Paul Sharpe, 56, has pleaded guilty to six offences including kidnapping, sexual assault, and threats with a blade.

At around 7.30pm on May 18, Sharpe abducted the girl on Bradgate Road, near Dunham Massey, and forced her into his car, telling her that her father owed him money.

He then drove to a car park at the airport before tying her wrists and ankles with a neck tie.

Sharpe sexually assaulted the victim, forced her to drink alcohol, and continued moving between car parks throughout the night.

Police began a search after the girl was reported missing by her mother, with CCTV enquiries leading officers to identify Sharpe’s vehicle.

He was arrested in a hotel car park in Knutsford at around 3.40am the following morning.

During police interview, Sharpe said he had been feeling bad and so he kidnapped the girl thinking it would be easier than kidnapping an adult.

He claimed he planned to release her when it was light and then take his own life.

Sharpe, originally from Bury, now from Portwood, Stockport, denied that his actions were sexually motivated, though he admitted being aroused by smelling her feet.

Hannah Gee of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Paul Sharpe, a convicted murderer, kidnapped an innocent girl at knifepoint in broad daylight.

“In this terrifying incident, the victim was held captive for eight hours while Sharpe forced her to drink alcohol and sexually assaulted her.

“Sharpe gave no thought to the impact his actions, for his own depraved reasons, would have on his victim.

“Although his guilty pleas today have spared her from the ordeal of a trial, I would like to thank the girl, and her family, for supporting this prosecution and ensuring this dangerous offender is back where he belongs.”

Sharpe pleaded guilty to kidnapping, committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence, sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, threatening another with a bladed article and administering a noxious thing with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy.

He will be sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court on September 4.

His offences come after Sharpe was convicted of murdering a Bolton woman in 2000.

Sharpe, then of Wellington Road, Bury, was jailed for killing 28-year-old Sarah Jane Widdup on October 14, 2000, after she had been found strangled in the bedroom of her semi-detached house in Deepdale Road, Breightmet.

Police vehicles, a critical care car and an ambulance were seen on a road in Cambridge

Police were called to a “sudden death” in Cambridge on Saturday, July 4. Cambridgeshire Police officers were called to Hills Road at about 8.40am with reports of the incident.

Police cars, a critical care car and an ambulance were at the scene at a building on Hills Road. Local residents had spotted an ambulance and police cars at the scene.

Police confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious and is being referred the coroner.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “We were called at about 8.40am with reports of a sudden death on Hills Road, Cambridge. The death is not being treated as suspicious and being referred the coroner.”

Cambridgeshire County Council says more than 100 people have been seriously hurt on the listed routes since 2017

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Cambridgeshire County Council is consulting on proposals to reduce speed limits to 20mph on additional Cambridge roads. The authority states that more than 100 people have sustained serious injuries on the specified routes since 2017.

A number of roads in Cambridge could have their speed limits lowered to 20mph. As part of a cross-Cambridge project, the proposed reductions follow 100 people suffering serious injuries across these routes over the past nine years.

The routes selected for the new lower limits include those that have received the strongest community backing, as well as several known accident hotspots.

• Barton Road (from Grantchester Road to Kings Road)
• Brooklands Avenue
• Chesterton Lane
• Chesterton Road (Mitcham’s Corner to Magdalene Bridge)
• Coldhams Lane (Cromwell Road to Brook’s Road roundabout)
• Corona Road
• Croft Holme Lane (part of Mitcham’s Corner gyratory)
• East Road (and Grafton Centre service roads)
• Gonville Place
• Hills Road (Lensfield Road to Brooklands Avenue)
• Lensfield Road
• Milton Road (Mitcham’s Corner junction only)
• Newnham Road
• Northampton Street
• Queen’s Road
• Trumpington Road (Trumpington Street to Brooklands Avenue)
• Trumpington Street (Mill Lane to Trumpington Road)
• Victoria Avenue (Mitcham’s Corner junction)

A consultation has now opened for residents to share their views. It will run from 1st July to 5th August.

Our readers have shared their opinions, with some calling for stricter enforcement. One reader, Garyblowpants, comments: “This needs to be accompanied with speed cameras too, as it is well known that motorists regularly flout speed signs. Every time they are caught the fine should increase exponentially.”

Danieal states: “Another absolute waste of money.”

Rhodabike writes: “More congestion-generating schemes masquerading as ‘safety improvements’. We’re supposed to believe that all these roads have suddenly, simultaneously become so dangerous that they need to be tampered with? Many of these suggestions are laughable. Major arterial routes like Hills Road, Trumpington Road, and Milton Road should not be reduced to snail pace. And Corona Road? Seriously? It’s a short, narrow cul-de-sac. You could barely even reach 10mph there. Just shows what these councillors know. What a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

Rootintootinredux said: “Agreed as long as they monitor cyclists too, bring forth mandatory license plates for bicycles as they do in some US cities! Also, let’s add red light cameras to fine cyclists for riding through them.”

