Gerry Adams Questioning Extended By 48 Hours

Police investigating the murder of Jean McConville have been given an additional 48 hours to question Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.

The 65-year-old, who has always vehemently denied allegations levelled by former republican colleagues that he ordered the murder of Ms McConville, voluntarily presented himself for interview on Wednesday.

His custody was extended on Friday night after Stormont Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness claimed the detention of his long-time party colleague and friend was politically motivated ahead of elections later this month.

Ms McConville was dragged screaming from her home by an IRA gang in 1972

Mr McGuinness accused "very senior people" in the PSNI who were opposed to the peace process of engaging in "political policing".

"There is a cabal in the PSNI who have a different agenda - a negative and destructive agenda - to both the peace process and to Sinn Fein," he said.

Mr McGuinness contrasted the treatment of Mr Adams with a series of cases involving the British military - such as the Bloody Sunday killings of 1972 - where no action had been taken.

Mr McGuinness said Sinn Fein would "reflect" and "review" its support for policing in the region if Mr Adams is charged but urged republicans to remain calm if and until that happened.

Martin McGuinness says the arrest of Mr Adams was politically motivated

Police are questioning Mr Adams about the killing of the Belfast mother of 10 in 1972.

She was wrongly suspected of being an informer to the British Army.

Ms McConville was dragged screaming from her children in the Divis flats in west Belfast by a gang of up to 12 men and women.

She was interrogated, shot in the back of the head and then secretly buried - so becoming one of the "Disappeared" victims of the Troubles.

A new mural of Gerry Adams is painted in Belfast's Falls Road

Her body was not found until 2003 on a beach in Co Louth, 50 miles from her home.

Ms McConville's eldest daughter, Helen McKendry, has told journalists she is now prepared to name the people responsible for her mother's death.

PSNI chief constable Matt Baggott has vowed the investigation into Ms McConville's death will be "effective, objective and methodical".

No one has ever been charged with the murder of the 37-year-old widow.

Helen McKendry says she is ready to name the people who killed her mother

But after years without progress in the criminal investigation there have been a series of arrests in recent weeks.

The recent police activity followed a decision by a US court compelling a Boston university to hand over to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) recorded interviews with republicans about the murder.

Boston College interviewed a number of former paramilitaries about the Troubles on the understanding transcripts would not be published until after their deaths.

But that undertaking was rendered ineffective when the court ordered last year that tapes that contained claims about the killing be given to detectives.

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Max Clifford: New Claims Under Police Review

Scotland Yard detectives are looking into new allegations against disgraced publicist Max Clifford, who has spent his first night in prison after being jailed for eight years.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said other people had since come forward with allegations since Clifford was sentenced yesterday for a string of sex sexual offences against four women aged 15 to 19.

"We have received further information and this is currently subject to review," he said.

Meanwhile, children's charity NSPCC helpline said the 71-year-old's "substantial sentence" sent a "clear message" that victims of historic abuse can achieve justice.

Its director Peter Watt said: "It's clear the judge has recognised the pain and suffering Clifford caused and the additional distress he put his victims through by forcing them to relive their ordeal in court.

"His victims showed an enormous amount of courage in coming forward, four through the NSPCC helpline, and were treated with contempt throughout by Clifford, who called them liars and fantasists in court.

The prison van carrying Clifford

"As we heard in the trial, Clifford seriously damaged many years of their lives, with some being left suicidal by their terrible experiences at his hands."

He added: "The sentence, and those of other recent cases up and down the country, sends a clear message that victims of non-recent abuse can get justice.

"All allegations, however long after the abuse took place, must be fully investigated and assessed by the police and CPS, with victims fully supported."

Passing sentence, Judge Anthony Leonard told Clifford: "The reason why (your crimes) were not brought to light sooner was because of your dominant character.

"Your victims thought you were untouchable, something I think you too believed."

Judge Leonard condemned Clifford's 'contemptuous' behaviour

He also blasted Clifford for causing an "additional element of trauma" to the women he abused by his "contemptuous attitude".

Judge Leonard said that due to the age of the offences, that occurred between 1977 and 1984, Clifford was charged under an act from 1956, which set the maximum term for each charge at two years.

Under later legislation passed in 2003, the maximum term would have been 10 years, and for the worst instances would have been charged as rape, which attract a maximum life term.

Clifford, who was taken to Wandsworth Prison in south London, will have to serve at least half his sentence.

The former celebrity agent repeatedly shook his head as the judge made his comments in Southwark Crown Court.

Clifford, who branded his accusers "fantasists", remained defiant ahead of his sentencing, saying: "I stand by everything I have said in the last 17 months."

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Formula One 'Spygate' Engineer Killed In Crash

A former Ferrari engineer who was at the centre of Formula One's "spygate" scandal has been killed in a road accident.

Nigel Stepney, who was sacked by Ferrari after being accused of sabotage and leaking confidential information, was killed on the M20 near Ashford in Kent after being struck by a lorry.

Police are investigating why Mr Stepney stopped on the hard shoulder and got out of his VW Caddy van in the incident on Friday morning.

The 56-year-old, who was working for the JRM motorsport team at the time of his death, has been praised by his family as "a wonderful partner and a hands-on dad".

Mr Stepney's long-term partner, Ash Naidoo, said he was "larger than life and full of energy".

"Motor sport was his passion topped only by his love and devotion to Sabine (his daughter) and I.

Michael Schumacher and Nigel Stepney in 2001

"Nigel was a wonderful partner and a hands-on dad who was besotted with his daughter who idolised him in return.

"They loved each other's company and Sabine was his shadow - delighting in helping him around the garage. Even if Nigel had to be away from home, he would phone her every day."

James Rumsey, the owner of JRM, said: "The motorsport world has lost one of its greatest characters and competitors.

"He will be sorely missed and we send our sincere condolences to his family and the many friends he leaves behind."

Before the "spygate" controversy he worked with world champions Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

Mr Stepney never worked in Formula One again after the scandal, which came to light in 2007.

It emerged when a technical dossier on Ferrari cars was found at home of McClaren chief designer Mike Coughlan.

McClaren were given a record fine and kicked out of the manufacturers' championship after being accused of using the data.

Mr Stepney was sentenced to 20 months in prison after being found guilty of sabotage, industrial espionage and sporting fraud.

He did not serve the sentence.

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Stabbed Leeds Teacher: Minute's Silence Held

Head teachers have held a minute's silence in memory of Ann Maguire who was fatally stabbed at a Leeds school earlier this week.

The tribute was staged at the start of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) annual conference in Birmingham.

Around 300 delegates stood and bowed their heads for the minute's silence and applauded at the end.

Outgoing NAHT president Bernadette Hunter described Mrs Maguire as a "dedicated, inspirational and caring teacher who was loved by so many".

Meanwhile, a book of condolence has been opened at the Cathedral in Leeds for people to sign.

And prayers will be said for Mrs Maguire and her family in every church covered by the Diocese of Leeds.

In a letter to the churches, the diocese administrator Monsignor John Wilson wrote: "Foremost our thoughts and prayers are for Ann and her family, and for the college and local community. It is in the strength of prayer that we stand united in faith."

The 61-year-old was fatally stabbed as she taught a lesson at Corpus Christi Catholic College on Monday morning.

The Spanish teacher, who had worked at the school for more than 40 years, was due to retire in September.

A 15-year-old boy accused of murdering Mrs Maguire has been remanded in custody with a provisional trial date fixed for November 3.

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First US Case Of Killer Bug Travels Through UK

Authorities in the US and UK are trying to trace passengers who travelled on the same flight from London to Chicago as a man diagnosed with a potentially deadly Sars-like virus.

The American, who fell ill after flying to the US from Saudi Arabia where he was a healthcare worker, has Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (Mers-Cov).

The passenger had flown on a British Airways flight from Riyadh to Heathrow on April 24, before transferring to Chicago.

He fell ill on April 27 and went to a hospital in Indiana with a fever, cough and shortness of breath. He is currently in a good condition.

Public Health England (PHE) has contacted UK passengers on BA Flight 262 who were sitting near the affected passenger, but stressed the risk of infection was "extremely low".

There have been 400 cases worldwide. Pic: NIAID

Britons on the flight who become unwell or experience respiratory problems have been urged to contact NHS 111.

