Before the jury left for the day, Judge Kerr warned them not to speak to family members about the trial or do any research on social media about the case or the defendant.

A jury was sworn in today to hear the trial of a Co Down pensioner accused of causing unnecessary suffering and neglect to animals on his farm.

Samuel Ernest Cooper (71), of Derryleckagh Row in Newry, was previously arraigned and denied a total of 17 charges. He pleaded not guilty to ten counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals, four of failing to hold a carcass, two counts of failing to have bovine animals tested and one of failing to keep a record of medicines.

According to court papers, the offences are alleged to have been committed on cows and sheep on dates between December 1, 2022 and May 19, 2023.

Following the swearing in of the jury panel of seven men and five women at Belfast Crown Court, Judge Gordon Kerr KC told them: “It is alleged by the prosecution in this case that Mr Cooper committed acts of animal cruelty or neglect.

“You will hear evidence from the prosecution that he is a farmer from around the Newry area.

“It is important that any juror deciding the case must do so solely on the evidence they will hear in court without sympathy for or prejudice to any party in the case.”

Prosecution counsel Kate McKay told the jury the case against the defendant revolved around causing unnecessary suffering to animals.

She said the main prosecution witnesses they would hear from during trial were vets from the Department of Agriculture who look after farm animals and police officers who investigated the neglect allegations.

“As well as hearing from the witnesses you will also see some video evidence which will depict what we say amounts to animal cruelty and unnecessary suffering,” she added.

Defence counsel Sean Devine said the jury may hear evidence from one individual from the Newry area called as a witness in respect of Cooper.

Before the jury left for the day, Judge Kerr warned them not to speak to family members about the trial or do any research on social media about the case or the defendant.

“Please do not do that as any juror who does that would be quite obviously trying to seek information which is not evidence in the trial and this would be contrary to your oath and the court has to take a very serious view of anyone who does that,” said Judge Kerr.

He told the jury to return tomorrow (Tuesday) morning when the prosecution will formally open the Crown case against the defendant and call its first witnesses.

The trial is expected to last until the middle of next week.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Forwards

Jamie Blamire (Leicester), Ollie Chessum (Leicester), Arthur Clark (Gloucester), Alex Coles (Northampton), Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins), Tom Curry (Sale), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ellis Genge (Bristol), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Emmanuel Iyogun (Northampton), George Martin (Leicester), Beno Obano (Bath), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale), Guy Pepper (Bath), Henry Pollock (Northampton), Vilikesa Sela (Bath), Kepu Tuipulotu (Bath).

Backs

Seb Atkinson (Gloucester), Charlie Bracken (Saracens), Noah Caluori (Saracens), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter), George Ford (Sale), Tommy Freeman (Northampton), George Furbank (Northampton), Benhard Janse van Rensburg (Bristol), Archie McParland (Northampton), Alex Mitchell (Northampton), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Adam Radwan (Leicester), Tom Roebuck (Sale), Henry Slade (Exeter), Fin Smith (Northampton), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Ben Spencer (Bath), Freddie Steward (Leicester), Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester).

Rehabilitation: Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks).

Not considered for selection: Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Ben Curry (Sale), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Trevor Davison (Northampton), Greg Fisilau (Exeter), Will Muir (Bath), Bevan Rodd (Sale), Sam Underhill (Bath).

The Channel 4 series was a hit with viewers and also scooped a BAFTA TV Award in 2025

A “terrifying” courtroom show that gripped viewers is reportedly set to return for a fourth series.

TVZone reports Channel 4 has commissioned another run of The Jury: Murder Trial – in which real murder cases are restaged in front of juries made up of ordinary people – before the third series has even aired.

The third series is apparently expected to be unveiled later this year, with a fourth series said to be currently in production and set to air next year.

The Jury: Murder Trial started in 2024, examining the jury system by recreating an entire, real murder trial from the original transcripts. Filmed over several days, the series took a close look at the inner workings of the trial process.

In season one, actors playing barristers and judges re-enacted a case in which a man had admitted to killing his wife, but whose defence maintained that he lost control, and was therefore not guilty of murder.