Freddly quotes: ” ‘I urge everyone to let us know their thoughts on the proposals.’ – Fair enough, as long as we are clear from the outset that if you come from a car-owning household, while you may be in the majority, your opinion carries less weight because you are part of the problem. The council is in the business of solving or alleviating problems.”

Carbonneutralfeminist says: “Once again, let us know how many serious accidents and deaths are caused by cyclists. There’s a reason why it is not necessary for us, just as people don’t need license plates for walking or running. Cyclists are not subject to the statutory speed limits that apply to motor vehicles. If we want to do 30 in a 20, that’s perfectly fine.”

Desperatedanno writes: “So that’s basically the whole of Cambridge then. Anyone who has driven in London will know what a dystopian hellhole it is. At night, you feel like you are in some kind of post-apocalyptic movie. Let’s not mention the massive increase in pollution for all, along with ludicrous inconvenience. A five-fold reduction in serious injury? Fine, but where are the figures for minor ones? It is impossible to drive safely in a town with such a variety of road users while forever checking the speedo – at a speed for which no modern car is suited. But hey, why stop there? If safety is our only issue, let’s make it 10mph. Or 0mph. Then we will all be safe. And as good as dead. Please remind me: who, precisely, voted for this? And when? I don’t recall being asked. Whatever mandate these people claim to have, it sure didn’t come from us. This is a clear agenda from on high, wherever that may be. As such it needs to be stopped.”

Tartan53 adds: “Good luck to any drivers of emergency vehicles trying to get through the convoys that are caused by 20mph limits, add that to cycle wands, not a hope for them. Even if the whole of Cambridge voted against 20mph, Camcycle and Beckett would still go ahead.”

Do you think the roads in question will benefit from the limit being reduced to 20mph? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

Jordan Henderson was stretchered off the pitch after falling over the advertising hoardings as England celebrated their 3-2 World Cup last-16 victory over Mexico, with Thomas Tuchel confirming the wrist injury looks ‘really bad’ and may require surgery

Jordan Henderson was rushed to hospital after Thomas Tuchel confessed that the wrist injury sustained by the midfielder appeared ‘really bad’.

Henderson was carried off the Mexico City Stadium pitch on a stretcher after tumbling over the advertising hoardings during his side’s celebrations following their 3-2 last-16 World Cup triumph over Mexico.

The former Liverpool captain needed oxygen while being stretchered away, and in an alarming update to the BBC, England manager Tuchel acknowledged the injury was ‘really bad’ and may necessitate surgery.

He said: “Not good, not good, next thing is a right defender now with the red card, Jordan just fell over an injured his wrist, it looks really bad.”

During his post-match press conference, Tuchel disclosed: “He injured his wrist, he’s gone to hospital it’s quite a serious injury. It doesn’t fit with the night. I don’t know if there will be a procedure.”

Henderson will now stay behind in Mexico alongside England support staff, while his teammates make their way back to their base in Kansas City, reports the Mirror.

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Captain Harry Kane had initially offered a reassuring assessment of Henderson’s condition, stating: “Jordan [Henderson] just fell over there, I think he’s okay, just something to do with his arm.”

However, teammate Jude Bellingham subsequently heightened concerns by conceding: “He’s in a bit bother but our medical team have it under control.”

Bellingham also heaped praise on his team’s resilience after they weathered a serious fright to progress to the quarter-finals, where Norway awaits. The Real Madrid star had netted twice in quick succession to establish a 2-0 advantage, but Julian Quinonez struck from close range to hand Mexico a lifeline before half-time.

Mexican optimism intensified when right-back Jarell Quansah received his marching orders for a dreadful tackle early in the second period, only for Tuchel’s men to hit back instantly through Kane’s spot-kick. Raul Jimenez converted a penalty of his own to heighten English anxiety, but Tuchel’s charges held firm to secure passage.

Bellingham reflected: “Hard to gather it all together really. With 10 men defending how we defended our box, being clinical how we were in their box.

“Big pressure moments in years gone by watching as a fan, as a kid, England probably would have crumbled but we stuck together until the last second.

“The players who came on, the players that started, running themselves into the ground and giving everything. That is what what this team is about.

“The atmosphere was by far the best I have played against in international football. This country as a footballing country is magnificent.

“The reception we had coming off the plane, although it was hostile, it was beautiful to see how passionate one country can be about their team.

“The refereeing decisions, it is what it is. It’s the World Cup and they are human too. As easy as it is to say now, they are human, we made a lot more than they did, but no worries we got through.”

