By JAMIE BOYS, REPORTER

Published: 22:30 BST, 17 July 2026 | Updated: 01:42 BST, 18 July 2026

• How much is David Beckham set to pocket from his World Cup brand deals? Take on our quiz in our newsletter HERE
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By LEWIS BROWNING, SPORTS REPORTER and ALEX RASKIN, US SPORTS NEWS EDITOR and DIANA COOPER, US SENIOR SHOWBIZ REPORTER

Published: 23:41 BST, 17 July 2026 | Updated: 01:43 BST, 18 July 2026

David Beckham laughed off boos in New York as he refused to pick a winner for Sunday’s World Cup final.

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The former England captain has been a near-ever-present at the tournament in North America, and made headlines as he cheered on his country’s win over Norway with wife Victoria.

Then, when England lost to Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday, Becks was consoled by son Cruz, 21, as he sat in the stands in Atlanta with his head in his hands.

It would have been easy to pick England to take the trophy had they reached the final, but Beckham instead had to pick between European champions Spain and his old enemy.

The 51-year-old was speaking alongside Brazil legend Kaka at Fanatics Fest in New York, and was asked who he thought would take home the trophy on Sunday.

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He said: ‘Oh my goodness. Obviously I played in Spain, so I have a huge affection for Spain as a country and obviously for their football team. I think they’ve done an exceptional job this World Cup and they deserve to be in the final.

David Beckham (left) was booed in New York after he failed to pick a winner for the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain

Beckham has been a near ever-present at the World Cup, cheering on his former side

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‘And with Argentina, they have Lionel (Messi). Like I speak about Ricardo (Kaka), I’ll speak exactly the same about Lionel because he’s an exceptional player, but an exceptional person with the right values and he treats everyone the way they should be treated. I’m going around the houses…’

As he was pushed for an answer, Beckham replied: ‘I’m going to sit on the fence. I don’t know who’s going to win. I want Lionel to do incredibly well because he’s an exceptional person and player. But Spain are going to be tough to play against.

‘I’m not going to say who I think is going to win. I’m just going to sit on the fence and enjoy the game.’

The crowd then booed in Beckham’s direction, with the former midfielder and Kaka both laughing off the jeers.

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Beckham then joked: ‘I haven’t been booed for a while. I’ve got booed a little bit the other night. I wasn’t expecting it here.’

Beckham, who is close friends with Messi, who plays for Beckham’s Inter Miami side in the States, was famously sent off in the 1998 World Cup against Argentina when he kicked out at Diego Simeone before Argentina won the round of 16 clash on penalties.

And he was left devastated as England lost to Argentina again in midweek, after he and the team were drowned out while singing the national anthem due to opposition boos.

How much is David Beckham set to pocket from his World Cup brand deals? Take on our quiz in our newsletter HERE

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An investigation is now underway

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A controlled explosion has been carried after police found a suspected pipe bomb.

A number of roads were shut by the Police Service of Northern Ireland [ PSNI ] after the discovery was made on the Foreglen Road in Dungiven.

It has now been re-opened following the earlier security alert.

North Area Engagement Chief Inspector Mullan said: “A suspected pipe bomb was located on Friday 17th July.

“Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) attended the scene. They carried out a controlled explosion, and later deemed the device to be viable.

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“The remnants of the item have now been taken away for forensic examination. “We would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation as searches in the area were carried out overnight and into this morning. Closing roads causes disruption and inconvenience but, ultimately, public safety is our priority.

“Our enquiries remain ongoing and anyone with information which could assist with our investigation is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 304 17/07/26.”

His family has been told to stay close to his side

A fundraising page has been set up to support the family of a man who is fighting for his life in a hospital in Spain. Danny Hayes, from March, Cambridgeshire, remains in a medically-induced coma in Spain, currently fighting for his life.

After receiving ‘hundreds and hundreds’ of messages from people asking how they can help, the family decided to start a GoFundMe page, which has so far raised more than £6,460 of the £10,000 target to help pay the expenses. Danny’s family say they do not want to discuss how he ended up in hospital.

