple of ice cream sandwiches . Greedy: The cat is seen mischievously tiptoeing backwards as he hauls away one of the frozen treats . Faux pas: But as he retreats, Marquise fails to realize he's reached the desk's edge . Going, going, gone: Suddenly his back feet go and then his entire body disappears from view as he tumbles to the ground . Set to melt: The ice cream sandwich is left upturned on the wooden counter top with a small bite missing . Comedic timing: Marquise's owner can be heard laughing as he watches the scene unfold .

Summary: Denis Ovcharenko from Russia filmed his kitten Marquise up to mischief . It appears that the Himalayan cat lived to tell the tail .


It's an age-old adage, but looking on the bright side of life can be good for your health, scientists said today. Adopting a positive mental attitude lowers the risk of suffering a heart attack, requiring surgery and even death. That is according to a new study by a group of scientists at University College London. The research found after suffering a heart attack or angina, the most pessimistic patients were twice as likely to suffer a more serious health condition in the next four years, compared with the most optimistic patients. These conditions include a more severe heart attack, heart surgery or death. A new study by researchers at University College London has found optimists are less likely to suffer a heart attack, heart surgery or die in the years after suffering an initial heart attack or angina . In the UK, 2.3 million people are living with coronary heart disease, the major cause of heart attacks and unstable angina ( the type that doesn't occur upon exertion but strikes randomly, and persists even at rest). Meanwhile in the US, around 375,000 people die each year from coronary heart disease. Scientists surveyed the mental attitudes of 369 patients, who were admitted to hospital with unstable angina and heart attacks. They monitored the patients' health over the next 46 months. Led by British Heart Foundation professor Andrew Steptoe, the team noted their findings could be linked to a number of physical and psychological impacts of being optimistic. Half of the most pessimistic patients who smoked were still smoking one year after going into hospital. In contrast, 85 per cent of the optimistic smokers had quit their habit entirely, a year on. Smoking has long been known to be a major risk factor for heart attack and angina, with an estimated 22,000 deaths each year from cardiovascular disease linked to smoking. The research comes ahead of No Smoking Day next Wednesday, when the British Heart Foundation will call on smokers to quit for good. The study also showed that optimistic patients are more likely to increase their consumption of fruit and vegetables, a year after their heart attack or angina. The study found pessimists were more likely to smoke and live an unhealthy lifestyle - factors linked to poor heart health . Forty per cent with a positive outlook were eating the recommended five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Meanwhile only 20 per cent of the most pessimistic patients were eating the required amounts, 12 months after their hospital admission. Lead author of the research, Professor Steptoe, said: 'Our research shows that optimistic people are more likely to take advice about lifestyle changes on board, like quitting smoking and eating more healthily – this results in better outcomes after a patient suffers from unstable angina or a heart attack. 'Our findings could be used to identify pessimistic patients and encourage them to make the necessary changes to their lifestyle that can ultimately lead to better health.' Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the BHF, said: 'The next steps for

Summary: UCL study shows optimists were less likely to suffer a heart attack or die . Looked at heart attack patients and those diagnosed with unstable angina . Found pessimists were twice as likely to suffer a second, severe heart attack, heart surgery or die up to four years after their first illness .


