Four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson has confirmed he will refund a sum of $500,000 (£375,000) he allegedly “secretly” paid himself just days before his Grand Slam Track (GST) league collapsed.

Three GST events were held – in Kingston, Miami and Philadelphia – before the project folded in December 2025.

Contracted runners had been promised lucrative prize money and salaries in the competition’s inaugural season, but the final event was cancelled and organisers later voluntarily filed for bankruptcy in the US.

A legal filing in Delaware by vendors claiming against Johnson and GST includes an accusation that eight days before the collapse, he “secretly” paid himself $500,000 (£375,000). GST called that accusation “unfounded and false”.

A GST spokesperson said: “While Mr Johnson has been clear that the $500k was a reimbursement and not a payment, to avoid disruption and continue moving forward he and Winners Alliance have agreed to fund the $500k to the plan so that all creditors can benefit and receive a greater distribution in connection with the company’s reorganisation and efforts to resurrect the league.”

In May 2025, Johnson put $2.25m (£1.68m) into the business, after Eldridge Industries decided not to invest $40m (£30m).

Johnson’s spokesperson said: “Michael has asserted defences to the claim, including that this was a partial reimbursement of over $2m (£1.5m) of expenses advances by Michael for the benefit of the athletes.”

June Sanderson, 73, was battered so badly by Steven Sanderson, who has paranoid schizophrenia, she died from her injuries in Blyth in July 2019

The daughters of a woman killed by her son have said there were “so many missed opportunities” to avoid the tragedy.

June Sanderson, 73, was so badly beaten by Steven Sanderson, who has paranoid schizophrenia, that she died from her injuries.

A court heard Sanderson, 42, punched her, banged her head against a wall, strangled and headbutted her, while his Pit Bull terrier also bit her during a prolonged attack after he locked her inside his home in Blyth, Northumberland, in July 2019.

Sanderson was originally charged with murder but was ruled unfit to plead in December 2020. A finding of facts hearing was held in front of a jury and on December 18, 2020, the jury determined he had carried out the acts that led to his mum’s death.

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However, this was overturned in January after reports indicated he had become fit to plead following his treatment during six years in a secure hospital, according to Northumbria Police.

Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Sanderson pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted manslaughter and was placed under a hospital order. The court heard Mrs Sanderson had been living in sheltered accommodation in Blyth at the time of the attack. She had suffered a stroke in 2014 and other health issues but remained fit and active, ChronicleLive reports.

The widowed mum of four, who was also a grandmother, visited her son almost daily and provided him with financial and emotional support. The court heard Sanderson, who lived in Wellington Street, Blyth, had a long history of mental health problems and drug misuse. He suffers from schizophrenia with paranoid delusions, including a belief that others could read his thoughts. He had been admitted to psychiatric hospitals and received repeated medical intervention over many years.

In the months leading up to the attack, Mrs Sanderson told local residents in the area that she lived that their relationship had become strained due to his mental health difficulties. She said he had become increasingly aggressive and that she was frightened by his behaviour.

On July 30, she went to his home in the morning, as she usually did, arriving at around 9.20am. A passer-by heard a dog barking aggressively inside shortly afterwards. Minutes later, the woman saw Mrs Sanderson leaving the property in a distressed and dishevelled state, with her coat and handbag ripped.

When asked if she was alright, she replied: “No, my son has attacked me and his dog has bitten me.” She had a serious arm injury and was bleeding heavily. An ambulance was called, and she told those at the scene her son had punched and tried to strangle her. She also said the dog had bitten her arms during the attack.

Paramedics found lacerations and puncture wounds to her arms and hands, along with severe facial bruising. She said an argument had broken out before the attack, adding that Sanderson had locked the door to stop her leaving before eventually letting her out.

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Police later spoke to Mrs Sanderson in hospital, where she gave an account of the attack. At the time, no one realised how seriously injured she was, the court heard.