In a statement, his family says: “Asking for help has never come naturally to us. We have decided to put our pride aside and accept the kindness that so many of you have shown. Every day is filled with hope, fear, and uncertainty. We don’t know what the future holds, but we are holding onto every bit of hope that he will pull through this.”

While he continues to receive “incredible care” in Spain, the family says they know there may be medical costs ahead, and their greatest hope is that, when he is strong and stable enough, they will be able to bring him home to England to continue his recovery surrounded by his family and friends.

The funds raised through the GoFundMe page will go towards giving Mr Hayes “every possible chance in his fight”. This includes supporting any medical needs, treatment, rehabilitation, specialist care, and, when the time is right, helping them bring him safely back to England.

At the same time, the costs for the family to remain in Spain are quickly piling up.

They say: “We don’t want Danny to face this alone, so any support will also help us stay by his side while he continues this battle, allowing us to be with him every step of the way. The doctors told our mum not to leave the country and to stay as close to Danny as possible.

“Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference. We cannot thank everyone enough for the overwhelming love, prayers, messages, and support we have received. It has reminded us just how many lives Danny has touched and how deeply he is loved.

“Please keep praying, keep believing, and keep hoping with us. Danny is a fighter, and with all of your support behind him, we are praying he can win this battle and come home where he belongs.”

You can help Danny here.

Visiting a city that’s known for its A-list celebrity status and Hollywood glamour is like stepping into another world, and I can’t believe what I experienced in five days

Greater Palm Springs has a reputation as a glamorous desert hideaway that has drawn in Hollywood’s finest since the 1920s. Stars including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe have all sought retreat in the Southern California oasis, while nowadays it’s a haven for the stars who descend on the region for Coachella every summer.

A-listers, including Leonardo DiCaprio, own lavish homes in the area, framed by dramatic, rugged mountains and lined with towering palm trees. Aside from its Hollywood glam, Greater Palm Springs, which spans nine cities, is known for its natural hot springs, thriving LGBTQ+ community, year-round desert sunshine, and iconic mid-century modern architecture. Here’s everything you need to know about the A-list getaway…

Where to stay

Stretching across 450 acres of immaculate gardens and 18 acres of waterways, the lavish four-star JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is concealed within its own private paradise, where ‘Old Hollywood glamour meets modern day luxury’ – and it quickly became my desert sanctuary. With an impressive 884 guestrooms, five swimming pools, two championship golf courses, and 10 dining options, the resort towers over the desert. It even boasts its own Lobby Boat Dock and resident flamingos, and is where Frank Sinatra made his final public performance in 1995.

The four-star Hilton Palm Springs was another desert haven to rest after a busy day, conveniently located in downtown and at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains. There are 257 spacious rooms with retro interiors, and set within their tranquil gardens is a pristine courtyard and outdoor swimming pool – perfect on those sun-drenched days!

Where to shop

Downtown Palm Springs is packed with independent stores, galleries, and inviting cafes set against colourful facades in what feels like a tight-knit community. A stop by Destination PSP for retro airline homeware or artisan gifts at Just Fabulous is a must, and every Thursday evening, the area comes alive with its beloved pedestrian-only street fair, VillageFest.

Elsewhere, I marvelled at the mid-century homes that characterise the desert during an architecture tour, with innovative ideas to savour mountain views and incorporate natural light from any direction. Legendary architect Albert Frey played a key role in the minimalist and timeless desert modernist architecture that defines Greater Palm Springs today.

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Where to adventure

To explore the Coachella Valley, I spent one morning on a Red Jeep Tour with Desert Adventures. We drove through acres of rugged terrain in an area described by our guide as an ‘area of weirdness’ with fan palm trees, golden desert sand, towering rock formations and canyons. We walked through narrow mountain gaps and climbed small peaks, only to be met with stunning views across the valley that felt as though I was on a different planet.

