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Donald Trump reignites feud with the Pope with ‘unacceptable’ remarks

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Daily Mirror

It comes as Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepared to make a diplomatic visit to the Vatican in a bid to mend relations with the Holy See

Donald Trump has reignited his feud with Pope Leo XIV with “unacceptable” remarks about nuclear weapons.

It comes as Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepared to make a diplomatic visit to the Vatican in a bid to mend relations with the Holy See.

Trump again accused Leo in an interview Tuesday of being “OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.” Leo has said no such thing and Catholic Church teaching says the mere possession of nuclear weapons is “immoral.”

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And he claimed the Pope’s rhetoric was “endangering a lot of Catholics, and a lot of people”.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Pope Leo hit back at the claims, saying the Catholic Church “for years has spoken out against all nuclear weapons, so there is no doubt there.”

Leo doubled down on his insistence that his call for peace and dialogue in the U.S-Israeli war in Iran is Biblically inspired.

“I’ve spoken from the first moment of being elected, and we’re near the anniversary: I said ‘Peace be with you,’” Leo said as he left his country house in Castel Gandolfo.

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“The mission of the church is to preach the Gospel, to preach peace. If someone wants to criticize me for announcing the Gospel, let him do it with the truth,” Leo said. “And so I hope simply to be listened to about the value of the Word of God.”

Italy defended the Pope and his call for peace and dialogue in the Iran war.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in a social media post Thursday that Trump’s attacks “are neither acceptable nor helpful to the cause of peace.”

In an interview with conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt, Trump claimed the pontiff is helping Iran and making the world less safe with his comments about the importance of not treating immigrants with disrespect.

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“The Pope would rather talk about the fact that it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said in the interview on Monday. “And I don’t think that’s very good. I think he’s endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people. I guess if it’s up to the Pope, he thinks it’s just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

The Pope has not said Iran should obtain nuclear weapons. He’s called for more peace talks, and criticised war with Iran generally and Trump’s specific threats of mass civilian strikes. The pope also has emphasised that he’s reflecting biblical and church teachings, not speaking as a political rival to Trump.

Regardless, Trump’s latest comments may make Rubio’s task more difficult when he sees the pontiff on Thursday. Rubio has often been called on to tone down or explain Trump’s harsh rhetoric as it relates to Europe, NATO and the Middle East, but the president’s dispute with the pope has domestic political implications in the U.S. with midterm congressional elections approaching.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani added: “I reaffirm my support for every action and word of Pope Leo; his words are a testament to dialogue, the value of human life, and freedom. This is a vision shared by our government, which is committed through diplomacy to ensuring stability and peace in all areas where conflicts exist.”

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Rubio is due to meet with Leo on Thursday and is due to see Tajani and Premier Giorgia Meloni on Friday.

The State Department said on Monday that Rubio, a practicing Catholic who after this trip will have visited Italy or the Vatican at least three times in the past year, would travel to Rome and Vatican City on Thursday and Friday.

Trump lashed out at Leo on social media last month, saying the pope was soft on crime and terrorism for comments about the administration’s immigration policies and deportations as well as the Iran war. Leo then said God doesn’t listen to the prayers of those who wage war.

Later, Trump posted a social media image likening himself to Jesus Christ, which he then deleted after backlash. He has refused to apologize to Leo and has sought to explain away the social media post by saying he thought the image was of him as a doctor.

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The tension has spilled over into Italian politics, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a long-time Trump ally whom Rubio is also expected to meet this week, taking exception to Trump’s comments about the pope.

Trump in return criticised her as his ire against NATO allies expands over what he sees as a lack of support for the Iran war — most recently with the Pentagon planning to pull thousands of troops out of Germany in the coming months.

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Man City condemn racist abuse of key duo as Everton fan arrested

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Man City condemn racist abuse of key duo as Everton fan arrested

England defender Guehi, who made a key error that led to Everton equalising in the second half through Thierno Barry, had posted on Instagram after the match, writing: “I need to do better, but we keep going and focused on the next. Thank you for your support as always. Thank you Jesus!”

