In Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards released today, two of York’s attractions were highlighted amongst the best in the world at a ceremony that aims to celebrate the world’s most popular attractions and experiences, based on reviews and ratings from travellers across the globe.

York Minster was ranked 12th in the UK’s Top Attractions, while the Wizard Walk of York secured fourth place in the Family-Friendly Experiences category worldwide.

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Laurel Greatrix, chief communications officer at Tripadvisor Group, said: “This is hard-won recognition, shaped by millions of travellers who booked, showed up, and rated what was actually worth their time.

“There’s a clear theme in this year’s winners: they bring out what makes a destination unique.

“These aren’t experiences that simply fill an itinerary – they’re the experiences that give you a better way to understand a place.”

UK attractions performed strongly in the global rankings, with the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh named the number one attraction in the world after rising from 12th place last year.

Other British sites in the top 20 included The Real Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh, ranked sixth, and Oxford’s Bodleian Library at 13th.

Other categories include: Amusements and Water Parks, Cultural & Historic, Food & Drink, Family-Friendly, Nature & Outdoors, Sailing & Day Cruises and Water Sports.

For a full list of this year’s winners, visit https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/TravelersChoice-ThingsToDo 

One objector described the development as ‘totally inadequate’

Locals say that plans for new homes in a Cambridgeshire village are “ludicrous and ridiculous”. Back in February, Burgess and Walker Transport submitted permission in principle plans to Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) to build new homes along Overcote Lane in Needingworth.

The plans, which were for between seven and nine homes, have been refused by Huntingdonshire District Council after concerns were raised about safety. Proposed access to the site is “unmade” and is around 250m from the nearest footpath.

A planning officer said this didn’t “provide safe and convenient access for future residents” to nearby services. The officer also described the development as “unacceptable”. It added that it would result in “visual harm and encroachment of a small settlement into the countryside resulting in the loss of land” which offers a buffer between the countryside and existing homes.

The plans also received several objections from residents. One person in Ashton Close described the plans as “ludicrous and ridiculous” and that they “totally object” to them. The objector said: “There is no appropriate access to this site, to gain access would mean destroying current hedgerows and trees which would also affect wildlife.

“The infrastructure is totally inadequate for any new developments.”

Another person in Ashton Close also raised concerns about the impact on wildlife. They said the homes would “destroy the peaceful nature” on the nearby field. They added: “The proposed access via the farm track to Lodel Farm is not wide enough and if it was widened then this will require trees and hedges to be removed which as far as I am concerned should never be considered.”

Despite concerns raised, Cambridgeshire County Council’s highways team didn’t raise concerns about effects on the public highway. However, it required further detail on access, layout, visibility splays and traffic impact.

Environmental Health raised concerns about the site. It stated that the site for the proposed development was used on a former plant nursery, which is used for contaminants such as fertilizers and pesticides.

An Environmental Health spokesperson said the substances could “pose a potential risk to the health of future occupiers”.

John Lee punched the victim causing him to lose consciousness before shouting at his wife

This is the moment a driver punched someone in an “extremely aggressive and shocking” attack while his kids watched.

The incident took place in Conwy county where John Lee attacked the victim as he sat in his car in the Llanrwst area, on June 15, 2025.

Dashcam footage, shown to Caernarfon Crown Court, during Lee’s sentencing hearing last week, shows how Lee attacked the victim. NorthWalesLive reports he then began verbally abusing the victim’s wife outside.

The court heard the victim had pulled over to collect eggs from a store and stopped his vehicle suddenly upon hearing a loud beep, fearing something was wrong with his car. Lee, who was driving the vehicle directly behind, exited his car and approached the victim’s window, shouting “what are you doing?” before delivering a punch.

The force of the blow caused the victim to lose consciousness as he sat in his driver’s seat. Prosecution barrister Rabia Tariq told the court Lee also grabbed and shook the man during the assault.

When the victim’s wife stepped out of the car dashcam footage captured Lee verbally remonstrating with her in an aggressive manner. The physical impact on the victim included a bruised eye socket and a grazed eyelid, alongside the loss of consciousness.

In a personal statement, the victim described the attack as “extremely aggressive and shocking,” noting that he has suffered from increased forgetfulness since the incident. He added the ordeal has had a lasting emotional impact on his wife and family.