The programme, which scooped the Best Reality prize at the 2025 Bafta TV Awards, returned in 2025, with the second series re-enacting the trial of a woman accused of having stabbed her partner to death when he attempted to strangle her.

Speaking when the series was first unveiled, Alf Lawrie, Channel 4’s head of factual entertainment, said: “This fascinating and ground-breaking programme asks profound questions about the justice system.

“Lifting the lid on what most people know little about this revealing show could be described as putting the jury system itself on trial.”

The programme has been a hit with critics, with the Financial Times calling it “gripping television” and The Guardian’s reviewer saying: “TV doesn’t get more addictive … or more harrowing.”

Viewers were also impressed, with several posting messages on social media saying they were “bingeing” the series and that it was a “brilliant” watch. “I’ve just binged through it this afternoon,” said one person, as another remarked that it was a “fascinating concept”.

“This enthralling look at our judiciary shows how worryingly easily 12 people can be swayed,” one fan commented, as another added that it was “truly terrifying”. “It is shocking and scary,” said someone else.

Channel 4 has been approached for comment.

The Jury: Murder Trial is available to stream on Channel 4.

Ask them: ‘What do you need from me?’

Why it works

How to ease your teen’s exam stress

The Story hosted the Durham County Brass Band Association’s competition on Sunday (May 17), with music running throughout the day from 10am to 5pm.

The event marked the 80th year of the association’s contest and formed part of wider celebrations as the county prepares to mark 20 years of Durham BRASS Festival.

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A total of 11 bands took part, with performances beginning at 10.30am.

Bands competing in this year’s contest were Bearpark and Esh, Billingham Silver, Craghead Colliery, Dunston Silver, EDMG Peterlee, Felling, Ferryhill Town, Spennymoor Town, Trimdon and Valley Brass.

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Councillor Karen Allison, cabinet member for leisure, tourism, high street and regeneration, before the event said: “We’re delighted to bring families and friends together for the 80th year of the Durham County Brass Band Association’s competition.

“This year, as we prepare to mark 20 years of Durham BRASS Festival, it’s a great opportunity to celebrate a remarkable milestone of music and heritage at The Story.”

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Julie Carmichael, chair of the Durham County Brass Band Association, also added: “This event will showcase brass at its best.

“Families can look forward to fantastic music at a beautiful venue this weekend, and we can’t wait to see audiences making the most of the day.”

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Alongside the competition, families were able to take part in a range of activities.

Face painting was available, while children also took part in arts and crafts in the venue’s Search and Discover area, where they could design their own badge and banner.

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Visitors were also able to use the on-site café and a number of street food vans throughout the day.

The event received £700 in councillor grant funding from Cllr Elizabeth Scott and Cllr Liz Brown.

Results have not yet been released but can be found here, when they have been processed.

Defence counsel Mark Farrell told District Judge Amanda Brady “there has been a misuse of the statutory time limits”

A police officer was today charged with an indictable common assault, alleged to have been committed six years ago.

38-year-old Lauren Murphy, who was not present in person at the hearing before Newtownards Magistrates Court, was charged with common assault (indictable), alleged to have been committed against a male complainant on 22 April 2020.

Defence counsel Mark Farrell told the court he intends to lodge an application to stay the proceedings against the defendant, whose address was given as c/o PSNI Brooklyn.

He added that while “there is a bit of a background, it’s a fairly net point” which he intended to set out in a brief skeleton argument. When District Judge Amanda Brady asked what the net issue is, Mr Farrell told her the defence contend “there has been a misuse of the statutory time limits”.

Adding that the “nature of the charge is highly unusual for this court,” he suggested timetabling the lodging of skeleton arguments from both sides, before the court hears submissions.

Judge Brady agreed and adjourned the case to 22 June.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Listed building consent is being sought for works to the White Bridge in Berw Road, Pontypridd

Works are planned to secure the long-term structural integrity of a bridge in Pontypridd. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is seeking listed building consent for a series of works required to secure the structural integrity of Berw Road Bridge, also known as the White Bridge

The works include the removal of waterproofing applied to both abutments as well as removal or potential relining of the gunite to both abutments of the bridge.