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Bolton: Former supply teacher charged with sex offences

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Bolton: Former supply teacher charged with sex offences

Abusali Rahman, born 29/08/1989, a British national of Bangladeshi ethnicity from Salford, is remanded in custody after being charged with the following offences: 

  • 12 counts of taking an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child (images obtained by upskirting)
  • 3 counts of publishing an obscene article (AI-generated sexualised images)
  • 3 counts of making indecent photographs/pseudo-photographs of a child (making AI-generated images)
  • 1 count of distributing an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child (sharing an upskirting image with another user)
  • 1 count of attempting to meet a girl under 16 following sexual grooming (via online chat)
  • 1 count of operating equipment beneath the clothing of another without consent (the act of upskirting)

Thirteen girls have been identified, who were aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the alleged offending, at seven high schools in Bury, Bolton and Salford.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say four girls from two high schools have not yet been identified, and officers are continuing to work directly with those schools. 

The offences are alleged to have taken place between December 2023 and June 2025, and the upskirting charges relate to alleged offending in schools. 

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All affected schools and the parents of the 13 identified girls have been informed.

GMP say all necessary safeguarding personnel have been made aware of the investigation, and of the specialist support that they and their partners are offering them throughout this case.

Officers say that if you, as a parent, have not been personally informed, your child has not been identified as a potential victim in this case.

If GMP receive further information relevant to the investigation, then they will sensitively and directly approach impacted schools, like they have done so far, to ensure that parents are informed.

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GMP have been in contact with all schools that Mr Rahman has worked at as part of their enquiries.

He has not worked in schools since he was arrested in June 2025 after a concern was raised by a parent about an image of their child in a school uniform being circulated by a social media account.

The discovery of further images prompted an upskirting investigation by the force’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT).

GMP say a significant amount of specialist and sensitive work has since gone into trying to identify girls on those images. 

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Mr Rahman was charged and appeared at Wigan Magistrates’ Court in April 2026.

He has since been remanded in custody and will appear at Bolton Crown Court on Thursday, May 28. 

By law, alleged victims of sexual offences have a lifelong right to anonymity.

The force asks that people respect their privacy and protect the integrity of the case by not speculating or commenting on this case in-person or online.

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Detective Chief Superintendent Rebecca McKendrick, head of GMP’s Public Protection Division, said: “I must start by stressing that the parents of the girls identified, and their schools, are being kept informed and supported throughout this process. If you were not aware of this case prior to today, then your child has not been identified as an alleged victim.

“We have been in contact with all schools we know Mr Rahman worked at in the North West since he became a qualified teacher in July 2023.

“No further alleged criminal offences have been identified at this time. The police, schools, the local authorities, safeguarding leads and specialist support services are working closely together throughout this investigation.

“I understand the concern and upset that will come with this news. It is so important that everyone refrains from speculation, as this is an active case where the girls affected have a right to lifelong anonymity, and the defendant has a right to a fair trial.

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“The last thing that is needed now is speculation around this case – if you know something, please report it directly to us.”

Anyone who wants to report an offence or has any information on this investigation should contact operation.messina@gmp.police.uk or call 101 quoting Operation Pomerie.

You can also pass details anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Support available

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If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester, provides a comprehensive and coordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support, as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma-informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

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Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge lavish praise on Arsenal’s ‘best player’ in Champions League win

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Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge lavish praise on Arsenal’s ‘best player’ in Champions League win

Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Theo Walcott all praised Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres for his role in taking the Gunners to the Champions League final.

Arsenal defeated Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium to record a 2-1 win on aggregate and reach their first Champions League final in 20 years.

Gyokeres was the main target man for the Gunners and it was his run in behind which kickstarted the move that led to Bukayo Saka’s winning goal.

Sturridge spoke highly of Arsenal’s ‘drive’ and ‘tenacity’ throughout the game but picked out Gyokeres as ‘best player’ on the pitch tonight.

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“Myles Lewis-Skelly was brilliant, he was controlling the tempo and position of the play, [Declan] Rice was excellent.” Sturridge said. “[Viktor] Gyokeres, for me, was the best player for Arsenal.”