Defending Lee, Richard Edwards stated his client had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and “bitterly regrets” his impulsive actions. The court was told that Lee’s own wife and children were in his vehicle at the time and had been upset by the evasive driving required when the victim stopped. The defence characterised the assault as a “single, isolated” moment of madness.

The court further heard Lee is a self-employed carpenter and joiner who had previously served in the military before an injury cut his career short. Mr Edwards highlighted Lee’s struggles with mental health, noting he had even established a mental health football team to support himself and others in the community. His only previous conviction was a referral for common assault in 2005.

Judge Nicola Jones, sentencing Lee, highlighted the gravity of the incident, particularly as the victim’s elderly parents were watching from the back seat. She also criticised Lee for being “verbally aggressive” toward the victim’s wife while his own children watched the violence unfold from his car.

Judge Jones sentenced Lee to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months. He must undertake 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He must also pay £500 compensation and a statutory surcharge.

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Hundreds of readers of The Press have had their say and we have narrowed it down to ten finalists who received the most votes.

It came after nominations closed on Sunday (April 26).

Recommended reading:

Today, we are delighted to announce our top ten (ordered alphabetically):

1.            Avorium – 13 Colliergate, York, YO1 8BP

2.            Azendi Jewellery – 50 Low Petergate, York, YO1 7HZ

3.            Barnitts – 24-26 Colliergate, York, YO1 8BW

4.            Books & Bevs – 89 Front Street, Acomb, York

5.            Bugweed’s – Unit 3 Marrtree Business Park, Stirling Road, York, YO30 4AB

6.            Helston Street – 4 Scarcroft Road, York, YO23 1NB

7.            Just Smile Designs – 5 Bootham, York, YO30 7BN

8.            Sewcialising – 1 Coffee Yard, York, YO1 8AR

9.            The Gothelie Station – 25 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LW

10.         YORK GIN – 12 Pavement, York, YO1 9UP

The profiles will be published from Monday (May 4) until Thursday (May 14), with each included with a voting slip for readers to name their favourite (Image: Newsquest)

In the next few weeks, we will be speaking to each finalist, who will receive an article in print and online on why they deserve to be named as the 2026 Best Independent Retailer.

These profiles will be published from Monday (May 4) until Thursday (May 14), with each included with a voting slip for readers to name their favourite.

Our winner will be announced shortly after May 14.

ITV’s new spy drama starring Gemma Arterton made its debut on the channel, but some viewers claimed to ‘switch off’

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Secret Service viewers have expressed their disappointment with ITV’s latest spy drama.

The channel’s much-anticipated thriller premiered this evening (April 27), starring Gemma Arterton in the leading role.

The programme centres on her character, senior MI6 officer Kate Henderson, who uncovers intelligence suggesting a prominent British politician is collaborating with Russia.

Unwilling to allow such beyral to go unpunished, Kate doed everything to expose the traitor. The opening episode offered audiences an initial look at Kate’s domestic life, beginning with scenes at her family home.

The morning appeared typically hectic as her children prepared for school while her husband Stuart, a political adviser to the Home Secretary, readied himself for work.

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READ MORE: ITV’s Secret Service author Tom Bradby says spy thriller is a ‘peek behind the curtains’READ MORE: Virgin Island viewers left ‘uncomfortable’ just minutes in to ‘awkward’ new series

Kate subsequently left her ordinary life behind to immerse herself in her demanding role, travelling to Malta to meet asset Lena. She proved crucial to the operation, working in close proximity to their target as the family’s nanny, reports the Mirror.

Lena faced a critical task when Kate instructed her to covertly place a surveillance device inside Igor Borodin’s villa – he being the head of Russian intelligence.

Once the device was operational, Kate overhears an explosive conversation that changes everyone – a British politician has cancer and is preparing to step down.

Despite all the drama going on, viewers were unimpressed, with many claiming to “switch off” just minutes into the opening episode.

One viewer commented: “This is losing me in 10 mins. Does it get better? I’m bored. #SecretService.” Another remarked: “Hmmmm….Not feeling it so far #SecretService.”

A third complained: “This is a bit dull #SecretService.” One confused viewer stated: “I already don’t understand what’s going on #SecretService.” Another concurred: “20 mins in and still no clue what the hell is going on.” One admitted: “I have given up, and turned it off #SecretService.”

However several viewers appeared to be enjoying the programme. One posted: “Interesting. Love spy drama #SecretService.”

Another shared: “Binging #secretservice on ITV. Not bad so far. On Episode 3.”

