A van driver who killed a woman after crashing into the back of a broken-down car on a smart motorway where the safety alert system was malfunctioning has been spared jail.

Barry O’Sullivan, 45, was driving a grey Ford work van along the M4 when he collided with a Nissan Micra that had come to a halt in the fast lane of the motorway on March 7, 2022.

The collision – which took place during the morning rush hour on the M4 westbound between junctions 11 and 12 – caused both vehicles to propel forward, with the Nissan bursting into flames.

Pulvinder Dhillon, 68, who was a passenger in her daughter’s Micra, suffered fatal injuries.

O’Sullivan was found guilty at an earlier trial of causing Mrs Dhillon’s death by careless driving.

He was sentenced on Friday to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

It was later discovered that an unresolved technical failure on the M4 smart motorway network meant radar alerts for broken-down vehicles were not being properly communicated to the control room – and had not been for five days before the crash.

But Judge Amjad Nawaz, sentencing at Reading Crown Court on Friday, said the absence of warnings lights should not detract from a driver’s duty to remain alert at all times.

‘Every driver owes the duty of care to other users,’ Judge Nawaz said.

‘The fact that there was no warning lights does not detract from that duty in any way.

‘Nothing the defendant said explained why he didn’t see the car ahead.

‘There were plenty of cues, and no evidence of slowing down.’

The prosecution had previously told the court that O’Sullivan did not pick up on ‘cues’ that the vehicle was stationary – including the fact that other motorists were taking steps to avoid the broken-down Nissan.

The judge also said O’Sullivan’s driving that day showed ‘a lack of attention’, adding: ‘There was distraction.

‘What it was that was causing the distraction, we simply do not know.’

The court heard O’Sullivan suffered severe injuries in the crash, with his life expectancy having been reduced as a result.

In an impact statement read out to court by prosecutor Ian Hope, the victim’s youngest son, Manvir Dhillon, said his mother was his ‘best friend’ and that their family was struggling to move on from her sudden loss.

‘Just the day before this horrific incident, she had been at a party, dancing away and living her life to the fullest, as she had always done,’ the statement read.

‘One day she was dancing and the next she is no longer alive. How could we ever forget this and move on?

‘It was so sudden and although it has nearly been four years, we are still unable to fully process this.’

Part of the statement was addressed directly to O’Sullivan, and was also read out in court.

It said: ‘We know you hadn’t set off that morning to take someone’s life but the fact of the matter is that you did.

‘Where is your driving standards, your training? All of these questions remained unanswered because you refuse to admit blame.

‘I am not saying you are the only one to blame but you did have a major part to play.

‘I would have rather you came to me at the very least and admitted you made a mistake or weren’t paying attention.

‘I can’t say I’d sympathise but I’d be able to relate as I know how easy it is to lose attention when driving on a long stretch of road.’

In the defendant’s statement, read out by defence barrister Ian Bridge, O’Sullivan expressed his remorse, saying: ‘My heart aches for the family of Pulvinder Dhillon.

‘There is not a day I do not think about how sorry I am about this situation.

‘This is something that will truly haunt me forever.’

O’Sullivan, of Wixams, near Bedford, was also told he will be disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Speaking outside of court after the sentencing, he said: ‘Nobody’s won – everybody’s suffered needlessly.’

He added he believes National Highways have ‘just washed their hands of blatant negligence’, and has submitted a complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), which is in process.

A National Highways spokesperson said: ‘Any death on our roads is one too many and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Pulwinder Dhillon following this tragic incident.

‘While nothing can ever compensate for that loss, the person responsible has been convicted of driving carelessly.’

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Emergency services were called to the major route after a crash between a car and a lorry at 5.20pm this evening (Friday, April 24).

The road has been closed between the A67 Crathorne turnoff, near Yarm, and the Parkway Interchange, which connects the A19 to the A174 in Middlesbrough.

An image from the scene shows traffic being diverted through Yarm off the A19, with cars also being reversed backwards on the northbound side.

Further images seen by The Northern Echo shows several 999 vehicles on the road beside a HGV, which is partly off the carriageway.

It is not yet known whether anyone has been injured in the crash.

The southbound side remains open.

National Highways said: “The A19 in North Yorkshire is closed northbound between the A67 (Crathorne) and A174 (near Middlesbrough) due to a serious collision involving a lorry and a car.

“All emergency services including North Yorkshire Police are on scene. National Highways Traffic Officers and contractors are also assisting with traffic management.”

A force spokesperson said: “The A19 northbound is currently closed at the A67 turnoff to Crathorne, following a collision at 5:20pm.

“Please follow the diversions in place or take an alternative route where possible. Thank you for your patience.”

