Murray's Wimbledon Win 'Makes Britain Proud'

Murray Makes History At Wimbledon

Updated: 6:33pm UK, Sunday 07 July 2013

Andy Murray has become the first Briton in 77 years to win the men's singles title at Wimbledon, with a straight-sets victory over the world number one.

With the hopes of the nation resting on his shoulders, the Scotsman beat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 on Centre Court in a battle lasting three hours and 10 minutes.

Murray had squandered three match points before winning the championship when the Serbian netted a backhand.

The 26-year-old player, who held his trophy aloft and kissed it, said: "That was one of the toughest moments, today was unbelievably tough match.

"I don't know how I came through the final three points, I'm so glad to do it.

"I have played Novak many times and when everyone finishes playing, he will go down as one of the fighters.

"He did the same today and that is what made it tough.

"I understand how much everyone wanted to see British winner at Wimbledon and I hope everyone enjoyed it."

World number two Murray broke down in tears as his triumph sank in and climbed into the players' box to hug his girlfriend Kim Sears, coach Ivan Lendl and the rest of his support team.

But he almost forgot his mother Judy, who was sitting just behind the box, before returning to embrace her too.

"I did forget Mum, but then I did remember," he added.

"My team have stuck by me through some tough moments. This one is for Ivan (Lendl, his coach) as well, I know he did everything to try to win this one when he was playing. He's fantastic, he's been patient and I thank him."

The win makes Murray the first Briton to take the Wimbledon men's singles title since Fred Perry in 1936.

Murray won his first grand slam at the US Open last year and was desperate to claim the SW19 title after losing to Roger Federer in an emotional final last year.

Thousands of people descended on the famous All-England club, including Prime Minister David Cameron, Scotland First Minister Alex Salmond, Victoria Beckham and Wayne Rooney, while millions tuned in to watch the action on television.

On Murray Mount, fans held union flags and Scottish Saltires as they squeezed on to the steep bank to watch the tense tie.

Mr Cameron led tributes to Murray, tweeting: "It was a privilege to watch @andy--murray making history at #Wimbledon, and making Britain proud."

Djokovic was gracious in defeat.

"Congratulations to Andy you absolutely deserved it, you played incredibly," the six-times grand slam champion said.

"I know what it means to you guys in the whole country so well done. It is a great achievement. I gave it my all and it was an honour to be in this match, in this final."   

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Newlywed Brit Killed In Cancun Hit-And-Run

A newlywed has died in a suspected hit-and-run crash while he was on his honeymoon in Mexico.

Ray Cottam, 55, died in Cancun, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said.

Mr Cottam, of Middlestown, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, was on holiday with his new wife Karen after their marriage at a hotel near Pontefract last Saturday, according to reports.

He reportedly worked for Fox's Biscuits in Batley, but had previously run a fish and chip shop in nearby Ossett.

Janet Barnes, 56, of Ossett, who worked with him at the chip shop and attended his wedding reception, said she was struggling to come to terms with what had happened.

She told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "He was a diamond - a one in a million. He would do anything for anyone.

"Him and Karen were made for each other. It is a total shock and we still can't believe it."

An FCO spokesman said: "We were made aware of the death of a British national in Cancun, Mexico, on June 30.

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

Mrs Cottam is now back home in Middlestown being comforted by family.

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Saatchi To Divorce Nigella After Neck Row

Art collector Charles Saatchi has announced he has filed for divorce from Nigella Lawson - citing her refusal to defend his reputation after he was pictured with his hand around her neck at a restaurant.

In a statement, the 70-year-old told The Mail On Sunday: "I am sorry to announce that Nigella Lawson and I are getting divorced.

"I feel that I have clearly been a disappointment to Nigella during the last year or so, and I am disappointed that she was advised to make no public comment to explain that I abhor violence of any kind against women, and have never abused her physically in any way."

The couple were pictured on June 9 during an argument at Scott's restaurant in Mayfair, central London.

Images showed Mr Saatchi with his hand around the 53-year-old celebrity chef's throat.

