“The facility will remain closed while the damage is assessed and necessary repairs are completed.”

Advertisement

A popular Co Down paddling pool has been damaged in an act of vandalism amid reports of children falling ill after spending time in the water.

Lemons Wharf Paddling Pool in Donaghadee had been emptied, cleaned and refilled on Wednesday after the water turned bright green. Children who had been in the pool in recent days reportedly suffered symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea.

However, on Friday morning, Ards and North Down Borough Council took to social media to announce the pool would be temporarily shut again due to damage caused to the basin.

The council shared an image of the damage and said: “Lemons Wharf Paddling Pool, Donaghadee, is currently closed due to vandalism of the pool features.

“The facility will remain closed while the damage is assessed and necessary repairs are completed.

“We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.”

No reopening date was given.

The vandalism comes just days after pictures on social media showed the Lemons Wharf paddling pool in Donaghadee filled with bright green water before Ards and North Down Borough Council employed contractors to rectify the problem.

Residents raised concerns that the water had become infected with blue-green algae, however both the council and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) failed to test the pool water for the bacteria.

A spokesperson for Ards and North Down Borough Council told Belfast Live: “Ards and North Down Borough Council was made aware on Tuesday afternoon of an issue relating to the paddling pool at Lemons Wharf, Donaghadee.

“Council’s contractors assessed the matter on Tuesday evening and, as a precautionary measure, the pool was immediately closed, drained and cleaned. The pool was subsequently refilled with fresh mains water on Wednesday morning and reopened.

“Council currently operates the Donaghadee paddling pool using fresh mains water. As part of routine procedures, the water is regularly drained, the pool tank is thoroughly cleaned, and the pool is then refilled. As an additional precaution, Council has increased the frequency of this process to twice weekly from this week.

“Council is not in a position to comment on individual medical matters. Anyone with concerns about their health should seek advice from an appropriate medical professional.”

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

His sentencing will still go ahead in September

Disgraced former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson will appeal his convictions after he was found guilty last month of 18 convictions for sexual offences, including rape, against two victims when they were children.

Donaldson had until Monday to launch an appeal against his convictions.

The former Lagan Valley MP’s solicitor, John McBurney, confirmed that appeal papers had been lodged at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast on Friday.

It is understood that Mr Donaldson intends to appeal against all 18 convictions.

Despite this appeal, his sentencing is scheduled to continue in September, with the next hearing scheduled for 25th September.

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

Toxic smoke from Canadian wildfires has engulfed New York City, triggering public health warnings with air quality likened to smoking 10 cigarettes – days before Sunday’s World Cup Final.

Residents have been urged to stay indoors and avoid outdoor exercise as strong winds coupled with intense heat pushed the smoke into the atmosphere. 

Wildfire smoke is more toxic than polluted air and can linger for weeks. Fires can burn cars and buildings, meaning their smoke contains traces of chemicals, metals, plastics and synthetic materials.

New York City resembled a Gotham nightmare on Thursday, as an intense heat gripped residents, smoke created a thick haze and air quality levels reached ‘very unhealthy levels.’

It comes as thousands of fans prepare to descend on the open-air MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

Photos show New Yorkers wearing N95 masks with officials warning that even those who do not have respiratory issues may be at risk of adverse health effects.

‘It’s reasonable to say you’re smoking 10 cigarettes today by breathing the air in New York City,’ Michael Petroni, a pollution expert, told the New York Post.

‘The rule of thumb is about 20 AQI (Air Quality Index) points for a whole day equals one cigarette. They get into your bloodstream because they’re so small and they wreak havoc on your immune system. Over time, that adds up and it increases your likelihood of cancer, of heart disease.’ 

The Manhattan skyline is seen during an air quality health advisory due to wildfire smoke

Air quality monitors have deemed the air to be ‘hazardous’ in multiple US cities on Friday, July 17

Advertisement

A person wearing a mask walks past the Empire State Building during an air quality health advisory

New Yorkers were seen in N95 masks during their commutes during the health advisory 

According to New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation, the AQI has been measured in the 151-200 range, which is much higher than the 0-50 mark, which would be considered ‘good’

While there have been fears over the level of pollution at Sunday’s showcase event, air quality is projected to steadily improve heading into the weekend. 

A mesmerising graphic shared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration revealed the thick grey haze travelling across the eastern US on Wednesday afternoon.

The smoke culminated in a daunting circle above eastern Canada and parts of the American Northeast.

Detroit was also engulfed in smoke, as the city ranked among the cities with the worst air quality in the world, alongside Minneapolis and Chicago.

The city had a US Air Quality Index (AQI) of 566, making it the most polluted major city in the world at the time of the reading.

Locals reported it smelling like ‘a bonfire that you can’t escape,’ saying the smoke is seeping into buildings. Minneapolis ranked second with an AQI of 289, followed by Chicago at 259.

Readings between 201 and 300 are classified as ‘very unhealthy,’ with health officials warning that all residents could experience adverse effects from prolonged exposure.

Michigan is under a statewide air quality alert after plumes spread through the Upper Peninsula and continued sinking south toward the Indiana border.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said dense smoke had already produced hourly readings that surpassed previous records in the Twin Cities, while trace amounts of ash had been observed.

In northern Illinois, the state Environmental Protection Agency declared a red air pollution action day for Rockford and all six Chicago-area forecast zones.

‘It’s basically a river of smoke pouring into the Midwest right now,’ Emily Fischer, an atmospheric chemist and ​professor at Colorado State University, told Reuters.