Cleveland Police and the North East Ambulance Service have been contacted for more information.

It was actually confirmed back in February that the shock death would occur in Weatherfield this month

Coronation Street fans think they have figured out what will play a key part in the upcoming murder set to rock the cobbles, with the victim also ‘sealed’.

It was actually confirmed back in February that the shock death would occur in Weatherfield on April 23, with the news being shared during a flashforward episode of the ITV soap.

At the time, Corrie viewers saw a shocked and anxious Betsy Swain being interviewed by detectives about finding the dead body of someone she knows. She explained she had been at the wedding of her mum, Lisa Swain, and Carla Connor and was heading into town to continue the celebrations when she made the shocking discovery.

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As the episode returned to the present day, viewers started to see how the behaviour of the five characters could lead to their possible death – with Megan Walsh, Theo Silverton, Maggie Driscoll, Jodie Ramsey and Carl Webster revealed as the potential victims.

After months of waiting, during Thursday’s (April 23) edition of Corrie, Lisa and Carla’s wedding day arrived, however, after the celebrations took place, Carla and Lisa were seen alone in Underworld when a scream was heard.

And while it caught Lisa’s attention, Carla dismissed her concern that it was ‘just foxes’ and carried on finding the song she wanted the pair to dance to to round off their special day.

With nothing seen, only Betsy’s horror cry heard, Corrie fans were left having to wait until next week, where, stripped across five nights of drama, the murder victim will be revealed. It comes after spoilers for next week’s Corrie already confirmed that the big reveal won’t take place until next Friday (May 1), with the previous episodes starting at the same point each day before going on to document each possible victims story.

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But, following recent episodes of the soap, during which the tension ramped up for each of the five possible victims, Corrie fans think they have spotted what will play a crucial part in what’s set to unfold.

@swarla0310 said: “I think whoever dies it’s something to do with the scaffolding 100% #corrie Someone’s defo getting pushed over it.” @Jane69946890611 shared: “Why do I have a feeling the scaffolding is gonna be linked to the whodunnit? I just think it’s weird that it was up today and they made a point of showing it on screen. #corrie.”

@MateysMate noted: “That’s the first time we have seen Theo up some scaffolding #Corrie.” @NateCorey2020 commented: “Betsy finds the body next to the scaffolding. Theo was up on the scaffolding so either he is pushed or he falls and everyone thinks he was murdered. With so many suspects it will take months. #Corrie.” @clarep1987 posted: “Who was that screaming though? I think it was Theo on the scaffolding and he’s fell off or been pushed! #Corrie.”

However, @Momrocks50 predicted: “So Betsie scream at end finding body Only 4 possible Jodie,Carl Theo/Todd only ones we have possible seen not sure if it was Theo on scaffolding not tall enough #Corrie.” @SimmyKB argued: “Female scream. Meghan. She let slip on This Morning #corrie.” @gregayala0010 echoed: “We all know now that the first scream during the fireworks display was a female and in our hopes is gotta be Megan who dies.”

Former heavyweight boxer David Haye has had a number of high-profile relationships, with Una Healy claiming ‘one woman will never be enough’ for him, while Helen Flanagan has spoken about her time as part of his open relationship

I’m A Celeb star David Haye is recognised for his British heavyweight boxing career, yet his eventful romantic life has persistently grabbed headlines in recent years.

Haye will tonight appear at the live final of the competition, which was pre-recorded out in South Africa some months ago. The boxer has been at the heart of some of the most controversial moments of the series, clashing with campmate Ryan Thomas and airing his much-criticised views on women. He will come face-to-face with his competitors tonight in the live final in London.

The former heavyweight champion practises non-monogamy, whereby someone maintains multiple romantic and sexual relationships with the knowledge and agreement of a partner or spouse. According to one former partner, “one woman will never be enough” for him.

He has been in a relationship with model Sian Osborne since 2020, though in recent years he’s also been associated with Saturdays singer Una Healy. Sources suggest the pair utilised the exclusive dating app Raya to actively search for a third person to join their relationship.

Their profile apparently made it explicit they were a “packaged deal,” looking for a woman who could integrate into their existing ‘throuple’ arrangement.

Following their initial connection during their first appearance on I’m a Celebrity back in 2012, Helen Flanagan was romantically linked with the retired boxer throughout 2023 before their separation in December that year, reports the Mirror.

Rumours circulated that she entered a “throuple” with David and his girlfriend Sian, though she has categorically denied this. However, during an appearance on Celebs Go Dating, the Corrie actress discussed Haye and the complications that accompany dating the gold medal-winning former fighter.