She told officers her son had shouted and sworn before attacking her, and that while he had not set the dog on her, he did nothing to stop it. She also told her daughter: “Steven battered me,” adding that he had headbutted, strangled and punched her, and banged her head against a wall.

By 2.40pm, her condition deteriorated and she was found to have suffered an acute bleed on the brain. She underwent surgery but did not recover and died on August 4 surrounded by her family.

A post-mortem examination found she died as a result of bleeding on the brain caused by blunt force trauma consistent with punches and her head being struck against a wall. She also had multiple bruises to her chest, abdomen, back and limbs, as well as bite marks to her arms.

In a joint victim impact statement, Mrs Sanderson’s daughters, Karen and Joanne, said: “Our mam died seven years ago and we have been to hell and back. We are now at the point where we have come to terms with what happened and want to draw a line under things.

“Steven still needs our support. He has improved but is still really unwell. We still see him and speak to him regularly. We want him to be well but it’s clear he still has some way to go. He is in the right place, receiving treatment and he can’t hurt anyone else.

“There were so many missed opportunities to get help for Steven and it’s just a shame mam had to die to get the help he needed.”

Their brother, Kelly, said he felt “such anger towards Steven” for killing their mother. He said he had previously reported Sanderson’s behaviour to police but added: “Mam loved Steven and would not support a prosecution.”

Referring to the footage of Mrs Sanderson speaking to police before her condition deteriorated, he said: “I believe she had finally had enough of his behaviour and would have wanted him prosecuted.

“I do believe had she not died, her death at the hands of Steven would have happened at some point.” He added that while he is aware his sisters are still in touch with their brother: “I do not want to see or speak with him again.”

John Elvidge KC, defending, said: “Unfortunately, there were missed opportunities here. It’s important to say that Steven Sanderson, while perhaps not fully understanding the gravity of his position, was concerned in the weeks leading up to the incident about his health and he made repeated attempts to seek help, as did members of his family, in particular his sisters, which is disconcerting and distressing to know.

“His mother was a tremendous support for him and he is deeply remorseful about what he has done when he was seriously unwell.”

Disabled people seeking employment support through Access to Work are being told they could wait up to 37 weeks for a decision on their claim, the Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed

Disabled individuals are being told that they could face a wait of 37 weeks for a crucial benefit, which is part of a significant government scheme. The Labour government has initiated a substantial reform of the welfare system, expressing its desire to see more people with disabilities return to work.

The Access to Work benefit was utilised as part of its strategy to assist thousands of individuals with health conditions to re-enter the workforce, aiming for an 80 percent employment rate, as declared last year. However, the Department of Work and Pensions has now conceded that there is a delay for new applicants seeking assistance through the benefit, which aids those with additional needs to either enter or continue working.

Helga Swidenbank, the DWP director of accessibility, disability and disputes, confirmed during her testimony to the Commons public accounts committee following a report into the issue by the National Audit Office, that individuals calling to make a claim were being informed they could have to wait 37 weeks. She clarified: “When a customer calls our Access to Work helpline, we have a voice recording that will tell them how long it is likely to take for a decision to be made.

“At the moment, we are saying 37 weeks, so that information is out there and accessible to customers.” She stated this was the maximum duration it would take; however, it elicited a reaction from other committee members who were surprised by the news.

After committee member Blake Stephenson uttered: “Thirty-seven weeks!”, committee chair, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, told her: “Can I stop you there? I hear Blake complaining. He is quite right to do so-37 weeks is more than six months.”

Neil Couling, Director General, DWP Services and Fraud, said he was going to “offer a glimmer of hope”, adding: “In the report, the average time taken was 109 days. It is starting to turn. I am not saying this is acceptable or that I am pleased with this, but I am encouraged that it is now down to 106.”

He said once “you start getting some momentum” the numbers do start to fall. adding: “The situation is starting to turn, through the actions we have taken. But we prioritise those in work, or those about to start work, and then the payment backlogs first, because to us that seemed like a logical way to deal with the problem that we had.”