Where to step back in time

My really wild encounter came when I visited the same grounds where Hollywood’s cowboy legends had once made their name – at the real-life Western movie set and small community of Pioneertown. Nestled in the High Desert of San Bernardino County, California, Pioneertown was created as a “living, breathing movie set” with an 1880s-themed design, so it could function as a filming location and a genuine residential community.

A wander through the main stretch of Mane Street felt like stepping back in time, with rows of Western-town frontages of rustic timber buildings and signs of the red Likker Barn, Jail and Hay Feed. While these exist purely as a cinematic backdrop, there are a few artisan shops, along with a petting zoo and the music venue and barbecue restaurant, Pappy & Harriet’s, which has hosted performances by the likes of Paul McCartney, Queens of the Stone Age and Arctic Monkeys.

Where to escape

I also found myself immersed in the extraordinary landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park for a truly otherworldly experience, passing mountains of dramatic boulders and rock formations stretching for endless miles, looming over the sandy plains and casting long shadows. Scattered around the almost 800,000-acre national park, which sits at the convergence of two distinct desert ecosystems: the higher Mojave Desert and the lower Colorado Desert, were hundreds of thousands of Joshua Trees, also known as Yucca brevifolia.

The breathtaking terrain is also designated an International Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal location for stargazing. With the help of expert guide Caitlin Gill at Joshua Tree Astronomy Adventure, I had the chance to marvel at the galaxy and the moon one evening, which left me utterly speechless as I sat beneath a sky packed with glowing stars.

Where to unwind

Amongst the adventures, I soaked in the largest hot mineral spring pool in Southern California and unwound with a full-body massage at Natural Hot Springs Oasis at Azure Palm Hot Springs. I dipped into their mineral-rich waters across five tubs nestled within their peaceful outdoor sanctuary, and made sure to experience their reflexology pathway.

For an insight into the city’s history, the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum shares the story of the Agua Caliente people, including a 360-degree video of the Tribe’s creation story, which is truly fascinating. While the historic Plaza Theatre shines light on its performance heritage, having opened in 1936 with the world premiere of Camille starring Greta Garbo, and today has a beautiful domed auditorium that hosts various shows.

Where to eat

I devoured sharing plates of mouthwatering caramelised blueberry pancakes and Turkish eggs for breakfast at Lola Rose Grand Mezze, and savoured the flavours of Mexico with a plate of Huevos Rancheros at El Patio La Quinta. Another favoured brunch spot was The Pink Cabana, with chic, pink-and-green interiors and a Mediterranean-inspired menu of chorizo shakshuka and smoked salmon tartine.

When I wasn’t indulging in glam brunches and a Mimosa, I dined on Baja Shrimp Salad – a local’s recommendation – during an al fresco lunch at Spencer’s Restaurant. I also tucked into seared sea scallops in a tomato risotto at Parcifica Seafood Restaurant while enjoying the evening warmth on their patio, and relished a succulent fillet with Chimichurri sauce at Mr Lyons Steakhouse.

Another highlight was The Copper Room at the Yucca Valley Airport, a 1957 supper club and vintage lounge with red leather booth seats and wood-panelled walls overlooking the runway. For pre-dinner drinks, a cocktail at Beaton’s at Bar Cecil was a must, set within its eccentric setting of red velvet ceilings, leopard print carpets and walls adorned with black and white celebrity photographs – I genuinely felt like I was about to become an extra in a glamorous Hollywood film.

BOOK THE HOLIDAY

Purely America offers packages from £1,999pp based on two people sharing, including flights with Air Alaska from London to Palm Springs via Seattle, 3 Nights at the Hilton Palm Springs and 4 Nights at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. purelytravel.co.ukPlan your trip at visitgreaterpalmsprings.com.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Peter Wright, Channel 5’s Yorkshire Vet, appeared at the Great Yorkshire Show on Wednesday (July 15) and spoke to host Christine Talbot about everything TV, travels, and his future plans.