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Sean Wilcox has been sentenced for 18 years for attacking a woman as she slept during an attempted burglary

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A man has been found guilty of raping a woman after a string of attempted burglaries. Aylesbury Crown Court heard a 29-year-old woman was asleep on the sofa in a home in Dulwich Close, Newport Pagnell, when Sean Wilcox entered the property and launched into his sex attack.

Wilcox had gained entry to unlocked door at 4.30am on July 26 last year after attempting other cars and homes in the area in a bid to steal items. After the 35-year-old attacked his victim, Wilcox fled the scene.

Thames Valley Police tracked him down and arrested him on August 1. He was then charged the following day.

Wilcox has now been sentenced to a total of 18 years’ imprisonment for offences against the woman and a string of others committed in the Thames Valley and Bedfordshire areas. He was found guilty by a unanimous jury following a four-day trial on January 16 this year.

He was convicted of the rape and also pleaded guilty to six counts of theft from a motor vehicle, three counts of fraud by false representation, three counts of vehicle interference, two counts of burglary with intent to steal and one count each of theft from a person, possession of class A drugs, namely cocaine and possession of class B drugs, namely cannabis.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jessica Cooper, of Milton Keynes CID, said: “The bravery and courage shown by the victim throughout this investigation has been admirable.

“No sentence will ever change the impact that this man has had on her life. However, we hope that this sentence provides her with some measure of justice. This was a deeply traumatic offence committed against a woman who was asleep in a place where she had every right to feel safe.

“I would like to commend the victim for the strength she has shown in supporting this prosecution and helping to ensure that Wilcox was held accountable for his actions. We remain committed to investigating all reports of rape and serious sexual offences thoroughly, supporting victims and bringing offenders before the courts.”

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Footage shows six dolphins stuck in a ‘shallow’, concrete tank – initially built as swimming pools for guests in Mexico hotel.

The hotel Hyatt Ziva Cancún, in Cancún, Mexico has been renting the former pool to a company calledDelphinus, a ‘dolphin experience’ provider since 2015.

Drone footage from May 2026, provided by marine animal rights group TideBreakers, shows the dolphins either swimming in endless circles or floating aimlessly by the gate.

The animals are also faced with a series of interactions with the public throughout the day, limiting time for their own normal social behaviour, TideBreakers said.

Marketa Schusterova, TideBreaker’s co-founder, visited the resort in May, and said the animals were in ‘poor conditions’, shallow pools, had minimal shade and little to zero rest.

The animal rights group is launching a campaign globally boycotting Hyatt hotels until they stop renting the pool out to Delphinus.

Marketa said: ‘These dolphins are in shallow tanks, have no escape, no shade, suffer from a constant barrage of disco music and then at night a laser show keeps them awake.

‘They are not medically looked after well, appear thin, have damage and scars on their bodies and they are clearly distressed.

‘There is zero possibility of any kind of normal social behaviour as they might experience it in the wild.’

In response, a spokesperson from Hyatt Ziva Cancún said: ‘We understand the concerns raised regarding the dolphins at the resort.

‘While the dolphin habitat and program at the resort are operated and managed by a third party, Delphinus, we want all services and experiences offered at our hotel to meet our high standards.

‘Delphinus is an organisation accredited by Mexican authorities and international agencies and is responsible for the care of the dolphins, including support from trained animal care and veterinary professionals.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Thomas Tuchel makes huge World Cup complaint to FIFA after Mexico win

MORE: Thomas Tuchel on altitude issues before England vs Mexico: ‘I felt a slight headache’

MORE: Mexico hit with second FIFA complaint before England World Cup game

The King swapped regal finery for a crew guard helmet as he took a ride in a battle tank today, with the Royal Family determined to ‘shut out the noise’ surrounding Prince Harry’s UK visit. 

Donning goggles, a white shirt, and a striped tie, Charles, 77, sat in the commander’s seat as he was driven twice around a dirt track in a Challenger 2 in front of dozens of spectators at the Tank Museum in Bovington this afternoon. 

The King was heard remarking on the ‘wonderful’ demonstration by soldiers from the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR), recently back from deployment in Greece to be reunited with their loved ones at the annual Families’ Day event.

Just hours after a war of words broke out between Buckingham Palace and the Duke of Sussex over denying him accommodation at a royal residence for his visit to the UK this week, the King arrived at the museum in Dorset on the back of a 1920 Pattern Rolls-Royce Armoured Car.

Soldiers from the RTR worked with museum curators to ready the oldest vehicle in the museum’s working fleet, which carried Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to the regiment in 1997, to deliver the King in front of dozens of servicemen and women on display for the event.

Inside the museum, which houses nine exhibitions, including 300 armoured vehicles, personal objects, stories, and medals from war heroes, Charles, 77, met four of the RTR’s former Colonels-Commandant, who served as the ceremonial head of the regiment.

The King was asked how he found the 1920 Rolls Royce to which he replied ‘slow, resulting in rounds of laughter from his hosts.