However Mr Stephenson continued: “Yes. I just cannot imagine the frustration that our constituents would feel on hearing an automated voice message tell them that it could take 37 weeks for them to have a decision. That is why I was exasperated.”

Labour MP Amanda Hack, a member of the work and pensions committee, who was attending the session as a guest, said: “It is very hard not to be distracted by the 37 weeks figure-I had my first baby quicker than 37 weeks. We do not really appreciate the fact that, behind the figure, there is a person waiting for their claim, or an employer waiting to employ somebody.

“That is a really difficult premise-the fact there is an individual sitting behind each claim. There is clear evidence that the backlog is having an impact, whether that is on job security for those with a current open claim, or on employers taking on a new person.”

The National Audit Office report found that in November 2025 the average time taken for a decision claim was 109 days. However the DWP has a target of 25 days, reports the Mirror.

The committee heard the delays were preventing people from securing employment and impacting businesses who were not receiving the funds they were entitled to. Charities were also being affected by it.

Sir Peter Schofield, DWP permanent secretary, said the number of claims had doubled since the start of the covid pandemic and claims were increasingly more complex. He also said people were claiming for help through the scheme for bills their employer should pay – such as suitable chairs.

He added some employers were also “misusing” the scheme to get disabled workers to apply for grants for support workers who were then doing jobs that the employer would normally employ someone else to do. He explained that priority was given to those “who have a job offer, are waiting to work and should be ready to start work in the next four weeks”. He added that those “go to the front of the queue”.

He stated that measures were being implemented to tackle the backlog, including recruiting additional staff to process Access To Work claims, as well as enhancing the consistency of decision making and productivity. He added: “By way of arithmetic, unless demand continues to grow again, that will inexorably reduce the backlog and get us down to where we need to get to.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday opened applications for a major resilience grant program that the agency canceled last year, less than three weeks after a federal judge ordered FEMA to make the funding available.

FEMA will make $1 billion available for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, which helps states, local governments, territories and tribes take on preparedness projects to harden against natural hazards like fires, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes.

“When done correctly, mitigation activities save lives and reduce the cost of future disasters,” Karen S. Evans, FEMA’s acting leader, said in a statement announcing the resumption.

While the resumed funding restores access to badly needed assistance for some areas, FEMA imposed new rules that are in line with the Trump administration’s attempt to push more responsibility for disaster management on states.

The new rules, which include the cessation of funding for hazard mitigation planning and non-financial direct technical assistance, could impact smaller communities with fewer resources and expertise.

“The program now maximizes state and local responsibility for resilience and risk reduction rather than federal investing in a wide range of activities,” a FEMA statement said.

The Trump administration has slashed disaster preparedness dollars across multiple FEMA programs. It’s been one year since President Donald Trump approved any state or tribe’s request for hazard mitigation funding, a typical add on to major disaster declarations.

The funding announcement comes after FEMA under a previous acting leader, Cameron Hamilton, canceled the BRIC program last April, calling it “wasteful and ineffective.” That decision drew blowback from Republican and Democratic lawmakers as roughly $3.6 billion was halted for what amounted to several years’ worth of projects to protect infrastructure, communities and homes across the U.S.

A federal judge last December ruled that FEMA could not eliminate BRIC and ordered FEMA to reverse course after a coalition of 22 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration over the cancellation. After the agency failed to release funding, U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns again ordered FEMA this month to take steps toward restoring the program.

Last week, FEMA announced it would resume program support for BRIC awards when the DHS shutdown ended, saying that it had finished evaluating the program that was originally signed into law during Trump’s first term. Under former President Joe Biden, BRIC became too bureaucratic and “focused on ‘climate change’ initiatives,” FEMA said in a statement.