During the chat, the broadcaster shared some fond memories from the set of the modern All Creatures Great and Small adaptation when he appeared in a Christmas episode, while also noting what the real-life vets that the show is based on were like.

“I loved my time on the set of All Creatures Great and Small; it was great to chat to the actors and make a small appearance,” he said.

Peter Wright at The Great Yorkshire Show (Image: GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW)

“I remember heading to Grassington, where the show is filmed and seeing Nicholas Ralph, who plays James Herriot, wearing a full coat and getting into an RAF car on one of the hottest days of the year.

“I started to feel for him in the end because they made him do this scene 17/18 times and he was massively sweating by the end of it.”

He then went on to say how difficult it was for the new cast of the All Creatures Great and Small cast, compared to those who portrayed the characters back in the 1970s and 1980s.

“The cast back then had the original people that these characters are based on to turn to, but you don’t have that now.

“The cast of both shows are very talented and do such a great job.”

He then recalled working alongside Alf Wright, who wrote All Creatures Great and Small, as well as knowing James Herriot during his life.

“It was a great experience to spend time around them when I was becoming a vet,” he added.

Later in the talk, the TV star let the audience know that he’s currently filming the 23rd series of The Yorkshire Vet and has a four-part ‘At Home with the Greens’ series in the pipeline too.

He has also been over to India recently to film ‘A Passage to India: A Yorkshire Vet Special’, which saw him join colleague Rohin to explore Punjab, where he said that he had a “fantastic time,” despite calling part of the journey “utter chaos”.

Peter Wright at The Great Yorkshire Show (Image: GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW)

During the trip to India, Peter said that he and Rohin went to a festival dressed in traditional Punjabi outfits.

Joking about the experience, he said: “It reminded me of Del Boy and Rodney when they dressed as Batman and Robin in Only Fools and Horses.”

The TV star also spent some time with the judges of the schools’ Veg Box Competition.

Schools across the region took part in building, designing and growing a veg box from scratch. Learning all about growing and nature along the way.

This year’s theme was Waste to Grow, and judges visited all the schools to choose 12 finalists, which were displayed at the show.

Peter said: “It’s very early in the morning, but it’s great to see such enthusiasm from the youngsters. At the GYS, we get to appreciate our food and where it comes from.

For children to be given seeds and flat packs to create these veg boxes, they can grow their own food and learn about how it. For many children, food comes from a supermarket or a packet, so this is really important for them.

The children have really got into the task, and it is an important extension of school life. It’s a wonderful initiative.”

As Sony and Microsoft do seemingly everything in their power to upset veteran gamers, one reader says they’ve had enough and are turning their back on the current generation.

As a long-term gamer who has been playing since I was old enough to reach the joystick on an arcade machine, and someone who has been reading the Metro for as long as it’s been around, I have always very much enjoyed diving into the commentary around gaming over the years.

Having even dropped in a few of my own Reader’s Features in the past, I’ve spent a lot of time recently just sitting back and reading the room on the current state of the games industry. But right now, I felt it was time to put pen to paper once again. At 49, I find myself starting to reflect on what gaming has actually given me over the decades, and how drastically things have shifted.

Take a look at the modern gaming landscape right now – especially when you see cynical, Fortnite-chasing clones like the recently revealed Horizon Hunters Gathering – and it’s hard not to feel completely exhausted by it all. There is a massive generational chasm opening up in gaming, and the executives in charge seem entirely oblivious to it.

The divide is pretty simple. There is a whole generation of us who remember when games actually had intent, soul, and a bit of creative spark. We remember the Capcom standard of the 90s and early noughties. Back when I was a teenager, dropping coins into Street Fighter 2 cabinets or getting into the very first Monster Hunter, the developers weren’t just chasing the latest zeitgeist; they were writing the rules. You bought a cartridge or a disc, and that was it – a complete, fully featured experience. You wanted the best stuff? You actually had to play the game and get good at it.

