Kell Brook successfully defended his IBF world welterweight title against Romanian Jo Jo Dan at Sheffield's Motorpoint Arena on Saturday night. Brook defeated his challenger in four murderous rounds before fans joined him in calling out Khan for what Brook envisages as ‘the biggest fight out there for both of us.’ ‘Who do you want to see me beat next,’ he asked. ‘Khan, Khan, Khan’ came the crowd's response. Brook's triumph and return to the ring came just six months after surviving a machete attack which inflicted horrific wounds to his left leg. Host commentator . Click the above link for Jeff Powell's full report on Brook's victory from Sheffield's Motorpoint Arena. Thanks for following Sportsmail's coverage of the big fight. It's all over and Kell Brook remains the IBF world welterweight title holder. JEFF POWELL: Brook's red shorts covered that wound on his left leg but there was no hiding place for his challenger. Dan was taking right hands to the head as if by habit and he went down for the third time from an accumulation of blows. Make that a fourth, Dan falling a split second before the bell. American referee Earl Brown completed the statutory eight count before agreeing with the challenger's corner that enough was enough. 10-9. JEFF POWELL: Brook was looking for the finish but Dan managed to weather the storm at the opening of the round – and somehow fought back. The Brook attack was relentless and Dan reeled around the ring like a drunk, yet still made it to the end of another three minutes of hell. 10-9 . JEFF POWELL: There were no signs of distress from that left leg which had been savagely severed. This time it was Brook inflicting the pain. One sharp sent Dan reeling. The next, an uppercut, put him down. The third sent him to the canvas again. Only a mix of gallantry and clinching got Dan through more punishment to the bell, which seemed more likely to have condemned him to a continuing world of pain rather than to have saved him. 10-7 . JEFF POWELL: Dan had pronounced himself ready not only to rumble but to ignore the sound and fury of the partisan Sheffield crowd. He started brightly enough to suggest nerves might not be problem but he promptly pressed forward, playing into Brook’s preference for counter punching. The home boy’s straight lefts over the Canadian based Romanian’s southpaw leads were especially effective and he was off to a good start. 10-9 . JEFF POWELL: The Motorpoint Arena was packed to the tank-full, waiting to welcome the fighter Sheffield believes can be its successor to Naseem Hamed. That atmosphere generator had to be restarted after the electric shock of seeing another son of the Steel City, Adam Etches, brutally knocked out by his veteran Belarus rival for the IBF international middleweight belt. The deeply experienced 40-year-old Sergei Khomitsky drew Etches into a clever trap midway through the third round, opening him up for the perfect right cross. Etches went down like an axed tree, crashing

Summary: Kell Brook defends his IBF world welterweight title against Jo Jo Dan . The bout takes place at Sheffield's Motorpoint Arena on Saturday night . The fight is Brooks' first since being stabbed in the leg last September .


A grandmother has been arrested following horrific allegations of abuse. Linda Brantly of Orange County, Florida has been accused of chaining her three elementary school-aged children to her washing machine with dog collars and forcing them to sleep on the floor. She would also make the children to plank or raise their hands in the air for extended periods of time as punishment. Even worse, these allegations were discovered as the three children were being interviewed about possible sexual abuse they had suffered at the hands of a family member. Scroll down for video . Horror: Linda Brantly (above) of Orange County, Florida was arrested on charges on child abuse on Thursday . Scene: Brantly, 58, allegedly used dog collars and leashes to chain her children to her washing machine and forced them to sleep on the floor at her home (above) According to WKMG, deputies did find two two leashes on Brantly's laundry room floor along with dog collars, which the children said she would attach to their wrists. The children did not appear to have any injuries. 'This mode of alleged discipline is completely unacceptable,' DCF spokesperson David Ocasio told the Orlando Sentinel. 'While this pattern of child abuse did not cause physical harm, the emotional scars to young children can lead to long lasting damage.' Out: Brantly, who has custody of the three children, has denied these claims of abuse, and was released from jail Thursday on a $5,000 bond . Brantly, 58, who had custody of the three children, was booked on charges of child abuse Thursday and released soon after on $5,000 bond. She has denied the abuse charges and the statements made by her grandchildren.

Summary: Linda Brantly of Orange County, Florida was arrested on charges on child abuse on Thursday . Brantly, 58, allegedly used dog collars and leashes to chain her children to her washing machine and forced them to sleep on the floor . The children were also forced to plank and raise their hands in the air for extended periods of time when they misbehaved . This was discovered as the the elementary school-aged children were interviewed about possible sexual abuse at the hands of a family member . Brantly, who has custody of the three children, has denied these claims of abuse, and was released from jail Thursday on a $5,000 bond .


A schoolgirl who suffers from a rare condition which means she could die at any time has written a heart-breaking bucket list. Harlee-Jae Procter, from Bacup, Lancashire, told her mother Sasha she wants to ride an elephant, ice-skate with her favourite Frozen character and be a zoo keeper. The four-year-old has spent much of her short life in hospital due to a rare condition which means that part of a chromosome has been lost or deleted. Brave: Harlee-Jae Procter, who has a condition which means she could die at any moment, has come up with a bucket list of things she would love to do . As a result the tot has been diagnosed with biliary atresia which causes inflammation of the bile ducts, polycystic kidneys and nephrocalcinosis, a build up of calcium in the kidneys which can lead to fatal renal failure. 'Harlee-Jae is such a character and people who meet her don't think there is anything wrong with her,' said the mother-of-two. 'After we were told that she could have renal failure at any time, we decided to come up with a list of things she wants to do. 'And I think she realised she could take advantage of it a bit - so there are things on her list that are possible and some things that will never happen. 'It's really scary thinking that the worst could happen to her at any minute so we just want to make as many memories as we can. But I don't let her conditions define her or how she is treated.' And the youngster - who still wears age 12-months clothes because her growth has been stunted - has already started to tick items off. Pilot Procter: Harlee-Jae Procter (left) and sister Codiee-Lee (right) has already started to tick things off her bucket list like being a pilot . List: Harlee-Jae Procter (right) who has a serious healt condition, pictured with sister Codiee-Lee. The pair spent a day as police officers as part of the four-year-old's bucket list . She has already flown in an airplane cockpit, met Elmo, and spent the day as a police officer at Rossendale police station where they organised for her to go on a police car ride, a tour of the police station, and take part in fingerprinting and handcuffing. Sasha said: 'She came up with the bucket list after we were taken to PortAventura in Spain in August by the Make a Wish Foundation to meet Elmo from Sesame Street. 'She had a great time and even got to go in the cockpit of the plane on the flight over. 'Her list is full of things - some are achievable but some will never happen. She wants to ride an elephant, ice skate with Elsa from Frozen, be a zoo keeper and meet Danny Ings. Poorly: Harlee-Jae Procter was diagnosed with biliary atresia at just four-weeks-old after she was born severely jaundiced . Little fighter: Baby Harlee-Jae Procter in hospital. She has extremely rare diagnosis of microdeletion 17 q12 syndrome which means that genetic information

Summary: 'Riding an elephant' and 'ice-skating with Elsa from Frozen' on tragic list . She has rare condition where part of a chromosome is lost or deleted . Condition causes calcium build up which can lead to kidney failure .


Labour and David Cameron's Tories remain neck and neck, despite the Conservatives being ahead in the polls . Tomorrow the Queen dissolves Parliament and the Election campaign begins. It will be the strangest Election of modern times and leaves the experts baffled. Most expected that, with economic recovery, and Cameron ahead of Miliband in the polls as favoured Prime Minister, the Tories would pull ahead. That has not happened. Labour and the Tories remain neck and neck. Only a fool, or a social scientist, would predict the outcome. The two major parties now attract a diminishing share of voters – about two in three in 2010 compared with more than 96 per cent in 1951. Voters have a wider choice than ever before. In England, they can opt for three other alternatives – not just the Lib Dems, but also Ukip and the Greens – all of whom score more than five per cent in the polls. In Scotland and Wales, there is a further alternative – the Nationalists. The weakening of the two party system makes a hung Parliament very likely. But, curiously, a small overall majority for the Tories or Labour could prove even more unstable than a hung parliament. The Tories would be at the mercy of their Eurosceptic Right wing, as John Major was in 1992. He had a majority of just 21, and used to say that he was at the mercy of 13 of them who were quite mad. They made his life a misery when he sought to ratify the Maastricht Treaty reforming the European Union. A Labour government with a small majority would be at the mercy of its Left wing which opposes austerity. Labour, contrary to Tory propaganda, is committed not to a splurge in public spending, but to public expenditure cuts, though less severe than Cameron and Osborne are proposing. But Labour austerity would disappoint the expectations of its supporters, many of whom look for rapid improvements in the NHS and social care. Speaking two weeks ago at the London School of Economics, Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP leader, advised English voters to support the Greens or what she called ‘progressive’ Labour candidates, that is candidates opposed to austerity. She hopes to create an anti-austerity bloc in the next Parliament, composed of the SNP, Greens and Left-wing Labour. That would cause problems for Miliband even if he won a majority. But, obviously, a hung parliament is more likely. The key question is whether it will lead to stable government, as it did in 2010. Many then thought, including myself, that the Conservative/Lib Dem coalition could not last. But it has, and with a comfortable majority of 78 in the Commons it has never really looked in danger of being brought down in Parliament. The danger in 2015 is that no majority coalition can be formed. Under our electoral system, Ukip and the Greens are unlikely to win many seats. That is why both support proportional representation. The SNP, which may well win many seats, will not deal with the Tories and will not

Summary: Tomorrow the Queen dissolves Parliament and Election campaign begins . Due to economic recovery, most expected the Tories to be comfortable . But as it currently stands, Labour and Conservatives sit neck and neck . Vernon Bogdanor’s books include The Coalition And The Constitution.