States will have 120 days to apply for the new funding opportunity, which covers fiscal years 2024 and 2025, since FEMA rescinded last year’s opportunity. Meanwhile, it’s still unclear how quickly they can expect resumption of the grants they were already awarded.

“Communities across the country rely on BRIC funding to prepare for ever-increasing and severe natural disasters,” Rep. Rick Larsen, Democrat from Washington and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ranking member, said in a statement Wednesday. BRIC’s cancellation held up construction of a flood wall in his district, Larsen said. “Slowing states’ ability to prepare for disasters was shortsighted, and communities like Aberdeen paid the price.”

Former FEMA officials, lawmakers and disaster survivors have expressed cautious hope that newly sworn in Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin could bring more stability to the agency after Kristi Noem’s tumultuous tenure. Mullin endorsed FEMA’s mission at his Senate confirmation hearing last week and said he backed efforts to make FEMA more effective, speed up payments to state and local jurisdictions and better serve rural communities.

In the last decade, there have been almost as many weather- and climate-related disasters causing $1 billion in damages or more as there were in the 35 years preceding that, according to a Climate Central database.

Multiple studies have shown that preemptive investments in disaster readiness can yield significant savings. A 2024 study funded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found every $1 invested in disaster preparation saved $13 in economic impact, damage and cleanup costs.

Another person added: “I’m a 43-year-old woman… Previously, my skin was always dehydrated, no matter how frequently I used hydrating masks. Right now, my skin resembles its condition when I was in my 30s”

Collagen supplements have experienced a massive surge in popularity as increasing numbers of people seek ‘beauty from within’ solutions to support their skin, hair and general wellbeing. One particular product currently generating buzz online is a collagen powder that some customers claim has made such a remarkable difference to their complexion that they’ve been complimented on appearing years younger.

The product creating the stir is the Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides Powder (unflavoured) 567g, currently priced at £31.18 when shoppers use the code ‘UKCOL15‘ at checkout. This works out at roughly 50p per daily serving.

The reduction forms part of a broader offer from wellness retailer iHerb, which is providing 15 percent off its entire collagen range for UK shoppers until 31 March. And the product has reportedly worked so well for one 60-year-old customer she has been left elated by compliments.

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The shopper reported being told she possessed ‘the skin of a 20-year-old’ after adding the supplement to her daily regime. She commented: “Searched out adding collagen to my life about four months ago – lots were good and pricey. Read the reviews and ordered – started in early March, turning 60 had me eager to find something.

“Love that I add it to my morning green tea latte and not a hint of taste. Didn’t expect to find quick results, but running my fingers on my legs had me surprised that it felt like glass! My hair has been behaving better and looks thicker, one of my main reasons.

Buy the iHerb collagen peptides here

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The iHerb products are easy to incorporate into everyday routines, including putting it in one’s tea, coffee, or soups.

“Last week at an Estate sale, talking with the woman who said I had ‘the skin of a 20-year-old’ when she found out my age! Love it! Do yourself the favour and order the larger size as the first few orders, I kept running out – it’s only a 28-day supply. Love, love it!”

The Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides Powder (unflavoured), available in various container sizes, is formulated as a convenient daily supplement that blends seamlessly into beverages or meals. The tasteless powder dissolves easily into coffee, tea, smoothies or even soups, allowing users to incorporate collagen into their existing routine without altering the flavour of their food or drinks.

Numerous customers report adding a scoop to their morning coffee or latte as part of their daily wellness regime. The formula includes five collagen types – I, II, III, V and X – alongside 18 amino acids, formulated to support skin, hair, nails, joints and connective tissue.

These collagen types come from a mixture of ingredients including grass-fed bovine collagen, organic chicken bone broth, organic beef bone broth, wild-caught fish collagen and eggshell collagen, forming a multi-source supplement designed to ‘promote overall wellbeing’, according to the brand. Each container holds 567g of powder, intended to last approximately two months with daily use, reports the Daily Record.

