The outbreak of a mysterious and deadly disease in finches in British gardens in 2005 set alarms bells ringing for conservationists. A decade later, the extent of that disease in greenfinches and chaffinches was reported. And now, bird scientists are beginning to understand how feeding birds in our gardens might be linked to their health and survival.

Major new guidance on bird feeding released by the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), asks that we feed birds seasonally and safely.

Feeding birds in gardens is helpful, especially during winter when birds might be facing food shortages. But summer feeding should be paused because this is a time when natural food sources such as caterpillars, bugs and flies are much more abundant. In summer, the benefits of feeding the birds are less obvious. Limiting summer bird feeding also limits the spread of disease, which happens more prominently when birds gather in numbers to share food and water.

Scientists now know that the disease detected in finches in the 2000s is trichomonosis, caused by a microscopic parasite called Trichomonas gallinae. It typically infects the bird’s throat and has been known for many years to affect pigeons and doves, along with birds of prey. Birds can act as carriers or succumb to the disease. Quite how this parasite spilled over into finches is uncertain, but probably happened through the sharing of food or water.

Studies show that this parasite can persist in moist bird feed for up to five days and in water up to 30 hours, especially in milder conditions. July to October is the peak time for disease outbreaks in finches.

The disease causes lesions in the bird’s throat that interfere with its ability to swallow. This causes the bird to regurgitate food and water, and eventually die. It can spread between birds when they feed one another during courtship, when feeding chicks or through regurgitation at food or water sources in gardens. Poorly birds appear fluffed up and lethargic. Some may have messy or wet feathers around their beak and often shake their heads as they try to swallow. It’s a sad sight.

Trichomonsis has had devastating consequences in bird populations across the UK and into mainland Europe. Greenfinches and chaffinches have been hit hardest. Greenfinch numbers are down by 65% and chaffinch down by 36% since 1995.
Bullfinches also catch this disease and die, and a range of other birds may contract the disease – some of which are already declining in numbers.

Without urgent action, the situation will probably get worse for these and other birds, especially when facing a myriad of other pressures. These include the loss of natural habitats, limited food availability, plus accelerating climate change.

The new guidance from the RSPB comes on the back of a detailed review of the effects of bird feeding that includes both bird survival from one year to the next and their breeding success. The review also considers the human benefits to bird feeding, and takes into account recent field studies of the disease and how to curb its spread. Most research has been conducted in natural settings such as woodlands, rather than residential, urban or suburban settings. But the key insights are clear.

The review found that feeding can boost bird populations. But there are two big concerns for conservation around garden bird feeding. First, increased disease transmission (as shown by trichomonosis and other diseases). Second, while many bird species have benefited from garden feeding, this may have come at the cost to others.

A 2009 study found that an estimated 12.6 million UK households (48%) provided supplementary food for birds of which 7.4 million used specially designed bird feeders. As demand increases, so too does the range of different bird food and feeders.

This popularity has upsides and downsides for different birds, but probably has strong benefits for our own connection to nature, wellbeing and health.

Birds that use feeders, such as greater spotted woodpeckers, wood pigeons, collared doves, great tits and blue tits have all increased their numbers dramatically in the long term. Yet, as their numbers have grown there is an increasing nervousness from conservationists that they might outcompete or predate more vulnerable species. Blue and great tits often take over and evict the endangered willow tit from their nest holes, and willow tits are preyed upon by great spotted woodpeckers. Further research will shed light on these complex interactions.

How to help

Two simple shifts can ensure we feed birds seasonally and safely.

During summer and autumn, there’s a higher risk of disease spreading. It’s also when there are more natural foods available to birds, so pause feeding any seeds or peanuts between 1 May and 31 October. You can continue to offer small amounts of mealworms, fat balls or suet, as they pose less risk of transmitting disease. Also consider bird-friendly planting to provide natural food sources, such as sunflowers, teasels and ivy.

Between 1 November and 30 April, you can feed with a full range of bird foods, including seeds and peanuts, but feed in moderation so food doesn’t spoil and large flocks of birds are not attracted to one location. Little and often is good.

Other guidance encourages good hygiene to minimise the risk of disease. Ideally, clean bird feeders and water baths at least once a week. You can change the water in bird baths every day and move bird feeders to different spots every week. Instead of using bird feeders with flat surfaces, such as bird tables, window feeders and feeders with trays, opt for hanging bird feeders to reduce the risk of spreading infections.