Helen grew emotional as she disclosed they had previously been together, but found it difficult to accept not being the sole woman in his life. “I’d known him for 10 years,” Helen said on the show. “We did a reality show together. I remember the first time seeing him in the jungle, I was like ‘wow.’ It was quite something – it’s really hard for me to talk about.

“He had a girlfriend and an open relationship. I didn’t mean to fall in love with him, but I did. We did have this amazing connection together – we were like fire. It was weird – I think he does love his girlfriend, and he loves me as well. It just brings me to a part in my life that was quite dark.”

When asked about suggestions she was involved in a throuple, she responded: “No [it wasn’t]. I was in love with him. I wouldn’t have enjoyed watching the man I was in love with have sex with another woman; that’s not for me.

“I had communication with his girlfriend, but I felt very guilty. I didn’t feel nice about it all. It really upsets me because I don’t mean to hurt other people, but I was just really lonely. I found it really difficult because it just happened. It’s not nice to another girl, and I should’ve known better.”

Helen spoke out once more while promoting her recent memoir, Head and Heart. “The relationship that I had with David was just David on his own,” the actress explained. “My evenings were just spent with him, that’s what only ever happened.”

At the beginning of 2023, fans were curious to spot Saturdays singer Una Healy on holiday with David and Sian. David and Sian had been on holiday since early January, with Una joining them briefly to soak up the sun in Costa Rica. Followers were quick to spot that David was holding hands with both women in a photograph shared on social media.

Former boxer David appeared to confirm the polyamorous arrangement in a Valentine’s Day post on Instagram, in which he paid tribute to the “queens in my life”.

He also stated that he preferred to keep his “private life private”, adding: “What I do behind closed doors is between me and the girls involved.”

However, in March that year, Una insisted she was single. Several months later, the mother-of-two admitted she had indeed been in a relationship with David, but felt “hoodwinked” into the situation, maintaining that she and Sian were never romantically involved with each other.

She said: “He was very honest that I wasn’t the only woman he was seeing, I was very aware he was seeing other people. I knew he was being honest, and it’s not like I was being cheated on. I knew he wasn’t husband material, just a bit of fun, and I was enjoying it.”

Speaking about Sian, Una added: “There’s no dynamic there – she’s not my girlfriend – he’s both our boyfriend and I just thought, ‘I’m out, you can have him.’ He can have whoever he wants because one [woman] will never be enough for him.”

However, matters took an uncomfortable turn when model Sian took to social media to deliver a pointed rebuttal to Una’s version of events. She shared several photographs of the trio enjoying a theatre show before heading to London’s Winter Wonderland.

Alongside the images, she wrote: “Hoodwink: verb to deceive or trick someone. A liar weaves a tangled web, trapping themselves in a labyrinth of deceit. When we embrace truth, we align ourselves with the harmonious order of the universe.”

“He was very honest that I wasn’t the only woman he was seeing; I was very aware he was seeing other people. I knew he was being honest, and it’s not like I was being cheated on,” Una explained on the My Therapist Ghosted Me podcast.

She alleged that David had rekindled his connection with Sian while they were in a casual relationship, and had expressed a desire for the two women to meet. Though initially reluctant, Una eventually agreed, concerned she might otherwise be accused of conducting an affair with David behind Sian’s back.

Una revealed she quickly came to the conclusion that a throuple arrangement was not suited to her, and ended things with the former sportsman, maintaining that the split was amicable.

The woods are covered in bluebells during the spring

Bluebells usually bloom from around mid-April and can still be seen throughout the start of May. The peak time to see bluebells is late April so you will need to get out soon to enjoy the beautiful flowers before they are gone until next year.

Luckily for those living in Cambridgeshire, there are plenty of green spaces and nature reserves open to the public. Even if you live in a big city, there are lots of parks that you can escape to when you need a break from daily life.

Thorpe Wood is just a short distance away from the centre of Peterborough, and is looked after by the Wildlife Trust. It is described as “an unexpected treasure in an urban setting”.

The woods only cover 10 hectares but could be a great place to snap some photos of bluebells while not having to venture too far from the city. The woodland is made up of a canopy of oak and ash with a hazel and field maple below.

The woods are known for a diverse range of wildflowers, including wood anemones and a “spectacular display” of bluebells. You might be able to see some ramsons and wild garlic that has a very distinctive smell.

The large mature oaks are home to many insects and birds including woodpeckers that can be heard throughout the summer. Thorpe Wood might only have bluebells blooming in the spring but it is still a pleasant spot to visit in other seasons.

Dogs are allowed in the woods as long as they are on a lead and people should keep to the pathways. Thorpe Wood is completely free to enter and has a small car park onsite for visitors to use.

After taking a walk around the woods and enjoying the bluebells, you could visit one of the pubs that are close to the area. The Fox and Hounds is only a short walk away and makes a good place to relax with a drink.