PHE is also working with US authorities to trace any UK passengers on the onward flight - American Airlines Flight 99 from London to Chicago.

It is the first case of Mers-Cov in the US, after diagnosis was confirmed by the United States Centre for Disease Control in Indiana.

Doctor Thomas Briese, Associate Director of Columbia University's Centre for Infection and Immunity, said the case "does not mean that any epidemic is on the horizon or that it will spread".

Mers-Cov belongs to the coronavirus family that includes the common cold and severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars), which killed 800 people in 2003.

The man travelled on a British Airways plane from Saudi Arabia to Heathrow

Mers-Cov has been found in camels, but officials do not know how it is spread to humans.

Since mid-March, 111 people have tested positive in the Jeddah area of Saudi Arabia, World Health Organisation figures show - the biggest increase in the Mers-Cov outbreak since it was detected in April 2012.

There have been 401 confirmed cases of Mers-Cov infection in 12 countries including 93 deaths, according to the US Centre for Disease Control.

Doctor Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he was "not surprised at all" at the news, "given the amount of travel and air traffic between people in the United States and people in the Middle East".

He said: "There's no question something like this was going to happen."

It is thought that coronavirus may have come from camels

Three people have died so far in the UK as a result of the infection - including one man who died at the end of June.

PHE said the last case to be detected in the UK was in February last year.

Cases have also been reported in France, Germany, Italy and Greece, across the Middle East in Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman and in other countries including Malaysia, the Philippines and Tunisia.

PHE said the period between exposure to Mers-Cov and when symptoms might develop is up to 14 days.

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Philippines: Online 'Sextortion' Plot Smashed

An online sexual extortion plot that is thought to have led to the suicide of a British teenager has been broken by authorities in the Philippines.

Police have arrested 58 people in the archipelago for their involvement in what they describe as a global internet "sextortion" network.

Victims have been lured into giving sexually explicit photos or videos of themselves by people posing online as attractive, young women.

Alan Purisima, the Philippines' national police chief, said those involved in the plot blackmailed their victims by threatening to upload the photos or videos to the internet.

Some have been forced to hand over thousands of dollars, the authorities said.

Hundreds people have fallen victim to the plot in Britain, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and the US in the last three to four years.

DCI Gary Cunningham, from Police Scotland, told a news conference in Manila there was strong evidence the British teenager who killed himself had chatted with somebody from the Philippines.

DCI Gary Cunningham of Police Scotland speaks at a news conference

Three of those arrested were alleged to have targeted Daniel Perry, a 17-year-old mechanic who took his own life by jumping off a bridge in Scotland in July last year after being blackmailed.

Daniel was said to have believed that the person he was speaking to online was a girl from America.

His mother, Nicola Perry, said: "The manner of Daniel's death is every parent's worst nightmare. After being targeted by complete strangers online, he was left so traumatised by his ordeal that he chose to take his own life."

The syndicates involved find their victims using a number of internet platforms, not only social media, such as Facebook, said Mr Cunningham.

Mr Purisima added that the gangs involved often ask their victims to use a webcam.

He added: "After getting acquainted with the victims ... they engage in cybersex, and this will be recorded unknown to the victims.

"These images or information are then used to extort sexual favours or money from the victim with the threat of sharing these (images and information) with others."

He added that some of the "sextortion" groups operate like call centres where operators hire men and women, sitting in rows of computer cubicles, to lure in foreign clients.

They usually ask for £300 ($500) from a victim but there have been demands of up to £8,000 ($15,000), Interpol said.

Sanjay Virmani, director of Interpol's Digital Crime Centre, said: "The scale of this extortion network is massive."

Asif Ahmad, British Ambassador to the Philippines, said: "This is not an issue directly involving the Philippines exclusively.

"Cybercrime is international, and is an international problem, it respects no nationality or borders. We are all potential victims of cybercrime, none of us are immune."

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 08457 90 90 90 or email jo@samaritans.org

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Police To Request More Time To Question Adams

Police investigating the murder of Jean McConville are preparing to request more time to question Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.

With the initial 48-hour deadline fast-approaching for officers to either charge or release Mr Adams after his arrest on Wednesday night, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are seeking to apply for an extension.

The 65-year-old, who has always vehemently denied allegations levelled by former republican colleagues that he ordered the murder of Ms McConville, voluntarily presented himself for interview.

Ms McConville was dragged screaming from her home by an IRA gang in 1972

It came as Stormont Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness claimed the detention of his long-time party colleague and friend was politically-motivated ahead of elections later this month.

Mr McGuinness accused "very senior people" in the PSNI who were opposed to the peace process of engaging in "political policing".

"There is a cabal in the PSNI who have a different agenda - a negative and destructive agenda - to both the peace process and to Sinn Fein," he said.

Mr McGuinness contrasted the treatment of Mr Adams with a series of cases involving the British military - such as the Bloody Sunday killings of 1972 - where no action had been taken.

Police are questioning Mr Adams about the killing of the Belfast mother-of-10 in 1972.

Martin McGuiness says the arrest of Mr Adams was politically motivated

She was wrongly suspected of being an informer to the British Army.

Ms McConville was dragged screaming from her children in the Divis flats in west Belfast by a gang of up to 12 men and women.

She was interrogated, shot in the back of the head and then secretly buried - so becoming one of the "Disappeared" victims of the Troubles.

Her body was not found until 2003 on a beach in Co Louth, 50 miles  from her home.

Ms McConville's eldest daughter, Helen McKendry, has told journalists she is now prepared to name the people responsible for her mother's death.

Helen McKendry says she is ready to name the people who killed her mother

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) chief constable Matt Baggott has vowed the investigation into Ms McConville's death will be "effective, objective and methodical".

No one has ever been charged with the murder of the 37-year-old widow.

But after years without progress in the criminal investigation there have been a series of arrests in recent weeks.

The recent police activity followed a decision by a US court compelling a Boston university to hand over to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) recorded interviews with republicans about Ms McConville's murder.

Boston College interviewed a number of former paramilitaries about the Troubles on the understanding transcripts would not be published until after their deaths.

But that undertaking was rendered ineffective when the court ordered last year that tapes that contained claims about the killing be given to detectives.

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Clifford Jailed For Eight Years For Sex Crimes

Shamed publicist Max Clifford has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a string of sexual offences.

The 71-year-old, who was found guilty last month of eight counts of indecent assault against four women aged between 15 and 19, will have to serve at least half his sentence.

He was told by Judge Anthony Leonard: "The reason why (your crimes) were not brought to light sooner was because of your dominant character.

"Your victims thought you were untouchable, something I think you too believed."

A group of photographers chase after the prison van carrying Clifford

The judge also condemned Clifford's "contemptuous attitude" and said some of the assaults he committed would be considered rape under current legislation.

Sky's Ashish Joshi, at Southwark Crown Court, said the PR guru appeared "impassive" as the sentence was read out.

"He looked straight at the judge and showed no reaction whatsoever," he said.

"As the lewdest of sex acts were described, he would look away. He would stare at the walls and on a couple of occasions, he shook his head as if to say, 'I still can't believe it'.

During his trial, Clifford branded his victims 'liars' and 'fantasists'

"That was mentioned by the judge, who said the fact he continued to dismiss the evidence against him and trivialise the whole event was the reason he was sentenced to eight years."

Sky's Nick Pisa, who was also in court, added: "Clifford initially remained emotionless but then turned to the gallery, took off his hearing loop, switched off his mobile phone and smiled at his friends before he was led away."

Clifford refused to apologise to his victims when he arrived at court, defiantly telling Sky's Tom Parmenter: "I stand by everything I've said in the past."

Asked whether that included his description of the women as "liars" and "fantasists", the PR guru refused to answer and strolled away, posing for photographers as he wandered towards the court steps.

Clifford's behaviour in this Sky News clip was branded 'extraordinary'

During his trial, Clifford crept up behind Parmenter, mimicking the reporter's actions as he recorded a piece for Sky News.

The judge referred to the bizarre incident - which was not broadcast during the trial - in his sentencing remarks, describing it as "extraordinary" and proof he had shown "no remorse".

Clifford used to represent some of the UK's top celebrities, including music mogul Simon Cowell and Dragons' Den star Theo Paphitis.

Both men have severed ties with his company, Max Clifford Associates, which was expected to be shut down after the judge passed sentence.