He went further by explaining: “He caused so many problems, took the stress off the defence. You launch it up top and you’re thinking can it stick? Can he get hold of it for us? Can he advance us up the field? He did it all for them.

“Those are the performances that define top players, he’s been questioned all season for the goals and all these types of things but the performance he put in tonight was a clear reason as to why he signed for the football club.”

Viktor Gyokeres' centre forward play helped Arsenal reach the Champions League final
Viktor Gyokeres’ centre forward play helped Arsenal reach the Champions League final (PA)

Walcott was impressed with how Gyokeres worked the central defenders into different positions and made things difficult for them.

He built on Sturridge’s thought by adding: “He ran into the channels all day and as a centre-half you don’t really want to go out there. He takes players into positions where they’re uncomfortable. The centre-halves today will never have a harder game, ever.”

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Gyokeres was praised for his work rate and performance against Atletico Madrid
Gyokeres was praised for his work rate and performance against Atletico Madrid (Reuters)

Rooney praised the ‘dirty work’ Gyokeres has done throughout the season and how his impact on the match played its part in Arsenal reaching the European final.

“He’s been under pressure this season, and he’s maybe not as pleasing on the eye as some of the other centre forwards around the world but what he does is all the dirty work,” Rooney said. “That’s so important to the team and he didn’t get his goal tonight but he played a massive role in Arsenal winning this game.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had the final word: “He was immense. You could see the reaction of the crowd. His work-rate and what he does in the team is incredible.”

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The leaders of five of the nation’s major political parties did interviews with WalesOnline. One ducked it

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Wales Online

Reform UK leader Dan Thomas is the only one of the main political leaders in Wales who hid away from the chance to answer questions

Dan Thomas was named the leader of Reform UK on February 5, 2026. Within days of him being appointed, questions were asked about where he lived and whether he had an address at Wales at all, or whether he was living in Bath.

In a bid to stem those questions, his spokesperson suggested a cup of tea at his home. Despite numerous requests, and more than two months on, that hasn’t happened.

Over the past few days, WalesOnline has been running interviews with the leaders of Wales’ biggest political parties. All the parties were initially approached on the same day, in January. All five other leaders agreed to provide time to be interviewed, with the exception of Mr Thomas.

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The idea was for pieces that would show how the leaders’ backgrounds and shaped their politics. Labour’s Eluned Morgan met us at the Church of the Resurrection in Ely, where she was brought up. Plaid’s Rhun ap Iorwerth spoke about his approach to migration and populism, Darren Millar of the Conservatives told us how his faith had influenced his politics, the Lib Dems‘ Jane Dodds refused to say almost anything about her relationship with the party leader Ed Davey, which tells you far more than she’d have wanted. And we spoke to the Green Party’s Anthony Slaughter about the hot water his own party leader has got himself into.

But Reform UK’s Dan Thomas? Nothing. Since that offer of a cup of tea at his home, we have repeatedly asked Reform UK’s spokesperson to confirm a date. We have repeatedly been assured, in person, and via messages with their spokesman, it would be set up.

Mr Thomas did attend our WalesOnline leaders hustings, along with members of his team, where he took questions from you, our readers, along with the five other major political leaders. He has appeared on numerous other debates too.

We checked when he attended our event that the leader interview we would be set up, and were assured it would be.

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When we made clear the interviews would be running this week, we asked Reform UK to explain why, and no response came to that question either.

The main role of a journalist, and particularly a political journalist in an election, is to hold those in power to account.

We had lots of things to ask Dan Thomas. About his previous record in Barnet Council, about his switch from the Tories, about his leadership style, about his hopes for his time in the Senedd, if he is elected on May 7.

We would have asked him, if it was this week, about Arron Banks, about the Reform UK candidates who have left the party or quit their hopes for election, in some cases by issuing scathing remarks.

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We also wanted you, our readers, to get to know the man who could soon have a key role in politics in Wales. He is a man who could soon be putting his name forward for a vote in the Senedd about being elected as the First Minister of Wales and we know remarkably little about him.

When a candidate puts their name on the ballot paper, they are asking people to vote for their politics, yes, but them as a person.