Inside the museum’s Tank Story Hall, The King spoke to museum staff about their work curating and preserving the history and significance of tanks from the First World War until the modern day.

Donning goggles, a white shirt, and a striped tie, Charles, 77, sat in the commander’s seat as he was shown around the Tank Museum at the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR) this afternoon.

Outside, Charles then presented medals to soldiers on parade before meeting their family and friends gathered.

Stopping to speak to one family, the King said he hoped they “haven’t been waiting in this heat too long” and remarked how “delighted” they must be to have their loved ones back from deployment.

Following a short walk to the Vehicle Conservation Centre, the King viewed displays of drones being used on the front lines as well as standing beside the Regiment’s next generation Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank.

Charles’s visit to Dorset comes as the Daily Mail reported that the Royal Family intends to ‘shut out the noise’ about the Duke of Sussex’s planned visit to the UK which has seen more twists and turns. 

Senior working royals have more than 29 official duties already scheduled in their diaries starting today, when the Duke of Sussex arrives in Britain, and Saturday, when his final public appearances conclude.

Most of the engagements have been long planned and will see almost all of the senior working royals out on public duty.

In addition, the King will undertake several private audiences and meetings which are not highlighted in the diary in advance.

There has been concern in royal circles of late that the constant ‘psychodrama’ surrounding the Sussexes’ ‘will they, won’t they’ family trip – the first time they would have all come together to Harry’s country of birth for four years – would overshadow the valuable work being undertaken by senior royals.

King Charles during his first visit to the RTR since becoming Colonel-in-Chief

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His Majesty was driven twice around a dirt track in a Challenger 2 

The King arrived at the museum in Dorset on the back of a 1920 Pattern Rolls-Royce Armoured Car

King Charles III attended the Royal Tank Regiment’s Families’ Day at the Tank Museum

King Charles was all smiles as he met former RTR and museum stuff in the exhibition hall at the Tank Museum 

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There have been accounts of Harry being ‘close to tears’ after apparently finding out ‘at the 11th hour’ that the Home Office’s Royal and VIP Executive Committee, which decides on police protection, has kicked his request to have his security reviewed into the long grass.

This prompted surprise among those in the know here, who point out that the prince’s situation hasn’t changed since he lost his court battle to have his taxpayer–funded police protection re–instated.

They have questioned why he would organise a high–profile, and presumably costly, trip to the UK for his family knowing there was no guarantee this would change.

At the weekend a spokesman for Harry finally announced, after days of flip–flopping, that he would no longer bring his wife, Meghan, and children, Archie and Lilibet with him to London today, as he felt the provisions being offered to him were not enough to secure their safety.

The prince will undertake several days of engagements in the capital solo while the California–based family are on holiday at an undisclosed location in mainland Europe.

However he has not ruled out them coming over later to join him outside London.

The prince has engagements in the Midlands on Friday and Saturday, and plans to stay on to visit family and friends, including a trip to his late mother’s family estate of Althorp in Northamptonshire to visit her grave.

It is still not known whether Harry will accept the King’s invitation to stay at a royal residence this week or next.

And there is still no indication of whether the couple’s children will get to meet their paternal grandfather, whom they have not seen since 2022, when they were aged just three and one.

Buckingham Palace has declined to comment, believing that despite, once again, much perceived provocation by the Sussexes ‘discretion remains the better part of valour’.

There has, however, been intense frustration that what should have been a drama–free trip, allowing the King to reconnect with his son and grandchildren, has been turned into another soap opera of Harry and Meghan’s own making.

Dimitrov is also coming into this off the back of a five-setter after edging past Matteo Berrettini in the third round. The 35-year-old has lost at this stage of Wimbledon in each of the last three years, though was unfortunate to do so 12 months ago when having to retire due to injury as he held a two-set lead over Jannik Sinner. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!

The road is partially closed while the fire is dealt with

There are long delays along a major A- road due to a vehicle fire. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue were called to a car fire on the A14 westbound between Bar Hill and Swavesey at around midday today (Monday, July 6).

The westbound carriageway is partially closed while the fire is dealt with. A fire spokesperson said: “Crews were called to a car fire on the A14 westbound between Bar Hill and Swavesey at 12.01pm. Firefighters from Huntingdon and Cambridge are currently in attendance.

“Wearing breathing apparatus, crews are using hose reels to extinguish the fire. The carriageway is currently closed, so crews can safely bring this incident to a conclusion.”

Traffic monitoring site Inrix reports there are long delays along the road. It said: “A14 Westbound partially blocked, long delays due to car fire after J25 B1050 Hattons Road (Bar Hill).

“Congestion to the M11 at J31 (Girton Interchange, Cambridge), and onlookers opposite back to Cambridge Services. Travel time is 35 minutes.”

Cambridgeshire Police has been contacted for more information.

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