Mother-of-two: Jodie Emery (pictured outside Preston Crown Court) allegedly had her front door broken down at home in Lancashire . A jilted lover sent his ex-girlfriend a threatening text message before breaking down her front door three minutes later and stabbing her friend in a jealous rage, a court has heard. Jason Taylor, 21, was allegedly convinced Jodie Emery, 26, was dating another man, telling her: ‘Last chance otherwise things are going to turn sour, tell me who is there.’ Then he suddenly broke down the mother-of-two’s front door at her home in Preston, Lancashire - and, armed with a knife, began grappling with Adam Wilson, 25, who had been invited round for drinks, the court was told. Miss Emery - whose two young daughters were asleep upstairs - allegedly tried to stand between the pair in a bid to split them up, but Mr Wilson was left with a fatal thigh wound. The victim - who was barely known to meat factory worker Taylor - was taken to hospital but bled to death before doctors could save him. Preston Crown Court heard yesterday that the incident occurred on September 22 last year at 11pm - just two weeks after Taylor had split with Miss Emery after an eight-month relationship. The couple had earlier been on a summer caravan holiday in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, but on their return Taylor was said to have become upset when he discovered Miss Emery had terminated a pregnancy. Two days before the killing Taylor was at a local pub where he allegedly became so convinced Miss Emery was seeing someone else that he smashed a window and tried to punch a man who had once dated her. He was also constantly texting and phoning Miss Emery and would go to her house and sit outside watching what was going on inside - and sometimes even look through the windows, the court was told. Louise Blackwell QC, prosecuting, said on the day of the killing Taylor texted Miss Emery to say: ‘I miss you. Maybe in time you’ll want to try again’. Trial: Armed with a knife Jason Taylor (left), 21, began grappling with Adam Wilson (right), 25, the court heard . She asked him not to contact her, but later that evening he sent her another text saying: ‘Can I come for cuddles?’ Miss Emery responded: ‘you being weird then’ but he said: ‘I’m not, my head is just f*****’ and he allegedly rang his mother asking for a knife he bought during a previous holiday with Miss Emery. The court heard he was spotted cycling towards her home during which he sent her another text asking her who she was with. She was said to have texted back: ‘On my own - I keep telling you’. But Taylor then allegedly said: ‘Last chance otherwise things are going to turn sour, tell me who is there, last chance’. Emery replied ‘WTF’, and tried to call him three times with no response. Miss Blackwell added: ‘The defendant then arrived at the front door and used considerable force

Summary: Jason Taylor, 21, 'convinced Jodie Emery, 26, was dating another man' Three minutes after texting mother he broke down her door, court hears . Armed with knife and allegedly grappled with her friend Adam Wilson, 25 .


The homeless woman who was mocked in a Vogue editor's 'cruel' Instagram post that caused a storm around the world today hit back at the fashionista German princess, saying her situation is 'no joke'. Huddling inside her thick winter coat with a blanket over her lap, Maryse Dumas, said: 'It's not nice taking pictures of people living on the street, that not polite', adding: 'It's no joke being destitute, living on the street. 'Look at me surrounded by all this rubbish, it's ugly. It's hard living on the street. It's cold at night and if you can't sleep you get ill. My legs hurt and I'm losing my teeth.' Hurt: Maryse Dumas told MailOnline that the post by the Vogue editor-at-large Elisabeth von Thurn Und Taxis was 'not nice, that not polite' 'Out of touch': The German princess posted this photo on Instagram, with the caption, 'Paris is full of surprises....and @vouguemagazine readers even in unexpected corners!' It caused outrage . Vogue editor-at-large Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis posted a picture of Miss Dumas reading a copy of the fashion magazine on Instagram on Saturday. The princess accompanied the photograph with the caption; 'Paris is full of surprises and @voguemagazine readers even in unexpected corners!' She was almost immediately hit with a barrage of criticism, with Instagram users describing the photo as 'cruel' and 'tasteless'. Surrounded by plastic bags, cardboard boxes and suitcases, the 65-year-old spends her days looking at colourful pictures and drawing, as the rich and famous walk past her on the street in central Paris that is her home. Confused but good-natured, Miss Dumas said she had picked up the fashion magazine as she liked the colours. She told MailOnline: 'I like colours. I liked that Vogue magazine because of the colours. But I don't have it any more. Once I've read something I throw it away. I like colouring as well.' She added: 'I don't remember a young woman taking my picture – let alone a princess.' A long-standing member of Paris' homeless community Miss Dumas has lived on the streets for as long as anyone can remember. Under fire: Many criticized von Thurn und Taxis for posting the picture. Some claimed the photo was 'cruel' and 'tasteless'. The fashionista was back on the front row on Monday at the Giambattista Valli show (right) Hard life: Miss Dumas said that she has lived on the street for as long as she can remember. She said she has trouble sleeping in the cold, has bad legs and is losing her teeth. Help: A spokeswoman for the homeless charity, Emmaus, told MailOnline: 'Maryse has been living on the streets for a long time. She is bit confused but she is friendly. We do our best for her and we know her well' Hand-outs: She relies on the goodwill of those passing by - and even the homeless give her their belongings . A spokeswoman for the homeless charity, Emmaus, told MailOnline: 'Maryse has been living on the streets for a long time. She is bit confused but she is friendly.

Summary: Maryse Dumas, 65, told MailOnline that Instagram photo of her reading Vogue was 'not nice, not polite' Vogue editor-at-large Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis posted photo of Miss Dumas reading magazine and said 'readers even in unexpected corners' Caused anger online with users branding it 'cruel' and 'tasteless' The German princess deleted the post and has since apologised . Miss Dumas, who has lived on street for as long as she can remember, said that the princess has not said sorry to her .


Sugar is a bad word in some circles but that isn't stopping Sonic from pouring candy into its drinks. Last summer, Sonic Drive-In launched a line-up of Slush drinks with Nerds candy mixed in. They were so popular the chain says some people ask to get the crunchy little candies mixed into other drinks, like soda. And given their success, CEO Cliff Hudson says Sonic is looking at adding a second candy-drink mashup this summer, although he declined to provide details. Tasty treat: This Monday, March 9, 2015 photo shows a large Sonic Slush drinks with Nerds candy mixed in. A medium-sized Grape Slush with Nerds has 130 grams of sugar and 230 calories . In the meantime, the Nerds are still on menus as a drink add-in for around 30 cents. Already, a medium Grape Slush has 73 grams of sugar and 230 calories. Add in the Nerds, and it has 130 grams of sugar and 510 calories. Sonic, which has more than 3,500 locations, notes it also offers plenty of lower-calorie drink choices, such as sparkling water with the option to add in various fresh fruits and flavors. Drinks have been a big part of Sonic's growth strategy, with the company letting people mix and match flavors and offering them at half price between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The company says drinks now represent 30 percent of its total sales. That's compared to an average of about 22 percent for the overall fast-food industry, according to Technomic. More broadly, Sonic has been increasing sales in part by revamping recipes, such as for its chicken sandwich. In the most recent quarter that ended on Feb. 28, the company said sales rose 11.5 percent at established locations. That's following an 8.5 percent increase in the previous quarter, and a 3.5 percent increase for its last fiscal year. Order up! Given the success of the chain's line-up of Slush drinks with Nerds candy mixed in, CEO Cliff Hudson says Sonic is looking at adding a second candy-drink mashup this summer, although he declined to provide details . Success: Last summer, Sonic Drive-In launched a line-up of Slush drinks with Nerds candy mixed in - and they proved hugely popular .

Summary: Last summer, Sonic Drive-In launched a line-up of Slush drinks with Nerds candy mixed in . They were so popular the chain says some people ask to get the crunchy little candies mixed into other drinks, like soda . CEO Cliff Hudson says Sonic is looking at adding a second candy-drink mashup this summer, although he declined to provide details . Already, a medium Grape Slush has 73 grams of sugar and 230 calories . Add in the Nerds, and it has 130 grams of sugar and 510 calories .


Millions of patients will have access to a full range of hospital services seven days a week by 2020, David Cameron will pledge today . Millions of patients will have access to a full range of hospital services seven days a week by 2020, David Cameron will pledge today. Consultant-level care and scans will be offered every day to end the scandal of poor out-of-hours treatment. The Prime Minister will admit that Britons are ‘more likely to die’ if they turn up at weekends and outline plans to use £2billion to fund the move in England. His announcement ensures that the two main parties will now go head-to-head on the NHS at the start of the general election campaign. But Labour said the Conservatives had promised a seven-day NHS before the last election and failed to deliver it. And there were doubts about whether the commitment could be met without injecting billions of pounds or higher bills for agency staff and locums. The Prime Minister will insist that maintaining funding for public services is only possible with a strong economy, urging voters to stick to the Tories’ ‘long-term economic plan’. His reforms would be rolled out step by step, starting with emergency and urgent care and support services such as scans. Some hospitals are already providing services at the weekend. Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, rated outstanding by watchdogs, offers consultant-led emergency care from 8am to midnight, seven days a week. Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Trust offers services such as CT scans on weekday evenings and from 9am to 5pm at the weekend. At Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, an increase in consultants on weekend duty saw a 34 per cent rise in patients being discharged the same or the following day. In his speech at the Conservative spring conference in Manchester today, the Prime Minister will say: ‘For years it’s been too hard to access the NHS out of hours. ‘But illness doesn’t respect working hours. Heart attacks, major accidents, babies – these things don’t just come from 9 to 5. ‘And the truth is that you are actually more likely to die if you turn up at the hospital at the weekend. Some of the resources are not up and running. The key decision-makers aren’t always there. ‘With a future Conservative government, we would have a truly seven-day NHS.’ Scroll down for video . Consultant-level care and scans will be offered every day to end the scandal of poor out-of-hours treatment . Experts say weekend services are vital to cope with an ageing society. Studies also show that death rates among patients admitted on a Sunday are 16 per cent higher than for those admitted on a Wednesday. Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, the NHS Medical Director, said it was ‘inefficient’ for diagnostic machines and pathology laboratories to lie dormant at weekends while access is ‘dogged by waiting lists’. Professor Sir Norman Williams, former president of the Royal College of Surgeons, said the planned reform could ‘transform the quality of care’ at the weekend. But Labour health spokesman Andy Burnham

Summary: Hospital services will be available seven days a week under new plans . David Cameron will admit that patients are 'more likely to die' at weekends . Consultant-level care and scans will be offered every day of the week . The Prime Minister will today pledge £2billion to fund the move in England .