Adam Bojelian, 15, won international fame after writing poems through blinking, has died . A paralysed schoolboy who won international fame after he painstakingly composed poems letter by letter through blinking has died at the age of 15. Adam Bojelian from Edinburgh was born with cerebral palsy and lost all ability to move his body at just ten months old, leaving blinking as his only form of communication. His mother Zoe, 54, would watch as he used his eyelids to indicate the correct letter while she went through the alphabet, before publishing his compositions online. Fans from all over the world were touched by the schoolboy's poetry and even celebrities, including Hollywood star Ewan McGregor, have championed his work. One of his poems about Christmas was even turned into an iTunes hit by a professional composer in 2012 and he won a Brit Writers' Award and a Blue Peter Gold Badge for his poetry. Mrs Bojelian, who announced Adam's death on social media this week, previously explained how she noticed his special way of communicating when he was a toddler. She said: 'Adam was about one when he went to a playgroup for children with disabilities. They used to sing "If You're Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands". 'Adam couldn't clap his hands, but I noticed every time they said "clap your hands" he blinked. 'As time went on it became clearer he was blinking when we asked him questions, and as he got older he counted by blinking. Over time it became obvious that's what he was doing.' Just a day before he died, Adam had been given an Inspirational Champion award by charity group Young Epilepsy for his work representing young people with the condition. Adam, pictured left with his mother Zoe, had cerebral palsy and lost all ability to move his body at just ten months old. His mother realised he could communicate by blinking when he was at playschool . Mrs Bojelian posted a photo of the award being presented to him at his hospital bed on social media. This rhyme is a puzzle, as you will see, . This rhyme tells what a good leader should be, . A good leader respects the young and the old, . A good leader observes and is prepared to be bold, . A good leader is brave and will try something new, . A good leader works hard and gives praise when its, . A good leader expects the best from all staff, . A good leader brings happiness and shares in a laugh, . A good leader supports patients and gives them the best, . A good leader teaches staff to be ahead of the rest, . A good leader explains if something goes a miss, . A good leader rejoices in times of great bliss, . If you study this rhyme and look very close, . You'll discover the leader I admire most. Since announcing his death tributes have poured in from NHS staff, politicians and charity workers who had come to know his story. Dr

Summary: Adam Bojelian was born with cerebral palsy and couldn't physically speak . His only way of communicating was blinking and used this to write poems . Mother Zoe Bojelian would say alphabet and he indicated the correct letter . He had fans from around world including Scottish actor Ewan McGregor . Mrs Bojelian, 54, announced Adam's death through social media this week .


A bond between two longtime family friends has deepened after both Michigan men received organs from the same donor. Fred Nelis, 60, of Holland, got a new heart, while 67-year-old Gordon Veldman of Pentwater, got a new pair of lungs. The operations were held at the exact same time at a Grand Rapids hospital last June. Nelis and Veldman have been close friends for over a decade, however their transplants were completely coincidental. Incredible bond: Gordon Veldman and Fred Nelis have been friends for over a decade, but now consider themselves 'organ brothers' after each received a transplant from the same donor last June, saving their lives . Lifesaving operation: Fred Nelis, 60, underwent a heart transplant after living with idiopathic cardiomyopathy for the last 20 years . On-the-mend: Gordon Veldman, 67, received a lung transplant to escape a genetic disease that reduced his lung capacity to 15 percent last year . The medical director of the heart and lung transplant program at Spectrum Health says it was the program's first simultaneous friend-transplant that he's aware of. 'It's pretty wild,' Dr. Michael Dickinson told The Grand Rapids Press. 'We thought it was quite a remarkable story when it happened. 'It's nice for us because it kind of shows the growth of the program - that we were able to help both of these two friends right here in West Michigan.' Both men suffered from chronic conditions that caused their health to rapidly deteriorate before their transplants. Nelis has been suffering for 20 years with idiopathic cardiomyopathy - a progressive heart disease with an unknown cause. Then in 2013 he developed atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, and was placed on the heart transplant in March 2014. 'Organ brothers': Godron Veldman (left) and Fred Nelis (right) say they now put their heart and lungs together each time they see each other to show how thankful they are for their transplants . Veldman has a genetic disease called Alpha-1, which would potentially destroy his lungs, and caused him to develop emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. One year ago his lung capacity fell to 15 percent, making everyday talks like walking incredibly difficult. 'The end was very near,' he said. 'I probably had two months left.' Then on June 18, 2014, both men received a call - the wait was over. They were both admitted to Spectrum Health and underwent transplants, with Nelis getting a new heart and Veldman new lungs. New lease on life: Fred Nelis was a competitive swimmer for 40 years, before developing heart issues . Both have rebounded since the operations. The men known little about their 32-year-old donor, however were able to send a letter to the man's family through Gift of Life Michigan. Veldman said that he and Nelis put their new heart and lungs as close as they can every time they meet. 'We got a gift, and it's best that we treat it as such,' Nelis said. Grateful: Gordon Veldman (left) and Fred Nelis (right) say a single organ donor saved them both . To see more

Summary: Gordan Veldman, 67, and Fred Nelis, 60, are friends of over 10 years . Veldman suffered a genetic disorder that reduced his lung capacity to 15 percent and would have surely killed him . Nelis was diagnosed with idiopathic cardiomyopathy 20 years ago . Both received a call on June 18, 2014, that a donor had been found . They underwent transplants on the same day at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan . Both have rebounded and put their heart and lungs together each meeting .