Yaaqob Saleh, 20, was sentenced to 12 months after sexually assaulting a customer who entered his Liverpool city centre shop seeking help to charge her phone

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A retail employee has been imprisoned following his sexual assault on a customer who had taken shelter in his shop after becoming stranded in Liverpool city centre on a night out.

Yaaqob Saleh’s victim was left weeping and “curled up into a ball because she was so upset” following his relentless and predatory behaviour. While he had previously denied any wrongdoing, he now acknowledges he “let himself down” during the disturbing incident.

However, a judge informed him his “very, very late expression of remorse” carried “very marginal weight” as he was sent to prison for his failure to “take no for an answer”.

Liverpool Crown Court was told this afternoon (Tuesday) that the complainant had been enjoying an evening with friends in Liverpool city centre celebrating St Patrick’s Day last March before attempting to get a taxi home by herself. Yet, with her mobile having died, she entered Liverpool One Newsagents and Convenience Store on Whitechapel requesting help.

Helen Chenery, prosecuting, outlined how Saleh, of Wendell Street in Toxteth, was manning the counter and permitted her to charge her phone so she could arrange a taxi. The 20-year-old defendant asked her to sit close to a heater on steps next to the till and, following serving a customer, positioned himself beside her.

Saleh, who was 19 at the time, proceeded to place his hand on her thigh and requested a kiss, which she rejected. Despite her refusal, he managed to kiss her cheek and, after attending to another customer, returned to his seat and placed his hand beneath her skirt, touching her vagina through her clothing.

After Saleh rose to assist another shopper, the victim drew herself into a foetal position and wept. Once her mobile had charged sufficiently, she was able to ring a friend and departed the premises, reports the Liverpool Echo.

In her victim impact statement, she described: “Since this incident, I’ve experienced a wide and overwhelming range of emotions. Anxiety, depression and anger have been the most persistent.

“In the weeks and months following the assault, I began to struggle deeply with sleep. I still suffer from regular nightmares, which cause me frequently to wake throughout the night. These episodes have created a fear of sleep and a constant feeling of emotional exhaustion.

“One of the most significant effects has been the loss of my independence. Before the assault, I was confident and self assured.

“I felt safe travelling alone, making decisions for myself and simply existing in the world. That sense of security has been stripped away.

“I now rely on my parents to meet me or accompany me when going out. I constantly feel as though what happened once could happen again. This loss of independence brought with it an overwhelming sense of grief. I felt as though a vital part of my identity had been taken away without my consent.

“My self worth deteriorated. I began to feel as though my body was somehow wrong or repulsive, and I blamed myself. These thoughts have spiralled into regular suicidal ideation and a serious dependency on self harm as a coping mechanism.

“I became emotionally detached from reality and deeply distrustful of others. Even the people trying to help me felt suspicious.

“I also felt deep anger. I was angry at the perpetrator, but also angry at the world. I kept asking myself, why me? I never found a satisfying answer. That question stayed with me every day.

“In an attempt to cope, I began drinking excessively. I used alcohol to temporarily silence the pain and hatred I felt, but this only deepened my feelings of isolation and damaged many of my close relationships. I felt tired and unwell most days.

“Where I used to have energy and drive, I began to struggle to complete basic tasks or get out of bed. This incident has impacted almost every part of my life. It has changed the way I view the world and the way I view myself.”

Saleh has no prior criminal record.

Defence solicitor Katie Lord addressed the court, stating: “It is, of course, serious offending, an offence which has had a serious impact on the complainant. He has been advised of the fact that the court will be considering all options, including custody. He is realistic.

“It is a case where, I concede, that the custody threshold has been passed. I am going ask your honour to step away from imposing immediate custody. He presents, as the Probation Service helpfully outline, with identifiable rehabilitative needs.

“In my submission, they can be addressed in the community if he has the option to be under close supervision. His youth and immaturity are material features. It is clear that those are factors which have led to his offending.

“There is real work to be done in respect of the causative factors that have caused the defendant to act in the way he has. He tells me it is out of character and not in his nature. There is work to be done in understanding the reasoning. He has got family to support him. He seeks employment.