Secret Service is available to stream on ITVX now

‘My friend and I said it was almost like that bizarre Willy Wonka event – it was so bad you couldn’t quite believe you were there.’

A true crime-themed show in Swansea has been slammed as “bizarre”, “terrible” and a “rip-off”, with it compared to the viral Willy Wonka-style fiasco in Glasgow in 2024.

The True Crime and Wine event held at the Patti Pavilion near Swansea beach on Friday promised an evening of storytelling, entertainment and drinks, but attendees claim the reality was far from what was advertised.

Instead they claimed the event descended into chaos, with overcrowding, slow bar service, insensitive games and wine costing an additional £25 per bottle. People at the event claimed many audience members left disappointed well before the interval.

A spokesman for the show’s organisers said the team is “absolutely gutted” and has taken “learnings on board”, while a spokesman for Patti Pavilion said the event wasn’t a Patti-run event and True Crime and Wine was “responsible for the running of the show”.

Nicola, 52, told WalesOnline she attended with her friends expecting an enjoyable night based on their interest in true crime events. “I was expecting, to be honest with you, what was advertised: an interesting night,” she said.

She said she had been to similar events before that had been well organised but this one quickly felt different as soon as she entered the venue. “The Patti Pavilion, fair enough, it’s an interesting venue, but I would say it’s more suited to gigs than a theatrical production,” she said. “But I thought: ‘Let’s give it a go,’ it’s something I would potentially be really interested in.”

She claimed that what she found inside was an overcrowded layout that set the tone for the evening. “It was like walking into Oktoberfest. There were rows and rows and rows of benches. So, once you were in you were in. You couldn’t really move around. You felt like you were rammed in like sardines.”

Attention soon turned to the bar, which Nicola described as overwhelmed within 30 minutes of the doors opening. “The bar was chaos,” she said. “There were about 600 people there and they had two bars open and behind each bar there were just two people serving.”

She said she wasn’t expecting free bottles of wine on each table but she felt the offering didn’t match expectations. Wine was only available to purchase from the bar by the bottle for £25, she said, adding she and her friends had already paid £20.80 each for their tickets through provider Gigantic at a total of £83.20.

She said: “Their marketing was about the availability of wine and we were expecting little tasters of wine maybe. We weren’t expecting [free] bottles to be on the table but you would expect something. The white wine was tepid, which is being generous. People were asking for ice to chill it down. The red wine was freezing cold. I drank white wine and my other friend had a lemonade and my bar tab was £52.50 on top of paying £80-odd for tickets for the four of us as well.”

While the show began on time Nicola said many people were still standing up and queueing for drinks which proved distracting. “It was just shambolic; it was bizarre,” she said. “Everyone got very bored very quickly so everyone was making their own conversation.

“I did kind of feel for the two girls who were on the stage – they were no experts by any stretch of the imagination and I’m not sure where they found them. But they really weren’t particularly knowledgeable. They were in competition with a rowdy crowd so nobody could really hear anything. I can’t quite put into words how awful it was.”

Nicola said within minutes some attendees began leaving and by the interval she said a significant portion of the audience had already gone. “One of my friends left within 15 minutes and then the rest of us… we just about stuck it until the interval. The main reason being that we didn’t want to be that person that had gotten up and caused the Mexican wave of people moving out of their seats. But the majority of our row of seats had left by that point anyway. By the interval at least a third of the people had gone.”

She also questioned parts of the show itself, particularly interactive games which she felt were inappropriate given the subject matter. “It mentions games [on the advertisement] and personally I found some of the games quite inappropriate,” Nicola said. “At the end of the day anyone with a fascination with true crime knows that you still have to have that respect and sensitivity for the victims and their families.

“They played a Tinder swipe left swipe right game [about] if you think this person is a serial killer, or if you would survive the date. That’s nasty. That was below the belt, you should not make jokes like that.”

As the night ended Nicola said she and her friends left the venue trying to make sense of what they had experienced. “We were walking along the seafront just thinking: ‘What on earth just happened?’ Trying to unpack it on the way home. My friend and I said it was almost like that bizarre Willy Wonka event – it was so bad you couldn’t quite believe you were there.”

She added that attempts to raise concerns afterwards had only added to her frustration, with limited responses from organisers and ticket providers. “When I got home I messaged them (the organisers). The only way to contact them was by Facebook messenger. You can see on Facebook that lots of people have done that with no correspondence back whatsoever.