Joe Hart believes that Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany will benefit from being axed by manager Manuel Pellegrini. Kompany was dropped to the bench for Wednesday’s home win over Leicester City after some below-par performances. Hart knows how the Belgium defender is feeling after he was left out for seven league games last season following a loss of form. But the England keeper is confident Kompany will come back stronger for the experience. Vincent Kompany was dropped for Manchester City's 2-0 win against Leicester City on Wednesday . Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart said Kompany would fight his way back into the team . Hart said: ‘Vinny appreciates, same as we all do, that sometimes the manager will change the squad. There is no-one destined to play every single game — I’ve learned that lesson. Vinny is an unbelievable player, one of the best I have ever played with, and that was his night off. I’m sure he will be back in the team again with that captain’s armband, being one of the best defenders in world football.’ The 2-0 victory over Leicester preserved City’s title hopes as they try to catch Chelsea, but it was only the ninth time this season that Pellegrini’s side have kept a clean sheet. ‘It has not been good enough,’ said Hart. ‘We’d all accept that, myself included. It’s not just the back four and the goalkeeper, we defend as a team. I don’t set out to be brutally honest but I’d struggle to say things any other way.’ City have won both their Premier League titles on the last day, but Hart added: ‘I’m not that bothered about topping previous seasons in terms of drama. Winning the league is the most important thing, whether we do it dramatically or not.’ Central defender Kompany has been criticised for some of his performances this season . Hart admitted that Manchester City have not been playing well enough recently .

Summary: Vincent Kompany was dropped for the 2-0 win at home to Leicester City . Manuel Pellegrini said he wanted to 'refresh' the team . Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart offered his support to Kompany . Hart said Kompany would understand and would fight his way back .


A driver had his supercar confiscated by police because he could not bear to screw a numberplate into its bodywork. Tsao He refused, saying the order by officers in Taiwan would spoil the bodywork of his £270,000 McLaren. The MP4-12C, which does 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds, was seized when police saw it parked in a street bay without its front plate. A man in Taiwan refused to fit a front number plate to his McLaren MP4-12C (file picture) as he felt it would the spoil the supercar's bodywork . Mr He, 37, said: 'The car looks so perfect, I just couldn't bear to put holes in that beautiful body for something as ugly as a registration plate. 'I told them it was registered and I showed them the plate, which I keep under my seat. I couldn't believe it when they towed it away.' Police in Taichung also gave him a £230 ticket for overstaying in the bay while they waited for a tow truck. Mr He can apply for the car's return after he fits a plate but faces a fine to cover the cost of towing it away. A police spokesman said: 'The car failed to display the proper documentation and has been confiscated.' He added: 'When the owner is ready to obey the law and fit a registration plate he can apply for the return of his car but he will face a fine appropriate to the cost of towing the vehicle.'

Summary: Driver has car confiscated as he did not want to screw in a numberplate . Tsao He, 37, did not want to spoil the bodywork of his McLaren MP4-12C . Supercar was seized by police officers in Taiwan for having no front plate . Was also given £230 fine for overstaying ticket while waiting for a tow truck .


An innocent man with severe mental disabilities was reportedly shot and left to die in the streets by ISIS police in Syria. Whilst passing through a checkpoint, an ISIS police officer began to interrogate the mentally disabled man. His rough treatment and apparent disregard for the man's health condition led to the IS militant being slapped on the face by the innocent man. Brutal regime: ISIS have become well known for their extreme use of violence in governing parts of Syria and Iraq. The brutal ISIS police officer pulled out his gun and shot the disabled man several times from close range. Nearby residents were prevented from coming to the dying man's aid, forced to watch as he was left to bleed to death on his own. The man's death was first reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a London based human rights group focused on the conflict in Syria. The London based human rights group have reported that the atrocity happened in the eastern Syrian province of Deir Ezzor, renamed by ISIS as Al Kheir. Local sources confirmed that a young man, suffering from a debilitating mental illness had been murdered by ISIS. According to activists, the young man was targeted at a checkpoint inside the city of al-Mayadin. The Islamist group published photos showing a man being publicly whipped for drinking wine in Deir ezzor last week. ISIS's police force have a terrifying reputation for indiscriminate brutality, carrying out public executions, amputations and floggings in accordance with ISIS's radical interpretation of Shariah law. Local Kurdish photojournalist Jack Shahine reported that a 55 year old woman was allegedly burnt to death for not paying her taxes. The woman was allegedly named as Sanaa al-Shummari but her death has not been independently verified.

Summary: The man was shot in the head after he reportedly slapped ISIS guard . ISIS prevented locals from helping the man, leaving him to bleed to death . A 55-year-old woman was also allegedly burnt to death for not paying taxes .


A vigilante mother found guilty of assaulting two schoolgirls after she suspected one of them had upset her daughter has said she is 'not a chav or a thug'. Joanne Higgs, 33, was spared jail after punching and pushing Lilly Hulse, 13, and Dominique Nash, 15, who had intervened to help the younger girl. The mother-of-three claims her daughter Demi Knox, was subjected to an online bullying and harassment campaign at the hands of teenagers from Middleton Technology School, Manchester. Joanne Higgs (pictured with her daughter Demi) was found guilty of assaulting two teenage girls . She said she was also forced to remove her daughter from the school after she was badly beaten up in the school grounds. Miss Higgs, from Middleton, said: 'I know what I did was wrong but I'm not a thug or a chav. 'I acted on how I was feeling at that time. 'I don't think I am the victim – it's my daughter who has been the victim in all this. 'She's had a nightmare.' Bury Magistrates Court heard that she and two unknown men set upon the girls in April last year. The girls were said to have been punched to the ground. Dominique Nash, 15, was attacked by mother-of-three Higgs in the street and was left with a black eye . Dominique, now 16, said she had been trying to protect her friend from attack when she was punched . But Miss Higgs – who took to a local newspaper's Facebook page to defend her actions - said she acted on her own and that no other adults were involved. She told the Manchester Evening News she took action into her own hands after a gang of teenagers gathered outside her home and started throwing eggs at her house. She said: 'I had tried to call the police to tell them about it. 'These kids were taunting me in the street, they were hanging round my house. There were shouting abuse at me and my daughter. 'I had tried to resolve it with the school and some of the parents after the fight but had no joy. 'I just wanted them to stop harassing my daughter. She'd already suffered enough. But the mother-of-three claims her daughter Demi Knox, was subjected to an online bullying and harassment campaign at the hands of teenagers from Middleton Technology School . 'On April 1, I came home from work and there were 15 kids outside. 'My two other children were inside and they screaming. 'The kids were threatening to smash my windows. I called the police but they never came. 'I just wanted it all to stop once and for all.' Miss Higgs was given a suspended sentence of 15 weeks for each assault and ordered to pay compensation to the victims. She added: 'I want to put all this behind me. 'All I want is peace my daughter and my family. Demi has had no happy years at school.' Middleton Technology School said the school was 'dismayed and disgusted that our students were attacked in this

Summary: Joanne Higgs, 33, attacked two girls, aged 13 and 15 . Higgs claims one of the girls had upset her daughter Demi Knox at school . Higgs was given a suspended sentence of 15 weeks for each assault . But she has denied she was a 'chav or thug' and was protecting daughter . An earlier version of this article suggested that Dominique Nash had bullied Demi Knox. We are happy to clarify that Ms Nash was part of a group of youngsters standing outside a corner shop and came to Lilly Hulse’s help when she was attacked by Joanne Higgs, and was then attacked herself. She was not implicated in any playground dispute.


For the first time since April 1865 curators have brought together most of the artifacts from the night that President Abraham Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theatre just blocks from the White House. A new exhibition, Silent Witnesses: Artifacts Of The Lincoln Assassination, running from next Monday to May 25 at the theater's campus will give an unprecedented look at the 16th president's death 150 years later. The tiny Deringer pistol that delivered the fatal wound, a blood-stained flag and garments used to cradle Lincoln's head and his coat and top hat offer an intimate look at a moment that changed history, said Ford's Theatre curator Tracey Avant. Scroll down for video . A large photograph depicting President Abraham Lincoln and First Lady Mary Lincoln is displayed at a new exhibit entitled Silent Witnesses: Artifacts Of The Lincoln Assassination at the Ford's Center for Education and Leadership across the street from the historic Ford's Theatre in Washington . A large photograph depicting President Abraham Lincoln's assassin John Wilkes Booth is displayed next to the bunting flag hung from the presidential box at the historic Ford's Theatre. The exhibit is open to the public March 23 to May 25 and coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln assassination on April 14 . 'There were real people behind these artifacts,' she said. 'We'll never know what would have happened if he hadn't been assassinated, but we know the impact he has left even with his live being cut short.' Curators present the history in four acts to show how Lincoln's final night transpired. Act 1: A Night Out . Starting five blocks away from the theater at the National Museum of American History, visitors can see the black carriage that brought the president and Mary Todd Lincoln to Ford's Theatre along with a young couple as their guests, Major Henry Rathbone and his fiancée Clara Harris. In those days, presidents provided their own transportation, and this was one of the Lincolns' three carriages. A playbill would have greeted the Lincoln party when they arrived, announcing the final night of the comedy Our American Cousin. Orchestra seats were $1, while private box seats sold for $6 and $10. Starting five blocks away from the theater at the National Museum of American History, visitors can see the black carriage that brought the president and Mary Todd Lincoln to Ford's Theatre . The playbill that would have greeted the Lincoln party when they arrived, announcing the final night of the comedy Our American Cousin . Act 2: The President's Arrival . The Lincolns arrived late to Ford's Theatre, and the performance had already begun. Actress and theater manager Laura Keene saw the first family and stopped the show, and the orchestra played Hail To The Chief, drawing cheers and applause. A rarely seen violin and drum sticks from the theater's musicians now recall that moment. Theater goers later said that Lincoln looked happier than he had looked in years. Lincoln and his guests took their box seats, and the show resumed. An illustration showing the assassination

Summary: For the first time since April 1865 curators have brought together most of the artifacts from the night that President Abraham Lincoln was shot . The artifacts are on displace at the historic Ford's Theatre, where the 16th president was shot . Items on display include the tiny Deringer pistol that delivered the fatal wound, a blood-stained flag and garments used to cradle Lincoln's head . The exhibit is open to the public from March 23 to May 25 and coincides with the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's assassination on April 14 .