“A community based sentence, in my submission, would allow these necessary interventions. It is unlikely that he would have access to that level of rehabilitative intervention in prison. In my submission, society is best served by this defendant being subject to intensive supervision in the community, as opposed to a relatively short spell in custody.”

Saleh, who required an interpreter throughout the proceedings, was convicted of one count of sexual assault after a trial at the magistrates’ court. He subsequently attempted to challenge his conviction at crown court but later withdrew his appeal.

Standing in the dock dressed in a black Under Armour tracksuit, Saleh received a 12-month sentence at a young offenders’ institution. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years and given a four-year restraining order.

During sentencing, Judge Dennis Watson KC stated: “She had been out celebrating St Patrick’s Day with friends, but, at the end of the evening, she came into a shop where you were working. She did that because her phone was dangerously short of charge and, indeed, ran out of charge.

“So it was that she came to you for assistance. She had been drinking and was on her own and vulnerable by reason of the circumstances in which she found herself. Very quickly, you decided to proposition her sexually.

“You tried to persuade her to come around the other side of the counter, where she would be warmer. You asked her for a kiss, touched her thigh. All the while, she was saying to you that she did not want to be kissed by you or touched by you.

“Even when a customer came in and you served the customer, you went back, because there is a real element of you not taking no for an answer. There is this other element of persistence by you. On this separate occasion, you touched her, as Ms Chenery put it, on her crotch, as the author of the pre-sentence report put it, on her vagina but over her clothing, which had the instant effect of causing her to curl up into a ball because she was so upset.

“However young or immature you are, you would know that your behaviour, in doing what you did, was wrong. There was a trial at the magistrates’ court. You gave evidence and denied the offence. Very belatedly, you have written a letter saying you understand that your offending has consequences, that you have let yourself down and you have expressed remorse.

“This is a case, I regret, where the very, very late expression of remorse means that it has very marginal weight, particularly when you have given evidence and completely denied the offending at the magistrates’ court. I regret to inform you that I have concluded that the circumstances of this offence and everything I know about you means this that is an offence where only immediate imprisonment is the appropriate punishment.”

Photos show a beaming Coleen and Wayne in the special party set up at their Cheshire mansion

Coleen Rooney has shared the first photos from inside her lavish landmark 40th birthday party held earlier this month. The super-glam bash was held in the grounds of Coleen and her football legend husband Wayne Rooney’s sprawling Cheshire mansion in a specially-erected marquee.

Now, Coleen’s event organiser Julie Perry has jointly shared photos from inside the party, showing Coleen dressed in a stunning lilac gown as she celebrated with family and friends.

Coleen and Wayne were pictured arm in arm at the party, as they celebrated the special day with a host of their close friends and family.

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They included a number of Wayne’s former Manchester United team-mates and their wives who became lifelong friends with the couple after his time with the Reds.

Former Reds players at the party included Darron Gibson with wife Danielle, Darren Fletcher with wife Hayley, Phil Bardsley with wife Tanya and Phil Jones with wife Kaya.

Current Man United boss Michael Carrick was also in attendance with wife Lisa who is close friends with Coleen.

It is understood that Coleen is being filmed for a new mega-budget Disney documentary, and that the birthday bash will also be featured in the new series.

Pictures shared from inside the bash included one that showed Coleen blowing the candles on a giant white birthday cake decorated with red cherries. In another she was beaming as she held a glass of her favourite pink fizz.

Julie Perry Events also organised Wayne and Coleen’s spectacular wedding on the Italian Riviera back in 2008 and has remained firm friends with the couple.

The events company erected a huge marquee on the lawn of the Rooneys’ Cheshire home, which was filled with glamorous pink floral displays as well as a light arch bearing the words “Coleen’s 40th” on a stage.

A giant 40 was also set up by a lake in the sprawling grounds of their £20million home, near Knutsford.

Later at the party guests were stunned with the surprise star guest on the night, Irish chart-topping star Dermot Kennedy.

He played an acoustic set of his biggest hits as well as choice covers of some of Coleen’s favourites, including the Bee Gees’ To Love Somebody.

Coleen was joined at the party by her and Wayne’s sons, their eldest Kai, 16, who is now signed to Manchester United, as well as Klay, 12, Kit, 10 and Cass, 8.

The party tent was decked out like a nightclub with plush pink chairs and sofas, while on the walls were a host of special artworks in Coleen’s honour.