Just as I can't travel to Liverpool without thinking of The Beatles, so I can't travel to Los Angeles without thinking of The Beach Boys. Their songs of beaches, baggies, boards and bikinis painted a picture of a sun-kissed paradise, and their voices sounded as bright and as laid-back as California itself. This time I was travelling specifically to discover the people and places that inspired the band. Their songs sounded as bright as a sun-kissed paradise, their voices sounded as laid-back as California itself . I started in Hawthorne where the three Wilson brothers - Brian, Carl and Dennis - were raised, and joined up with guitarist Al Jardine and vocalist Mike Love to form a group. The Wilson family home on 119th Street, where the boys taped their first single Surfin' in 1961, was demolished to make way for Interstate 105. The rest of the street remains though, its neat lawns, porches and fluttering flags reminders of the group's clean-cut All-American origins. A redbrick memorial now stands at the site of the Wilson house, with a bas-relief frieze showing the group carrying a surfboard and a plaque noting that the music conceived here 'broadcast to the world an image of LA as a place of sun, surf and romance'. Hawthorne is indeed a place of sun (263 days a year) but no surf and little romance. It's a charmless city that expanded on the back of the post-war aviation industry (Los Angeles International is only five miles away). I could see why the teenagers of the 1950s would get 'bugged' driving 'up and down the same old strip'. Hawthorne Boulevard, with its low-rise jewellery shops and furniture stores, is no place for the young. The Pizza Show added a splash of colour when it arrived in 1956 and became a home from home for the fledgling Beach Boys. I started in Hawthorne where the three Wilson brothers - Brian, Carl and Dennis - were raised, and joined up with guitarist Al Jardine and vocalist Mike Love to form a group . Now run by the son of the original owner, it retains its kitsch medieval Italian interior, with wrought iron chandeliers, tiled awnings and mock grilled windows. Foster's Freeze, another gathering place, is a blue-roofed fast-food outlet that offers food from one service hatch and ice cream from another. When I arrived Louie Louie, a 1963 hit by The Kingsmen, was playing over speakers in the overhang. This was the very 'hamburger stand' where Brian Wilson saw a girl pull up in her father's Thunderbird and had the inspiration for Fun Fun Fun. Hawthorne High School, around the corner on El Segundo Boulevard, is where the Wilson boys and Jardine attended. The Beach Boys came back to play the 1969 prom and honoured the institution in their song Be True to Your School. The nearest surfing beach to Hawthorne is Manhattan, but the best is Huntington Beach, better known as Surf City USA. Here the sand is soft, the surf is year-round, and the broad beaches stretch for more than

Summary: Songs of beaches, boards and bikinis paint picture of sun-kissed paradise . Steve Turner travelled to see the people and places that inspired the band . Trip started Hawthorne where the three Wilson brothers were raised . Other than Dennis Wilson, The Beach Boys were famously non-surfers .