A heavily pregnant woman has been hospitalised in France after being assaulted by two men in what her husband claims was an 'Islamophobic act'. One of the attackers hit 29-year-old Kedidja, who was wearing a headscarf, several times and threw her to the ground as she dropped her two children off at school in Toulouse, La Depeche reports. Her husband Munir says they grabbed her hair and pulled at her veil while yelling 'none of that here' at the nine-months-pregnant woman who is due to give birth in mid-April. She is now recovering and her unborn baby is believed to be unharmed, but her husband revealed that she has not stopped crying since the attack on Tuesday morning. Brutal: Two men attacked heavily pregnant Kedidja (not pictured) in Toulouse, France in what her husband denounced as an 'Islamophobic act' He added: 'My wife had just put our two daughters to school, one in kindergarten and one in elementary school. 'Upon leaving, she met two young men. One of them grabbed her hair, pulled on her veil and insulted her. 'After the final few blows and a some more insults - including death threats - the two boys ran away, leaving her extremely shocked.' The assailant's friend reportedly stopped the attack from continuing before the pair shouted racist abuse and threatened to kill her. 33-year-old Munir described himself and his wife as 'French and Muslim' said the men took offence to the headscarf even though she was dressed conventionally in tracksuit bottoms and a jacket. Their local MP Christophe Borgel was outraged after hearing about the attack and claims that it was 'without a doubt' racially motivated. He told The Local: 'I was shocked to learn of this attack. This French woman of Muslim faith was attacked because she was wearing the traditional headscarf.' 'France does not tolerate any kind of racist attack, France will not tolerate any kind of aggression based on the religion of one of its citizens. Racially motivated: Her husband Munir says they grabbed her hair and pulled at her veil while yelling 'none of that here' at the woman who is nine months pregnant (file photo, victim not pictured) Banned: Islamic clothing has been a divisive issue in France and the country banned full-face veils from all public areas in 2010 (pictured in 2010) 'I condemn this act of extreme cowardice and inhumanity in the strongest terms.' There was a similarly violent incident in June 2013 when a pregnant Muslim woman was assaulted in the suburbs of Paris by two alleged 'skinheads' for wearing a face-veil. The woman tragically suffered a miscarriage but it remained unclear with she lost her baby directly because of the attack. Islamic clothing has been a divisive issue in France and the country banned full-face veils from all public areas in 2010 after outlawing headscarves from all state schools in 2004. But French authorities have been concerned by a rise in Islamophobia since the horrific terror attacks in Paris in January. In the two weeks following the shootings there were 128 anti-Muslim incidents

Summary: Attackers pulled 29-year-old Kadedija's veil and threw her to the ground . They also pulled a knife on her and threatened to kill her as they escaped . Baby is unharmed but her husband says she has not stopped crying since . French authorities are concerned about increase in Islamophobic attacks . 128 incidents were registered in two weeks after January attacks in Paris .


Geraldine Alcorn, 28, faces multiple charges for 'obsessively' texting an 11-year-old student . An 'obsessed' elementary school teacher has been arrested after deluging an 11-year-old student 2,400 text messages, gifts and coded notes in her homework in an attempt to get the girl to run away with her, police say. Investigators do not believe that 28-year-old Geraldine Alcorn's interest in the girl was sexual - instead she wanted to steal the child away from her parents and adopt her. The former teacher at Beechwood Elementary School in Pittsburgh continued to contact the student even after she was suspended and told she was being investigated for her behavior by police and Pittsburgh Public Schools, detectives say. Alcorn was arraigned last week on charges of child luring, corruption of minors and attempting to interfere with custody of the child. She was jailed after being unable to post $100,000 bond. She and the girl exchanged 2,400 text messages in the two weeks before the mother discovered the messages, letters and items the teacher gave her, police said. 'On February 13, 2015, school staff were made aware of concerns that a teacher had developed an improper attachment with a Pittsburgh Beechwood student,' Pittsburgh Public Schools spokeswoman Merecedes Howze said Wednesday. 'In keeping with the school district's procedures, the teacher was immediately placed on suspension while those claims were investigated.' Alcorn resigned March 2, Howze said. Police say Alcorn still tried to contact the girl after that despite knowing police and school officials were investigating and having been warned by police to not contact the student. Alcorn was arrested outside her home and held on $100,000 bail over the texting, which took place over the course of several weeks earlier this year . Alcorn continued to contact the student even after she was forced to resign and warned to stay away from the 11-year-old, police say . Alcorn returned to the school on Friday, March 13, to collect her personal belongings, and on the following Monday, the girl found 'gifts and several letters, some encrypted, in her locker and desk,' according to the criminal complaint. 'The letters, written by Alcorn, instructed the 11-year-old female to contact her.' Alcorn hid her phone number on a math worksheet by telling the girl to dial numbers that had been circled, police said. The girl's mother told police Alcorn had visited their home without permission while the mother was working. The mother then found 21 stickers and letters in the girl's school binder, plus two letters the girl wrote to Alcorn with three headings: 'Things Ms. Alcorn and I can do,' 'what we can do,' and 'when we can do it,' the complaint said. The girl told police she and Alcorn kept their relationship secret and, authorities said, after the 'hundreds and hundreds of text messages and several gifts, Alcorn was able to lure the 11-year-old female into her house.' Among other things, Alcorn discussed adopting the girl or taking her from her home, police said. After that, according to the complaint, Alcorn told the girl 'they would 'be on the

Summary: Geraldine Alcorn was charged with child luring, corruption of minors and attempting to interfere with custody of a child . She sent the girl messages encoded in her math homework, police say . They believe her interest in the child was not sexual, but it was obsessive .


A woman was left almost unrecognisable amid claims she was savagely beaten and raped by her ex-lover - when she refused to marry him. Viri Benitez, from Tapachula in Mexico's south-eastern state of Chiapas, said she was getting ready to go to work when Fred Monoz Nataren, 25, turned up at her house demanding to see her. The 23-year-old claims that Nataren then went 'mental', grabbing her by the hair and bundling her into his car when she refused his offer of a lift. Viri Benitez (left) says her horrific facial injuries (right) were caused by ex-boyfriend Fred Monoz Nataren when she refused to marry him . Ex-boyfriend: Ms Benitez says Nataren (pictured) grabbed her by the hair and bundling her into his car before driving her to an empty garage . Ms Benitez said: 'I had finished with him a few weeks earlier because he was violent and I didn't want to marry him. 'When he arrived at my house I told him I was going to work and when he offered to take me and when I refused he went mental.' Nataren is alleged to have driven Ms Benitez to an empty garage before breaking her nose and battering her with a dumbbell until she almost passed out. Horrific: The injuries suffered by Ms Benitez (pictured in hospital) made her almost unrecognisable . Nataren (left) is alleged to have driven Ms Benitez (right) to an empty garage before, breaking her nose and battering her until she almost passed out . Accused: Ms Benitez said her ex-boyfriend raped her as she lay in a pool of her own blood at the empty garage . She said: 'As he was beating me he was saying he was going to destroy my face so that no one would want to be with me. 'He accused me of humiliating him. I begged him to stop but he just hit me harder until I was half-unconscious.' He is then accused of raping her as she lay in a pool of her own blood. Viri Benitez, pictured with friends, as started a Facebook campaign in a bid to track Nataren down . Police have launched a manhunt for Nataren and say it is 'only a matter of time' until they find him . Nataren has been accused of battering Ms Benitez with a dumbbell until she almost passed out . Ms Benitez said she ran to a nearby restaurant after the alleged attack. The picture shows her gruesome injuries . 'When he had finished he went outside and I gathered together enough strength to run to a nearby restaurant where some people helped me,' she added. Police have launched a manhunt for Nataren and Ms Benitez has started a Facebook campaign in a bid to track him down. The Facebook page has over 6,000 likes and carries photos of Nataren along with pictures of supporters holding banners saying: 'Viri's Case.' A police spokesman said: 'An arrest warrant has been put out for the man and it will only be a matter of time until we find

Summary: Viri Benitez, 23, claims she was brutally attacked by Fred Monoz Nataren . He allegedly kidnapped Ms Benitez before battering her with a dumbell . The 25-year-old was also accused of raping Ms Benitez in an empty garage . Police in Tapachula, Mexico say they have launched a manhunt for Nataren . WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT .


If you dream of living on a houseboat or barge but can't imagine giving up some of your mod cons, this floating home may be the answer. The solar-powered Water Nest 100 can be placed on any lake or river and is completely powered by solar energy. It was developed for London-based EcoFloLife by Italian architect Giancarlo Zema and has enough space to accommodate a family of four with two bedrooms. The solar-powered Water Nest 100 can be placed on any lake or river and is completely powered by solar energy. It was developed for London-based EcoFloLife by Italian architect Giancarlo Zema and has enough space to accommodate a family of four with two bedrooms . The largest model of the circular house measures 39 ft (12 metres) in diameter and 13 ft (4 metres) tall, with 1,076 square feet (100 square metres) of floor space plus balconies. Other homes can be made to order in both 649 square feet (60 square metre) and 861 square feet (80 square metre) versions. Mr Zema said: 'The inspiration came from observing the water nests of water birds about the globe in which they can reside and increase their young children in comprehensive harmony with nature.' The largest model measures 39 ft (12 metres) in diameter and 13 ft (4 metres) tall, with 1,076 square feet (100 square metres) of space plus balconies. Other homes can be made to order in both 649 square feet (60 square metre) and 861 square feet (80 square metre) versions . The floating home (pictured) is made out of locally sourced material and up to 98% water-resistant recycled supplies. Bathroom and kitchen skylights are located on the wooden roof, as are 649 square feet (60 square metres) of amorphous photovoltaic panels capable of generating 4 kilowatts per hour. The designer said this is enough energy to power all the home's appliances and lights . The Salsa Box mini home is made by Oregon-based Shelter Wise, and costs $22,500 (£151,000) It has a living roof, and a fold-down window box to grow herbs and vegetables. It was originally built as an instructional model to give workshop students a clear look at each of the steps involved in building a Tiny Home. However, Shelter Wise said the design was so popular it decided to start selling it. The floating habitat is made out of locally sourced material and up to 98 per cent recycled supplies, including recycled glued laminated timber and a recycled aluminium hull - all of which are completely water resistant. In addition, internal natural micro-ventilation and air conditioning means it can be classified as 'a low-consumption' home. Bathroom and kitchen skylights are located on the wooden roof, as are 649 square feet (60 square metres) of amorphous photovoltaic panels capable of generating 4 kilowatts per hour - enough energy to power all the home's appliances, claims the designer. Inside, the WaterNest 100 can include a living room, dining area, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom or any other configuration based on the owner's needs. It could also be used as

Summary: Water Nest 100 was designed by architect Giancarlo Zema, has a 39ft (12 metre) diameter and is 13ft (4 metres) tall . Floor space covers 1,076 square ft (99 square metres) - enough to accommodate a family of four with two bedrooms . Floating habitat is made from 98% recycled supplies and powered by a 646 square ft (60 square metres) solar roof . Prices start at €500,000 (£358,000) and the home can be placed on any lake or river - and can be moved .


Her profile is one of the most famous in the world and is seen every day on coins, stamps and bank notes, but now, the Queen is to get a new look. A new coin portrait of Her Majesty has been unveiled by the Royal Mint and will be used on currency from this year. The effigy, which was designed by engraver Jody Clark, is only the fifth official coin portrait made during the Queen's 63-year reign and replaces the current one, which first appeared in 1998. Scroll down for video . New look: The latest coin portrait of the Queen has been unveiled by the Royal Mint . Familiar: The profile, which shows the Queen in the George IV diadem, will be used on coins from 2015 on . Unlike the previous one, which shows Her Majesty in the Girls of Great Britain tiara, the new portrait shows her wearing the George IV State Diadem and a delicate pair of drop earrings. Commissioned in 1820 by George IV, the diadem, which is most often seen during the State Opening of Parliament, has 1,333 diamonds and 169 pearls, arranged in rose, thistle and shamrock designs to represent England, Scotland and Ireland. Like its owner, the diadem also has a long history of appearing on coins and bank notes, having appeared on currency belonging to the UK, Australia, Canada and the British Caribbean territories among many others. The new portrait was chosen from a selection of anonymously submitted designs, with creator Jody Clark becoming, at 34, the youngest engraver ever to create a royal coin portrait. Likeness: The new portrait is an updated version of the Ian Rank-Broadley design, created in 1997 . Creator: 34-year-old engraver Jody Clark, from the Lake District, created the winning design . New look: The new coin portrait is only the fifth to be produced during the Queen's reign, with the first in 1953 . 'I really liked the four previous coin portraits - each one is strong in its own way,' says a delighted Mr Clark. 'I hope that I’ve done Her Majesty justice and captured her as I intended. 'The news that my design had been chosen was quite overwhelming, and I still can’t quite believe that my royal portrait will be featured on millions of coins.' Speaking about the decision to award Mr Clark the job, Kevin Clancy, director of the Royal Mint Museum, said the judging panel’s decision was 'pretty unanimous'. Mr Clark, who is originally from the Lake District, says his family are 'really proud', adding: 'They’ve had to keep quiet about this. 'It’s going to be hard to top this. It’s going to take a while to sink in. I’m really happy with how it’s turned out. I can only hope everyone appreciates it.' The first coin portrait of the Queen's reign appeared in 1953, shortly after she took the throne, and was designed by Mary Gillick. Heading for your wallet: The new coin will be introduced this year . Although the four subsequent designs show her wearing a crown, her first

Summary: The new coin portrait will feature on coins from this year onwards . Shows the Queen in the George IV diadem which boasts 1,333 diamonds . Replaces 1997 coin portrait and was designed by Jody Clark, 34 . New portrait is only the fifth of the Queen's reign so far .


Quotes from Adolf Hitler are stencilled on the walls around customers, as they sit in the controversial Nazi-themed SoldatenKaffe in Indonesia. They don't seem to be bothered by the countless Hitler portraits, Nazi flags and other memorabilia that adorn the walls surrounding them, or the fact that the cafe's owner received widespread criticism and death threats when his business made headlines around the world for all the wrong reasons. SoldatenKaffe has been accused of glorifying the Nazi party and its leader, and is still packing in customers a year after it reopened with even more memorabilia. A giant portrait of Hitler oversees customers at SoldatenKaffe, which is decorated with swastikas and flags . Posters and uniforms surround customers, who can eat Nazi-themed food in the cafe . Quotes from the Nazi leader are stencilled on the walls of SoldatenKaffe in Bandung, Indonesia . The owner promised to remove all offending posters and memorabilia for the reopening, but they remain . SoldatenKaffe glorifies the Nazi party and its leader and was forced to close its doors in 2013, with the owner promising to remove the offending swastikas and Nazi insignia. However, when the cafe relaunched in June 2014, it not only retained the name of a cafe that was popular with Nazi soldiers in Paris in World War II, but also had even more artefacts on display. The cafe had existed for three years in Indonesia's third-largest city before it was brought to media attention. The coverage sparked worldwide anger from many groups, including Jewish organisations. The SoldatenKaffe was in business for over three years before it made headlines around the world . Customers having dinner at SoldatenKaffe in Bandung, where a portrait of Adolf Hitler peers down on them . A waiter stands next to a black and white photograph of the Soldatenkaffe in Paris during World War II . It was only when cafe owner Henry Mulyana received death threats that he decided to shut SoldatenKaffe, and take down the offending memorabilia. He obviously had a change of heart when he reopened, as the prominent portrait of the Nazi dictator, posters, quotes and three iron eagles bearing swastikas, still remained. As well as the questionable surroundings, at the cafe's launch men dressed in Nazi uniforms and others as prisoners of war. The cafe was condemned by groups all over the world for glorifying the notorious Nazi party and Adolf Hitler . Owner Henry Mulyana received death threats, which prompted him to temporarily close the cafe . According to Salon, customers can order Nazi-themed food served on a swastika-motif by SS uniform-clad waiters. The menu includes 'Nazi goreng', which is a themed version of the traditional Indonesian fried rice dish, nasi goreng. Mulyana insists that there is no reason for anyone to be offended and the cafe's Facebook page insists it is not pro-Nazi. It states: 'It is matter of fact, with the intention of exploring Hitler & the NAZIS as pop culture. The authors of the web page are not Nazis or neo-Nazis.' The reopening incorporated a broadened theme to include

Summary: SoldatenKaffe features Nazi quotes, posters and a giant portrait of Hitler . International outcry and death threats to the owner caused the cafe to shut . Owner Henry Mulyana vowed to remove the swastikas and offending items . Upon reopening, the cafe still has items with an even broader collection .


A drinker from Idaho could be slapped with a $1,000 fine and a year in jail after allegedly calling 911 a dozen times about an overcharged bar tab that was actually correct. According to authorities, Phillip Poissonnier of Post Falls was given a ride home by police around 1am on Monday after being thrown out of Club Tequila when he was ten beers in. But instead of going to bed after getting dropped off, he reportedly made 12 emergency calls, the first wanting officers to come back to discuss his $30 bar tab. Scene of the incident: According to authorities, Phillip Poissonnier of Post Falls was given a ride home by police around 1am on Monday after being thrown out of Club Tequila when he was ten beers in . In the second call, at 1:47am, he asked when the officers would be at his home. And when he dialed 911 for a third and fourth time he merely let the phone ring before putting it down. Along with hanging up, Poissonnier put the phone to the radio, with dispatchers listening to a total of three songs. The final time Poissonnier called police he apparently told responders that they were just like his ex-wife. The alleged prank-caller now faces fines that are likely to be much more.than the $30 check he was originally disputing. Recorded: But instead of going to bed after getting dropped off, he reportedly made 12 emergency calls, the first wanting officers to come back to discuss his $30 bar tab . And in fact, it appears he was kicking up a fuss for no reason. A Club Tequila bartender showed Possonnier's receipts to KXLY TV, which show he was correctly charged around $30 for the ten beers that he ordered. Commenting on the incident, Post Falls Police Captain, Pat Knight, said: '[He] really started to take away from other citizens in the city who really have an emergency. 'The consequences can be a $1,000 fine and year in jail, or both.' Police say Poissonnier faces a misdemeanor citation over misusing 911. The culprit couldn't be reached by The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Summary: Phillip Poissonnier of Post Falls, Idaho, was given a ride home by police around 1am on Monday after being thrown out of Club Tequila . He has apparently consumed ten beers . Instead of going to bed after getting dropped off, he reportedly made 12 emergency calls, the first wanting officers to discuss his $30 bar tab . A Club Tequila bartender showed Possonnier's receipts to KXLY TV, which showed he was correctly charged $30 for the ten beers that he ordered .