They included portraits of what at first looked like Penguin classic novels, but closer inspection revealed quirky nods to Coleen like “Tales of Colly Mc from Crocky” – a nod to her maiden name of McLoughlin and home town of Croxteth in Liverpool.

Friends and fans of I’m a Celebrity star Coleen were quick to like the post filled with pictures, and hailed the event “classy and beautiful”.

The FCDO has updated its travel advice for several countries

The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for several countries in the Middle East including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid a tentative US-Iran ceasefire.

While a ceasefire remains in place between Iran and the US, Donald Trump continues to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a move the US president threatened after peace talks taking place in Pakistan collapsed last week.

Since the beginning of the conflict at the end of February, the UK Foreign Office has continued to update its travel advice for Brits visiting or living in the Middle East, including Qatar and Dubai.

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At the start of the war, Brits were encouraged to register their presence, and many airlines cancelled flights as areas were being hit with strikes. Now, the Foreign Office has updated issued new advice for several countries.

In an update affecting Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, among others, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said that while strikes on civilian infrastructure have ‘decreased’, further attacks ‘could occur at short notice’.

The update on the Foreign Office website reads: “Iranian strikes against civilian infrastructure across the region such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports, have decreased. However, the risk of renewed strikes remains, and further attacks could occur at short notice.”

On the UAE travel advice page, the Foreign Office has said that ‘regional escalation’ continues to pose ‘significant security risks’.

The full warning reads: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.

“The Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target locations associated with the United States and Israel. This includes US or Israeli-linked organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions.

“Stay away from areas around security or military facilities, and US or Israeli-linked locations.”

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A ceasefire was agreed between the US and Iran on the basis that Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is a major transport route for oil. With the strait being blocked over the past two months, it has meant that effects have been felt across the globe.

Fuel prices have rocketed over the recent weeks, with UK drivers now currently paying an average of 158.1p per litre of petrol, while people who own diesel vehicles are paying 192.2p.

In Greater Manchester owners of petrol cars are currently being charged 1.6p less than the national average of 158.1p. Diesel car drivers in Greater Manchester are paying 2.1p less than the national average.

Rebecca Ableman, 30, was walking her two-year-old daughter in a pram when she was struck by a crane, and suffered ‘catastrophic brain and head injuries’

A lorry driver has been jailed after killing a woman in an incident which a court said could have been avoided with “common sense”. Rebecca Ableman, 30, tragically died on October 16, after she was struck in the head by a crane on September 22, 2022, while walking her two-year-old daughter, Autumn, in pram in Willingham.

Kevin Miller, 71, was sentenced to 13 months in prison after appearing at Peterborough Crown Court today (Tuesday, April 14). Miller, of Gayton Road, King’s Lynn, had previously pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in February of this year.

Miller, then 67, was driving his vehicle down the B1050 towards Willingham on September 22. Rebecca, who had been out shopping at a local farm shop, was struck in the head by the unsecured boom of the crane, and died of “catastrophic brain and head injuries” three weeks later. The court heard that Miller had left King’s Lynn docks in Norfolk at around 3.40am on September 22, and travelled to a Network Rail yard in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

Prosecutor William Carter said he had collected “18 tonnes of scrap metal in the form of disused railway track”. While travelling down the B1050 towards Willingham on his way back to King’s Lynn, the “grabber then struck” Rebecca from behind. Mr Carter said the speed limit for the road was 30mph, and Miller’s tachograph indicated he had been travelling at about that speed.

The court heard that Miller was “unaware” of what had happened. He had stopped at a roadside a little while later and used the crane controls to move the crane back to the centre of the lorry. He only found out what had happened when police told him when he arrived back to King’s Lynn docks later that day just before 2pm.

The court heard from prosecutor William Carter that the crane grabber was strapped down “inadequately” to the vehicle. The loaded equipment on the vehicle was strapped down, but the crane was not, the court was told.

Miller told police that he had “never been told that the crane should be strapped down separately”. However, Mr Carter said it should have been “obvious” to Miller and that “common sense” should have shown that the crane was not properly secured.

The prosecution also spoke of a 2022 campaign, led by Allmi (Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers). This campaign reiterated the importance of drivers securing a crane load to prevent “injury or fatality”.

Before mitigation, defence John Dye said this was an “inflammable tragedy” and that it was “hard to think of a more emotive case”. The court heard that since the trial, Miller had suffered with his physical and mental health, with Mr Dye describing him as a now “broken man”.