Dan Thomas is a candidate in Casnewydd Islwyn, the people of that constituency deserve to know about him, the people of Wales more broadly do, given his rise to prominence in Welsh politics.

It goes without saying, our offer to Dan Thomas remains, we take our tea with milk, no sugar.

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You can read the other interviews here:

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The Bolton News new YouTube channel launch announced

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The Bolton News new YouTube channel launch announced

Established in 1867 as The Bolton Evening News, the publication has a distinguished record of serving the community.

It was Britain’s first community evening halfpenny newspaper, with only the Shipping Gazette, published in South Shields, predating it among evening titles.

Today, The Bolton News remains one of approximately 40 daily newspapers still in circulation in the UK, reflecting the resilience of regional journalism amid an evolving media landscape.

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While print continues to play a central role, the organisation is adapting to shifting audience habits, particularly the growing prominence of social media and video platforms as primary news sources.

Regional Editor for Newsquest North West, Richard Duggan, said: “The Bolton News has been at the heart of this community since 1867, and this new YouTube channel is a natural next step in how we tell Bolton’s stories.

“While our commitment to print and the written word digitally remains strong, we know more people are now discovering news through video and social platforms.

“By investing in video reporting, we’re making our journalism more immersive, more accessible, and better suited to how some audiences live today.

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“It’s about taking the stories of Bolton beyond the page, reaching new audiences, and ensuring local journalism continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Recent content on the new YouTube channel includes behind-the-scenes footage from an interview with Graham Wilson at Gilly’s Antiques.

Every video will be paired with a full article on The Bolton News website, allowing readers to explore each story in greater detail.

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Operating under the username @BoltonNewsNewsroom, the channel is in its early stages, with a small but growing subscriber base.

Despite its recent launch, it has already attracted more than 11,000 views.

The initiative represents a strategic step towards reaching wider audiences and amplifying Bolton’s stories on a global platform.

To find out more, visit: www.youtube.com/@BoltonNewsNewsroom

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Newscast – Is the US-Iran War Restarting?

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Newscast - Epstein Files: New Mandelson and Andrew Allegations

Available for over a year

Today, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says the US-Iran ceasefire “is not over”, despite attacks in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.

Donald Trump’s “Project Freedom” aims to use the US military to guide stranded cargo ships out of the Strait of Hormuz. But, Iran insists that it controls the strait – and yesterday fired missiles and drones at military and commercial ships, according to the US. Adam is joined by chief presenter Caitriona Perry and business editor Simon Jack.

And, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said “every part of society” has a responsibility to tackle antisemitism in the UK at a summit in Downing Street. It comes after the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green and a string of attacks at synagogues and other Jewish sites in recent months. Adam and Alex speak with special correspondent Lucy Manning.

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You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

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Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris. The social producer was Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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Diego Simeone pushes Arsenal chief Andrea Berta on touchline as UEFA official rushes in

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Daily Mirror

Chaos erupted near the end of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg tie against Atletico Madrid, as Diego Simeone appeared to push Gunners chief Andrea Berta

Diego Simeone appeared to PUSH Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta near the end of the Gunners’ Champions League win against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Atletico manager Simeone cut a disgruntled figure on the touchline as his team tried to find a late leveller at the Emirates Stadium. And the Argentine’s frustration boiled over when ex-Atleti chief Berta, who worked alongside Simeone for more than 12 years in Madrid, tried to get the attention of referee Daniel Siebert.

As the clock ticked into the fifth additional minute in stoppage-time, Berta wanted Siebert to blow the full-time whistle, and it’s safe to say that Simeone was far from pleased with the Arsenal man. Indeed, Simeone came charging across from his technical area to confront an animated Berta before pushing him back.

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There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.

Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story. Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.

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When is the Champions League final? Arsenal FC to face PSG or Bayern Munich

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When is the Champions League final? Arsenal FC to face PSG or Bayern Munich

After a tense and controversial opening 1-1 draw in Spain last week that saw Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvarez exchange penalties before another spot-kick award for the Gunners was contentiously overturned, Tuesday night’s semi-final second-leg decider at the Emirates Stadium saw the Gunners sneak through 2-1 on aggregate after Bukayo Saka’s winner.