“I reached out to Gigantic and they shut me down straightaway. Eventbrite is about as much use as a chocolate teapot. We are all just in complete limbo. It was just money for nothing. These things aren’t cheap and you do look forward to them.”

While Nicola said the concept had potential, she felt the execution was the main issue. “The format of it in theory is good – if they did it in a venue like the Grand Theatre I think it could have worked well but it just really did feel like a free for all. People just lost interest immediately because they didn’t have a clue what was going on.”

Nicola wasn’t the only audience member to raise concerns about the event. Another attendee named Rhian claimed what should have been a “sophisticated evening” was “entirely misleading”.

She claimed: “From the outset the event failed to deliver on its promises. It was marketed as a sophisticated evening for true crime fans and wine enthusiasts, complete with a curated wine experience. In reality this claim was entirely misleading. The wine offering amounted to nothing more than a basic choice of red, white, or rosé, with no evidence whatsoever of the advertised curation.

“Once inside it quickly became clear that the event was badly organised and lacked even the most basic crowd management. The environment was rowdy and uncontrolled, making it nearly impossible to hear or follow the content on stage.

“As for the show itself, it was of an extremely poor standard. The content lacked structure, depth, and professionalism, falling far below what was advertised and what paying customers were led to expect. It felt less like a polished event and more like an unprepared and disjointed performance.”

Due to the combination of these issues, Rhian said she made the decision to leave after just 30 minutes. “Something I have never felt compelled to do at a paid event before,” she said.

Many audience members also posted their experiences on social media. One woman, named Debbie, wrote: “What a rip off. The venue was trestle tables and benches, not suited for this act which should have been in a theatre.

“The wine was £25 a bottle and the bar was understaffed with people still waiting to buy drinks when the show began. There was background music, the entrance doors were left open and everybody became disengaged which led to lots of chatting.

“I was invited to this event and came all the way from Winchester to attend with friends, we left after 20 minutes. It was so bad.”

Another, named Emma, shared: “Terrible. We left halfway through mainly due to not being able to hear anything because it was like trying to watch a show in a school canteen. The two cases we heard were odd choices and didn’t seem to fit and unfortunately the presenters weren’t very engaging.”

According to the organisers 19 refunds have been processed. In response to the seating arrangements and overcrowding, a spokesman for the event said: “We did not achieve a sell out on the event, finishing at about 15% under the official capacity. Unfortunately the seating layout was the only format that the venue was prepared to operate in. We agree that this hampered many people’s enjoyment of the show.”

On the issue of staffing, the spokesman said: “We are equally frustrated by the lack of staffing for the event. We expected more to be provided for an event of this size.”

Regarding the wine, they said: “The venue provided two options for each of red, white and rose. These were advertised on menus around the venue. Some comments have said the venue ran out. Wines were chosen by the venue and approved by us. We were not informed by the venue that they would not be selling wine by the glass.“

In response to points raised about the show and hosts, the event spokesman said: “We’re sorry if some people did not enjoy the performance aspect of the show and all feedback has been taken on board. We have received positive feedback on this aspect from our review forms, as well as many people explaining they simply could not hear the show properly. The hosts spent half an hour meeting audience members after the show and received no negative remarks.”

Responding to audio issues the spokesman said: “The quality of the sound in the venue was sadly not up to standard. We were assured in advance that it would be sufficient but this proved not to be the case.”

In response to the interactive game, they said: “The segment pointed to how people end up in relationships with criminals and people’s ability to determine a criminal just from looking at a face. The segment began with a picture of Joe Exotic.”

True Crime and Wine held a previous event at Cardiff’s Depot. One audience member who attended the event back in September, who gave his name as Mr Bridges, told WalesOnline that he also expected a complimentary glass of wine, “but there was nothing”. He said: “The whole thing was disappointing.”

The spokesman for True Crime and Wine responded: “As you are aware our event at Patti Pavilion has received some negative feedback which we hope to address. In total we have received 19 requests for refunds, which have all been processed.

“Any level of guest dissatisfaction is taken very seriously by us, hence sending our feedback survey straight after the show. Our aim is always to try to put on the best show possible, however in this setting with sociable garden bench style seating, it was simply not conducive to executing the show satisfactorily. We are absolutely gutted and have taken these learnings on board.”