Things started to really go wrong around the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 4 era. What kicked off with that infamous horse armour DLC has mutated into this vacuous, corporate treadmill of live service models, microtransactions, and endless loot boxes.

The real tragedy is that the younger generation – the kids born with tablets practically glued to their hands – have absolutely no idea what they’ve lost. They’ve been essentially indoctrinated by a manufactured ecosystem. To them, a game isn’t a self-contained piece of art; it’s a digital storefront that actively penalises you if you don’t log in every single day. They don’t even question why a title ships half-finished or why they’re expected to cough up extra cash for basic features. This saccharine, corporate greed is the only version of the hobby they’ve ever known.

But a lot of us older players are finally hitting the brakes. As we become acutely aware of what’s next, whether it’s the eye-watering price of the newly released Steam Machine or the looming prospect of a PlayStation 6 and whatever Microsoft has planned pushing prices to absurd heights. I am simply noping out of it all. It is just too expensive, and frankly, I am not the target audience anymore.

With these spiralling hardware costs and the actual leaps in photorealism giving us diminishing returns, those of us who know better are just walking away. We’re diving backwards into the absolute gold mine of retro gaming. We’re embracing things like the return of the Neo Geo and investing in physical media that actually belongs to us – no server handshakes required. We just want self-contained experiences we can actually finish and put proudly on a shelf.

It’s incredibly easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom when you’re staring straight into the abyss of this corporate, digital-only future. But if we just stop for a second and look backwards, the whole picture changes. You see an era overflowing with joy, boundless creativity, and genuine art.

There is so much to be thankful for in the history of this medium. We don’t have to follow the corporate machine into the dark; we can choose to turn around and celebrate the masterpieces that are already waiting for us.

By reader Bristol Pete

The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot.

Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you won’t need to send an email.

MORE: My greatest gaming experience was a 40-year-old game in VR – Reader’s Feature

MORE: The best action game of 2025 is a game nobody bought – Reader’s Feature

MORE: PlayStation and Xbox are both dead, they just don’t realise it yet – Reader’s Feature

By OLIVER SALT, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR and DIANA COOPER, US SENIOR SHOWBIZ REPORTER

Published: 23:15 BST, 17 July 2026 | Updated: 00:56 BST, 18 July 2026

Tom Brady lashed out at Logan Paul in an astonishing moment at Fanatics Fest on Friday night, months after the pair were tipped to collide in a WWE ring.

In footage captured by the Daily Mail, Brady and Paul were first seen exchanging heated words after reigniting their feud at the star-studded New York City event, before the NFL legend completely lost his cool.

Brady slapped Paul on the side of the head before NBA champion Karl-Anthony Towns and a security guard quickly intervened to defuse the situation.

After taking the hit, the WWE superstar was seen pointing at his arch-nemesis as Towns tried to calm him down.

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Before squaring off on the stage Brady and Paul clashed while discussing their meeting at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic event earlier this year.

They had a couple of run-ins on the field that day, but it was the online personality who had the last laugh after his Wildcats FFC team defeated Brady’s Founders FFC.

Tom Brady lashed out at Logan Paul in an astonishing moment on stage at Fanatics Fest

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Brady and Paul have reignited their feud months after being tipped to collide in a WWE ring 

‘It’s just nuts to me how Tom Brady couldn’t come back from us winning the flag football game that he said he was going to beat me,’ Paul said while sitting on the same panel as the seven-time Super Bowl winner at Fanatics Fest.

‘I just want to say it… never forget. Never forget the YouTuber beat the football player.’

‘There were a lot of cheap shots in that game too,’ Brady responded.

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After the viral slap, Paul posted on X: ‘This happened bc I was roasting Tom for beating him in flag football. And he tries to smack me ?? Horrible example for the kids Aura -100 + Blocked. With a torn tricep’.

Brady quoted his post and wrote: ‘I tried America… will try again next time I see this nerd.’