Clifford held his hands in his pockets as he posed for pictures at court

Speaking outside his Surrey home before being driven to court, Clifford admitted: "It's not the best day of my life, is it?"

"I just have to face up to it," he added.

In sentencing Clifford, the judge had to use guidelines in force when the offences were committed in the 1970s and 1980s.

DCI Michael Orchard, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "Without the support of Clifford's victims, we would not have secured these successful convictions, and I commend them for their courage, strength and confidence."

"I hope this case gives other victims courage to come forward."

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Woman's Belly Button 'Burst' On Flight

A woman received compensation after her belly button "erupted" on a flight following a botched tummy tuck operation, it has been revealed.

Patricia Jackson, 68, was returning from a holiday in Portugal in 2011 when her navel "unexpectedly burst" after the cosmetic surgery years earlier had gone "wrong", according to Fletchers Solicitors.

She was awarded £22,500 compensation earlier this year after she successfully sued the doctor responsible.

Mrs Jackson said: "The result of my case means that awareness has been raised and it can hopefully change patient care in the future."

Plastic surgeon Edgardo Schiavone had performed an abdominoplasty on Mrs Jackson when he worked at the Hospital Group in Birmingham in 2005, her lawyers said.

Surgeons had removed fat and spare skin from Mrs Jackson before tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall.

But after the procedure Mrs Jackson was told that they had not "created" a new belly button for her because there was not enough skin left over.

Some six years later, while she was on her way home from the Portugal holiday, Mrs Jackson noticed that there were blisters where her old belly button had been.

After her navel burst on the flight, doctors discovered Mrs Jackson's old belly button had been left inside her and she was forced to undergo another round of reconstructive surgery.

Jeanette Aspinall, head of medical negligence at Fletchers Solicitors, added: "This case highlights how easy it is for an everyday cosmetic surgery procedure, like a tummy tuck, to go wrong, both with the surgery itself and if the proper after-care is not administered.

"Mrs Jackson had the operation to gain confidence, and instead was subjected to years of pain and embarrassment."

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Clifford's Sky Antics 'Show Lack Of Remorse'

The judge at Max Clifford's trial said the PR man's mocking appearance behind a Sky News correspondent was "extraordinary" and showed a lack of remorse for his crimes.

Clifford appeared behind Tom Parmenter as he was reporting outside the court while the trial was still continuing on April 8.

He appeared to mimic the correspondent as he described intimate details of the evidence and how his victims were affected.

The piece to camera was not being broadcast live - but Clifford did not know that at the time.

Judge Anthony Leonard said: "I have discovered that you appeared behind a reporter outside this court whilst he was making his report of your evidence and during which you mimicked his actions in a way that was designed to trivialise these events.

"I find your behaviour to be quite extraordinary and a further indication that you show no remorse."

Parmenter said Clifford had later asked him whether his news colleagues had found it funny.

The recording outside Southwark Crown Court was not aired until after Clifford had been convicted.

The 71-year-old was sentenced to eight years on Friday after being found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault against four women aged between 15 and 19.

He will serve at least half that sentence.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Orchard said it had been a "painstaking investigation" which he hoped would encourage other victims of historical sexual abuse to come forward.

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Secret Boston Tapes Led To Gerry Adams Arrest

Northern Ireland's 'Disappeared' In Full

Updated: 9:28am UK, Thursday 01 May 2014

A list of Northern Ireland's "Disappeared", the 16 people abducted and killed by Republican paramilitaries during the Troubles.

Joseph Lynskey: A former Cistercian monk from west Belfast who went missing in the summer of 1972. His remains have not been found.

Seamus Wright: The married asphalt layer from Belfast disappeared in October 1972, and despite extensive searches in the Coghalstown area the remains of the 25-year-old have not been located.

Kevin McKee: Mr Mckee was also from Belfast and disappeared in the same month as Mr Wright. Searches for his remains in the Coghalstown area have also proved unsuccessful.

Jean McConville: The widower and mother-of-10 from Belfast was abducted and killed in December 1972 when she was 37. Her remains were found over the border in County Louth in August 2003.

Peter Wilson: The 21-year-old disappeared from his west Belfast home in August 1973. He was added to the list in 2009 and his remains were found in County Antrim in November 2010.

Eamon Molloy: He was taken from his home in Ardoyne area of Belfast in July 1975. The IRA named him as one of the "Disappeared" in a statement in 1999. His remains were discovered in a coffin left in a cemetery near Dundalk, County Louth.

Columba McVeigh: The painter was 17-years-old when he was murdered in October 1975. Despite extensive searches his remains have not been found.

Robert Nairac: An officer with the Grenadier Guards who was on a tour of duty in Northern Ireland, Captain Nairac was killed in County Antrim in May 1977. The 29-year-old's remains have not been found.

Brendan Megraw: The 23-year-old's wife was expecting their first child when he was abducted from his home and murdered in April 1978. Again, the location of his remains is unknown.

John McClory and Brian McKinney: The pair were abducted and killed in May 1978. A 30-day search of bogland in Inniskeen, County Monaghan unearthed a double grave with both of their remains in 1999.

Gerard (Gerry) Evans: A 24-year-old painter who vanished in March 1979 on his way home. His remains were discovered in County Louth in October 2010, but no one has admitted responsibility for his death.

Danny McIlhone: Mr McIlhone, from west Belfast, went missing in July 1981. His remains were uncovered in bogland in County Wicklow in 2008 after previous searches in 1999 and 2000 proved unsuccessful.

Charlie Armstrong: The married father-of-five was abducted and killed in August 1981 while on his way to collect a neighbour to go to mass. The 54-year-old's remains were found in County Monaghan in July 2010. No group has admitted responsibility.

Eugene Simons: Mr Simons went missing on New Year's Day 1981. Three years later his body was found in a bog in Dundalk, County Louth.

Seamus Ruddy: The 33-year-old English teacher, who was working in Paris, disappeared in May 1985. The Irish National Liberation Army admitted responsibility in December 1995 and four years later, it was suggested his body was buried in Rouen. Despite searches there, nothing has been found.

Source: Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains

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IRA Murder Victim’s Son: 'I Know Who Killed Her'

Gerry Adams: Barman To Political Operator

Updated: 2:15pm UK, Thursday 01 May 2014

Gerry Adams has been president of Sinn Fein since 1983 and has always denied membership of the IRA.

But he defended its gunmen for a substantial period of the bloody conflict in Northern Ireland.

A hate figure in 1980s Britain, he was banned from speaking on British television and radio in October 1988.

It meant viewers and listeners could not hear his voice, but that of an actor's instead, reading from a transcript.

The prison hunger strikes of 1981, during which one of the inmates, the IRA's former commanding officer Bobby Sands was elected as MP for Fermanagh-South Tyrone, prompted Sinn Fein - and Mr Adams - to move towards electoral politics.

In 1980 he said: "The British realise there can be no military victory. It is time that republicans realised there can be no military victory."

And he described the 1984 Grand Hotel, Brighton bombing at the Tory Party conference - which nearly killed Margaret Thatcher - as "a blow for democracy".

He said Sands' election "exposed the lie that the hunger strikers - and by extension the IRA and the whole republican movement - had no popular support".

He himself was elected to the British Parliament in 1983 as MP for Belfast West.

However, he refused to take his seat in the House of Commons - and again when he was re-elected in the same constituency in 1997.

Former Conservative Prime Minister John Major once said the thought of sitting down with him "turned his stomach".

The voice ban was lifted in September 1994, two weeks after the first ceasefire was announced by the Provisional IRA, which Mr Adams helped broker.

As head of the political wing of the IRA, Mr Adams was a key player in the peace process, which concluded with the Belfast Agreement, signed on Good Friday in 1998.

President Bill Clinton invited Mr Adams to the White House for St Patrick's Day celebrations in 1995.

And Mr Adams made history by visiting 10 Downing Street at the invitation of the Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The peace deal largely ended three decades of violence between republican paramilitaries seeking union with Ireland and mainly loyalist paramilitaries, who wanted to maintain Northern Ireland's position as a part of the UK.

It also paved the way for an end to the IRA's armed campaign in 2005 when it pledged to dump its arms and commit to a political solution which culminated with a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.

Since the Good Friday Agreement Mr Adams is now widely regarded a statesman, and has also written 13 books.

In 2010 he resigned his Westminster seat and has since represented County Louth in the Irish parliament.