Either holders Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich will now lie in wait during the showpiece fixture of Europe’s elite club competition later this month.

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Man joins older brother in prison after being convicted of same offence

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Wales Online

A court heard how both siblings were running their own illegal operations

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A man has joined his older brother in prison after being convicted of the same offence. Both Ryan Tucker and Nathan Tucker were running their own cocaine dealing operations from the family home in Port Talbot, and were both sourcing their supplies from Merseyside.

A judge at Swansea Crown Court told Ryan Tucker that as he approaches his 30th year he needs to decide whether he is going to continue to offending or turn his life around.

Nathan Tucker is already serving a six year and nine month sentence after police found a kilo block of coke on top of his wardrobe which had been sent ‘special delivery’ from Merseyside.

Georgia Donohue, prosecuting, told the court that on August 29, 2024, police operating in Port Talbot town centre saw what they believed to be a “drugs exchange” taking place on Gwyn Terrace.

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She said one of the males – subsequently identified as the defendant’s brother Nathan Tucker – was then seen to run to a nearby property.

As a result of what they had seen, officers decided to search the house and they arrested Nathan Tucker. While officers were in the middle of the search the defendant Ryan Tucker returned to the Tucker family home.

What officers found during the search of the property was detailed in October 2024 when Nathan Tucker was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison for being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

On that occasion the court heard officers found a machete behind a sofa in the living room, tubs of benzocaine – a common cutting or mixing agent used in drug deals – sets of weighing scales, and a parcel on top of a wardrobe containing a one-kilo block of compressed cocaine which had arrived in Port Talbot the previous day sent Special Delivery from Liverpool.

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Miss Donohue said it was the prosecution case Ryan Tucker had his own drug supply operation which was separate from his brother’s.

The court heard that on September 7 police returned to the Tucker family home to arrest Ryan Tucker, and seized his phone and £3,125 in cash. The defendant refused to reveal the PIN for the phone, and said the money officers found was from the sale of cars.

Tucker answered “no comment” to all questions asked and was released under investigation. For the latest court stories sign up to our crime newsletter

The court heard that despite Tucker’s refusal to reveal his PIN, officers were able to gain access to the device and found messages relating to the supply of cocaine and amphetamine in a range of deal sizes over the previous 12 months.

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In some of the messages Tucker referred to selling cocaine on behalf of Scousers and to owning the Merseysiders money.

The prosecutor said police encountered Tucker again on Boxing Day last year police when they received reports of a crashed and damaged VW Golf in Port Talbot. When officers arrived they found Tucker at the wheel of the vehicle “covered in cocaine”.

A search of the car uncovered almost 40g of cocaine and almost 100g of cannabis. Tucker was taken to hospital and subsequently placed in a medically induced coma for a period.

The court heard that the 27-year-old defendant’s phone was seized and officers found multiple Snapchat conversations between Tucker and others about the buying and selling of cocaine and cannabis.

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Ryan Tucker, of Gwyn Terrace, Port Talbot, had previously pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis when he appeared in the dock for sentencing. He has 23 previous convictions for 56 offences including violence, driving matters, acquisitive offending, and possession of cannabis.

Caitlin Brazel, for Tucker, said it was clear from her conference with the defendant that “he now appreciates the enormity of what he had done” and understands he is facing a significant custodial sentence. She said Tucker had a “rather unstable upbringing” and said after the loss of a brother in 2020 his life went on a “downward spiral” which saw him “battling nightmares, addiction, and mental health issues”.

Judge Geraint Walters said the evidence showed Tucker had been involved in distributing drugs for a Liverpool gang “in a not insignificant way” and that after being arrested and released under investigation had returned to dealing.

The judge told Tucker that as he approaches his 30th year he needed to decide whether he was going to continue being “a nuisance” or was going to to try to turn his life around. He said the defendant could “put his follies of youth and offending” behind him or could continue on the path he was on, and said if he chose the latter course he may turn around one day and find his life has passed him by with little positive to show for it.

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With discounts for his guilty pleas Tucker was sentenced to five years in prison. He will serve up to half the sentence in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community.