The supplement is also non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free, and is manufactured in cGMP-certified facilities. With zero carbohydrates and a neutral taste, it can be added to various drinks and recipes without altering flavour. Alternatively, chocolate and chocolate mocha varieties are also available.

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For those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, Holland and Barrett offers Bovine Collagen 3,000mg 180 Tablets for £16.49, reduced from £32.99, on their website. This product contains vitamin C, which the site says helps contribute to collagen production.

LookFantastic also stocks the Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen Powder 270g for £78 on their website. This powdered food supplement is powered by natural marine collagen, according to its description, and contains ‘collagen peptides, derived from fish skin’.

The iHerb collagen powder has received glowing reviews on the website, with one customer commenting: “Since I have been using this product, many of my friends and colleagues have been saying ‘What on earth did you do over Christmas – you look amazing!’”

Another user commented: “I’ve been using the Codeage product for almost a month, around three weeks now. I’m a 43-year-old woman, and before trying this product, I did extensive research. When I saw that it could help improve sleep, I didn’t hesitate to order two bottles immediately.”

“Over the past three weeks,” she continued, “the quality of my deep sleep has improved significantly, and I no longer wake up feeling groggy during the day. It seems that better sleep has also greatly improved my skin quality. Previously, my skin was always dehydrated, no matter how frequently I used hydrating masks. This feels like a systemic improvement. Right now, my skin resembles its condition when I was in my 30s, which is an unexpected benefit.”

However, some customers were slightly less impressed. One awarded the product four stars and noted: “I’m 61-years-old and I use it because I think it’s an essential ingredient for anti-aging. I don’t mind the taste at all because I shake it with water and soy milk.

“I take it every night with other supplements. I’ve been taking it for a long time, so I haven’t seen any dramatic changes, but my face and heels don’t feel dry. I’ll be buying it again soon. The container is big and takes up a lot of space, so I wish it came in a bag.”

Despite this, the majority of reviewers were satisfied, including one who shared: “I’ve been using this collagen for years. Occasionally I stop to give my body a breather, but I get the feeling that at my age I need to continue to gain the added benefit.”

Former Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene lashed out at President Donald Trump after a Democrat won a closely-watched Florida statehouse race.

Democrat Emily Gregory defeated Trump-endorsed Republican Jon Maples in a special election Tuesday for Florida’s House District 87, which includes the president’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The seat was previously held by a Republican who won the district by a wide margin in 2024.

Reacting to Gregory’s victory, Greene called out Trump and suggested the Republican Party would see additional losses in future elections this year and in 2028.

“Turning your back on your campaign promises, and many disgusting behaviors like calling one of your top allies ‘traitor’ for releasing the Epstein files and refusing to go along with MIGA, apparently has consequences,” she wrote on X Wednesday morning. “26 is gone but keep putting Americans last and 28 will be too.”

Trump has repeatedly called Greene a “traitor” ever since their public falling out last year over a number of issues, including the release of the so-called Epstein files. The feud culminated in Greene resigning from Congress.

When asked about her post, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told The Independent that Greene “quit on her constituents and the America First movement in the middle of her term.”

“President Trump is fighting every single day to Make America Great Again – we don’t have time for quitters,” Ingle added.

Greene shared another post Wednesday afternoon highlighting how Democrats have flipped several state legislature seats in special elections over the past year.

“I’d also like to remind everyone that when I led the party on the campaign trail fighting for America First in ‘22 and ‘24, all the GOP did was win win win,” she wrote. “But after Trump called me a traitor and said he would destroy me for releasing the Epstein files, I refuse to fight for Trump and the Republican Party that defends the Epstein class, wages pointless foreign wars, and pursues America LAST.”

Greene isn’t the only one who sees Gregory’s victory as a sign of what may come in future elections.

“If Democrats can win in Trump’s own backyard, we can win anywhere,” Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said Tuesday in a statement. “From now until November, Democrats are all gas and no brakes as we compete across every corner of Florida and the nation.”