A spokesman for Patti Pavilion said: “We are truly sorry to hear that some attendees were disappointed following the True Crime and Wine event held at The Patti on Friday. We would like to clarify that this was not a Patti-organised event. The venue was hired out to the event organisers who were responsible for the running of the show.

“We understand how frustrating this has been for those who attended and we are currently trying to get in contact with the organisers to discuss the concerns raised and help get this matter resolved. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”

The organisers have upcoming events in Dudley and Winchester, according to Eventbrite. WalesOnline has contacted Eventbrite for comment, while a spokesman for Gigantic responded: “Gigantic are the ticket agent and have no involvement in the organising of the event.”

A separate blog, also named True Crime and Wine, shared a post on social media detailing how they had become swept up in the backlash aimed at the Swansea event. It states: “It appears there was an event last night called ‘True Crime and Wine’ in Wales that is receiving some negative feedback.

“I just want to confirm and reiterate that this event is not me and was not organised by me either. It’s a different organisation using the same name. Please check before tagging me and leaving me negative reviews.”

One travel influencer has suggested three places in the UK which people should consider visiting instead of more popular destinations. “It’s not about skipping any of them… just travelling a little differently,” she said

The UK is full of incredible places to visit, from historic sites dating back thousands of years, to bustling towns and cities. Whether you want to spend some time in the countryside or on a beach, or if shopping in high-end boutiques and eating in Michelin-star restaurants is more your speed, we’ve got it all.

There are plenty of places in the UK which are famous across the world as destinations for tourists, from the ancient mystery of Stonehenge and the historic streets of Edinburgh, to the spectacular countryside of the Cotswolds and the iconic Big Ben. But what if you want something a bit more off the beaten path?

One travel influencer has suggested three places in the UK which people should consider visiting instead of the more popular destinations. Apryl, who has 47,000 followers on Instagram and regularly shares tips for travel in the UK, shared the advice on social media. Writing in the first slide of the post, Apryl said: “Three places everyone plans in England but I wouldn’t… where I’d go instead.”

Writing in the caption, she said: “Everyone goes to the icons, and you probably should too. But if you’ve already done them, or want something a little less crowded, here’s what I’d add to your England itinerary.” She added: “It’s not about skipping any of them… just travelling a little differently.”

Ely instead of Oxford

Firstly, she said people planning to visit Oxford should instead consider the Cambridgeshire city of Ely. She said: “Fewer crowds, cathedral views, medieval streets.”

Nestled in the Cambridgeshire countryside, the city’s most iconic feature is the spectacular Ely Cathedral, with its incredible octagonal tower. Tourism site Visit Ely describes it as “the destination city with something for everyone”.

It said: “From the monastic buildings of the city past, the vibrant food scene and the scenic majesty of the Riverside, Ely packs a great deal into a pocket city. With Ely Cathedral, independent shops around the city centre, places to relax and replenish both body and mind, there has never been a better time to enjoy this quintessentially English jewel in the heart of East Cambridgeshire. “

Hastings Old Town instead of Brighton Pier

Next, Apryl said people planning a visit to Brighton Pier should instead consider travelling 36 miles east to Hastings Old Town in East Sussex. Apryl said: “Fishing huts, antique shops, and a slower seaside.”

Hastings Old Town is famous for its 19th-century Net Shops, tall, black wooden sheds originally built to provide weatherproof storage for fishing gear. Today the huts are Grade II-listed, while one serves as a free museum.

The area itself comprises the part of the town of Hastings which existed before the 19th century. Today it is the easternmost valley of the current town.

Chester instead of York

Apryl’s final tip was directed at people planning a trip to the historic city of York. She said people should instead visit Chester in Cheshire. She said: “Timbered streets, Roman walls, and fewer crowds.”

Steeped in history, Chester has the most complete city walls and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in the UK, as well as a 10th century cathedral. Chester Zoo is also home to 35,000 animals, and is reportedly the most-visited attraction in the UK outside London.

Visit Cheshire said: “Visit Chester, for its bewitching beauty and unique atmosphere which make it one of Britain’s most popular places for an unforgettable short break. The ancient city is a breath-taking experience with each chapter of Chester’s history etched into the very fabric of the city. Walk where Roman Legionnaires marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered Anglo Saxons.”

Concluding, Apryl clarified she wasn’t suggesting people shouldn’t visit Oxford, Brighton, or York, but that they should consider other lesser-known destinations too. “Don’t cancel your trip… just try these too,” she said.