They are common to all whales, helping them to propel themselves forward through the water. But this week, a cetacean with no flukes was spotted diving off the coast of Southern California. The migrating gray whale, whose tail was likely amputated after it became entangled in fishing gear, was seen adapting a new style of swimming to allow it to negotiate its way to warmer waters. Diving sharply into the ocean, it corkscrewed its body so that it could use the side of its peduncle - the area between its main body and where its flukes would be - to generate sufficient thrust. Scroll down for video . Rare sight: This gray whale was spotted diving off the coast of Southern California with no flukes this week . Contrast: Flukes (file picture) are common to all whales, helping them to propel themselves forward in water . The action also enabled it to plane and steer. Although experts believe the style of swimming could cause the whale to develop back problems, it is probably the only way it could make the migration. The flukeless creature, dubbed the 'whale without a tail' by some whale watchers, was first spotted swimming alone off the coast of Point Loma in San Diego on Saturday, according to Grind TV. A day later, it was seen diving into the ocean beyond Dana Point in Southern California by stunned passengers aboard the Dana Pride, who recognized it only when it blew a plume of mist into the air. And on Monday, the determined young cetacean was caught on camera swimming in waters off Point Vicente in Los Angeles, accompanying two other gray whales on the northbound migration. Speaking to the TV station, Captain Tom White of the Dana Pride, which runs from Dana Wharf Whale Watching, said the rare sighting of the whale proves how intelligent the creatures are. 'It just goes to show how smart these mammals are, to be able to adapt so well without a limb,' he said. 'It was migrating along fine, although a little slower than what we usually see. Chopped off: The migrating gray whale (pictured), whose tail was likely amputated after it became entangled in fishing gear, was seen adapting a new style of swimming to allow it to negotiate its way to warmer waters . Diving sharply into the ocean, it corkscrewed its body so that it could use the side of its peduncle - the area between its main body and where its flukes would be - to generate thrust. Above, the whale's amputated tail . Sighting: The flukeless creature was first spotted swimming alone off the coast of Point Loma in San Diego on Saturday. A day later, it was seen diving into the ocean beyond Dana Point (pictured)in Southern California . 'And during its deeper dives it would use its pectoral fins and swim harder on one side to spin around” in kind of a corkscrew manner. But it did not seem to be in any trouble.' The whale, which will average 40 to 50 feet in length

Summary: Whale with no flukes was seen off coast of Southern California this week . Tail was likely chopped off after animal became entangled in fishing gear . Whale, which was migrating to warm waters, used a new swimming style . Dived sharply and corkscrewed body so it could use peduncle for thrust . Mammal's incredible adaptability is said to 'prove how smart' whales are . Nearly 1,000 whales and dolphins every day die following entanglement .


Of all the terrible things a single mother has endured since discovering a malignant tumour in her breast, one of the worst was how to explain to her young daughter that she had cancer. Following her diagnosis in May 2014, 42-year-old City worker Ebba worried most about how six-year-old Lene would take the news. Her greatest fear was that Lene would be left without a mother at a young age, just like her own mother had been. Ebba's grandmother had died of liver cancer when Ebba's mother was only 10. Ebba is proud of how daughter Lene, six, has dealt with her breast cancer diagnosis . Ebba, who is originally from Germany and now lives in London, said: 'When I was first diagnosed, I had all the shock, horror and anxiety to deal with and I worried history would repeat itself. 'My grandmother died of liver cancer when she was 33 and my mother was 10. I was told she was in horrific pain and that has always informed my image of cancer.' After finding a lump in her breast, Ebba waited until she had confirmation that it was cancer following a number of tests before broaching the subject with her daughter one bedtime. 'I thought it would be the worst thing ever to tell Lene and I was worried I would dissolve into tears,' she told MailOnline. 'But I forgot that children don't have the same images of people being bald and throwing up. 'Beforehand I was very stressed and tearful at the thought of having to tell Lene but when it happened she was calm. 'She'd never heard of cancer before so her first response was to be puzzled. I didn't get the reaction I'd had from other people that something terrible was happening to me so in the end it was one of the few occasions I didn't cry when telling someone I had cancer.' Mother and daughter pictured after one of Ebba's chemo sessions when she started to lose her hair . Ebba tried to make her hairloss fun for her daughter so it was less traumatic for them both . Since her diagnosis, Ebba and Lena have found 'The Clouds toolkit' a useful resource to help them through the incredibly difficult time. Created by the Fruit Fly Collective using money raised through Red Nose Day, the resource pack provides invaluable guidance to parents on how to talk to their children about what cancer is and the treatments and side-effects involved. Designed by psychotherapists and artists, it includes puppets, photos and illustrations which help families share their emotions and gain a greater understanding of what lies ahead. As Ebba explains, children often need reassurance about issues that adults wouldn't usually consider - like whether cancer is contagious - and are most alarmed by the hair loss caused by chemotherapy. 'When we initially talked about it, Lene was most concerned about hair loss, I still remember her eyes looking big and shocked when I told her my hair would fall out,' Ebba said. 'She was also worried about catching

Summary: 42-year-old City worker Ebba found lump in her breast in 2014 . Test confirmed she had cancer . She was terrified daughter, Lene, six, would lose her mother . Worried about how to tell her but was was amazed by how Lene coped .