David Cameron's claim to be a 'tax-cutting politician' was under fire last night – as a study found the Coalition has raised taxes by more than £16billion a year. The independent Institute for Fiscal Studies said the net effect of changes by the Coalition had raised taxes by an average £255 for every person in the UK. The respected think-tank found the tax rises totalled £64.3billion – including a £14billion hike in VAT and a £5.2billion increase in National Insurance contributions. Millions of people have been dragged into paying the 40p tax rate for the first time – and inheritance tax has increased as thresholds have been frozen for years. Humiliating: Revelation that the Coalition has raised taxes is embarrassing for Prime Minister David Cameron (pictured), who has spoken repeatedly of his desire to be seen as a 'tax cutter' The tax hikes have been only partially offset by reductions totalling £48billion – including £8billion from raising the personal income tax threshold, £5.9billion in lowering corporation tax and £3.9billion from real-terms cuts in fuel duties. Ministers insist the tax rises were needed to help plug the budget deficit left by Labour. Sources say they had no choice but to take 'difficult decisions' to save Britain from bankruptcy. But the findings remain embarrassing for Mr Cameron, who has spoken repeatedly of his desire to be seen as a 'tax cutter'. They show the value of the rise in personal income tax allowance has been wiped out by rises in other levies. In next week's Budget, Chancellor George Osborne, is expected to announce a further increase in the personal allowance, along with modest cuts in alcohol duties. But Treasury sources admit they have little money to play with. The IFS said the Coalition's changes represented a 'missed opportunity to improve the tax system', with little attempt to address 'fundamental structural deficiencies'. Several of the changes have increased 'unwelcome distortions' in the system, the think-tank added. It said it was difficult to find a 'good economic reason' for lifting lower-paid workers out of income tax while leaving National Insurance thresholds largely untouched – warning it was an 'absurdity' that the two taxes were not integrated. Warned: The UK Statistics authority has 'ticked off' Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls for claiming the number of workers on zero-hours contracts had increased by 400,000 in recent months . Ed Balls has been ticked off by the statistics watchdog for claiming the number of workers on zero-hours contracts had increased by 400,000 in recent months. Sir Andrew Dilnot, of the UK Statistics Authority, said Mr Balls's statement was incorrect, as it relied on comparing totals at two different times of year and ignored the possibility that some people could hold multiple contracts for different jobs. The study praised last year's stamp duty reforms. But it warned that council tax had been allowed to get 'ever more out of date', with bands in England and Scotland based on 1991 property prices. It added that areas such as fuel duties and business rates had seen 'ad hoc, often temporary, announcements overtaking each

Summary: Prime Minister David Cameron has claimed to be a 'tax cutting' politician . Reputation under fire after the revelation by the Institute for Fiscal Studies . It discovered tax rises totalled £64.3billion - including £14billion VAT hike . Millions are paying 40p tax for first time and inheritance tax increased too . Ministers say tax rises necessary to help plug budget deficit left by Labour .


Footage has emerged of the incredible moment an apparently intoxicated man fell between two moving subway carriages in Washington D.C. only to come out unscathed. Security cameras inside Metro's Mount Vernon station captured the incident around 5pm on Sunday March 1. The man can bee seen stumbling around the platform, obviously unsteady on his feet, before tumbling straight through the gap between two subway cars. The fall occurs right as the doors are closing the the train is preparing to leave the station. Unsteady: This is the moment the apparently intoxicated man (left) loses his balances and goes to fall into the cap between the two carriages . Fall: The video shows the passenger falling straight into the space between the connected carriages . Down: The man slips straight into the gap, as fellow passengers (right) watch on with shock . As the man falls, shocked onlookers try to help, only to realize the train is alighting. One man can be seen in the video panicking and holding his hands in the air. However, one the train passes and people scurry to the platform's edge, believing a tragedy has just occurred, they suddenly see the man get to his feet and continue stumbling. He somehow fell into the zone outside of the rails known as the 'area of refuge'. The fellow passengers quickly pull the man up to the platform. Police arrived to assist the man. He suffered only minor injuries from the fall. Safe: People on the platform can be seen pulling the man back up onto the station after the train departs . Perhaps more startling is the fact that incidents such as these happen every week, according to a Metro spokesman. 'It's important for riders to monitor themselves and also look out for their friends,' Metro spokesman Dan Stessel told NBC Washington. 'If you go out for drinks with a group and someone is clearly not able to walk properly, maybe that's the time to order a cab or an Uber, that sort of thing.' Encouraging a fallen passenger to roll into the area of refuge is a 'last resort', Stessel told The Washington Post. However in this case it seemed to be accidental. Miraculous: The man managed to fall into the space between the platform and the tracks known as the 'area of refuge'

Summary: Incident occurred at Mount Vernon station in Washington D.C on March 1 . Man fell between two subway cars as the train leaves the platform . He managed to fall into the 'area of refuge' outside the rails . Metro spokesman says similar incidents happen every week .


Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini would consider a move to Napoli, according to the Chilean's agent. Pellegrini is coming under increasing pressure with his side five points behind Chelsea, who have a game in hand, in the Premier League. City also face a tough task to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals after losing 2-1 to Barcelona at home in the first leg. Manuel Pellegrini looks on during Manchester City's match against Leicester City last week . Napoli coach Rafa Benitez is pictured after his side's 2-2 Serie A draw with Inter Milan on Sunday . And Pellegrini's agent has revealed that Napoli would be considered if they came calling, with current manager Rafa Benitez out of contract this summer. Jesus Martinez told Radio Crc: 'Manuel has another year on his contract, and he intends to respect it. I don't know, however, what the leadership's intentions are. 'Pellegrini has Italian roots, he's also been on holiday in Naples. He's a lover of language and culture. He greatly appreciates Italy and Neapolitan culture. Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring for Barcelona against City in the Champions League last month . An aerial view of the Italian city of Naples, home to Napoli football club . 'You never know in football. Could he replace Benitez? Pellegrini does not allow me to talk about him in relation to a position at a club which already has a coach under contract. 'We have to wait a few more months, then if [Napoli President Aurelio] De Laurentiis calls, we'll discuss it.'

Summary: Manuel Pellegrini is coming under increasing pressure at Manchester City . The club are currently five points behind Chelsea in the Premier League . Pellegrini's agent says that a move to Napoli would be considered .


Andy Carroll has taken another step towards his recovery from a serious knee injury after coming through a spin and gym session, although the West Ham striker remains sidelined for the rest of the season. The Hammers' record signing has not played since injuring his knee against Southampton in February and shocked followers of his Instagram account with gory post-operation pictures of his leg held together by staples. However, after being pictured earlier this month wearing an intimidating knee brace, the England international proudly posted an Instagram picture after completing a rehabilitation session. Andy Carroll gives a thumbs up after completing a spin and gym session as he continues his recovery . The West Ham striker had previously posted a picture of his stapled leg following surgery on his knee . Carroll's partner Billi Mucklow posted a picture of the Hammers ace wearing a leg brace earlier this month . Earlier this month, Carroll also took to social media to reveal the staples have been removed from his leg - accompanied by the caption: 'One step closer'. The 26-year-old has been plagued by injuries throughout his career but West Ham hope he can recover from his latest turn on the treatment table to be ready for pre-season training. Despite an impressive start to the season, Sam Allardyce's side have fallen away since Christmas - drawing five and losing six of their 13 Premier League games to leave them ninth in the table. The 26-year-old has struggled with injuries at Upton Park but hopes to be ready for pre-season . West Ham players celebrate Diafra Sakho's goal en route to victory over Sunderland at the weekend . Meanwhile, Mark Noble is refusing to give up on his dream of breaking into the England squad ahead of the European Championship finals despite being overlooked once again by Roy Hodgson. Noble said: ‘I have made it clear what I think about the situation and I would love to play for my country. But obviously at the moment it doesn't look like it is going to happen. ‘I will keep playing as well as I can at West Ham and enjoying it every week. You never know what will happen in the future.

Summary: Andy Carroll has not played since injuring his knee in February . West Ham striker has been ruled out for the rest of the season following surgery but hopes to return by pre-season . England international has struggled with injuries since his £15m move .


Lara Bingle has reportedly given birth to her first child with actor Sam Worthington. According to Woman's Day magazine, the model welcomed a baby boy at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles. The 27-year-old's publicist declined to comment on the report when contacted by Daily Mail Australia. There is no word yet on what the celebrity couple have called the bub. Big day: Woman's Day magazine has reported that Lara Bingle has given birth to a baby boy at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles . Lara has recently been seen spending time with Sam in California ahead of the big day, her blossoming baby bump on show. The reports come after the polarising beauty all but confirmed her marriage to Worthington via her blog website, The Base By Lara Bingle on Tuesday. Writing about a new range of makeup brushes she was road-testing, she wrote: 'My husband is extremely happy because the bathroom now has the beginnings of order!' Her pregnancy was heavily speculated for months, beginning in October when she was spotted shopping for baby clothes in West Hollywood. Around the same time, the former reality TV starlet aroused more suspicion while promoting skincare line The Base - as she would make her public appearances wearing outfits that kept her tummy covered. It's time: Lara has recently been seen shopping for the impending arrival in California, her blossoming baby bump on show . Origin: Her pregnancy was heavily speculated for months, also fueled by the tummy-obscuring outfits she wore while promoting her The Base skincare line . Lara's pregnancy was confirmed in late January when the beach babe showed off her baby bump for the first time in a white T-shirt while holidaying in Palm Springs. Meanwhile, rumours have separately been swirling of a marriage between the beautiful blonde and Avatar star Sam. The speculation was directly sparked by the entrepreneur, who in late December changed her Instagram name to Lara Bingle Worthington. She rang in the New Year at the gorgeous Maldive Islands, leading to ideas that the vacation served as the couple's honeymoon, and throughout the month visited Istanbul, Budapest and Switzerland. In November she foreshadowed her cryptic social media activities, opening up on her thoughts of Twitter and Instagram to Marie Claire and explaining: . 'I think there's no mystery anymore. Everyone knows everything...sometimes it's nice to not know things.' Showing: Lara's pregnancy was confirmed in late January when she showed off her baby bump for the first time in a white T-shirt . Rumour mill: Meanwhile, rumours have separately been swirling regarding a marriage between the beautiful blonde and Avatar star Sam . Everything appeared to be business as usual for Lara on Sunday, who posted a pretty shot of a beach in Los Angeles to her Instagram account. She and Sam have been dating since 2013, and early last year she relocated from Sydney to New York with the Hollywood action star. Welcoming his first child comes at a big time for Sam, who will be reprising his role as Jake Sully for the upcoming sequels to

Summary: Lara Bingle has reportedly welcomed her first child into the world . The 27-year-old gave birth to the baby boy at Cedars-Sinai hospital in LA . Her pregnancy was first confirmed in January after months of speculation . She has now also confirmed her marriage to beau Sam Worthington . Lara referred to the actor as her 'husband' via her blog The Base .