Ms Lawson, the daughter of former chancellor Lord Lawson, was reportedly seen weeping following the episode. She did not make a complaint to police.

Mr Saatchi voluntarily attended a central London police station and accepted a caution, saying he did not want the incident "hanging over all of us".

But he claimed his wife has refused to answer calls after apparently leaving the family home with her two children, Cosima, 19, and Bruno, 17, from her previous marriage to journalist John Diamond, who died of throat cancer in 2001.

Mr Saatchi, who made his name in advertising, said: "This is heartbreaking for both of us as our love was very deep, but in the last year we have become estranged and drifted apart.

"The row photographed at Scott's restaurant could equally have been Nigella grasping my neck to hold my attention - as indeed she has done in the past."

Mr Saatchi insisted his actions were not violent, saying that while he had his hands around Ms Lawson's neck, "there was no pressure applied to her".

He said the pictures gave a "wholly different and incorrect implication", adding: "I am sorry that we had a row. I am sorry she was upset. I am even more sorry that this is the end of our marriage."

Ms Lawson became a household name in 1998 with her first cookery book, How To Eat. She married Mr Saatchi in 2003.

Her spokesman said: "There is no comment from Nigella."

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Crewe Alexandra Players Held Over 'Sex Assault'

Seven Crewe Alexandra football players have been released on bail after being arrested over a suspected sexual assault.

It is alleged to have taken place at a property in Redruth, a town in Cornwall where the League One club had been on a pre-season training camp.

Police made the arrests after receiving a complaint of sexual assault against a woman in her early 20s.

Three men aged 18, 19, and 35, and two aged 24 were held in Redruth on Saturday in connection with the allegation.

Later that day, a 21-year-old man was detained in Cheshire.

And on Sunday, a 20-year-old man was also held in Cheshire.

All seven suspects have been interviewed and have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

They have been told to return to police station on dates between September 30 and October 8.

A spokesman for the football club earlier confirmed some Crewe players were being held.

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Andy Murray Wins Wimbledon Title

Andy Murray has become the first Briton in 77 years to win the men's singles title at Wimbledon, with a straight-sets victory over the world number one.

With the hopes of the nation resting on his shoulders, the Scotsman beat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 on Centre Court in a battle lasting three hours and 10 minutes.

Murray had squandered three match points before winning the championship when the Serbian netted a backhand.

Murray climbed into the players' box after his win

The 26-year-old player, who held his trophy aloft and kissed it, said: "That was one of the toughest moments, today was unbelievably tough match.

"I don't know how I came through the final three points, I'm so glad to do it.

"I have played Novak many times and when everyone finishes playing, he will go down as one of the fighters.

"He did the same today and that is what made it tough.

"I understand how much everyone wanted to see British winner at Wimbledon and I hope everyone enjoyed it."

Murray dropped to his knees after the victory

World number two Murray broke down in tears as his triumph sank in and climbed into the players' box to hug his girlfriend Kim Sears, coach Ivan Lendl and the rest of his support team.

But he almost forgot his mother Judy, who was sitting just behind the box, before returning to embrace her too.

"I did forget Mum, but then I did remember," he added.

"My team have stuck by me through some tough moments. This one is for Ivan (Lendl, his coach) as well, I know he did everything to try to win this one when he was playing. He's fantastic, he's been patient and I thank him."

Djokovic has won six grand slams

The win makes Murray the first Briton to take the Wimbledon men's singles title since Fred Perry in 1936.

Murray won his first grand slam at the US Open last year and was desperate to claim the SW19 title after losing to Roger Federer in an emotional final last year.

Thousands of people descended on the famous All-England club, including Prime Minister David Cameron, Scotland First Minister Alex Salmond, Victoria Beckham and Wayne Rooney, while millions tuned in to watch the action on television.

On Murray Mount, fans held union flags and Scottish Saltires as they squeezed on to the steep bank to watch the tense tie.

Mr Cameron led tributes to Murray, tweeting: "It was a privilege to watch @andy--murray making history at #Wimbledon, and making Britain proud."

Djokovic was gracious in defeat.