He was born on October 6, 1948, in Belfast to parents who came from republican backgrounds.

After finishing school he worked as barman before he became interested in politics and civil rights and got involved in the Irish republican movement, joining Sinn Fein in 1964, and surviving an assassination attempt in 1984 by the loyalist paramilitary UDA.

He married his wife Collette in 1971 with whom he has a son, Gerald.

His brother Liam was sentenced last year to 16 years in prison for raping his daughter Aine Tyrell - who waived her right to anonymity - when she was a child.

Shortly after she made the allegations public in a 2009 television documentary, Gerry Adams revealed that his father, also called Gerry, a veteran IRA man, had physically and sexually assaulted members of the family.

The Sinn Fein leader has rejected claims he was involved in the 1972 murder of widowed mother-of-10 Jean McConville as "malicious".

He has been implicated by two republicans - former IRA commander Brendan Hughes and Old Bailey bomber Dolours Price - in taped interviews they gave before their deaths to a research project at Boston College in the United States.

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McCanns 'Still Hope To Bring Madeleine Home'

Child Rescue Alerts: How New System Will Work

Updated: 1:14pm UK, Thursday 01 May 2014

A new warning system that can issue nationwide alerts when a child is abducted is due to go live on May 25. Sky News looks at how the system will be used.

:: What is a Child Rescue Alert?

The scheme is designed to alert members of the public to an abduction as quickly as possible.

According to the Child Rescue Alert website, "the initial hours after a child is abducted are crucial".

"A sighting by a member of the public can lead to the safe recovery of the child," it adds.

Messages can be sent by text message, email and social media.

Alerts, which can be issued nationally, locally or regionally, can also be flashed up on digital billboards and broadcast on TV and radio stations.

:: Is there any evidence such alerts work?

The British scheme is similar to the United States' Amber Alert system, which has been operating since 1996.

Since then, 679 children have been rescued, including 68 in 2012 alone.

The Netherlands issues an average of four abduction alerts every year, with children tracked down in about two-thirds of cases.

:: When will a Child Rescue Alert be issued?

Alerts will only be issued by the police when specific criteria are met.

The missing person must be under 18 years old and officers must be concerned the child is in imminent danger of serious harm or death.

They must also be able to give the public enough information to help in the search for the child.

:: When does the Child Rescue Alert system start?

The scheme is due to launch on May 25 to coincide with International Missing Children's Day.

However, members of the public can already sign up online to receive alerts.

Charlie Hedges, of the National Crime Agency, said: "The success of Child Rescue Alert is down to each and every one of us."

:: Who is behind the scheme?

Child Rescue Alert is run by CEOP, part of the National Crime Agency, and the charity Missing People.

It is backed by the parents of missing Madeleine McCann, who disappeared while on a family holiday in Portugal in 2007.

Her mother, Kate, said: "The sooner you start the search for a missing child, the better your chance of finding them."

The scheme is funded by a £225,000 grant from the People's Postcode Lottery, as well as €100,000 (£82,175) from the EU.

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Stabbed Teacher's Family Lay Flowers At School

The family of teacher Ann Maguire have laid flowers at the entrance to the school where she was stabbed to death in front of her pupils.

Holding hands as they huddled beneath an umbrella, the 61-year-old's husband and two daughters spent several minutes reading some of the hundreds of tributes left at the gates of Corpus Christi Catholic College, Leeds.

They also visited the church next to the school, where pupils and teachers held a memorial service earlier this week.

Earlier, Mrs Maguire's family sat metres from her alleged killer, as he appeared briefly at a youth court in the city charged with murder.

Mrs Maguire's family read some of the tributes to her outside the school

The 15-year-old suspect, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was remanded in custody ahead of a crown court bail hearing on Friday.

Sky's Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt, in Leeds, said: "The teenager didn't have to say anything and appeared in the dock wearing a dark jumper and trousers.

"He showed no obvious signs of emotion as he was asked whether he understood the charge of murder, to which he nodded in response."

Mrs Maguire was stabbed as she taught at Corpus Christi Catholic College

Earlier, Mrs Maguire's family issued a moving tribute to "a loving wife, the best mother, a treasured sister (and) a true friend", describing her as a "shining light who brightened the world for so many".

"This horrific happening has robbed us of all of this and so much more," they said.

"We are devastated. Her selfless, genuine, caring nature will remain with us eternally."

Mrs Maguire had worked at Corpus Christi Catholic College for more than 40 years and was due to retire later this year.

She taught Spanish at the school and was also in charge of Year 11.

Headteacher Steve Mort reads messages attached to bouquets of flowers

Headteacher Steve Mort praised students for their handling of Mrs Maguire's death and thanked the public for their "overwhelming" support.

"I'm immensely proud to be headteacher at Corpus Christi," Mr Mort said.

"Our children have proven themselves to be great ambassadors for the school.

"I want to pay particular tribute to them and to the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by our staff at this very difficult time."

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Nigel Farage Hit By Egg On Campaign Trail

UKIP's Nigel Farage has been hit by an egg thrown by a protester during a campaign visit to Nottingham.

The party leader was pelted as he climbed out of his car in the city centre, where he had been due to rally support for UKIP's EU election candidates.

He quickly jumped back into his vehicle and left his supporters behind.

The demonstrator, who gave his name as Fred, had earlier been seen holding a sign reading: "Ukip ... sad, scared, old men."

He was detained by police and driven away.

Mr Farage's egging comes after he ruled out running as an MP in the forthcoming Newark by-election.

He said he did not want to be seen as an "opportunist", adding: "I'm not sure electorally it would have worked anyway."

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Children Murders: Mum Sent To Secure Hospital

A woman accused of murdering three of her children has been released from prison and sent to a secure hospital for immediate treatment.

Tania Clarence, 42, sobbed quietly as she appeared via video-link at the Old Bailey, accused of killing three-year-olds Ben and Max, and four-year-old daughter Olivia, at their home in the southwest London suburb of New Malden.

In an unusual move, Recorder of London Judge Brian Barker ruled Clarence could be released from prison and put into a secure hospital under the Mental Health Act.

"It seems to me, having heard submissions on both sides and having discussed the matter with medical experts, there is an overriding need for immediate treatment in a secure setting," he told the court.

"There is a combination of circumstances here that makes this an exceptional case and allows this court to take an exceptional course.

Gary Clarence, centre, at court last week

"It isn't bail, but what we are doing is ordering for her to be subject to a Section 35 order under the Mental Health Act, so she can then be remanded effectively for review of her condition."

The judge said the order should be processed by the end of the day and the case would be reviewed again in 28 days' time.

Looking pale and emotional, Clarence spoke in a strong South African accent as she confirmed her name and watched the proceedings from HMP Bronzefield in Surrey.

Her husband, Gary Clarence, sat in the public gallery during the bail hearing.

He was away with the couple's eldest daughter, Taya, at the time of the deaths.

His wife is accused of three counts of murdering a child aged over one year old between April 20 and April 23 this year.

All three young children suffered from type 2 spinal muscular atrophy - a genetic condition also known as floppy baby syndrome.

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UK Economy Grows 0.8% In First Quarter

The UK's economic recovery continued in the first quarter of 2014, with the first estimate of GDP growth coming in at 0.8%.

The figure, while weaker than the 0.9% most economists had expected, meant that output was 3.1% higher than on the same period the previous year, marking the fastest annual growth since the last quarter of 2007.

However, the economy remains 0.6% smaller than at its peak in the first quarter of 2008, after the recession wiped 7.2% off total output.

News of the economy's latest performance, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), showed growth across each major sector of the economy, though construction output was damaged by the impact of the winter storms.

The ONS said while widespread flooding appeared to have no overall effect on output it said bad weather in January and February did hit efforts to meet demand for new homes, with construction recording just 0.3% growth.

Mr Osborne says the figures show Britain is "coming back"

Output in the service sector - which makes up more than three quarters of UK GDP - rose by 0.9% and continued to be driven by consumer spending.

Manufacturing grew by 1.3%, its strongest quarter for nearly four years, bolstering hopes for a rebalancing in the recovery away from its reliance on consumers.

Industrial production rose 0.8% though mining and quarrying, electricity and gas production and agriculture shrank over the quarter.

