A derogation was granted to allow the continuation of some trials, including that of Stephen McCullagh who was jailed for 31 years for the 2022 murder of Natalie McNally.
Bairbre Holmes Press Association
08:18, 04 Jun 2026Updated 08:23, 04 Jun 2026
Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister will accept all the recommendations of a review into legal aid fees and will implement increases to rates and fees.
Criminal barristers in Northern Ireland have been involved in a long-running dispute over fees for legal aid and have been engaged in legal action, which has effectively halted crown court cases involving those who require legal aid.
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A derogation was granted to allow the continuation of some trials, including that of Stephen McCullagh who was jailed for 31 years for the 2022 murder of Natalie McNally.
In February, Naomi Long agreed to start an accelerated review into the matter and it was concluded on April 27.
In a written statement on Wednesday, Ms Long said she would “take the necessary steps” to implement its proposals.
They include a 8.66% increase to all criminal legal aid fees and counsel fees for preparing and submitting skeleton arguments on sentencing in the crown court.
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There will also be a 26.05% increase to hourly rates for Exceptional Preparation in the crown court.
Ms Long said she is also looking into additional changes to Exceptional Preparation hourly rates and criteria and other associated fees and said she is also extending the 8.66% uplift to civil and family proceedings.
In her statement, Ms Long said these measures will cost an additional £5.4 million a year and said she is “making that investment in the interests of the system, the victims, witnesses and defendants who have been affected by the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) action.”
In a statement, the Bar of Northern Ireland said members of the CBA have been intensively engaging with the Department of Justice on the matter since 2024 and participated in the review.
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They said the CBA Committee met Ms Long on Wednesday where she outlined her department’s position in relation to the review’s recommendations, adding: “The wider CBA membership will meet to consider its response as soon as possible.”
The venue is hosting special activities for its 25th anniversary.
The National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride is getting set for a special celebration.
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Get along to the Philipshill Road venue on Saturday, July 4, to enjoy its 25th anniversary day, from 10am to 5pm.
Free with museum admission and annual pass, celebrate 25 years of the National Museum of Rural Life with special activities scheduled throughout the day that showcase the museum displays and life on a working farm.
And then there will be an archaeology weekend on Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26.
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Free with museum admission and annual pass, get along from 10.30am to 3.30pm and take part in family-friendly fun. Meet the team from Treasure Trove Scotland and find out about their work investigating and assessing new archaeological discoveries.
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A driving instructor was “outraged” to see a parking warden leave their van on double yellow lines – but the local council insists it was all above board. John Allison took a picture of the scene outside his home in Russell Street, Dover, where a double yellow line is in place as otherwise emergency vehicles are obstructed from getting past.
“Do they give themselves a ticket?” the 48-year-old asked. “My gut instinct was that it was a double standard. I’ve seen other cars get tickets for exactly the same thing. You see so many other cars getting parking tickets for stopping there, even just for a few minutes. My feeling is that it’s just a bit outrageous that they feel like they can park there.”
Mr Allison says he took the picture just before 11am on Friday, May 29. His frustration is exacerbated because he can’t get a parking permit to use the bays on the other side of his street. He says he has to either park in the neighbouring St James’ Retail and Leisure Park or on residential streets further away, meaning he needs to walk some distance to and from his car.
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Parking wardens, officially known as civil enforcement officers (CEOs), are employed by Dover District Council (DDC). A spokesperson said: “Parking services were carrying out operational duties at this time, which included loading and unloading from the vehicle, which is permitted under the regulations.”
According to the RAC, parking on double yellows while loading and unloading “may be permitted, providing you can be seen doing so continuously”. It is not allowed if there are specific restrictions against it, indicated either by signage or yellow ‘kerb dashes’.
In a similar incident elsewhere in Kent two years ago, parking wardens in Whitstable came under fire for leaving their vehicle on double yellow lines to issue a ticket to someone else, sparking an investigation by Canterbury City Council.
One officer told the person filming them that they could stop there in an emergency. When asked what that was, they said: “To give that ticket.”
Man Utd are considering signing a winger who can play on the left this summer to bolster Michael Carrick’s options.
Manchester United have added Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye to their shortlist as they weigh up plans to sign a left-winger during the summer transfer window.
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United have yet to make a move for the 26-year-old Senegal international, but he is being monitored at Old Trafford during what is expected to be a busy few months.
The desire to sign a left-winger isn’t as high up the agenda as it was six months ago, with Patrick Dorgu’s emergence in that position and Matheus Cunha’s performances there handing Michael Carrick options, but it’s still an area being looked at during the window.
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Morgan Rogers is another player of interest at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old can play off the left and could also be seen as a long-term successor to Bruno Fernandes in the No.10 role.
Aston Villa could look to cash in on Rogers this summer as they look to finance a rebuild, but United would face fierce competition for the England international, with most of the Premier League’s big beasts monitoring his situation, as well as some European giants.