The DNC also called Gregory’s win an “earth-shattering victory for Florida Democrats,” given that the president won the district by a healthy margin in 2024.

Gregory, a first-time lawmaker with a public health background, told CNN she focused her campaign on every-day issues, rather than the president.

“I think my opponent put it front and center, and I focused on the issues that matter most to Florida families,” she said Tuesday. “Everyone is feeling the affordability crisis and the last thing that Florida families needed when they’re struggling is $4 gas.”

METHOD

Leave the gin, limoncello, lemon juice and zest in a small bowl for a couple of hours, to flavour the booze.

Make the custard so it has time to cool. Bring the milk, cream, vanilla pod and seeds to a gentle simmer in a heavy-bottomed pan.Meanwhile, beat the yolks, sugar and cornflour together.

Discard the vanilla pod from the hot milk, then pour it slowly on to the yolk and sugar mixture, stirring constantly.

Pour the custard back into a clean pan over a medium-low heat. Stirring, heat until it coats the back of a wooden spoon (you need it to be pretty thick for trifle, and it will thicken as it cools).

Pour into a jug, put cling film on the surface and allow to cool.

In a pan, bring the lemon juice and sugar for the berries slowly to the boil, stirring to help the sugar dissolve. Bubble for a couple of minutes until syrupy.

Add the blueberries and cook very briefly, until they start to stain the syrup. They should soften but still keep their shape. Set aside to cool.

Mix the gin, limoncello and sugar together for the sponge. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Cut the sponge into slices. Spread each one with lemon curd. Line the bottom of a glass bowl with the cake then pour over the gin and limoncello mixture that you’ve just made, soaking the cake.

Spoon the fruit and its juice over the cake – leaving enough aside to spoon over the top later – then pour the cooled custard on top. Cover with cling film and chill for a few hours to set.

Make the syllabub. Beat the cream slowly with an electric mixer until it starts to thicken. When it is just holding its shape, add the sugar and slowly trickle in the lemon-infused booze, beating until the syllabub is in thick folds.

Spoon over the trifle, cover and chill.

Drizzle over the rest of the berries and their juice before serving.

Fans have their own theories about who he really is

The latest season of the popular Marvel sequel series Daredevil Born Again has unveiled a cryptic new antagonist.

Although the show premiered last year, it rapidly gained popularity among fans and critics alike, successfully continuing where the Netflix adaptation of the comic book character concluded. It also signified that the character was now officially incorporated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Its debut season achieved an impressive 87% on the website Rotten Tomatoes and the opening episode of the second season is currently streaming on Disney+.

With episodes being released weekly, viewers will witness Mayor Wilson Fisk trample New York City in his pursuit of public enemy number one, the Hell’s Kitchen vigilante known as Daredevil. However, beneath the horned mask, Matt Murdock will attempt to retaliate from the shadows to dismantle the Kingpin’s corrupt empire and restore his home. Resist. Rebel. Rebuild.

The series sees the majority of the original cast return, including Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio reprising their roles as Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk respectively. Also making a comeback are Wilson Bethel as Bullseye and Deborah Ann Woll as Karen, reports the Mirror.

However, one newcomer to the show has already made a significant impact just one episode in. That is the currently enigmatic Mr Charles, portrayed by Matthew Lillard. Lillard is renowned for his previous roles in the Scream franchise, Five Nights At Freddy’s, the Scooby Doo live-action films and Prime Video series Cross.

But who exactly is his character Mr Charles? Does he feature in the original Marvel comics? Here’s everything you need to know. Be aware of some mild spoilers for Daredevil Born Again season 2, episode 1.

Who is Mr Charles?

In the series, we’re introduced to Mr Charles as he observes events in New York on the television from Washington. Daredevil has just sunk the North Star ship which was covertly smuggling weapons for Wilson Fisk and his associates. It turns out, Mr Charles is a go-between for these associates.