‘There are very few moments in a man's existence when he experiences so much ludicrous distress,’ Charles Dickens wrote about having to chasing a hat in The Pickwick Papers. But in the modern world, the same could easily be said about repeatedly forgetting an important password. Now researchers have turned to the great Victorian author to help find a way of making passwords both secure and more memorable. Researchers have turned to the works of Charles Dickens (illustrated) to generate secure but memorable passwords according to new research by US-based computer scientists. They used a model from probability theory to examine the occurrence of letters within Mr Dickens' Tale of Two Cities to generate new passwords . They used a model from probability theory to examine the occurrence of letters within Mr Dickens' Tale of Two Cities to generate new passwords. The process works by looking for two characters that commonly appear together but then generating a third letter that does not. Millions of internet users still rely upon easy-to-crack passwords such as ‘qwerty’ and ‘123456’, but many people are choosing to use more complex sets of characters for our online accounts. However, a new study has found these seemingly random passwords may be more obvious to hack than you realise. Researchers have shown that passwords such as ‘mnbvcxz’, ‘qaz2wsx’ and ‘adgjmptw’ can be cracked in seconds - and adding numbers to your codes does little to boost its strength. The analysis was made by hosting firm WP Engine using 10 million passwords recently released by security consultant Mark Burnett. They spotted that a number of complex passwords were being used by multiple people. For example, ‘qaz2wsx’ was in the top 30. They also noticed that a website called Zxcvbn scored these words as zero, or low, for so-called entropy. Entropy is used to determine the strength of a password in terms of ‘information entropy’. This comes from information theory and is measured in bits. The more bits a word is assigned, based on the number of guesses it would take to crack, the stronger the password. Other words that received a low score include ‘qwertyuiop’, ‘1qaz2wsx’ and ‘zxcvbnm’. This is because each of these words follow a certain pattern on a keyboard, known as ‘keyboard walks’. The same approach is used to generate the third character using the second and third letter and so on. The result is 56-bit passwords that look like English but are not, making them easy to remember but harder for hackers to guess. Among the examples produced by the approach from the Tale of Two Cities were: 'The cusay is wither?' and 'Ther highly to a vice of eart'. This password would be entered as they are typed above, including spaces. According to Dr John Clements, a computer and software engineer at the California Polytechnic State University who devised the approach, these are easier to remember than random strings of letters and characters that are often recommended by password generators. He said: 'Users are very bad at choosing passwords. 'Today, the general assumption - evidenced by

Summary: Computer expert applied probability theory to Dickens' Tale of Two Cities . They found the approach could generate random but familiar passwords . The 56-bit passwords are secure but easier to remember, claim scientist . He said the approach could also be used to create passwords from emails .


Cristiano Ronaldo has been said to have had a miserable demeanour of late at Real Madrid, but the current Ballon d'Or holder was all smiles while on international duty on Thursday. Ronaldo showed his jovial side as he played a prank on Portugal team-mate Ricardo Quaresma - in a move that would have taken a lot of time and effort. The 30-year-old took to Instagram later that afternoon to show off the artwork of his stunt - as he redesigned Quaresma's car with tinfoil into the style of his Nike Mercurial Superfly CR7 football boots. Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram to showcase his car prank on Portugal team-mate Ricardo Quaresma . Ronaldo re-designed Quaresma's car into the style of his Nike Mercurial Superfly CR7 football boots . Ronaldo was wearing his signature model boots during Portugal's training session on Thursday . Accompanied with the caption: 'Did you see what I did to @RicardoQuaresmaOficial's car on @nikefootball’s Snapchat?! And yes Quaresma, it’s still funny!!,' the devastating forward was grinning from ear-to-ear as he holds one of his trademark boots alongside the car. The prank didn't seem to sit too well with Quaresma, however. He posted on Instagram: 'Seriously @cristiano ?! My newly redesigned CR7 #Mercurial car on @nikefootball's snapchat.' Portugal coach Fernando Santos will be hoping his two forwards can let the prank slide and get things back on track as the Iberian nation prepares to host Serbia in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday night. Victory for Portugal in Lisbon would stretch their gap over Serbia to eight points after four matches. Santos' men currently sit second in Group I on six points - just one behind leaders Denmark who have played a game more. And the 60-year-old will be hoping his side can continue their recent good form which has yielded an 100 per cent record from their last three games including a 1-0 friendly win over Argentina on November 18 at Old Trafford. The 30-year-old (left) will be hoping to lead Portugal to victory against Serbia in Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier . Quaresma (left) will be hoping to start alongside Ronaldo as Portugal look to record their fourth straight win .