Ndiaye could pose a cheaper alternative to those two and United will need to make the numbers work if they are to sign a winger. He played off both wings for the Toffees last season and can operate as a No.10, adding to the flexibility of the forward line United already have under Carrick.
Everton believe they aren’t in a position where they need to sell and Ndiaye still has three years left on his contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, having penned a five-year deal when joining the club two years ago.
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But there have been suggestions that the fan favourite has turned down offers of a new deal and this summer could be the opportune moment for Everton to turn a sizeable profit on the £15million they paid Marseille for Ndiaye two years ago. He has scored 17 goals and registered three assists in 71 games for the club.
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United have other priorities in the transfer window, with at least one and possibly two midfielders to follow Ederson, who has agreed a deal to join from Atalanta in a transfer worth up to £38.3million.
A left-back is also needed, with Tyrell Malacia leaving the club on a free transfer. Luke Shaw started every Premier League game last season, but will find it harder when the schedule gets tougher next term.
United have let left-wingers leave the club recently, with Antony departing in 2025 and Jadon Sancho leaving this summer, while there is a desire to get Marcus Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages off the books. There is little chance of the 28-year-old being reintegrated into Carrick’s squad.
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The chances of a third midfielder joining will hinge on Manuel Ugarte being sold, while Joshua Zirkzee could also leave the club. United are assessing their options in attack, and one possibility is looking to secure a more experienced striker to add support to Benjamin Sesko.
Adding another flexible forward such as Ndiaye could also be an option, with Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo both able to play through the middle.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
In the House, Republicans Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett, and Warren Davidson joined a united front from Democrats to pass Wednesday’s resolution. Democrat Jared Golden of Maine, who had previously voted against similar measures, gave his support this time.
Riquelme has challenged Perez in the election – the first time in 20 years Perez has not stood unopposed – following two seasons in which the club has won no major trophies.
The 37-year-old has run on a campaign of vast giveaways, including a promise to build a members’ city for fans of the club in the area surrounding the training base, and reducing the annual membership fee by up to 50% if the team does not win the Champions League next season.
He also opposes Perez’s decision to hire Jose Mourinho as the club’s manager. That appointment can only be formally confirmed if Perez wins the election.
Riquelme, and the team behind his campaign, has hinted that former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is their main target for the position.
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When asked about Klopp in an interview with The Athletic last month, Riquelme said: “Naturally, I would love for profiles of that calibre, and others like them, to coach this club.”
Just under 100,000 members are eligible to vote in the election, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 7 June.
The vote was called by Perez himself, in an attempt secure a renewed mandate following a period of on-field unrest and disapproval in the stands at the Santiago Bernabeu. He is considered the overwhelming favourite to win.
Man Utd midfielder Manuel Ugarte is set to feature for Uruguay at the World Cup, which begins next week.
“In recent months, my focus has been 100 per cent on the World Cup,” said Manuel Ugarte at a Uruguay national team press conference last week.
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Ugarte played just over 1,000 minutes for Manchester United this season. His final appearance of the campaign came against Leeds as the West Yorkshire club won a league match at Old Trafford for the first time since 1981.
It was put to Michael Carrick that Ugarte had won just one of 10 starts this term. Carrick still defended the midfielder’s form, but it spoke volumes that he didn’t give him a single minute for the remainder of the season.
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“This year wasn’t my best at Manchester United,” Ugarte added. “But at one point, I had a realisation and said my focus is on the World Cup. I did everything for the World Cup. The minutes I played were with the World Cup in mind.
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“The training sessions I did, both the hard sessions and the rest sessions, were all with the World Cup in mind. I feel great, I’m very excited and focused. The idea for us is to try to arrive in the same form we had at the Copa América, where the preparation was crucial.
“We have a few days to try and reach that level. Playing in a World Cup is a privilege for anyone. The players who are chosen are privileged, and we have to go in there with everything we’ve got.”
Ugarte declined to comment on whether he would change clubs after the World Cup. “I’m not thinking about what will happen next because when you finish your career, the best thing is to play in a World Cup for your country. I want to enjoy it and push myself to the limit,” he said.
“Manchester United is one of the best clubs in the world. The World Cup is going to be crucial in determining everything. I’m open to whatever comes. This year wasn’t great in every sense, but I learned a lot mentally.
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“I was surrounded by good people, and I’m trying to take the positives from it. We’ll see what happens at the World Cup. Whatever happens, I think it will be good.”
United need to sell Ugarte just as much as he needs to find a new club. It will be mutually beneficial for both parties to part ways this summer, and the World Cup should only help to boost what United can get for him.
Ugarte has been a major disappointment since he arrived from Paris Saint-Germain for £42.3m, with a further £8.5m in add-ons, and the Reds will do well to find a buyer for around £20m despite committing to a deal worth over £50m just two years ago.