Brady became embroiled in a shocking beef with Paul after he mocked the wrestler’s athletic ability during a guest appearance on his ‘Impaulsive’ podcast in February. He dismissed Paul’s athlete chops as ‘cute’ while claiming he lacks the toughness of football players.

In response, Paul argued that he could beat the majority of NFL athletes in a fight – a statement which sparked fierce debate – before they ramped up their rivalry at the flag football event.

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Many have questioned how real Paul and Brady’s apparent disdain for one another is, instead rubbishing it as an attempt to generate attention.

The Daily Mail revealed back in March that, according to an insider, Paul and Brady are only playing on the feud to promote a potential WWE storyline.

The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback was expected to appear at WrestleMania earlier this year, only to not show up at the wrestling company’s showpiece event.

Brady and Paul exchanged some heated words on stage before the NFL legend lost his cool

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Their rivalry began when Brady dismissed the WWE star’s athletic ability as ‘cute’ in February

They then crossed paths at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Los Angeles a month later

Yet on Thursday, Brady revealed he is waiting for WWE president Nick Khan to give him a call about making an appearance.

He said at Fanatics Fest: ‘I feel like, I’m retired from football, have the opportunity to go out there and showcase that I’m still a little bit of an athlete. My boy Gronk’s done it, I’ve seen Logan Paul do it. I think I could get in there for at least one match, right?’

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Brady has been keeping himself busy since retiring from the NFL in 2023. He is preparing to enter the third year of his decade-long, $375million contract with Fox after venturing into broadcasting for the league.

Shortly after joining Fox, he also became an NFL owner in highly controversial fashion. His deal to acquire a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders sparked uproar in 2024 over what many argued was a conflict of interest amid his commentary role.

When asked if he’d want to be a good guy or a ‘heel’ in the wrestling world, Brady insisted: ‘It’s such an easy choice. I’m a bad guy. I’ve always been a bad guy.

‘I mean, I feel like when our teams did really well, I would always go into these stadiums and I would feel that… When you go on the road and you’ve had some success in the NFL, they don’t like you. It’s an incredible feeling when you work that entire day to basically try to send the crowd home early.’

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By JAMIE BOYS, REPORTER

Published: 00:30 BST, 18 July 2026 | Updated: 00:50 BST, 18 July 2026

A serving detective chief inspector with a history of blackouts who killed a pedestrian after passing out at the wheel has been jailed for three years and seven months.

Michael Cooper was in an unmarked police car when he ploughed into a row of parked vehicles – crushing educational psychologist James Bane between two of them as he stood chatting in the street following a school visit.

Nottingham Crown Court heard the 50-year-old father-of-two suffered serious injuries and died at the scene in Etwall, Derbyshire.

A woman who was also hit by Cooper was badly hurt in the incident in September 2021 and continues to suffer pain and severe psychological effects.

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Cooper, 55, who resigned from the police in 2024, had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He had previously denied the charges.

During sentencing yesterday, Samuel Skinner KC, prosecuting, said Cooper shouldn’t have been behind the wheel when he killed Mr Bane because he had an ‘unexplained medical history of blackouts that occurred without warning’ for almost 20 years.

Mr Skinner added that 12 years before the crash, Cooper had been warned by a consultant neurologist not to drive and to inform the DVLA about his condition – but failed to do so, or tell his insurance company.

He told the court Cooper was so worried about his blackouts – thought to be caused by a cardiac problem called Stokes-Adams, where the heart suddenly stops beating, or epilepsy – that he admitted to doctors he was concerned about driving, swimming or working up ladders.

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Serving detective chief inspector Michael Cooper was in an unmarked police car when he ploughed into a row of parked vehicles

Cooper, 55, who resigned from the police in 2024, had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving

But Mr Skinner said: ‘Despite his concerns and despite instructions from a neurologist, the defendant carried on driving. The defendant courted a dangerous risk every time that he got into the driver’s seat of a vehicle.’