Consequently, he receives a phone call and agrees that he needs to handle the situation personally. He arrives at Fisk’s office on his own terms, seemingly one of the very few individuals unafraid of the Kingpin. In a reference that may have eluded the average viewer, the name Miss de Fontaine is mentioned and confirmed to be Mr Charles’ superior.

This implies he works for Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier , Black Widow , Black Panther: Wakanda Forever , and Thunderbolts. So this Mr Charles is employed by the CIA but is aiding de Fontaine with illicit operations.

However, some fans speculate that this name could be a pseudonym for the character’s true identity. According to Screen Rant, there is a character named Mr Charles in Marvel lore but he only appeared in one issue, outside any main storyline or continuity. The issue was published in 2013 and he was a Roxxon Corporation employee who was responsible for illegal oil drillings in the ocean.

Fans will simply have to be patient as the series unfolds to discover who Mr Charles truly is and what his real intentions are. There’s always the possibility that he is an original character, crafted specifically for the show.

Daredevil Born Again is streaming on Disney+.

Karoline Leavitt, Donald Trump’s White House press secretary, said the US has continued to “decimate” Iran and that Operation Epic Fury has been a “resounding military triumph” during a press briefing today

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Donald Trump is “ready to unleash hell” on Iran should the nation fail to comply with his demands, the president’s press secretary has declared.

Karoline Leavitt, Donald Trump’s White House press secretary, addressed reporters at a briefing this afternoon – claiming the US continues to “decimate” Iran and describing Operation Epic Fury as a “resounding military triumph” amongst other statements, reports the Daily Star.

Significantly, she cautioned that the hawkish president was “ready to unleash hell” on Iran despite America’s stated desire for “peace”. Leavitt warned: “President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again.”

Regarding the Iranians, Leavitt stated: “Their last miscalculation cost them their senior leadership, their navy, their air force and their air defence system. Any violence beyond this point will be because the Iranian regime refused to understand.”

She went on to say Trump “will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before”, should they resist his terms.

Karoline Leavitt confirmed “talks continue” between the US and Iran, dismissing suggestions they’ve reached an impasse. However, she indicated she wouldn’t delve into the “nitty gritty” of the negotiations.

She then predictably criticised media coverage of “speculative plans”, acknowledging that while “there are elements of truth” in a reported 15-point plan drawn up by the US to conclude the conflict – not every detail published by journalists has been “entirely factual”. Iran has labelled the US demands as “excessive” and stated that it would conclude the war “when it decides to”, as reported by state media.

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She also declined to comment on whether Trump would deploy “boots on the ground” if the proposed talks with Iran were unsuccessful.

Leavitt addressed reporters, stating: “Look, that’s a hypothetical question – it’s also a decision that will have to be made by the commander in chief, and I’m not going to get ahead of him.”

This follows Trump’s recent approval of over 1,000 additional troops being dispatched to the Middle East yesterday, from the 82nd airborne assault unit, despite his increasing rhetoric about potential peace.

Danny Tomlin, 40, was the leader of the drugs enterprise, involving the sale of cocaine and cannabis in south Wales and south-west England.

A major cocaine and cannabis drugs enterprise operated out of a garden centre. Members of an organised crime group made trips across south Wales and into England in order to make deliveries.

Danny Tomlin, 40, was the leader of the organised crime group (OCG) which was based at Kitts Green Nursery in Gloucestershire. Most of the group’s activity took place between Newport and Swansea, with frequent deliveries made on almost a daily basis during the enterprise.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday heard Tomlin was the leading member of this group who directed the supply of cannabis and cocaine and the operation of cannabis factories in Pontllanfraith, near Blackwood, and Trebanog, near Porth. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here.

Tomlin’s mother-in-law was the owner of Kitts Green Nursery where the operation was based.

Louis Maxwell, 39, was a close associate of Tomlin, and was involved in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.

Christopher Preston, 68, played a significant part in the enterprise by carrying out frequent deliveries of drugs.