A film billed as the most dangerous ever made is making a return to the big screen nearly 35 years after its original release. Noel Marshall’s action-adventure film Roar was originally released in 1981 and its 11-year production is infamous for the injuries received by 70 members of the cast and crew. The film revolves around a wildlife preservationist who lives with his wife and children alongside a number of wild lions, tigers, cheetahs and elephants. The film became infamous for the injuries received by 70 members of the cast and crew during production . Its re-release is due to be shown at a handful of cinemas in the US in April, and will be made available to the wider public on a number of platforms as well. The film features Marshall himself, who plays the starring character of Hank, while his real-life partner Tippi Hedren plays the part of his onscreen wife. Hedren’s daughter, Melanie Griffith, is also featured in the film alongside Marshall’s three sons and a number of animal trainers. Marshall is featured riding on a motorbike at the start of the trailer as one of the lions strikes out at him . The idea of the film arrived when Marshall and Hedren discovered a plantation house overrun by lions . While the plot line for the film itself – two lions putting a family at serious risk by battling for domination – is action-packed, it is in fact the back story that is the most chilling aspect of the tale. The idea for the film came about when Marshall and Hedren discovered an abandoned plantation house overrun by a large pride of lions while touring wildlife preserves in Africa. Hoping to raise awareness for the inhumane treatment experienced by big cats in captivity, they approached a number of animal trainers for help make the concept for the film a reality. Marshall and Hedren wanted to raise awareness for the inhumane treatment experienced by cats in captivity . The couple then began adopting and breeding lions in their home in Los Angeles and for six years the family of six lived alongside the pack. They eventually moved to a range north of Los Angeles and began filming. The trailer for the film documents some of the dangers the family put themselves through during production. Noel Marshall was wounded so many times during the course of the film he was hospitalised with gangrene . Tippi Hedren’s daughter, Melanie Griffith, needed facial reconstruction surgery because of her injuries . Marshall is featured on a motorbike at the start of a film trailer, riding through a pack of lions as one of them strikes out at him as he passes by. Later he is tackled to the ground by another lion as a humorous review from HitFix appears on the screen: ‘It’s like Walt Disney went insane and shot a snuff version of Swiss Family Robinson’. Genuine fear can be seen etched onto the faces of the various crew members as they are confronted on numerous occasions by the pack. The film's

Summary: Roar took 11 years to create and was originally released in cinemas 1981 . It is being re-released at some cinemas in the US in April . Film features Noel Marshall, his real-life partner Tippi Hedren and their kids . Family lived alongside 150 untamed animals in order to make movie . Injuries to the crew included a broken leg, gangrene and large wounds . Actress Melanie Griffith required facial reconstruction surgery .


Actress Meili Cady was just a small-town girl aspiring to be an actress in Los Angeles, but was lured into a life of crime by 'Pot Princess' and alleged Samsung heiress Lisette Lee, she claims in her new book. Cady, who appeared in Californication and Chick Magnet, said she became enchanted with the extravagant lifestyle of Lee - but she realized too late when she was taken into custody by DEA agents that she was apart of Lee's illegal smuggling operation into the Midwest. The book, Smoke: How a Small-Town Girl Accidentally Wound Up Smuggling Seven Tons of Marijuana with the Pot Princess of Beverly Hills, tells of how it all came raining down on Cady when she learned that Lee was transporting 500 pounds of marijuana, according to the New York Daily News. Scroll down for video . Actress Meili Cady (abve) was just a small-town girl aspiring to be an actress in Los Angeles, but was lured into a life of crime by 'Pot Princess' and alleged Samsung heiress Lisette Lee, she claims in her new book . Cady (left), who appeared in Californication and Chick Magnet, said she became enchanted with the extravagant lifestyle of Lee. But she realized too late when she was taken into custody by DEA agents in connection to Lee's illegal smuggling of weed into the Midwest . On a day in June 2010, the private jet her best friend had leased headed for Columbus, Ohio had 13 suitcases filled with weed. And as Lee's personal assistant, she never knew the reality behind the glamorous life of the 'Gangster Princess', as named by the Rolling Stone, was closely entangled in a web of lies and manipulation that would leave her facing 40 years in prison. It was estimated that during 14 trips made to Ohio, Lee had transported 7,000 pounds of pot and made a profit of $3million. Lee was sentenced to six years, while Cady received 30 days in custody and one year of home confinement after making a deal with prosecutors. It all began when she left Washington State at 19 years old and headed for California where she worked part-time jobs to support herself and pursued her dreams by enrolling for classes at an acting studio. A friend from the studio introduced her to Lee, an aspiring Korean pop star who dropped out of Harvard and called herself the 'Korean Paris Hilton', and though Cady was hesitant to befriend an heiress who had to seek friends, she was lonely. And as Lee's personal assistant, she never knew the reality behind the glamorous life of the 'Gangster Princess', as named by the Rolling Stone, was closely entangled in a web of lies and manipulation that would leave her facing 40 years in prison (above Lisettee Lee, left, with Cady, right) Lee (left) was sentenced to six years, while Cady (right) received 30 days in custody and one year of home confinement after making a deal with prosecutors. It was estimated that during 14 trips made to Ohio, Lee had transported 7,000 pounds of

Summary: Meili Cady tells of how a life she thought was glamorous landed her as an accessory to a major crime in new book . Smoke: How a Small-Town Girl Accidentally Wound Up Smuggling Seven Tons of Marijuana with the Pot Princess of Beverly Hills gives vivid account . Book tells of her friendship with Lisette Lee, who transported 7,000 pounds of marijuana to Ohio over 14 trips, was filled with manipulation and secrets .


The police officers who responded to the 911 from a woman in Colorado, who was stabbed and had her fetus ripped out have praised the woman's strength and bravery in the most trying of circumstances. Michelle Wilkins, 26, was seven months pregnant when she responded to a Craigslist posting for maternity clothes in Longmont, on Wednesday, only to be stabbed in the stomach by the stranger who posted the ad, with her baby forcibly removed from her womb. Local law enforcement officers Billy Sawyer and Phil Piotrowski were first on the scene and describe finding Wilkins weak and in a state of shock. Victim: Michelle Wilkins, 26, was seven months pregnant when she was stabbed and had her baby removed by another woman in Longmont, Colorado, on Wednesday while answering a Craigslist ad for baby clothes . Local law enforcement officers Billy Sawyer, right, and Phil Piotrowski, left, were first on the scene and describe finding Wilkins weak and in a state of shock . 'I started yelling and Michelle yelled back, very faintly, and it was muffled — "Help me! Help me!"' Sawyer told KTLA. He describes finding her covered from head to toe in blood. 'So I put some gloves on and held her hand and went through where her injuries were … trying to figure out exactly what we had,' he said. Michelle Wilkins' uncle Chris Wilkins said, 'She's alive because professional first responders execute perfectly.' But Sawyer's colleague Piotrowski believes Wilkins is the one who 'saved her own life.' 'She is probably one of the strongest people I've ever had the pleasure to meet,' he said. The situation was so bad that he had to leave the room for a moment to compose himself. Attacked: Michelle Wilkins had her first baby 'expertly cut from womb by Dynel Catrece Lane' after going to her house to answer Craigslist ad. Wilkins was so shocked when she arrived at Longmont United Hospital, Colorado, that she still thought she was pregnant, sources say . Michelle Wilkins' parents have spoken at-length for the first time about the unspeakable attack on their daughter, saying she is 'guardedly optimistic' but 'scarred beyond imagination'. The statement released from Watkins' family, via Longmont police, on Friday revealed the mom-to-be was expecting a daughter. 'Her attacker beat, cut, and strangled her, and according to initial reports, then removed her unborn daughter with an ordinary kitchen knife, leaving Michelle for dead,' the parents said in the statement. 'We cannot begin to fathom the depths of depravity and evil which drove her attacker, and trust that between law enforcement and our legal system; they will make sure justice is carried out. 'One life was ended and another scarred beyond imagination in this senseless act, with scores of others negatively affected.' The suspect, Dynel Lane, 34, was arrested presenting the abducted child as her own in hospital, and is facing charges of first-degree attempted murder, assault and child abuse. She been remanded in Boulder County Jail on $2 million bail. Dynel Catrece Lane, 34, (pictured with her husband, David Ridley) was

Summary: First responders have praised Michelle Wilkins, 26, for her bravery after the seven months pregnant women was brutally attacked on Wednesday . Wilkins had her baby carved from her stomach and was stabbed in the neck . Cops Billy Sawyer and Phil Piotrowski were first on the scene and describe finding Wilkins weak and in a state of shock . Sawyer said she was covered from head to toe in blood . 'She is probably one of the strongest people I've ever had the pleasure to meet,' said Piotrowski . Her baby was killed and she continues to be treated in hospital for her injuries .