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Cooper was also disqualified from driving for five years.

Judge Mr Justice Sweeting said he had shown a ‘callous disregard of the potential danger he posed’, adding: ‘The death of Mr Bane was a wholly avoidable tragedy.’

Mr Skinner said Mr Bane had visited three children at a local primary school, then walked back to his car at around 11.30am.

Cooper, of Etwall, first hit the woman in his unmarked black Peugeot, before his car bounced off the kerb and shunted the two parked cars into one another.

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Mr Bane’s wife Catherine described her husband in court as ‘thoughtful, dedicated, respected and greatly missed’, adding: ‘When James was killed, everything I knew was ripped away. The many dreams we had were shattered, and the future I had envisaged was lost.’

She said to Cooper: ‘It is staggering to me you have never demonstrated any contrition, nor reached out to say you are sorry.’

Vernard Murray, 26-years-old, was found seriously injured at a property on Cardinal Street on October 23, 2025, after being pursued and attacked by a group of men.

He later died in hospital from his injuries.

Following a trial earlier this year, Lee Williams (11/08/2006), of Gravenmoor Drive, Manchester, was convicted of murder and two counts of possession of a bladed article.

He was sentenced to life in a young offenders’ institution with a minimum term of 21 years.

Riley McDermott (16/03/2008), of Inghamwood Close, Salford, and John Harte (08/01/2007), of Weaste Lane, Salford, were convicted of manslaughter.

McDermott was sentenced to eight years in a young offenders’ institution, while Harte received a six-year sentence.

A police investigation revealed that on October 23, 2025, Murray had been chased by two masked men, later identified as Williams and McDermott, who were armed with large knives after his car was blocked, rammed, and overturned.

Lee Williams (11/08/2006), Riley McDermott (16/03/2008) and John Harte (08/01/2007) (Image: GMP)

Despite escaping the vehicle and fleeing on foot, he was stabbed and later died in hospital from his wounds.

Further enquiries revealed that Harte instructed someone to “burn it, the car.”

The BMW used in the attack was found torched two hours later, approximately 0.6 miles from the scene.

Murray’s family delivered emotional statements in court.

His father said: “Vernard wasn’t just my child – he was my pride, my hope for the future, and a huge part of who I am.

“To the people responsible, I want you to understand that your actions didn’t just take one life – they have destroyed many.

“You have taken a son from his father, and nothing will ever repair that.

“I will carry this loss for the rest of my life.”

His mother said: “Those responsible are given numbers to serve sentences, while I am left with a cemetery plot to visit and a lifetime of grief.

“I find myself asking where the justice is in this.

“In many ways, it feels as though I am serving a sentence alongside them, carrying the pain and consequences of their actions every day.”

His siblings described Mr Murray as more than a victim.

They said: “Our brother was more than another victim in this case.

(Image: Google Maps)

“He was a son, a grandson, a father, a partner, an uncle, and our brother.

“He was loved, and he is missed every single day.

“No sentence can restore what has been taken from our family.

“The consequences of this murder will remain with us for the rest of our lives.”

His partner spoke of the lasting impact on their family.

She said: “Although the court will sentence those responsible today, my son and I will continue serving our own life sentence of grief.

“We will wake up every day knowing that Vernard is never coming home.

“Our son will grow up with memories instead of a father, and I will spend the rest of my life trying to fill a space that can never be filled.”

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Naismith of GMP’s Major Incident Team welcomed the sentences.

He said: “Today’s sentencing reflects the devastating consequences of a shocking attack that claimed the life of Vernard Murray.

“This was a truly shocking case, occurring in a residential area, with fatal consequences.

“The violence inflicted upon him was horrific, and those actions have left a family grieving their loved one forever.

“No sentence can undo the loss they have experienced, but we hope today’s outcome can provide them with some measure of justice and closure.

“I would also like to thank the officers and staff whose dedication and professionalism helped us identify the offenders and piece together significant amounts of evidence to secure these convictions.”