"Congratulations to Andy you absolutely deserved it, you played incredibly," the six-times grand slam champion said.

"I know what it means to you guys in the whole country so well done. It is a great achievement. I gave it my all and it was an honour to be in this match, in this final."   

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Newlywed Brit Killed In Cancun Hit-And-Run

A newlywed has died in a suspected hit-and-run crash while he was on his honeymoon in Mexico.

Ray Cottam, 55, died in Cancun, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said.

Mr Cottam, of Middlestown, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, was on holiday with his new wife Karen after their marriage at a hotel near Pontefract last Saturday, according to reports.

He reportedly worked for Fox's Biscuits in Batley, but had previously run a fish and chip shop in nearby Ossett.

Janet Barnes, 56, of Ossett, who worked with him at the chip shop and attended his wedding reception, said she was struggling to come to terms with what had happened.

She told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "He was a diamond - a one in a million. He would do anything for anyone.

"Him and Karen were made for each other. It is a total shock and we still can't believe it."

An FCO spokesman said: "We were made aware of the death of a British national in Cancun, Mexico, on June 30.

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

Mrs Cottam is now back home in Middlestown being comforted by family.

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Michael Parkinson: Chat Show Host Has Cancer

Chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson has revealed he is being treated for prostate cancer but has no intention of stopping working.

The television star, 78, is currently undergoing radiotherapy but is expected to make a full recovery.

Sir Michael, who was diagnosed in May after a routine medical last October, said he was confident of fighting the disease.

He said: "It was a great shock, but I have been told to expect to make a full recovery."

He told The Sun On Sunday: "Of course mortality is on the mind. But I'm not afraid.

"My wife Mary has been a tremendous support and while she has been, of course, very upset, she can see how I have approached this.

"Once she realised I wouldn't let it affect me, Mary was fine.

"I don't feel ill. And I will keep working. I have no intention of stopping working."

The presenter, affectionately known as "Parky" to his legion of fans, has been having five sessions of radiotherapy a week.

He is also backing a campaign to help raise awareness of the disease.

Sir Michael said: "All that concerns me now is for men around the country to stop and take notice of any symptoms that might save their lives.

"I'm not a softy. If you show the symptoms of this dreadful disease, get help. Men need to get themselves checked. It will save lives."

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Saatchi To Divorce Nigella After Neck Row

Art collector Charles Saatchi has announced he has filed for divorce from Nigella Lawson - citing her refusal to defend his reputation after he was pictured with his hand around her neck at a restaurant.

In a statement, the 70-year-old told The Mail On Sunday: "I am sorry to announce that Nigella Lawson and I are getting divorced.

"I feel that I have clearly been a disappointment to Nigella during the last year or so, and I am disappointed that she was advised to make no public comment to explain that I abhor violence of any kind against women, and have never abused her physically in any way."

The couple were pictured on June 9 during an argument at Scott's restaurant in Mayfair, central London.

Images showed Mr Saatchi with his hand around the 53-year-old celebrity chef's throat.

Ms Lawson, the daughter of former chancellor Lord Lawson, was reportedly seen weeping following the episode. She did not make a complaint to police.

Mr Saatchi voluntarily attended a central London police station and accepted a caution, saying he did not want the incident "hanging over all of us".

But he claimed his wife has refused to answer calls after apparently leaving the family home with her two children, Cosima, 19, and Bruno, 17, from her previous marriage to journalist John Diamond, who died of throat cancer in 2001.

Mr Saatchi, who made his name in advertising, said: "This is heartbreaking for both of us as our love was very deep, but in the last year we have become estranged and drifted apart.

"The row photographed at Scott's restaurant could equally have been Nigella grasping my neck to hold my attention - as indeed she has done in the past."

Mr Saatchi insisted his actions were not violent, saying that while he had his hands around Ms Lawson's neck, "there was no pressure applied to her".

He said the pictures gave a "wholly different and incorrect implication", adding: "I am sorry that we had a row. I am sorry she was upset. I am even more sorry that this is the end of our marriage."

Ms Lawson became a household name in 1998 with her first cookery book, How To Eat. She married Mr Saatchi in 2003.