The GDP figures were seized upon by the union organisation the TUC as evidence the recovery was not gaining enough momentum to sustain a raise in interest rates, which is widely expected next year.

The figures were released at the same time as statistics showing a 2.5% rise in the number of people being declared insolvent in England and Wales over the same period.

There were 24,931 individual insolvencies recorded during the three months - a period when wage increases finally caught up with inflation for the first time since the recession.

Chancellor George Osborne said: "Today's figures show that Britain is coming back - but we can't take that for granted. We have to carry on working through our long-term economic plan.

"For the first time in a decade all three main sectors of the economy - manufacturing, services and construction - have grown by at least 3% over the last year.

"The impact of the great recession is still being felt, but the foundations for a broad-based recovery are now in place.

"The biggest risk to economic security would be abandoning the plan that is laying those foundations".

Shadow chancellor Ed Balls said: "Now that growth has finally returned, the question is whether ordinary working people will properly feel the benefit and we have a balanced recovery that's built to last."

He told Sky News: "Most people are experiencing a cost of living crisis, which David Cameron and George Osborne try to deny. Its a reality for most people in our country".

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School Stabbing Prompts Teacher Tribute Tweets

The fatal stabbing of Ann Maguire at a school in Leeds has led to a public outpouring of tributes among social media users remembering their teachers past and present.

As staff and students at Corpus Christi Catholic College struggled to come to terms with the death of the 61-year-old, the hashtag #thankyouteacher set up by the @PeopleofLeeds Twitter account prompted a flood of posts.

Many were motivated to tweet their support and respect for the teaching profession in the wake of the tragedy.

Chloe Potter posted: "Such a moving, important and positive hashtag to come out of yesterday's tragedy. #thankyouteacher."

In another tweet, Emma Langley wrote: "So saddened by Mrs Maguire stabbing. Not inevitable I'd end up spending so much time in books, let alone as a career, so #thankyouteacher."

Another user tweeted: "To all my teachers, I wouldn't be here without you all. Inspired me to become one. #thankyouteacher."

The hashtag #thankyouteacher has attracted a flood of posts

Labour MP Diane Abbott also tweeted her respect for teachers, describing them as "pillars of communities across the UK".

Another user wrote: "Teachers everywhere, what you do is plant a seed that blossoms when we are adults. We thank you."

As the school in Leeds opened on Tuesday, children began arriving early to add tributes to the 200-plus bouquets of flowers covering the railings outside the gates.

Many of the students described Mrs Maguire, who had taught at the school for more than 40 years, as an inspirational teacher who went out of her way to help pupils.

One of the notes left with the flowers at the school in Leeds read: "You inspired countless generations.

"You taught four generations of our family and you were simply a totally fantastic teacher, always caring and always there to make us smile (even if you were speaking Spanish)."

Tributes have been left at the school gates as well as on social media

Former pupil Kerrianne Ayward, 17, said: "She was just lovely. She was helpful and caring and you could have a laugh with her.

"She was always there for you, even if she didn't know you very well. No one had a bad word for her - I mean no one."

Pupil Georgina Kilroy, 16, said: "I don't know anyone who didn't like her. She was spot on. You couldn't ask for a better teacher."

As she was laying flowers, former pupil Aine Arnold added: "It's more like losing a family member than losing a teacher. She was just lovely. She was wonderful. I am devastated."

Peter Masefield, 18, described Mrs Maguire as the "school's figurehead", while Georgina Kilroy, 16, added: "I don't know anyone who didn't like her. She was spot on. You couldn't ask for a better teacher."

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Leeds Teacher Died From Multiple Stab Wounds

A post-mortem examination has found a teacher killed at a Leeds school died from multiple stab wounds.

Ann Maguire, 61, who taught at Corpus Christi Catholic College for more than 40 years, had been due to retire in September.

Headteacher Steve Mort and pupils lay flowers in honour of Ms Maguire

Police say they will be interviewing the 15-year-old held in connection with her death at some point during the day.

Due to his age, officers said this would have to be handled sensitively.

The students who witnessed the incident are being interviewed by specialist officers.

Pupils have been leaving tributes and photographs outside the school

The authorities have also stressed the fatal stabbing is an isolated incident.

Detective Superintendent Simon Buldon said: "This is clearly an unprecedented and tragic incident that's left the school and wider community in a state of shock."

The school's chair of governors Martin Dowling said: "This has been a shocking but isolated incident.

The school community has been stunned by the murder of the popular teacher

"Ann was a wonderful, dedicated teacher and will be remembered fondly by all of us."

School head Steve Mort said: "Ann Maguire was a wonderful, caring individual. She was an outstanding teacher and an outstanding leader.

"She'd been a cornerstone of the school community for 40 years, she'd touched the hearts of three generations of pupils."

Monsignor Paul Fisher conducted a mass at Corpus Christ Catholic Church

Mr Mort also did not think detectors were necessary, adding that the school was a "safe environment".

He added: "And I think ultimately Ann Maguire herself, if she was asked that question, would strongly oppose any suggestion that we should have metal detectors in this school."

The school opened as normal on Tuesday to allow staff and students to remember Mrs Maguire, and support each other.

Head teacher Steve Moat and students lay flowers in church

Children began arriving early to add tributes to the more than 200 bouquets of flowers that cover the railings outside the gates.

Mrs Maguire was also remembered at a service in the neighbouring Corpus Christi Church.

Monsignor Paul Fisher said: "Today we pray for the light of hope: hope for ourselves that eventually we will come to terms with what has happened.

Some 30 pupils are understood to have witnessed the killing

"We offer prayer too for the family of the man who unfortunately did what he did."

Officers were called to the school just before noon on Monday after a report a member of staff had been stabbed. A knife was recovered from the scene.

Around 30 pupils witnessed Mrs Maguire, who is believed have two grown-up daughters, being stabbed repeatedly in class.

Some reported hearing screams as other members of staff rushed to her classroom and restrained her attacker.

Pupils arrive at Corpus Christi College which opened as normal this morning

Her death is the first time a teacher has been stabbed to death in a British classroom.

Head teacher Philip Lawrence was murdered outside a school in Maida Vale, London, in 1995 when he went to help a pupil who was being attacked.

A recent Sky News investigation revealed almost 1,000 pupils were caught with weapons including guns, axes and a meat cleaver in schools in the last three years.

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Woman Trapped After 30ft Fall At Cathedral

A woman became wedged between two turrets after falling as much as 30ft during a tour of a cathedral.

The victim, who is in her 60s, was inside the tower at Wells Cathedral when she fell and was trapped.

She suffered arm and pelvic injuries, according to Avon and Somerset Police.

The woman suffered the fall at Wells Cathedral

A rescue operation to free the woman was launched by firefighters. Paramedics, a doctor and an RAF helicopter also joined the effort.

The victim was moved to a stable platform at the cathedral in Somerset.

She was winched up by a helicopter from RAF Kinloss in the north of Scotland and then airlifted to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol.

Dr Paul Richards, from Wells Cathedral, told Sky News: "It occurred in one of our regular, what we call 'high part' tours, where a group of no more than a dozen go and see some of the more hidden places of the cathedral.

The cathedral is in Somerset

"You go up inside the cathedral, we would go up through a number of spiral staircases, and reach some of the roof spaces.

"I think there was an unfortunate point, I don't know exactly how it happened, but she slipped through some gaps that meant she fell down to a floor level slightly below."

A police statement said: "A rescue operation is under way after a woman fell 20-30ft during a tour of Wells Cathedral.

"The woman, in her 60s, was wedged between two turrets, and suffered arm and pelvic injuries.

"An RAF helicopter assisted in the operation. The woman has now been moved to a stable platform at the cathedral."

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said: "Appliances from Wells, Shepton Mallet, Bridgwater and Street are in attendance at an incident where a female casualty has fallen within the cathedral tower and is trapped.

"Crews are at work alongside paramedics and a doctor, with a Sea King helicopter standing by."

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Children Over Five 'Wearing Nappies In Class'

By Afua Hirsch, Social Affairs and Education Editor

Children are still wearing nappies in class after the age of five in hundreds of schools across the country, a Sky News investigation has found.

Teachers have reported pupils as old as 15 who have no medical conditions or developmental issues, but who are unable to use the toilet on their own.

In what is believed to be the first survey of its kind, Sky News commissioned the National Foundation for Educational Research to ask head teachers and staff in England about their experiences of children coming to schools wearing nappies.