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Mum’s heroic actions saves child’s life before horror ‘grenade attack’ death

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Daily Record

Neighbours have spoken of the moment a blast left two dead

A mum who died following a ‘grenade attack’ saved a the life of a child moments before the blast. A neighbour has told told how Joanne Shaw, 35, instructed the youngster to play outside in the garden when an argument erupted in the early hours of Sunday morning, The Mirror exclusively reveals.

Stuart Blanchard, who lives a few doors down, said: “I spoke to the guy who called 999 and he said the child was out on the trampoline. It will haunt [them].

“She probably told [the child] to go out there to get out of the way of them arguing. I was woken to her [Joanne] shouting ‘go away, go away’ and then there was this loud boom that shook my door and windows.”

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He spoke hours after Avon and Somerset Police named Joanne and ex-partner Ryan Kelly, 41, as the two victims. The force said the couple had a history of domestic incidents and referred itself to the police watchdog.

Kelly, 41, who was previously convicted for being a foot soldier in a Breaking Bad-style drugs gang, allegedly arrived at Joanne’s home with a grenade and detonated it on the doorstep.

Neighbour Stuart continued: “The partner’s [Kelly’s] gone there in a mental state. It wasn’t Jo’s house, it was her parent’s, she just lived there. She had split up with him and I think she moved there to escape from him.”

He added: “Another friend said he saw the police giving Jo CPR but when the explosives team arrived they had to leave in case there were more explosions. It was awful for them. I used to see Jo most mornings when I was walking the dog, she was a lovely woman.”

Police rushed to the terrace home in the Frenchay area of Bristol at 06:17am on Sunday morning, after reports of a domestic incident. The explosion happened just after 06:30am.

A friend of Joanne’s mother told the Mirror she instinctively knew the blast was something to do with Ryan Kelly. “I’m afraid I just knew it had to be him because of what’s gone on with him before,” she said.

“I haven’t spoken to my friend since it happened and I can’t begin to think how she’s coping with this. It’s just terrible when bad men do bad things.

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“She [Joanne] was the loveliest, kindest lady and she didn’t deserve this. The family doesn’t deserve it. I shouldn’t think they’ll ever want to come and live back here. [Joanne and Ryan’s] relationship wasn’t good – I don’t know why he would have done such a terrible thing.”

Neighbour Michael Gwyther, who recognised Kelly, said: “I just heard a blast, I thought someone was trying to kick through the door. They have been quiet recently. It was frightening and it set the dog right off.”

Another local, Kwestan Ahmed, added: “I heard screaming and shouting’ but I’m not sure if it was them or the police. I thought the bang was a car crash, I’d never never think it could be a bomb.”

Kelly was locked up for five years in 2015 after admitting conspiracy to supply cocaine for a crystal meth gang masterminded by a 78-year-old battling cancer.

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The trial at the time heard how the OAP ran the plot from prison despite his illness and recruited a self-taught chemist to set up a lab and make the highly addictive drug crystal meth.

He formed a UK-wide team, that included Kelly, who obtained a kilo of cocaine and planned to sell it for £60,000 so they could buy chemicals and equipment from the Netherlands needed to manufacture the drugs.

The case was compared to US TV show Breaking Bad where high school chemistry teacher Walter White starts making crystal meth to raise money after he is diagnosed with lung cancer. But unlike the fictional version, the real-life plot was busted before they could start work after undercover police bugged their cars.

Avon and Somerset Police Superintendent Matt Ebbs said: “We know people will be shocked and upset to learn of the horrendous events that happened on Sunday morning.

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“Jo’s death has been officially recorded as a homicide based on the information known to us at this time. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.

“We know everyone’s thoughts and sympathies will be with her devastated family. Specially-trained officers are providing them with updates and support.

“We recognise there is significant interest in what happened, but at the centre of it there are many people grieving and we would please ask everyone respects that and gives them the privacy they want.”

“Police activity continues to be carried out at the property in Sterncourt Road and we expect this will take several days to be completed.

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“We would like to reassure the public there is not believed to be any wider risk to safety and this is not being treated as terrorism-related.”

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