Mr Dye told the court Miller had lost “three stone in a matter of six weeks”, and that he was a “man who was devastated at the harm he caused”. Miller had also sought counselling following the incident, and that he showed “genuine remorse” to Rebecca’s family.

Mr Dye asked the judge to consider a suspended sentence for Miller. However, in sentencing, Judge Matthew Lowe said this was a “tragedy that could have easily been avoided”.

The judge added: “To have secured the crane unit would have been the work of moments.”

He considered that Miller had no previous convictions, and that he was “well liked” amongst his colleagues. Considering factors for a suspended sentence, the judge said it was a “rare case” that due to the “seriousness”, these would be “overturned”.

As well as his 13-month prison sentence, of which he will serve no more than half before being released, Miller received a two-year driving disqualification, with an extension of six and a half months, to cover his time in prison.

Speaking outside court, DC Craig Wheeler of Cambridgeshire Police shared his condolences to Rebecca’s family following the sentence. He said that he wanted the case to be a “stark reminder” to everyone working in the industry that the safety of their vehicles is “absolutely paramount”.

He added: “It’s really important. As Chris said, a £10 strap could have prevented this tragedy from happening.

“This is why as police we do our spot checks. We stop vehicles. It’s not to be a hindrances, it’s trying to stop these preventable tragedies from happening. I just want people to take away from this that this can be avoided.”

Pope Leo XIV has taken to social media to slam “wicked” and “arrogant” figures amid his ongoing feud with US President Donald Trump, who branded the pontiff “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy”

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Pope Leo XIV has lashed out at “wicked” and “arrogant” individuals amid his continuing clash with US President Donald Trump.

Writing on X, the pontiff declared: “God’s heart is torn apart by wars, violence, injustice and lies. But our Father’s heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant, or the proud.

“God’s heart is with the little ones and the humble, and with them He builds up His Kingdom of love and peace day by day. Wherever there is love and service, God is there.”

Plenty of people read this as a dig at US President Trump, reports the Express.

One user responded: “‘But our Father’s heart is not with the wicked, the arrogant, or the proud’… No names needed. we all know who they are. Pope Leo won’t be silenced by Trump.”

Someone else commented: “Trump has Pope Derangement syndrome. Please continue!”

Earlier in the week, Trump labelled Pope Leo “weak on crime” and ” terrible for Foreign Policy.”

He stated: “Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.”

The pontiff hit back, saying: “I’m not afraid of the Trump administration or speaking out loudly of the message of the gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the church is here to do.”

The US President also drew criticism after sharing an image of himself portrayed as Jesus Christ, which he subsequently removed.

Trump insisted he’d uploaded the image himself under the impression it showed him as a doctor.

At the Vatican, supporters rallied behind Leo while he’s currently on a 10-day visit to Africa. “It’s just ridiculous, because if the pope is not speaking about peace, and is not taking care of every person in the world, he’s not the pope,” said Joerg Soler, who was visiting the Vatican from Switzerland.

“It’s completely inappropriate,” said Mariella Acciaioli, a French tourist. “Things are getting too much. We need to mobilize everyone, especially our leaders, to deal with this behavior that is going beyond every limit.”

The dogs owned by Michelle Jones were roaming free and unmuzzled and left their victim with serious injuries and threatened his terrified family

A man was left seriously injured after his neighbour’s XL bully dogs attacked him outside his home. They were roaming the street unmuzzled when they attacked the nurse, who was returning from work at the time.

The dog’s owner, Michelle Jones, 51, was intoxicated and did not try to intervene. Ganesh Rajappan’s wife opened the front door in the hope he could shelter inside, but the dogs pushed into the property continuing the attack, and also threatening their 14-year-old son.

Prosecutor David Mainstone told Mold Crown Court how, on August 29, 2025, Mr Rajappan heard barking as he approached the front gate to his house.

One of the dogs then bit his leg, and as he hit the dog to get it off him, a second XL bully launched a relentless attack, causing him significant injuries.

The incident was captured on CCTV. It resulted in Mr Rajappan suffering a number of wounds across his body. He was taken to A&E with lacerations to his face, arms, legs and stomach. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here

The damage to his lip was so severe he lost tissue and had to have it reconstructed.