They also include a new lighting arrangement on the bridge, masonry repairs to the northwest retaining wall, and footway improvements on the south side of bridge.

Of the works included within the listed building consent application the removal of waterproofing to the abutments is retrospective as is the new lighting arrangement.

A planning committee report for Thursday, May 21, says it is understood informal agreement was sought by Cadw prior to the works commencing.

A heritage impact assessment has indicated recent works have mitigated the immediate risks to the structure’s integrity and repaired the bridge to ensure that it can remain open and functional.

It also states additional works are proposed to maintain and restore the structure to reduce ongoing deterioration to the structure and further prolong the life of the bridge.

The bridge is a Grade II-listed building which is listed primarily for the rarity of the construction method used to create the bridge with the bridge belonging to the first generation of reinforced concrete construction. Get the latest Ponty news first by signing up to our newsletter here

The type of structure is considered to be rare within Wales with few examples present.

In recommending the application be approved subject to a favourable referral to Cadw planning officers at the council said: “The works are to Berw Bridge which is a historic structure that is at risk of becoming compromised as a result of water ingress and seepage into the structure.

“As the works proposed are intended to ensure the long-term structural integrity of the bridge as well as to protect the special historical and architectural significance of the bridge it is considered that the works would be acceptable.”

They add: “The proposed works requiring consent would be in keeping with the special architectural and historic importance of the listed building.

“The works are required to ensure the structural integrity of the structure and would provide greater protection from water seepage.”

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed, Christopher Henry, 57, of Thornhill Road in Tameside, faces three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The charges relate to a collision on July 21, 2025, in which a double-decker bus struck the Bridgewater Canal Aqueduct on Barton Road, Eccles.

A 19-year-old woman and two men, one in his 20s and another in his 40s, were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Seventeen other people were treated at the scene for injuries described as non-life threatening or life-changing.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 3pm.

Greater Manchester Police said the bus had travelled off its expected route before colliding with the low-level aqueduct.

The bridge had height restriction warnings, including hanging chains and signage.

The impact tore the roof off the top deck and caused one passenger to be ejected from the bus.

Mr Henry has been bailed and is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 15 September 2026.

Britain is expected to edge closer to inking in a long-anticipated free trade agreement with the oil-rich Gulf nations. The six Gulf Cooperation Council states – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait – are on the verge of signing the deal after two years of talks with the British government. Jasem al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the GCC, in London this week, is likely to finalise the remaining detail before returning to brief the members ahead of a formal signing. It will be seized upon by both sides as a welcome boost. Here, Sir Keir Starmer’s regime is under pressure, while the GCC members are having to contend with the US-Israeli war against Iran, drone and missile strikes and disruption to oil and gas shipments, and harm to their previously booming economies. UK principal beneficiaries are likely to be luxury cars, financial services, industrial goods, food and drink.

The victim was found on the ground with a wound to his neck

A man stabbed another motorist over a parking dispute on New Year’s Eve. Jameel Ali, 24, was approached by a man at about 4pm on December 31, 2023, in Windmill Street in Peterborough.

When the man, who is in his 30s, asked Ali to move his car forward so another vehicle could park on the street, the pair argued. Ali then headbutted the man and stabbed his neck with what the victim described as a knife. The 24-year-old ran off and police were called.

According to Cambridgeshire Police, officers found the victim on the ground with a wound to his neck, described as consistent with a stab wound. He was taken to Peterborough City Hospital for treatment, before being transferred to Addenbrookes’ Hospital, in Cambridge, for specialist assessment.

Ali’s vehicle was identified and he was arrested two days later. He denied assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent but was found guilty following a trial at Cambridge Crown Court in January. Ali, of St Pauls Road in Peterborough, was sentenced to six years in prison on Friday, May 15 at the same court.

DC Lloyd Davis said: “This incident could have been much, much, worse. It is only luck that the victim was not more seriously injured. I’m pleased Ali was identified, apprehended and has now received a significant custodial sentence for his actions. I also hope the conclusion of the court proceedings will enable the victim to put this experience behind him.”