Ashley Coughlan, 42, served as the driver for Maxwell on two occasions, while Ryan Battersby, 36, was also involved in the delivery of cocaine and cannabis.

Bradley Williams, 38, was involved in the distribution of drugs on behalf of the group, as was David Gorman, 41.

Kory Preece, 25, was a significant distributor of cannabis for the group, and was aware of the scale of the operation.

Jack Griffin, 21, was also involved in the conspiracy, after Preston drove to his address to collect a laundry bag containing drugs.

Detailing specific dates of the conspiracy, prosecutor Roger Griffiths said Maxwell, who was driven by Coughlan on two occasions, made trips to the nursery before making trips to Bridgewater, Swansea, Caldicot, Abertillery and Dowlais.

On March 6, Maxwell was arrested on the M4 near Caldicot, and in his vehicle were two boxes containing half a kilo of cocaine each and a separate parcel containing a kilo of cannabis.

Members of the group were seen driving to Preece’s address in Caldicot where deliveries of cannabis were made.

Preston carried out a number of journeys on behalf of the group, making collections from the nursery in Gloucestershire to Dowlais to meet Griffin, to Swansea, to Abertillery, Blackwood, Newport, Caldicot.

On June 5, Bradley Williams met with Preston in Abertillery and was seen to take a laundry bag into a lane, which he placed between two bins. He was arrested towards the rear of the lane.

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On June 18, police searched Preston’s home, where a quantity of herbal cannabis was found and notebooks showing tick lists.

Battersby made trips to the nursery to make collections and made trips to Swansea, as well as meeting up with Preston in Newport.

Gorman was seen attending the nursery and was also seen by police travelling to Newport and Swansea with Tomlin.

The defendant’s house was raided by police and 1.8kg of cocaine was recovered from his bedroom.

Griffin was visited by Preston at his home in Newport, where he was seen to hand over a laundry bag to his co-conspirator.

In the middle of June onwards, police had a listening device in Tomlin’s vehicle.

They heard discussion about police raiding the cannabis factory in Pontllanfraith and gardening. He talked about the arrests of Williams and Maxwell and spoke about someone in Swansea owing him a “large bill”.

Tomlin was later heard speaking about Preston’s arrest, plans to grow more cannabis and the debts he was owed.

The cannabis factories in Pontllanfraith and Trebanog were later raided by police. They were found to contain almost 400 plants with a combined potential yield between 10kg and 31kg.

Tomlin, of Valley Road, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis and conspiracy to produce cannabis. He has a previous conviction for conspiracy to supply cocaine and received a jail sentence of eight years.

The defendant was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months imprisonment.

Maxwell, of HMP Parc, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. He has 20 previous convictions, including an offence of conspiracy to supply cocaine and received a jail sentence of 32 months.

He was sentenced to six years imprisonment.

Coughlan, of Caerleon Road, Newport, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine. He has no previous convictions.

The defendant was sentenced to three years and nine months imprisonment.

Preece, of Mabey Drive, Chepstow, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cannabis. He has no previous convictions.

He was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was ordered to carry out 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 180 hours unpaid work

Battersby, of Buttermere Way, Newport, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. He has previous convictions for conspiracy to murder, possession with intent to supply cannabis, battery, and harassment.

He was sentenced to six years imprisonment.

Preston, of Lawnside, Forest Green, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. He has no relevant previous convictions.

He was sentenced to five years imprisonment.

Gorman, of Manor Lane, Charfield, South Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. He has one unrelated conviction.

He was sentenced to four years and four months imprisonment.

Griffin, of Westfield Way, Newport, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis. He has no previous convictions.

He was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, which result in him being released from custody.

Williams, of Higher Meadow, Llanrhidian, Swansea, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis. He has previous convictions for assault, breach of orders and conspiracy to supply cocaine, for which he received a six year jail sentence.

He was sentenced to five years and nine months imprisonment.

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