In February, 2024, it became a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales without a Certificate of Exemption. Those with an exemption must comply with strict rules: the dog must be neutered, microchipped, kept on a lead/muzzled in public, and insured. It is illegal to sell, breed, or abandon these dogs.

The two dogs, named Jersey and Cash, had exemption certificates. However they were unmuzzled, off the lead and one dog had not been neutered.

Mr Rajappan described in a victim personal statement read to the court, how his life had changed “significantly” as a result of the attack. Not only does he live with the physical scars of the attack, but the emotional impact on him and his family had been profound. he said.

He said: “I was attacked by two XL bulldogs outside my home. The dogs followed me and managed to enter my house. They bit my face, arms, legs, abdomen, and other areas of my body.

“I was taken to the accident and emergency department, where I received treatment for numerous lacerations, puncture wounds and scratches. I was administered antibiotics, pain relief, a tetanus booster and was referred for specialist facial care injuries.

“The treatment was extensive and extremely painful. I’m still recovering physically. Even now I continue to experience a lot of pain from the wounds which affect my daily activities.

“Psychologically, this incident has been far more difficult to cope with. Since the attack, I’ve been struggling with fear, anxiety and a constant sense of insecurity. I find it very hard to leave my house, especially alone, as I’m scared of dogs, or being attacked again.

“Normal activities such as walking to my car, or stepping outside, now cause me significant distress.

“I feel constantly on edge. It has affected my ability to concentrate at work, although I had to return to work because I cannot afford to lose my income.

“My wife and children are also deeply affected. My children were home when the attack happened… they are frightened whenever they hear dogs barking and they worry about my safety.

“I took the full force of the attack to protect my family.”

Mr Rajappan and his family were not the only neighbours affected by Jones’ behaviour in the summer of 2025.

Around two months prior to the dog attack, the court heard how Jones attended her neighbour Jodie Lloyd’s address armed with a knife and a gun after they had engaged in a verbal dispute in the street.

On May 17, at around 7.30pm, an argument between the two women turned physical. It was broken up and both parties went home.

Before Jones left, she threatened Ms Lloyd by saying “that is not going to end there”.

Around two hours later, when Ms Lloyd was in the bath, she was alerted to a woman stood at the end of her garden. Jones had broken into her address and was armed with a knife and a BB gun.

Ms Lloyd described feeling terrified, as her children were asleep downstairs. She called the police and Jones was arrested around one hour later. Police found the BB gun hidden in one of her kitchen drawers.

Jones, of Montrose Gardens, Wrexham, admitted possession of a bladed article in a public place, possession of an imitation firearm, and two counts of being the owner of dogs dangerously out of control causing injury.

Upon sentencing, Judge Nicola Jones said: “The weapon is referred to as an imitation firearm. Well she wasn’t to know that that was an imitation and she was quite terrified.

“She had children in the house. She called the police immediately. You were shouting aggressively at her at this time.

“CCTV recorded not just the BB gun, but also a knife which you were holding. You described that as a cake cutter. It is an item with a bladed element and therefore it’s a knife for these purposes.”

Of the dog attack, the judge said: “Mr Rajappan has suffered considerable psychological stress and distress as a result of the attack. He has described this attack as having a profound and lasting impact on every part of his life. It has also affected his wife and his children.

“At the time, you made no apology. Eventually you got the dogs out of his home address. You, in an interview, claimed the dogs were in your garden, with the gates bolted shut, but there was CCTV showing your dogs were roaming the street, and at the time you were intoxicated.”

When passing sentence, defence barrister Philip Tully asked Judge Jones to consider the following mitigating factors: Jones’ early guilty pleas, her genuine remorse, that she had no relevant previous convictions, struggled with her mental health, and that there had been no offending since the incident in August, 2025.

Judge Jones also considered how Jones was a full-time carer for her 20-year-old son who had a significant brain injury.

Michelle Jones was sentenced to 12 months for the possession of a bladed article and 12 months for possession of an imitation firearm, both concurrent then 16 months consecutive for the dogs offence, making a total of 28 months imprisonment. She will serve no more than half this sentence before being released on licence.

Judge Jones said the offences were so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate.

Jones was banned from ever owning a dog again in her lifetime, and an order was made for her two XL bully dogs to be destroyed.

The Three Legged Mare in High Petergate has been named as the Cider Pub of the Year for 2026 by York Camra.