Her spokesman said: "There is no comment from Nigella."

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Abu Qatada Denies Terrorism Charges In Jordan

Radical preacher Abu Qatada has pleaded not guilty to terror charges - just hours after his deportation from the UK to Jordan.

After landing at an isolated airstrip near the Jordanian capital Amman, Qatada was driven by police escort to the heavily guarded State Security Court.

There he was charged by military prosecutors with conspiracy to carry out terrorist acts.

The 53-year-old denies involvement in a plot to attack American and Israeli tourists and faces a retrial.

Qatada leaves Amman's State Security Court in a police vehicle

No reporters were allowed into the hearing, but a court official said Qatada was remanded in custody for 15 days at the maximum security Muwaqqar prison, which houses dozens of convicted terrorists.

His lawyer, Taysir Diab, said he would be lodging an appeal on Monday for Qatada to be released on bail.

It is understood Jordanian authorities allowed Qatada's family to greet him on his arrival in Amman.

Home Secretary Theresa May told Sky News that she was "very pleased" to have finally succeeded in deporting the cleric.

The military plane carrying Qatada arrives at Amman Airport in Jordan

"He is now where people wanted him to be - which is not in the UK, but back in Jordan," she said.

Accompanied by four police officers, Qatada left for Jordan in the early hours on a military plane from RAF Northolt in west London.

It marks the end of an eight-year legal battle to remove Qatada, described by the Government as a "truly dangerous individual" and a "key player" in al Qaeda-related terrorism.

Sky News correspondent Mark White said: "He has been a thorn in the side of five home secretaries who have tried to get rid of him. As far as the British Government and senior politicians are concerned, there will be quiet celebration that he has finally left the country."

Qatada glances out of the military plane flying him to Jordan

Qatada used his human rights to make a series of costly challenges to moves to deport him to his native country.

The case became a national embarrassment, with critics of European human rights legislation claiming it rendered UK politicians powerless to remove someone who they believed to be a clear threat to national security.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I am absolutely delighted. This is something this Government said it would get done and we have got it done.

"It is an issue, like for the rest of the country, has made my blood boil. That this man, who has no right to be in our country, who is a threat to our country, and that it took so long and was so difficult to deport him.

"But we've done it, he's back in Jordan, that's excellent news."

The Home Office spent a total of £1.7m on legal fees from the many court proceedings.

Qatada was taken from Belmarsh to RAF Northolt under police escort

Mrs May said the Jordanian national's departure marked "the conclusion of efforts to remove him since 2001 and I believe this will be welcomed by the British public".

She added: "I am glad that this government's determination to see him on a plane has been vindicated and that we have at last achieved what previous governments, Parliament and the British public have long called for.

"This dangerous man has now been removed from our shores to face the courts in his own country.

"I am also clear that we need to make sense of our human rights laws and remove the many layers of appeals available to foreign nationals we want to deport. We are taking steps - including through the new Immigration Bill - to put this right."

Qatada had became an object of hate to many

It was a treaty signed between the UK and Jordan that finally secured Qatada's departure, giving him the assurances he needed to leave his taxpayer-funded home behind.

The agreement, announced by Mrs May earlier this year, aimed to allay fears that evidence extracted through torture will be used against the father-of-five at a retrial.

In a shock move, Qatada pledged in May to leave Britain with his family if and when the treaty was fully ratified, a process that to the relief of many concluded earlier this week.

It is understood he will be held in solitary confinement in prison, until the Jordanian authorities can put him on trial.

Jordanian information minister Mohammed Momani said the country "is keen on credibility and transparency" in handling Qatada.

Theresa May believes Qatada's departure will be widely welcomed

He added the deportation of the Palestinian-born cleric "sends a message to all fugitives that they will face justice in Jordan".

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: "Abu Qatada should have made this decision to face justice in Jordan before, as this has dragged on far too long, but it is extremely welcome news that this saga is now at an end."

Qatada originally fled the Middle East and arrived in the UK in 1993. He was granted asylum the following year.