The Premier League usually announce the player and manager of the year in mid-May, and Fernandes will face stiff competition. Erling Haaland has enjoyed another superb campaign, as has Bernardo Silva, while Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are also expected to be in the conversation.

Money Saving Expert, founded by Martin Lewis, has shared some helpful tips on finding cheap airport parking deals

If you are one of the millions jetting off on holiday soon and you’ve not thought about parking, you may want to start. And there are simple ways to save money with a few clever tips.

Money Saving Expert (MSE), founded by Martin Lewis, has encouraged travellers to explore alternative options if booking directly through the airport proves too costly.

In guidance updated on March 31, 2026, the financial specialists warn that leaving your booking until the last minute may prove expensive. It suggests you could face charges exceeding £400 for a week’s parking if you simply turn up on the day.

However, by planning ahead and making savvy bookings, you can slash your parking costs. As a useful pointer, the site recommends checking comparison platforms for potential savings.

MSE writes: “The easiest way to find low-cost airport car parking is via a specialist site that compares parking deals to find you the best price – and remember to check your booking is flexible in case you can’t use it because of cancellation or future restrictions.

“They’ll often give you a cheaper price than you’ll get booking direct considering many offer airport parking discount codes.”

Having compared airport parking options, it’s also worthwhile to look into private parking near the airport, as well as hotel-and-parking bundles, to see whether they are cheaper.

Occasionally, it is possible to beat comparison sites by booking direct. MSE suggests checking the parking provider’s own prices against those quoted on comparison sites.

Private parking

Another cost-effective way to park your car is in private parking spaces. It continues: “eBay-style parking marketplaces allow those living close to airport car parks to offer their drives or spare land to drivers.

“Overheads are low, which means prices are too, but there’s a trade-off – they usually lack anything like the level of security offered by dedicated car parks.”

Other helpful tips

Even when you plan ahead, securing cheap airport parking can be tricky. The longer your trip, the higher the cost, so it’s worth weighing up alternatives. Aside from persuading a relative to drop you off or walking to the airport, assuming you live close and there’s a safe walking path, it’s often cheaper to:

1. Book a dedicated coach – They may be the longest option but it could be worth it if it saves you money. There may even be deals on to save you extra cash
2. Book a taxi – MSE suggests considering pre-booking a taxi and not relying on getting a return taxi at the airport. “Book ahead with your local firm, giving your flight number so it can vary pick-up time, and it’s often cheaper.”
3. Use non-specialist train services – Some dedicated ‘airport express’ trains can be costly, yet the same lines are often used by normal rail services, meaning you can travel the same route more cheaply. There may be extra stops, but if it saves you money, it may be worth the extra journey time.

The experts at MSE have listed other helpful tips and discounts you may find useful.

A former employee of a popular nightclub whose roof collapsed a year ago and killed 236 people told a judge Monday that the owners were fully aware the structure was deteriorated.

Gregory Adames testified against siblings Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, who are accused of involuntary manslaughter and involuntary assault and battery following the collapse at the legendary Jet Set club in Santo Domingo.

“They knew because I sent them photos, I sent them videos of all the problems that were there. That shouldn’t have happened; not a single person should have died there,” Adames said.

Attorneys for the victim’s families asked in court for the siblings to be accused of voluntary manslaughter.

“We hope that happens,” Jean Carlos Martínez Segura, who represents nine families, told The Associated Press.

The potential prison sentence is up to 20 years for voluntary manslaughter but is two years for involuntary manslaughter.

Monday’s court hearing is expected to continue Friday, with a judge eventually deciding whether there’s enough evidence to hold a trial. Relatives of the victims have complained about delays and slow judicial proceedings.

Prosecutors have said hundreds of pieces of evidence implicate the siblings, who were arrested last June.

Miguel Valerio, the Espaillats’ attorney, told reporters after their arrests: “Nobody wanted that to happen.”

Prosecutors have accused the Espaillats of trying to intimidate or manipulate employees. Antonio Espaillat is considered a powerful businessman who owns upscale entertainment centers and dozens of local radio stations.

Hundreds of people including many high-profile Dominicans were at the nightclub for a concert on April 8, 2025, when the roof collapsed. Those who died included singer Rubby Pérez; Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Montecristi province and sister of Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz; and former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel. More than 100 people were injured in the collapse and rescuers worked around the clock to pull out survivors.