Children were reported for crimes including vandalism, arson, actual body harm and racial or religious harassment to Cambridgeshire police . A girl aged just two has been reported to police for shoplifting and a boy of five accused of rape, a force has revealed. Other 'crimes' by children reported to Cambridgeshire police last year include vandalism, arson, actual bodily harm and racial or religious harassment. One four year-old boy was reported for sexual activity with a young female relative and five six year-olds, including one girl, were reported for assault and sexual assault. A nine year-old was reported for affray, a six year-old girl for common assault and battery and another for a racist assault and several were accused of theft and sex attacks. A five year-old girl was accused of criminal damage and another was reported for criminal damage to a home. The figures released under the Freedom of Information Act showed a massive increase in under-10s being reported to officers in 2014. A MailOnline investigation in January previously revealed that 5,665 crimes were committed by children under eight in the last four years. It also showed that, alarmingly, crimes reached a four-year high in 2014, with 1,713 recorded. Dany DuBois, a counsellor and psychotherapist who deals with child related issues, said children under 10 have no moral compass. He said a child of two has no concept of right and wrong - and should not be reported to police for 'theft'. She said: 'The general opinion of psychologists is that a child below the age of 10-12 does not have a full moral understanding of right and wrong. 'A two year-old will pick up lots of things that attracts them but they would have no concept that is stealing and there are more appropriate ways of dealing with that rather than going to the police. 'But if say a child of five is doing something that may look like rape then they may be copying behaviour they have seen and could be being abused and in that case going to the authorities is the best thing to do but maybe not the police but instead a social worker.' A girl aged just two has been reported to police for shoplifting and a boy of five accused of rape, Cambridgeshire police have revealed in figures . A spokesman for Cambridgeshire police said: 'In most cases, we do not believe custody is a place for children because there are more effective methods which actually reduce the chances of re-offending. 'Restorative justice, which is often used when dealing young first-time offenders, gives an officer the opportunity to resolve a situation successfully, with the approval of the victim, without arresting and criminalising the person responsible. 'The process gives victims the chance to tell offenders the real impact of their crime, to get answers to questions and an apology, while offenders are given the chance to take responsibility for what they've done and make amends but not acquire the stigma of a criminal record.' The spokesman added: 'Custody staff and duty managers are urged to

Summary: Crimes by children to Cambridgeshire police include vandalism and arson . Figures show a massive increase in under 10s being reported to officers . Under 10s cannot be arrested or charged with a crime under UK law .


The money keeps growing but the odds are shortening as the richest fight of all time looks set to break the half-billion-dollar barrier. Both Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are impressing video-watchers and hand-picked visitors to their gyms in Las Vegas and Los Angeles respectively with their dedication and work rate. But a dramatic improvement in the speed and power of the PacMan’s sparring and pad-hitting in the ring have caught the eye of the so-called ‘smart money’ gamblers. Floyd Mayweather's fight with Manny Pacquiao on May 2 is set to break the half-billion-dollar barrier . Pacquiao, who was a 3/1 shot when betting opened, is now down to 2/1 at best. Mayweather, a red-hot odds-on favourite at 2/7 at the start has cooled to 2/3. Some Vegas casinos are predicting what they call a ‘pick ‘em’ even money fight come the big night on May 2. Our best tip at the moment: If you fancy Mayweather get someone to place your bet in Manilla. If you want to back Pacquiao, try Vegas. An improvement in Pacquiao's sparring in the ring has seen 'smart money' gamblers backing him . Carl Froch – who was disgracefully accused of running scared of James DeGale – has added the most feared pound-for-pound puncher in the world to his list of potential opponents. Gennady Golovkin, the killer Kazakh who knocks out opponents for fun, is in the Cobra’s line of fire if a fight cannot be made with Andre Ward at Nottingham Forest's football ground or Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr in Las Vegas . Carl Froch has added Gennady Golovkin, the killer Kazakh, to his list of potential opponents . Golovkin has made it clear he is willing to venture to Nottingham while also stepping up a division . And just in case DeGale’s loose-tongued advisors would like to know, if all goes well for both of them this summer Froch would be open to fighting his fellow Brit thereafter. DeGale meets Andre Dirrell in Chicago in May for the IBF title vacated by Froch, who beat the American in Nottingham. Froch says: ‘James has not yet proved himself for a fight with me but if he can beat Dirrell it would become more interesting for me to face him. But not before a big name fight this summer.’ James DeGale fights Andre Dirrell - who Froch beat in Nottingham - for the IBF title in Chicago in May . While Amir Khan and Kell Brook are talking about fighting any and every name in the welterweight division – except each other as far as Khan is concerned - world super-middleweight champion Froch holds an additional option not yet open to these of his countrymen. Retirement. That possibility may be a little more tempting following the offer of a bit part ‘as a villain or a tough guy’ in a gangster movie. But he will not exercise the glove-hanging alternative – at 37 – if he can find ‘a fight which floats my boat.’ Kell Brook, who defeated Jo Jo Dan on Saturday, has spoken of

Summary: Manny Pacquiao has caught the eye of 'smart money' gamblers... he was a 3/1 shot when betting opened, but now he is down to 2/1 . Floyd Mayweather and Pacquiao set to meet in the richest fight of all time . Mayweather started as the red-hot favourite but has now cooled to 2/3 . Mayweather: Pacquiao is reckless and makes a lot of mistakes . Meanwhile, Gennady Golovkin is in Carl Froch's line of fire .


Reading manager Steve Clarke is hoping to take over from Bradford City as FA Cup underdogs after seeing his side knock the League One outfit of the competition and set up a semi-final meeting with Arsenal. Following a drab goalless draw in the initial tie, Reading welcomed Bradford to the Madejski Stadium on Monday night and eased to a 3-0 victory against 10 men to reach just a second semi-final in the history of the club. Hal Robson-Kanu headed home in the sixth minute before a deflected Garath McCleary shot doubled their advantage shortly afterwards. Reading boss Steve Clarke hopes they can take over from Bradford as FA Cup underdogs after their 3-0 win . Hal Robson-Kanu (right) finds space inside the Bradford City penalty area and directs his header towards goal . Garath McCleary (left) sprints towards the corner flag after putting Reading into an early 2-0 lead . Jamie Mackie (left) fires home from a tight angle to give his side a 3-0 lead against 10-man Bradford . Filipe Morais was sent off for a high kick on Nathaniel Chalobah before Jamie Mackie thrashed home a third to send the Royals to Wembley. And now Clarke wants to replicate the cup giant-killing exploits of Bradford - who knocked out Chelsea and Sunderland on their way to the sixth round. 'You see tonight what it means to us,' he said of Reading's cup run. 'We go to the semi-final, a difficult game against Arsenal, but we go there with hope and belief that maybe we can continue the good work of Bradford. Bradford have been fantastic underdogs in this tournament this year and we look to pick up the baton now and do it in the semi-final.' Clarke made 11 changes to the side which slipped to a 4-1 defeat at Watford in the Championship on Saturday and believes he made the right decision to do so. The Bantams were reduced to 10-men after this high challenge from midfielder Filipe Morais (left) Referee Mike Jones brandishes a straight red card to Morais as Nathaniel Chalobah (right) looks from the turf . 'I am paid to do a job for the club and I have to do what is correct for the football club and I think I did that,' he added. 'I am pleased for the players - it has been a difficult season for them. It was very comfortable because we got off to a great start. From there we controlled the game very, very well and the third goal was the one that killed it. It was a very comfortable night.' Bradford boss Phil Parkinson, who was given a warm reception at the Madejski Stadium having enjoyed a distinguished 11-year playing career with Reading, felt the stuffing had been knocked out of his players following the hosts' lightning start. 'Reading were the better team on the night and we gave ourselves a mountain to climb,' he said. 'They played with a spring in their step after that and we found it difficult to respond. A two-goal lead after 10

Summary: Reading beat Bradford 3-0 in their FA Cup quarter-final replay on Monday . Hal Robson-Kanu, Garath McCleary and Jamie Mackie scored for the hosts . Royals will face Premier League outfit Arsenal in the semi-finals .


This is the amazing free running, skateboarding Staffordshire bull terrier Ziggy, who has amazed crowds in his home town and taken the internet by storm. Ziggy Trixx, who can also play dead, tidy up and perform martial arts stunts has been trained by his owner Adem Basharan since he was just a pup. The 26-year-old began training his canine prodigy when the staffie was just 14 weeks old. The pair now regularly showcase Ziggy's impressive array of tricks on the streets of Southend-on-Sea. Scroll down for video . Ziggy Trixx, who can play dead, free run, skateboard, tidy up and perform martial arts stunts has been trained by his owner Adem Basharan since he was just a pup . Adem (middle), who is expecting his first child with fiancée Alice Aungier (left), has had Ziggy (right), now one and a half, since November 2013. Adem explained the dog learned his name after just one day . Owner Adem says although it is hard to pick a favourite routine, Ziggy's best is probably his skateboarding . Adem, who is expecting his first child with fiancée Alice Aungier, has had Ziggy, now one and a half, since November 2013. Adem explained the dog learned his name after just one day. Over the past year Adem has dedicated his time to training the well behaved hound who has a dedicated following on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram. Ziggy's Facebook page has garnered nearly 17,000 likes with an impressive 210,000 views counted on his YouTube video 'Ziggy Trixx - Play Dead - Staffy's Hilarious Reaction to Being "Shot"'. Adem said: 'Ziggy has always picked things up really quickly - for example it only took a few days for him to learn how to ride a skateboard, but learning to say hello took much longer. 'Recently we have focused on teaching him routines rather than new tricks and we reward him with positive reinforcement - praise, love, cuddles and of course treats and toys. Surprisingly, Ziggy is actually the first dog Adem has owned or trained. The talented pooch learnt his own name in just one day . Apart from the basic commands such as sitting or shaking hands, Ziggy's first trick was playing dead which he now has down to a fine art . Ziggy and Adem have amazed crowds in Southend-on-Sea with their street performances . 'Other than general commands such as sit, lay down and paw etc, his first trick was to play dead which has become quite a crowd pleaser. 'It's impossible for me to choose a favourite trick - I think I'd have to say both his skateboarding trick and playing dead.' The street performer is also hoping Ziggy's impressive talents will help to disprove public stereotypes that Staffordshire bull terriers are a dangerous breed. The duo are now focusing on routines rather than individual tricks as they expand Ziggy's skills . The street performer is hoping Ziggy's talents will help to disprove public stereotypes that Staffordshire bull terriers are a dangerous breed . Adem said: 'A

Summary: Ziggy, trained by Adem Basharan, 26, boasts an impressive array of skills . The staffie pup and his owner now amaze crowds in Southend-on-Sea . A hit on social media, a video of Ziggy playing dead has 210,000 views . The pooch is still working on a number of new routines and tricks .