Almost one in 10 heads and senior staff who responded said in the past year a child aged between five and seven had worn a nappy to school.

The figure was 5% for classroom teachers.

Almost one in 20 heads and senior staff said that in the last year a child aged seven to 11 had worn a nappy to school.

And 1% of classroom teachers surveyed had experience of older children in nappies.

The survey was completed by 602 teachers in primary schools and 561 teachers in secondary schools.

The figures suggest that head teachers and senior staff at a substantial number of England's 16,000 primary schools have experience in the past 12 months of at least one pupil above the age of five still wearing nappies.

There has been growing evidence in recent years that increasing numbers of children are starting school in nappies.

But this is the first research to suggest the problem extends beyond the Reception year.

And experts say it is not just pupils from deprived backgrounds who are not being toilet trained, but those who have working parents too busy to address the issue.

Anne-Marie Middleton, a deputy head teacher from Dover, says many pupils are too embarrassed to admit they still wear nappies.

She said: "We're seeing more and more children wearing nappies. We find that more and more children have an issue with toilet (training) further up the school.

Ms Middleton says that the busy lives of parents are often at the root of the problem, with pupils arriving at school without many basic skills including toileting, or being able to use a knife and fork.

Janet Marsh says it is an 'incredibly serious situation'

Janet Marsh runs a programme on behalf of Kent Community Health NHS Trust to try to help pupils toilet train.

She said she knew of 14 or 15 year olds without medical problems who still had toilet-training issues.

"It's an incredibly serious situation," she said.

"There are children who miss 25% of their education in Reception because they're being taken out to be changed. How are they going to catch up?"

Asked if teachers are being asked to do too much by expecting them to act as surrogate parents, Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education, replied: "I do think hard about how much we ask of teachers, because we do ask a lot."

Mr Gove said the Government needed to support frontline teachers and listen to their concerns.

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New Suspects In Cyril Smith Sex Abuse Case

Police are to investigate a cover-up of the alleged sexual abuse of children at a Rochdale school by Sir Cyril Smith and up to 11 others.

Police said new suspects and a number of new victims had been identified in the course of the ongoing investigations into sexual abuse at the Knowl View residential school.

Sir Peter Fahy, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, said officers were also investigating whether there was a case of a criminal cover-up of abuse allegedly carried out by the 29-stone politician and urged further victims or witnesses to come forward.

He said: "There are a significant number of people we are trying to trace, obviously made more difficult by the passage of time.

"I would just like to point out that investigations into abuse are extremely difficult. They do take a long time because of, often, the damaged effects on the particular victims and the need for corroboration.

"But we are determined to do a very thorough investigation and obviously when we are carrying out investigations into abuse at institutions, clearly we look at the liability of those who may have been running those institutions."

Rochdale Council has announced an independent inquiry to investigate the cover-up claims that will examine allegations of sexual and physical abuse of boys under the age of 18 by Smith between 1961 and 1995.

Sir Cyril's family has always denied the allegations against him

It will look at whether there was a culture at the council that "tolerated, facilitated or promoted" the alleged abuse.

Announcing the review, Rochdale council leader Colin Lambert said the QC appointed to head the review would investigate whether council staff or members did anything to stop the alleged assaults being "prevented" or "exposed".

The announcements follow information contained in a newly published book by the Labour MP Simon Danczuk, who now has the Rochdale seat the late Lib Dem MP used to hold.

In the book, Mr Danczuk claims police repeatedly investigated sex abuse allegations against Smith, a former Labour councillor in Rochdale who served as an MP from 1972-92.

He said attempts to prosecute Smith were blocked and police officers threatened with the sack in corruption that could be traced back to the "very top of the establishment" despite 144 complaints by victims.

Mr Danczuk told Sky News: "Everyone has known for 20 years that there has been a cover-up."

He said it was time arrests were made.

Greater Manchester Police said in 2012 that Smith abused boys at the Cambridge Hostel in Rochdale in the 1960s when he was secretary of the Rochdale Hostel for Boys Association.Three files were passed to the Director of Public Prosecutions but none was pursued.

Earlier this month, the Liberal Democrats denounced Smith, who died aged 82 in 2010, as "repugnant" but claimed they knew nothing of the allegations.

The party has come under increasing pressure over the matter from those who say the accusations against Smith were so widely known it is a "nonsense" to suggest no one knew about it.

Smith's family has always denied the allegations against him, details of which were first published in 1979.

Mr Lambert said he expected the review by Neil Garnham, which will also look at whether any culture at the council continued after 1995, would be completed by the end of July.

The council had previously announced an independent inquiry into the allegations, however, Mr Lambert said it was clear this now needed to be widened.

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The Once 'Untouchable' Clifford Now Faces Jail

By Tom Parmenter, Sky Correspondent

Celebrity publicist Max Clifford was found guilty of eight indecent assaults following a five-week trial at Southwark Crown Court.

A series of women accused the PR guru of either indecently assaulting them or forcing them to commit sex acts between 1966 and 1984.

In court, Mr Clifford accused them of being "liars and fantasists" who were looking for compensation.

But women who do not know each other and who live in different parts of the UK said strikingly similar things about his lewd behaviour.

The 71-year-old has had a long career representing some of the biggest names in showbiz including Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Muhammad Ali and Simon Cowell.

Prosecutor Rosina Cottage QC earlier told the jury: "He has been at the top of the media game for many years. He knows the strings to pull. He knows how to manipulate, lie and get what he wants."

Many of the women said Clifford seemed obsessed with his own penis and made prank phone calls using bogus identities to ask the women about his size.

The defence argued the varying descriptions they gave in court meant the allegations were bogus, but Rosina Cottage QC told the jury: "It is what he did with it that is important, not the size."

She described his former office on New Bond Street in central London as Clifford's own "sexual fiefdom" where he manipulated and bullied young women.

The PR man had already admitted to extra marital affairs, wild sex parties in the 1970s and sexual practical jokes, but Clifford's method of bullying young women into doing exactly what he wanted had remained hidden.

One of the women described in court how, in the 1990s, she tried to speak to one of the national newspapers about her allegations.

The voice at the other end of the line told her: "You will not get a paper to print a story on Max Clifford. He is untouchable."

Clifford was cleared of two further charges, while the jury was unable to reach a verdict on another.

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Teacher Stabbed To Death At Leeds School

School Pupils Caught With Weapons

Updated: 12:07am UK, Wednesday 23 April 2014

By Afua Hirsch, Social Affairs and Education Editor

Almost 1,000 pupils were caught with weapons including guns, axes and a meat cleaver in schools in the last three years, a Sky News investigation has found.

New figures show 981 children have had weapons confiscated on school premises since 2011.

They include at least 80 primary school children, the youngest of whom was an eight-year-old caught with a knife.

Some 36 pupils were found with an assortment of guns, including two hand guns, seven air-powered weapons and 27 BB guns.

Of those found with weapons, 329 caught with items including an axe, a cut-throat razor and a stun gun were charged with a criminal offence.

One 18-year-old, who is taking part in a young offender's programme in London, said: "I carried a weapon ... but only because of the environment I was in.

"My generation is a bit wild ... so it's a normal thing to carry a weapon because you know everyone else is. It's making it fair, basically."

Campaigners warned the scale of the problem is likely to be much worse, as 21 of the UK's 52 police forces did not supply figures requested under the Freedom of Information Act.

Data from West Midlands Police, which alone recovered weapons from 538 people during the same period, was not included because it also accounts for colleges and universities.

The figures raise questions about whether schools and the Government have failed to tackle the problem.

Jayne Walmsley, whose son Luke was murdered at a Lincolnshire school in 2003 aged 14, said: "Something is happening to the society we live in.

"We need to think and educate these kids. It's got to stop. We've got to do something about it."

Patrick Regan, CEO of charity XLP, which was founded in response to a school stabbing, added: "There's a culture of fear that needs to be broken down."

The Government said it had given teachers powers to take action if they suspect a pupil has brought a weapon into school.

"Teachers can now search pupils without consent, confiscate prohibited items and use force to remove disruptive pupils from the classroom when necessary," a spokesman for the Department for Education said.

"We've also given heads the final say on expulsions by removing the right of appeal panels to put pupils back in the classroom."