Summary: Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram to showcase his prank on Thursday . Portugal host Serbia in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Sunday night . Portugal sit second in Group I on six points - one behind leaders Denmark .


The mother of a young woman killed in a car crash caused by boy racers went to confront the driver in jail to hear him apologise in person. Kate Morgan said she felt 'numb' when she came face-to-face with Ian Edwards, who was responsible for the death of her 22-year-old daughter Lona Wyn Jones. But the prison meeting allowed her to recover from the trauma of losing her daughter, and to have a good night's sleep for the first time in two years. Confrontation: Kate Morgan, left, had a meeting in prison with killer driver Ian Edwards, right, after her daughter Lona died in a high-speed crash . Affection: Ms Morgan pictured with Lona, who was killed in May 2012 while being driven in North Wales . Lona was killed in a crash in North Wales in May 2012, when a car she was travelling in span out of control during an 80mph race with another vehicle. Edwards, 25, was jailed for three years and nine months after he admitted causing death by dangerous driving, but Ms Morgan, 45, was haunted by the crash afterwards. 'After Lona's death I felt like I was living in a bubble,' she said. 'I was completely numb for a long time. I did want Ian to get some punishment, but it wasn't particularly important to me whether he was jailed. Five minutes or 1,000 years in jail wasn't going to bring Lona back. 'Months later, when life without Lona wasn't getting any easier, I realised that I had questions only Ian could answer. When the family liaison officers were with me one day, I suddenly asked out of the blue if I could go and meet him in prison.' After Edwards agreed to the hour-long meeting, Ms Morgan travelled with a friend to Risley prison in Warrington, Cheshire to meet the driver, who was accompanied by his father. Family: Ms Morgan with Lona and her younger daughter Ella, who is now 12 years old . Sisters: Lona and Ella pictured together on holiday in Spain in 2009, three years before Lona's death . 'I was apprehensive on the morning of the visit, but it was something I needed to do,' she said. 'I wanted the crash explained to me, to know whether it had happened the way I'd been told. And I wanted to look him in the face and see how it had affected him. 'I went to see Ian because I needed answers. I had to know exactly how Lona had been killed, before I could even try to move on. When I first saw him I felt numb. I can remember looking at him and thinking, you b******. 'In that situation you're only allowed to ask three questions, but I only wanted to ask the one. He could tell that was the real reason I was there, so he talked me through the crash. He admitted he and another driver had been speeding, racing each other. 'The other car had pulled back into his lane, he said, which had made him swerve and

Summary: Lona Wyn Jones, 22, died while travelling in car driven by Ian Edwards . Her mother Kate Morgan couldn't sleep after her death in May 2012 . She went to see Edwards in jail so he could apologise in person . Said that she 'felt numb' to come face-to-face with the killer driver in jail .