His increasingly radical sermons caught the attention of the security services in Britain and in numerous other countries.

A Spanish judge described him as the "spiritual head of the mujaheddin in Britain".

A number of people arrested on terrorism offences, including British born "shoe-bomber" Richard Reid, admitted seeking religious advice from him.

His sermons were found in the Hamburg flat used by a number of the 9/11 hijackers.

In 2001, on the eve of tough new British anti-terror laws allowing for the detention without trial of foreign terror suspects, Qatada went on the run, before later being arrested and held in Belmarsh prison.

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Wimbledon: Andy Murray Aiming To Make History

Andy Murray: Dunblane's Local Hero

Updated: 9:56am UK, Saturday 06 July 2013

By James Matthews, Scotland Correspondent

The first time I interviewed Andy Murray was after he won the US Junior Open in 2004, aged 17.

He'd flown back from New York and the Murray party was strolling through arrivals at Edinburgh Airport.

On approaching the gangly teenager with the grunge look, I stretched out my hand and offered: "Congratulations Andy!"

The youngster replied: "I'm Jamie. Andy'll be through in a minute."

Nine years on, recognition isn't an issue anymore. Everyone knows Andy Murray.

Everyone should also know that his older brother Jamie is, for now, the only Wimbledon winner in the family - he scooped the mixed doubles title in 2007.

For me, like every other Scotland Correspondent these days, watching Andy in Grand Slam finals is usually done amongst the people of Dunblane, where he grew up.

If Andy's exploits on court are headline news, the reactions amongst his 'ain folk' are always part of the story.

In the pub, in the community centre, in the tennis club - it is Dunblane's Andy Murray ritual.

The big match on a big screen watched by a big crowd of former neighbours, schoolmates, tennis partners and passing acquaintances. 

Don't mention to them that some people don't take kindly to their local hero.

Indeed, the notion that there should be any degree of antipathy towards Andy Murray baffles and irritates in equal measure. 

Yes, he might have lacked a ready smile for the cameras in his early years. Sure, he may have fallen short when better was expected.

But does that deserve an anti-Murray feeling that seems to persist?

If there is any doubt that it does, consider the conversation I had with some of his close relatives late last year.

I was told that they had persistently received hate mail through the post because of the family connection. 

However, they also told me that there had come a point when it tailed off - significantly, after Andy's tears in defeat at Wimbledon 2012 and the subsequent Olympic Gold medal win.

Suddenly, Britain as a whole seemed to have become supportive.

Shortly afterwards, Andy Murray went on to win the US Open.

Can that be coincidence? Rather, might it be the case that, at last, he was able to enjoy the collective support of the country and his supreme talent was allowed to flow, unfettered by a voice in his head willing him to lose?

In a sporting environment saturated with brilliance in which victory is defined by tiny margins, the psychological edge of support had to help. In football, they call it the twelfth man.

Of course, what hasn't helped Andy Murray's PR - famously - was his line in banter regarding the England football team a few years ago.

Teased by Tim Henman at a news conference that Scotland hadn't qualified for the World Cup, he jokingly retorted that he would be supporting "Anyone but England."

A gag. In the hands of some headline-writers, however, it was foaming-at-the-mouth anti-Englishness.

I don't know what Andy Murray, resident of Oxshott in Surrey and partner of Sussex-born Kim Sears, thinks of that episode and its fall-out.

I do know that his family thinks he was stitched up in outrageous fashion.

And so to Dunblane for the final. For Sky News, we'll be watching folk watching Andy Murray and maybe, just maybe, cheering Britain's first men's Wimbledon champion since Fred Perry in 1936.

One of the venues in which the locals will gather is the Dunblane Centre.

It's a community facility built with money donated following the massacre at Dunblane Primary School in 1996, in which 16 pupils and their teacher were shot dead.

Andy Murray was a pupil of the school at the time.

Inscribed on a glass wall at the community centre are the names of those who were killed on that day in March 1996. They'll never be forgotten in this cathedral city, where people have grown with the pain of the past.

Come the Wimbledon final against against Novak Djokovic on Sunday, it's all about celebrating the present.

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