The World Cup should increase the chance of finding a buyer for Ugarte, though. He continues to be a starter for his nation, despite his lack of involvement at United, and performing on the biggest stage of them all is an opportunity for him to send a reminder of what he can do to European clubs.
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Ugarte has struggled in the Premier League due to its intensity, while distributing the ball effectively is not a strength of his, a trait which has become increasingly important for deep-lying midfielders in England’s top-flight.
That doesn’t make him a bad player; it just means he is a bad fit for the country in which he is currently playing, so Ugarte can still have a decent career in Europe if he completes a move away from United.
Ugarte will relish the chance to show he can still cut it at a high level at the World Cup this summer, and Uruguay’s record at major tournaments bodes well for the midfielder putting himself in the shop window.
Uruguay finished third in the 2024 Copa America and reached the quarter-finals of that competition in the two tournaments prior.
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They did not progress from the World Cup group stage at the last tournament, but they reached the quarter-finals in Russia in 2018, the Round of 16 in Brazil in 2014, and came fourth when South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup.
Uruguay are managed by former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, who still values Ugarte in the national team set-up, and they should progress from a group that includes Spain, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
United are prepared to wait for offers for Ugarte to land this summer. In an ordinary window without the World Cup, interest would be thin, and perhaps a loan deal with an option included would have to be negotiated.
The prospect of Ugarte performing well at the World Cup means a better offer could arrive.
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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Bridge works on the M80 near Junction 7 Haggs will see contraflows and reduced speed limits in place.
Motorists are being warned to expect disruption as major works begin on the M80 this weekend. Bridge refurbishment works will be taking place north of Junction 7 Haggs which will see a contraflow and reduced 40mph speed limit in place across five weekends in June and July.
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Work on the bridge, which carries the M80 over Station Road, Longcroft, forms part of a series of works being carried out on the motorway this summer. Work on the bridge will be carried out by trunk road operator BEAR Scotland and will begin this weekend from 7.30pm on Friday, June 5.
A contraflow will be in place on the M80 between Junction 6 Old Inns and Junction 9 Pirnhall on the weekends of June 5 to 8, June 12 to 15, June 26 to 29, July 3 to 6 and July 10-13.
Traffic will be restricted to a single lane in both directions from 7.30pm each Friday evening until 6am on the Monday morning and a reduced speed limit of 40mph will be in force.
BEAR Scotland have said that consultations were carried out with emergency services and other relevant stakeholders to share information about this project in advance.
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The refurbishment work is weather dependent and BEAR Scotland have also said that it could be postponed, cancelled or rearranged depending on the condition of the existing structure which can’t be fully understood until works commence and intrusive investigations are carried out.
David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit bridges manager, said: “The project to refurbish and re-waterproof this bridge is essential to ensuring that it continues to provide a safe and reliable service for years to come. This should reduce the need for reactive closures of the M80 to repair defects caused by underlying bridge deck issues.
“The full extent of concrete repairs required will not be known until the existing surfacing is removed, however every effort will be made to ensure that the M80 is fully open to traffic each Monday morning at the end of the weekend working.
“These works are also weather dependent and so could be postponed and rearranged at short notice depending on weather forecasts.
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“We thank motorists in advance for their patience and understanding. Our advice is to check the latest travel updates, allow extra travel time for journeys, and consider using alternative routes during weekend contraflows.”
The full programme of planned restrictions on the M80 can be viewed on the BEAR Scotland website at www.bearscot.com/M80works.
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The discovery was made during archaeological investigations at land north of Radcliffe Road, where housing is planned by Westchurch Homes.
The work was carried out after planners required an assessment of any surviving remains linked to the former Moss Lane Colliery, which operated on the site between 1927 and 1935.
(Image: Bolton Council)
Excavations revealed the brick foundations of a boiler house that once powered operations at the pit, established by Samuel Scowcroft & Sons during the final decades of coal mining in the area.
Archaeologists from Civic Heritage initially opened two trial trenches targeting buildings shown on historic maps.
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While one trench revealed little more than a gravel surface and drainage feature, the second uncovered part of a substantial brick structure.
Drone image superimposed with extent of Trench 1 (left) and Trench 2 (right) (Image: Bolton Council)
The excavation area was subsequently expanded, exposing the full extent of what was identified as the colliery’s boiler house.
In their report, archaeologists said: “The single boiler house recorded at Darcy Lever represents a valuable example of a relatively late structure dating to the first half of the 20th century.”
The building measured around 11 metres long and 3.7 metres wide and was designed to house a Lancashire boiler – a type commonly used to generate steam for industrial processes.
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Opening to entrance compartment within north side of west wall 219, looking west (Image: Bolton Council)
Researchers believe the boiler powered electrical motors used to operate equipment including coal screens, picking belts and ventilation systems at the mine.