It replaces last year’s winner, the Slip Inn in Clementhorpe, but the Three Legged Mare was also the 2024 Cider Pub of the Year winner.

Manager Bradley Websdell said: “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved, for the hard work that the team has done, putting the ciders out there and really pushing them and getting to know the ciders so people know what they are getting.”

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Three Legged Mare in York up for Press Best Pub 2024

Bradley continued: “We have a variety of different ciders throughout the year. At the moment we have nine different box ciders, all different flavours and different styles. We have two on draught- Black Sheep Ciders- as well as Black sheep Ales. Something for everybody.”

The Three Legged Mare, affectionately known as ‘the wonky donkey’, continues to be owned by the Masham-based brewery, which has undergoing two Administrations and changes of ownership in recent years.

The pub also offers entertainment every evening, including live music, open mic nights and pub quizzes.

Bradley Websdell and Chris Tregellis outside the Three Legged Mare (Image: Pic supplied)

Bradley added: “Thank You to everyone who comes in and continuing to believe in us.

“Look out for what we have planned for the future. We have some exciting things planned but we cannot say what it is as it is still with head office.”  

Chris Tregellis, chairman of the 1,100-member York branch said: “Bradley Websdell at the Three Legged Mare keeps an excellent range of real ciders and this hasn’t gone unnoticed by York CAMRA. This is why it’s our Cider Pub of the Year. 

“Bradley will be there on the evening of Friday 24 July to make sure that there is plenty of cider ( and cask ale too) on offer.

“July is CAMRA’s Cider Month so with expected warm summer evenings there is no better time to branch out to cider drinking unless you are already a cider fan.

“A well-deserved award for a pub which really tries hard. Well done!”

As previously reported, York Camra has awarded the Last Drop Inn at Colliergate, York, as the City Pub of the year for 2026.

The White Bear Inn at Stillington is Town and Country Pub for 2026.

The Club of the Year will be announced shortly.

On the border between Lebanon and Israel lies Metula – Israel’s northernmost town.

Surrounded on three sides by Lebanon, Metula is one of the first in the firing line when rockets are fired by Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed political and military group.

Israeli authorities say 12 soldiers and two civilians have been killed by Hezbollah rockets over the past six weeks as the conflict continues.

In Lebanon, more than 2,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes, local authorities say, since fighting renewed on 2 March after a Hezbollah attack on Israel.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge must end his “intrusive” contempt investigation of the Trump administration for failing to comply with an order turn around planes carrying Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador last year, a divided appeals court panel ruled Tuesday.

Chief Judge James Boasberg abused his discretion in forging ahead with criminal contempt proceedings over the March 2025 deportation flights, according to the majority opinion by a three-judge panel from U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

President Donald Trump’s administration has a “clear and indisputable” right to the termination of the contempt proceedings, Circuit Judge Neomi Rao wrote in the court’s majority opinion.

“The legal error at the heart of these criminal contempt proceedings demonstrates why further investigation by the district court is an abuse of discretion,” Rao wrote. “Criminal contempt is available only for the violation of an order that is clear and specific. (Boasberg’s March 2025 order) did not clearly and specifically bar the government from transferring plaintiffs into Salvadoran custody.”

Rao was nominated by Trump, a Republican. Boasberg, chief judge of the district court in Washington, D.C., was nominated by Democratic President Barack Obama.

On March 15, 2025, two planes transporting Venezuelan migrants from the U.S. to El Salvador were in the air when Boasberg ordered the administration to turn them around.

Administration officials claim Boasberg is biased and overstepped his authority.

Boasberg has said the Trump administration may have acted in bad faith by trying to rush Venezuelan migrants out of the country in defiance of his order blocking their deportations to El Salvador. In an April 16, 2025 order, the judge said he gave the administration “ample opportunity to rectify or explain their actions” but concluded that “none of their responses has been satisfactory.”

Trump has called for impeaching Boasberg. Last year, the Justice Department filed a misconduct complaint accusing Boasberg of making improper public comments about Trump and his administration. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts publicly rejected calls for Boasberg’s impeachment.

The case is assigned to Rao and Circuit Judges Justin Walker and J. Michelle Childs. Walker, also a Trump nominee, wrote a separate opinion concurring with Roa’s. Childs, who was nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden, dissented from the majority.