Guilty: Bob Hewitt was convicted of two charges of rape and one of indecent assault by the South Gauteng High Court in South Africa . A former tennis Grand Slam champion has been found guilty of raping and assaulting young girls he was coaching in the early 1980s. Australian-born Bob Hewitt, 75, had pleaded not guilty to the two charges of rape and one of indecent assault, which were brought against him by three women in 2013. But Judge Bert Bam, sitting at the South Gauteng High Court outside Johannesburg, South Africa, said that the evidence against him was 'overwhelming'. During the trial, his victims said that Hewitt, best known as a doubles star, assaulted them during private tennis lessons when they were young girls. 'Time did not erase the crimes. 'A guilty person should not go unpunished. The scales of justice tip against the accused,' Bam said. One woman testified that Hewitt had told her 'rape is enjoyable' as he assaulted her. Another victim told the court he had touched her inappropriately 34 years ago and forced her to perform a sex act on him when she was 12 and 13. Hewitt won numerous Grand Slam events during his career in the 1960s and 1970s and was named to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1992. But his name was removed from the hall of fame in 2012, following allegations that he sexually abused girls he coached. Judge Bam said he is satisfied that the two women who had accused the retired tennis player of rape and a third woman who had accused him of sexual assault were telling the truth. The judge said the striking similarities among the three womens' testimonies showed that Hewitt's conduct was calculated. Bam initially ordered that Australian-born Hewitt should be taken into custody, but said he was willing to consider bail until sentencing in April. A decision is expected later today. Wearing a suit, Hewitt sat with arms crossed and appeared impassive as the judge explained the reasoning behind his verdict for nearly two hours. His wife, Delaille, sat on a chair close to the accused's bench. He had pleaded not guilty to the two charges of rape and one of indecent assault, which were brought against him by three women in 2013 . One woman testified that Hewitt had told her 'rape is enjoyable' as he assaulted her. Another victim told the court he had touched her inappropriately 34 years ago and forced her to perform a sex act on him when she was 12 and 13 . 'I still don't think he thinks he did anything wrong,' said one of Hewitt's accusers, who is now 45. The victim, who was in court for the verdict, laid a charge of rape against Hewitt in 2011 for a crime she says he committed in 1980. She said her former coach raped her in his car before tennis practice when she was 12 years old. A South African group called Women and Men Against Children's Abuse helped two other accusers come forward and petitioned South

Summary: Australian-born Bob Hewitt, 75, carried out offences in early 1980s . Found guilty of two charges of rape and one of indecent assault . Judge sitting at South African court said evidence was 'overwhelming'


As a Tory MP in the 1980s Harvey Proctor had a special talent. Some MPs courted attention through their colourful personal lives. Others with their extremist political views. Harvey Proctor found controversy in both. In an age before politicians were out of the closet – and when the age of consent for homosexual sex was 21 – it was an open secret in Westminster that the impeccably turned-out Proctor was gay. But his political downfall in 1987 – accompanied by newspaper headlines of teenage rent boys and spanking parties – was one of the most dramatic scandals in recent memory as he pleaded guilty to charges of gross indecency after repeated public denials that he had done anything wrong. Harvey Proctor, former Tory MP, had his home searched by police as part of a probe into historic allegations of child sex abuse . Downfall: Harvey Proctor on his way to magistrates' court in 1987 to answer charges of gross indecency . As for his politics, his views on immigration were considered so far beyond the pale that while serving as an MP he was beaten unconscious at a demonstration in Scarborough, had red paint thrown over him when addressing Coventry University, and burning papers were thrust through the letter box of his tiny terrace home in Billericay. He shared the house with his feisty mother Hilda. ‘I’m the only woman in his life,’ she once told reporters. It wasn’t quite true. There was also Margaret Thatcher. Proctor, who became MP for Basildon in the 1979 general election which swept Mrs Thatcher to power, was a lifelong fan of the Iron Lady. Proctor was forced to deny any knowledge of the abuse and deaths of three young boys to the media . But within weeks of being elected he was irritating her and the Tory high command with his strident views on migration, backing a motion calling for a ban on immigration from Commonwealth countries. Urging the abolition of the Commission for Racial Equality, he demanded the forcible repatriation of 50,000 ‘coloured’ immigrants a year, proposing a £7,000 payment to encourage them to go. He was also one of seven Tory MPs who rebelled against legislation allowing parents to exempt their children from corporal punishment in schools. And he attempted to halt the growing tide of political correctness by launching a campaign to save the golliwog. Born and brought up in Scarborough where he went to the local grammar, Scarborough High School for Boys, he eschewed his Christian name, Keith, and always went by his second name, Harvey. He studied history at the University of York, where he had his first of many brushes with notoriety. As chairman of the university Conservative association he invited Enoch Powell, who had been sacked from the Conservative shadow cabinet after his ‘rivers of blood’ speech on immigration, to make a keynote address. There was a predictable uproar and the meeting became a riot. It was a sign of things to come – whenever Proctor addressed a university as an MP he was the subject of angry

Summary: Harvey Proctor's political downfall came in 1987 following spanking claims . Pleaded guilty to charges of gross indecency after repeated public denials . His views on immigration were considered unacceptable while serving MP . He was a lifelong fan of Iron Lady but began irritating her after his election . Proctor stepped down as MP after spanking scandal and went on the dole . The 68-year-old now lives in large country house in Grantham, Lincolnshire .