However, Chris Douglas, a youth worker with St Giles Trust, which engages with young people caught up in crime, warned the use of weapons is a growing problem.

"We're not hearing about stabbings because they're becoming more common," he said.

Last year, a study by UCL and charity Kids Company found half the young people working with the organisation had seen someone shot or stabbed in their community in the past year.

In 2009, the then-Government announced new measures to curb the problem of weapons in schools after a spate of attacks against children.

There were plans to introduce airport-style metal detectors as part of a violent crime action plan.

But campaigners are concerned the issue has disappeared from public discourse, leaving children vulnerable.

"Sometimes it's a bit like banging your head on a brick wall," Mrs Walmsley said.

"Schools won't admit to the problem because all they want is more pupils for more money."

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Max Clifford Found Guilty Of Sex Charges

PR guru Max Clifford has been found guilty of a string of sex attacks on teenage girls.

The 71-year-old became the first person to be convicted under the high profile Operation Yewtree sex crime investigation at Southwark Crown Court.

He was found guilty of eight indecent assaults, cleared of two and the jury was unable to reach a verdict on one other.

The guilty verdicts relate to four women, aged between 15 and 19 at the time of the offences, between 1978 and 1984.

The verdicts were taken in a hushed but packed courtroom, given by the forewoman of the jury on its eighth day of deliberations.

Clifford sat still in the dock as the jury forewoman returned the verdicts.

Max Clifford getting into his car after the verdicts

He could be seen breathing deeply as he listened through a hearing loop.

The publicist walked out of the courtroom with friends and supporters in complete silence, one of them patting him on the shoulder as he walked.

He walked outside to face the media, with his daughter Louise to his right, and said he had been "told not to say anything".

As he walked to his car, he was asked what it felt like to be the story, and Clifford replied it was "not the first time".

Clifford was released on bail until his sentencing on Friday, but Judge Anthony Leonard QC warned him this was no reflection on the sentence that will be passed.

He said: "You must realise that the fact I have given you bail is no indication of what the final sentence will be."

Clifford repeatedly denied the claims, calling his arrest and prosecution "a nightmare" and protesting his innocence.

Clifford has described the charges as a 'nightmare'

Jurors in the trial - six men and four women - had started an eighth day of deliberation this morning.

They were sent out on April 15 at the end of a six-week trial in which Clifford was accused of manipulating seven girls and women into performing sex acts between 1966 and 1984.

He was arrested by detectives from Operation Yewtree in December 2012, and charged in April the following year.

The court heard from a string of women who testified about Clifford's behaviour, romping naked in his New Bond Street office.

Prosecutors portrayed him as a well-practised manipulator, who promised to boost his victims' careers and get them to meet celebrities in exchange for sexual favours.

He offered to get them casting appointments, pretending to be Hollywood bigwigs including Steven Spielberg, Albert "Cubby" Broccoli and Michael Winner on the phone.

He even bizarrely bragged about having a tiny penis, telling one victim: "Is it the smallest you've ever seen?"

The trial heard from Clifford's daughter Louise who said he was 'her rock'

The exact size of his manhood became a matter of contention during the trial, and his defence team asked a doctor to measure his penis as part of the evidence.

Victims included a dancer who received a phone call while she was at a nightclub from someone pretending to represent producer Broccoli, and was told to find out whether Clifford was circumcised.

She then "froze" and realised she was "stuck", and feared she would be raped when Clifford took her into the toilet and assaulted her.

Another girl, a teenage model, said Clifford groped her when she went to his office for career advice in 1983, bragging that he could get her a part in a James Bond film.

He then masturbated while he was on the phone to his wife, and tried to put his penis in her mouth.

The court also heard from a woman who claimed Clifford had impressed her parents with celebrity tales and went on to abuse her from the age of 15.

She said she was driven to contemplate suicide when he falsely told her he had a photograph of her giving him oral sex, and in 2011 sent him a letter claiming he had made her life "a living hell".

For his part, Clifford branded his accusers as "fantasists and opportunists".

The investigation, Scotland Yard's inquiry into historic allegations of sexual offences, was prompted after claims were made against the late DJ Jimmy Savile.

DCI Michael Orchard, of the Metropolitan Police, thanked victims for coming forward, while Jenny Hopkins, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said Monday's verdicts had given victims a "long, denied justice".

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Helicopter Crash: Probe After Five Killed

An investigation has been launched into why a Lynx helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan, killing five British service personnel.

The crash site, near Kandahar, has been cordoned off by investigators from the Military Aviation Authority.

The Taliban claimed its insurgents shot down the helicopter, but the Ministry of Defence denied this and said initial indications were a technical problem during the routine flight caused it to crash.

Experts have said the investigation will examine the aircraft's log books, weather conditions and whether the the helicopter was carrying out an authorised job in keeping with its capabilities.

Flowers left outside RAF Odiham in Hampshire

A spokeswoman said: "The investigation is now under way, and the area of the crash has been cordoned off.

"We cannot go into further details. At this stage it is not known how long the investigation might last or when investigators will deliver their report, but it will be a thorough inquiry."

Three of the servicemen were from the Army Air Corps, based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire.

A Royal Air Force serviceman also stationed at the base was among those killed, along with a member of the Army Reserve from 3 Military Intelligence Battalion.

Major General Richard Felton, commander of Joint Helicopter Command at RAF Odiham, said: "It is with the deepest sadness that I must confirm the death of five service personnel.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families at this most difficult time.

The aircraft went down in the Takhta Pul district of Kandahar

"The focus for the immediate future is to ensure that the families receive the support they need at this most difficult of times."

Next of kin for all five servicemen have been informed.

It is the third biggest single loss of life of British troops since the conflict in Afghanistan began in 2001. A total of 453 UK service personnel have been killed.

It comes after Prime Minister David Cameron said on Sunday his "heart goes out to the families and friends of those killed in this terrible tragedy".

He said: "Every British fatality is a source of deep sadness.

Lynx helicopters are deployed for a wide variety of operations

"This latest incident, which has cost the lives of five UK service personnel, brings home to us all once again how our armed forces continue to put their lives on the line to help the people of Afghanistan."

Foreign Secretary William Hague told Sky News the deaths appeared to have been a "tragic accident".

He added: "It is a reminder of the work that our troops still do in Afghanistan."

Kandahar provincial police spokesman Zia Durrani said the helicopter went down in the Takhta Pul district of Kandahar province, around 30 miles from the Pakistan border - and that it was not attacked by militants.

The helicopter involved was a Westland Lynx, an aircraft with a range of uses including transport and resupply.

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Spoof X Factor Musical Shuts After Six Weeks

The spoof X Factor musical I Can't Sing! will close less than seven weeks after its opening.

The show, written by comedian Harry Hill, opened on March 26 at the London Palladium in the West End.

But preview performances were postponed twice in a week after technical problems.

Rebecca Quigley, chief executive of Stage Entertainment UK, said: "We are sad to be bringing I Can't Sing! to a close but are immensely proud to have co-produced the show.

Simon Cowell and Harry Hill at the opening of the show in March

"The West End can be an unpredictable place as the closure of a number of high profile productions recently has shown.

"I Can't Sing! has had audiences on their feet night after night, four and five-star reviews from the critics and an amazing company and creative team, but it seems that isn't always enough."

The musical tells the story of a young woman who finds fame with a talking dog on the talent show.

Former EastEnders actor Nigel Harman led the cast, which included characters based on X Factor regulars like Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh.

Last month, Cowell said: "From day one there was a cloud over that musical. The critics had a field day.

"You've got to be confident in what you do, otherwise you'd be paralysed. I've always thought if I like something then other people will like it."

People who have bought tickets for shows after May 10 have been told to contact their original point of purchase.

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Body Of Missing British Man Found In Canal

The body of a British tourist has been recovered from a canal in Leiden after he went missing during a night out.

Wayne Davies, 22, vanished after leaving the Hifi nightclub in the Dutch city in the early hours of April 19.

His mother raised the alarm the next day after he failed to return home to the UK.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "We were notified of the death of a British national on April 26 in the Netherlands.

"We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time."

Police believe Mr Davies - a plumber's apprentice from East Grinstead, in Sussex - may have fallen into the canal.

His bank card has not been used since he disappeared, according to detectives.

Divers and sniffer dogs were used to search for him.

Mr Davies had been staying in the Golden Tulip hotel in Leiden with two friends.