Detail of boiler seating block on south side of central boiler flue (Image: Bolton Council)
The remains included firebrick-lined flues, boiler seating blocks, brick flooring and evidence of a chimney structure.
Several bricks bore the stamp “Taylor Brookfield Bolton”, linking the site to the former Brookfield Brickworks in Tonge Fold.
Taylor Brookfield Bolton stamped brick, retrieved from curvilinear brick feature 202 (Image: Bolton Council)
Among the finds recovered from demolition debris were fragments of refractory brickwork, a possible coal shovel head and a metal fork believed to have been associated with the boiler’s operation.
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Coal shovel and metal fork retrieved from demolition backfill 203 in central flue of boiler house (Image: Bolton Council)
A watching brief was also maintained around the former mine shafts, where archaeologists recorded part of a brick-lined shaft measuring almost three metres in diameter.
The report highlights the significance of the discovery, noting: “The short lifespan of the colliery, operational from 1927 to 1935, means the structural remains uncovered provide an accurate snapshot of the plant as it existed during this period.”
Truncated chimney area 207 at eastern end of boiler house, looking north-west (Image: Bolton Council)
Archaeologists concluded that the remains are of particular interest because the colliery operated for less than a decade before closing in 1935.
They added: “The single Lancashire boiler house recorded at Darcy Lever represents a valuable example of a relatively late boiler house from the first half of the 20th century, purpose built to power electrical motors on a colliery site.”
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The findings are expected to contribute to research into the development of power production and industrial technology in the North West during the early 20th century.
The incident happened at The Fleet in Sheerness (Picture: Sheerness Town Council/Cover Media)
Boys who killed two ducks and left multiple ducklings injured after shooting them with catapults have been branded ‘feral monsters.’
The birds were found dead at The Fleet on Sheppey, Kent, over the weekend.
Kent Police confirmed two ducks had been killed and a number of ducklings injured. They want to speak to two boys, aged between 12 and 14 with dark hair, who were in the area at the time.
A statement from Sheerness Town Council said: ‘These innocent animals have suffered horrific and completely unnecessary deaths.
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‘Based on the injuries sustained, it is believed that catapults may have been used.
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‘This level of cruelty is sickening, unacceptable, criminal, and will not be tolerated.
‘If you think killing animals is amusing, entertaining, or somehow justified, then you need to take a long, hard look at yourself.
‘The deliberate targeting of defenceless wildlife is not a prank. It is not a game – it is an act of cruelty.’
The town council added: ‘Parents also have a responsibility. If you are aware of this behaviour and choose to ignore it, excuse it, or turn a blind eye to it, you should seriously reflect on the example you are setting.
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‘We want to be absolutely clear. Anyone responsible for these acts should expect to face the consequences of their actions.’
Two ducks were killed while some of the ducklings were injured (Picture: Sheerness Town Council/Cover Media)
It is not illegal to possess a catapult in public in England but police can act if one is used to cause damage or harm, or if police believe there is intent to do so.
People have also condemned the incident online, describing it as ‘absolutely disgusting’, with those responsible referred to as ‘feral monsters’.
Sheerness Town Council said work is under way to prevent similar incidents and CCTV is being installed at The Fleet.
‘We are also working with Kent Police and other partner agencies to put measures in place to tackle this behaviour and protect the wildlife at The Fleet for the future,’ they said.
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‘We are asking the public to remain vigilant. If you witness anyone attacking wildlife, using catapults, or engaging in any act of animal cruelty, call 999 immediately. Do not assume someone else has reported it.
‘Our community should be a safe place for people and wildlife alike. “The senseless killing of defenceless animals has no place in Sheerness. Enough is enough.’
Police confirmed investigations were under way. A spokesman said: ‘Kent Police is appealing for information after two ducks were found deceased and a pair of ducklings were injured near a Sheerness waterway.
‘Officers attended The Fleet near Hawthorn Avenue after the incident was reported at around 11.30am on Saturday.
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Bosses at Sheerness Town Council have described the incident as ‘sickening’ (Picture: Sheerness Town Council/Cover Media)
‘Steps were taken to safeguard remaining wildfowl, and an investigation was commenced that included the examination of available CCTV footage.’
Inspector Julia Bassindale said: ‘We suspect the birds were injured by a catapult and officers are working to identify those responsible.
‘We want to speak to two boys who were seen in the area at the time. They are described as being aged between 12 to 14 with dark hair and were wearing shorts and grey t-shirts.’
A spokesperson for the RSPB said: ‘The intentional illegal killing of any wild bird is a criminal offence which on conviction carries a prison sentence. We are appalled by this incident and urge anyone with information to contact the police.’
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: ‘We are really concerned by any incident targeting animals with weapons. It is totally unacceptable to shoot animals for “fun” – or to harm an animal for target practice.’
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