The pub also has an extensive food menu with a range of traditional options to choose from as well as burgers and plenty of sides. If you want something lighter for lunch, there are a few sandwiches and smaller plates to pick.

The European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf) confirmed it had ‘sufficient information’ to launch an investigation into Peter Mandelson

The EU’s anti-fraud office has launched a fresh probe into Peter Mandelson, who was sacked as UK ambassador to the US over his links to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf) confirmed it recently had “sufficient information” to open an investigation, following a request from the European Commission two months ago.

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SunExpress flight XQ3688 declared an emergency as it approached England while flying over the North Sea.

An Edinburgh-bound flight from Turkey has declared a mid-air emergency. SunExpress flight XQ3688 departed Dalaman bound for the capital shortly before 3.45pm on Friday, April 24.

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 declared an emergency in the skies over the North Sea as it headed towards Edinburgh. It landed safely at Edinburgh Airport just before 6.10pm.

Data from flight tracking app FlightRadar24 shows the plane continuing on its path towards Edinburgh after the pilots initiated an emergency procedure known as squawking 7700. The flight was the most tracked globally on FlightRadar24.

It is not currently known why the flight crew declared an emergency.

Emergency response squawking 7700 means a general emergency has been declared. It can cover a range of scenarios including a technical or medical emergency. The procedure allows air traffic controllers and ground crews to respond to the emergency in the most effective manner.

SunExpress have been contacted for comment.

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Olympic legends Sir Chris Hoy and Lindsey Vonn have both suffered devastating broken legs recently

Sir Chris Hoy has sent a message of support to fellow broken leg victim Lindsey Vonn.

The skiing legend came close to losing a limb after her horrifying crash at the Winter Olympics. Vonn broke her leg in a fall during the women’s downhill race on February 8 and has undergone multiple operations since.

She described the injury as “by far the most extreme, painful and challenging” she has ever had, adding that “everything was in pieces.”

The 41-year-old said she had compartment syndrome and credited Dr Tom Hackett for saving her leg through a fasciotomy. She said in an Instagram post: “Compartment syndrome is when you have so much trauma to one area of your body that there’s too much blood and it gets stuck, it basically crushes everything in the compartment.

“All the muscle and nerves and tendons, it all kind of dies. Doctor Tom Hackett saved my leg. He saved my leg from being amputated. He did what’s called a fasciotomy, where he cut open both sides of my leg, let it breathe and he saved me.”

Hoy knows all about compartment syndrome, having suffered a badly broken leg in a cycling crash last year. The six-time Olympic champion has continued to ride his bike while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

Speaking on his Sporting Midadventures podcast, he said: “Looking at all her fractures, the X-rays and the media coverage, it’s a very similar injury [to his], a tibia plateau fracture.

“I was looking at the metal work. To be fair, her plates were a little bit further down than mine, so she’s outdone me on that one!

“The doctors tell you that because compartment syndrome is the risk, there is a risk of amputation for anyone in that situation and I was given the same warning. That’s one of the things they’re hyper-vigilant about.

“She’s right in the thick of it [recovery] now and my thoughts are with her and with anyone else with an injury like that because it’s not much fun.”

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Vonn, who entered the Olympics having ruptured her ACL in the build-up, also suffered a broken ankle and needed a blood transfusion due to the blood loss from her surgeries.

On how he’s recovering from his own crash, which he described as the worst of his life, Hoy added: “I’ve got a slight limp but on the bike, it’s the least painful, so I’m back doing two-and-a-half-hour rides.”

Mr Polanski said: “With all that going on, it seems absurd to me that we aren’t talking about sanctions on Donald Trump, this seems like one of the least sanctions possible is to say that he can’t come and enjoy the profits and the enjoyment of a golf course in a country that, quite frankly, can’t stand him.”

When Alcaraz wore a cast at the Laureus Sports Awards earlier this week, it was an ominous sign. The scan that he had in Madrid has not provided any reassurance.

Wrist injuries are notoriously problematic for tennis players – and taking a gamble when a problem arises can be very costly.

A player struggling with a wrist injury needs to carefully manage the issue and it was telling how Alcaraz spoke in his statement about needing to “be cautious”.

As was the fact he is not putting a time frame on his return.

Clearly there is a huge load put through the joint – not just as a player prepares for each tournament in their senior career – but across all the years they have been honing their technique since first picking up a racquet.

Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem, who had to retire in 2024 after his own wrist problems, says the repetition of hitting thousands of balls across so many years is what makes the wrist so vulnerable.

Different balls across different tournaments – with varying weights and bounces – is seen as another reason why the stress put on the joint is exacerbated.