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Man Found Dead After Solicitors' Firm Burglary

Detectives are investigating the death of a man whose body was discovered in a garden in Greater Manchester.

Police found him after being called to reports of a burglary at a firm of solicitors in Delaunays Road, Crumpsall, at around 4am on Sunday.

The man had a severe leg injury and officers are trying to establish whether he was involved in the break-in.

A post-mortem will take place later.

Two other men have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and remain in custody.

Detective Superintendent Joanne Rawlinson, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "I am confident this man is in some way connected to a possible break-in at the solicitors.

"Detectives are working to establish how this man came by his injuries."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3925 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Nile Ranger To Be Questioned Over 'Assault'

Police want to interview a former Premiership footballer in connection with an alleged assault on a woman and criminal damage at an apartment block.

Ex-Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger, who now plays for League One side Swindon Town, faces questioning after a building management company contacted officers.

The Wiltshire force says the firm has handed it CCTV footage of a man "kicking and smashing a door and lift" and "punching a female".

Police said around £2,000 worth of damage was caused to a lift door, wall and glass panel at a block of flats in Gordon Gardens in the centre of Swindon on April 13.

The force said a 23-year-old man would be "contacted via his solicitor for interview by appointment".

Officers also said they wanted to speak to the woman in the CCTV footage.

A spokeswoman for Wiltshire Police said: "Police were contacted on April 23 by a building management company to report criminal damage at a residential address in Gordon Gardens, Swindon.

"The company were visiting to assess damage reported by residents to have happened on April 13 at approximately 4am.

"Damage caused is in the region of £2,000 of a lift door, a wall and a glass panel which was smashed.

"During the course of enquiries the company have supplied the police with a copy of CCTV of the incident which shows a man kicking and smashing the door and lift, and at one point punching a female who was with him.

"Police have been making enquiries to locate the suspect.

"As a result a man, aged 23, from Gordon Gardens in Swindon will be contacted via his solicitor for interview by appointment in connection with the criminal damage and assault."

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UKIP Member: Lenny Henry Should Leave Britain

A local election UKIP candidate has suggested that British comedian Lenny Henry should emigrate to a "black country".

Enfield candidate William Henwood was responding to recent comments made by Henry that there was a poor representation of ethnic minorities on British television.

On his Twitter account, he tweeted: "He should emigrate to a black country. He does not have to live with whites."

In a statement, UKIP insisted the party was "non-racist, non-sectarian" and that "any comments made by members that fail to uphold these values will be duly investigated and acted upon".

Mr Henwood is not the only candidate to have extreme views revealed in the past week since the party's manifesto was launched.

UKIP Camden candidate Magnus Nielsen claimed that 70% of UK mosques had been "taken over" by "fundamentalists".

According to his Facebook page, he said: "Islam is organised crime under religious camouflage. Any Muslim who is not involved in organised crime is not a 'true believer', practising Islam as Mohammed commanded."

A poll suggests Nigel Farage has not been damaged by recent controversies

And a UKIP member who appeared in the party's latest election broadcast was suspended after allegedly expressing "repellent views".

Andre Lampitt apparently posted racist and anti-Islamic remarks as well as inappropriate comments about Labour leader Ed Miliband on Twitter.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage said he was "very angry" that Mr Lampitt had been given a role in the broadcast.

Despite a bruising week of controversies, a poll suggests Mr Farage's party has surged into the lead in the European election contest.

UKIP recorded 31% support in the YouGov survey for the Sunday Times, three points ahead of Labour, with the Conservatives trailing in third place with 19%.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Spoof X Factor Musical Shuts After Six Weeks

The spoof X Factor musical I Can't Sing! will close less than seven weeks after its opening.

The show, written by comedian Harry Hill, opened on March 26 at the London Palladium in the West End.

But preview performances were postponed twice in a week after technical problems.

Rebecca Quigley, chief executive of Stage Entertainment UK, said: "We are sad to be bringing I Can't Sing! to a close but are immensely proud to have co-produced the show.

Simon Cowell and Harry Hill at the opening of the show in March

"The West End can be an unpredictable place as the closure of a number of high profile productions recently has shown.

"I Can't Sing! has had audiences on their feet night after night, four and five-star reviews from the critics and an amazing company and creative team, but it seems that isn't always enough."

The musical tells the story of a young woman who finds fame with a talking dog on the talent show.

Former EastEnders actor Nigel Harman led the cast, which included characters based on X Factor regulars like Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh.

Last month, Cowell said: "From day one there was a cloud over that musical. The critics had a field day.

"You've got to be confident in what you do, otherwise you'd be paralysed. I've always thought if I like something then other people will like it."

People who have bought tickets for shows after May 10 have been told to contact their original point of purchase.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Body Of Missing British Man Found In Canal

The body of a British tourist has been recovered from a canal in Leiden after he went missing during a night out.

Wayne Davies, 22, vanished after leaving the Hifi nightclub in the Dutch city in the early hours of April 19.

His mother raised the alarm the next day after he failed to return home to the UK.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "We were notified of the death of a British national on April 26 in the Netherlands.

"We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time."

Police believe Mr Davies - a plumber's apprentice from East Grinstead, in Sussex - may have fallen into the canal.

His bank card has not been used since he disappeared, according to detectives.

Divers and sniffer dogs were used to search for him.

Mr Davies had been staying in the Golden Tulip hotel in Leiden with two friends.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Helicopter Crash: Probe After Five Killed

An investigation has been launched into why a Lynx helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan, killing five British service personnel.

The crash site, near Kandahar, has been cordoned off by investigators from the Military Aviation Authority.

The Taliban claimed its insurgents shot down the helicopter, but the Ministry of Defence denied this and said initial indications were a technical problem during the routine flight caused it to crash.

Experts have said the investigation will examine the aircraft's log books, weather conditions and whether the the helicopter was carrying out an authorised job in keeping with its capabilities.

Flowers left outside RAF Odiham in Hampshire

A spokeswoman said: "The investigation is now under way, and the area of the crash has been cordoned off.

"We cannot go into further details. At this stage it is not known how long the investigation might last or when investigators will deliver their report, but it will be a thorough inquiry."

Three of the servicemen were from the Army Air Corps, based at RAF Odiham in Hampshire.

A Royal Air Force serviceman also stationed at the base was among those killed, along with a member of the Army Reserve from 3 Military Intelligence Battalion.

Major General Richard Felton, commander of Joint Helicopter Command at RAF Odiham, said: "It is with the deepest sadness that I must confirm the death of five service personnel.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families at this most difficult time.

The aircraft went down in the Takhta Pul district of Kandahar

"The focus for the immediate future is to ensure that the families receive the support they need at this most difficult of times."

Next of kin for all five servicemen have been informed.

It is the third biggest single loss of life of British troops since the conflict in Afghanistan began in 2001. A total of 453 UK service personnel have been killed.

It comes after Prime Minister David Cameron said on Sunday his "heart goes out to the families and friends of those killed in this terrible tragedy".

He said: "Every British fatality is a source of deep sadness.

Lynx helicopters are deployed for a wide variety of operations

"This latest incident, which has cost the lives of five UK service personnel, brings home to us all once again how our armed forces continue to put their lives on the line to help the people of Afghanistan."

Foreign Secretary William Hague told Sky News the deaths appeared to have been a "tragic accident".

He added: "It is a reminder of the work that our troops still do in Afghanistan."

Kandahar provincial police spokesman Zia Durrani said the helicopter went down in the Takhta Pul district of Kandahar province, around 30 miles from the Pakistan border - and that it was not attacked by militants.

The helicopter involved was a Westland Lynx, an aircraft with a range of uses including transport and resupply.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Man Found Dead After Solicitors' Firm Burglary

Detectives are investigating the death of a man whose body was discovered in a garden in Greater Manchester.

Police found him after being called to reports of a burglary at a firm of solicitors in Delaunays Road, Crumpsall, at around 4am on Sunday.

The man had a severe leg injury and officers are trying to establish whether he was involved in the break-in.

A post-mortem will take place later.

Two other men have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and remain in custody.

Detective Superintendent Joanne Rawlinson, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "I am confident this man is in some way connected to a possible break-in at the solicitors.

"Detectives are working to establish how this man came by his injuries."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3925 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

22.11 | 0 komentar | Read More