Pennsylvania was also placed under a statewide Code Red alert, unhealthy for everyone, on Thursday as smoke from Ontario and Minnesota moved into the state from north to south.

Residents in New York (Pictured) struggled to breathe outdoors on Thursday due to intense air pollution from the Canadian wildfires

Advertisement

New York City resembled a Gotham nightmare on Thursday, as an intense heat gripped residents

Multiple American cities, including New York, faced extremely poor air quality ratings on Thursday 

Argentina is set to play Spain in the World Cup Final on Sunday in New Jersey (Pictured: Lionel Messi of Argentina)

Air quality is projected to steadily improve heading into the weekend for the World Cup Final (Pictured: Lamine Yamal of Spain)

Advertisement

 Clouds of hot, rising smoke can be seen on satellite imagery, looming over Canada and the Great Lakes region on Tuesday.

The dangerous smoke and disastrous flames have continued to ravage parts of Canada.

Firefighters are working overtime to starve the flames. Randy Schroeder, a fire chief in the western province of Alberta, told the New York Times that the wildfires, coupled with the intense heatwave, were ‘relentless.’

‘The fires grow and last a lot longer than they would have normally done in the same fuel, in the same period of time, years ago,’ he added.

Now mobile experts have revealed four simple settings that could help your phone battery last significantly longer – without spending a penny.

Four in five (79%) admit they regularly use their phone with less than 10% battery remaining, while the average Brit refuses to leave the house unless their handset has at least 61% charge.

The advice comes as research commissioned by Vodafone found almost half of UK smartphone users (46%) see their battery almost die at least once every week.

How to maximise battery life

For younger generations, running out of battery has become one of life’s biggest everyday worries.

More than a third of Gen Z (36%) and Millennials (34%) said the prospect of a flat phone battery was among their most stressful daily situations – ranking above running late, being stuck in traffic and losing their wallet or keys.

The growing dependence on smartphones is partly to blame.

Many now actively plan their journeys around places where they can recharge, with some plugging in on trains, at airports, cafés, restaurants and even shops.

The four settings that could make your battery last longer

Experts say a handful of simple tweaks can dramatically reduce battery drain throughout the day.

Turn on Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode reduces background activity and limits processes that consume unnecessary power.

On an iPhone, head to Settings > Battery and switch on Low Power Mode.

Android users will find a similar feature under the Battery settings menu.

Lower your screen brightness

Your display is one of the biggest battery drains on any smartphone.

Reducing brightness – even slightly – can noticeably extend battery life over the course of a day.

Using automatic brightness can also help reduce unnecessary power consumption.

Stop apps refreshing in the background

Many apps continue updating even when you’re not using them.

Turning off Background App Refresh for apps that don’t need live updates can reduce battery drain considerably.

Keep your phone updated

Software updates don’t just introduce new features.

Manufacturers frequently include battery optimisation improvements that help devices run more efficiently, making it worth installing updates when they become available.

Why we’re charging our phones more than ever

The study found the average smartphone now spends around three hours every day plugged into a charger.

Nearly three-quarters of people (73%) leave their phone permanently connected while at home, while almost a third (29%) regularly charge it at work.

One in three Britons now carries a portable power bank, while two in five make sure they always have a charging cable with them.

Kester Mann, Research Director at CCS Insight, said smartphones have become central to almost every aspect of modern life.

“The smartphone has become the remote control for our lives, enabling us to do everything from keeping in touch, making payments, taking photos and getting directions,” he said.

“It’s no surprise that people are anxious about running low on battery.”

Recommended reading

He added that battery life is now the second most important factor people consider when buying a new smartphone – ranking ahead of storage, camera quality and design.

“Knowing they can get their battery replaced if it won’t make it through the day gives consumers peace of mind,” he said.

“Extending a smartphone’s lifespan is also the right thing to do from an environmental perspective.”

By RYAN HOOPER, CRIME CORRESPONDENT

Published: 10:28 BST, 17 July 2026 | Updated: 10:49 BST, 17 July 2026

Speedboat killer Jack Shepherd has been charged with attacking his new girlfriend after being released from prison.

The 38-year-old is facing new counts of intentional suffocation, controlling and coercive behaviour, and criminal damage.

He is also charged with two counts of ABH, according to documents released by the Parole Board.

His alleged victim is a woman in her 50s, who was said to be living in the same building as Shepherd when he was released from prison in 2024.

Advertisement

He had previously been jailed for manslaughter after an ill-fated joyride on the Thames in which he crashed his speedboat, killing his passenger and date for the night, Charlotte Brown.

Details of his recall to prison have only now come to light.

According to the Parole Board documents, Shepherd and his new victim, known only as ‘Ms X’ began a relationship.

It said: ‘Towards the end of 2024 the relationship with Mr Shepherd became violent and coercive on the part of Mr Shepherd. 

Advertisement

‘Eventually Ms X complained to the police and on the 5 August 2025 Mr Shepherd was arrested for controlling, coercive and violent behaviour. 

Speedboat killer Jack Shepherdhas been charged with assaulting his new girlfriend, a woman in her fifties

‘Several incidents of violence in February, June and July 2025 are detailed in the lengthy statement Ms X made to the police. 

Advertisement

‘Mr Shepherd was interviewed and in a prepared statement he denied the allegations.’ 

It said Shepherd was initially released on bail. 

However, his licence was subsequently revoked and he was recalled to custody because he is said to have written to Ms X in breach of his bail conditions and missed his evening curfew. He is now detained in custody. 

Shepherd’s case garnered national attention after the shocking details of the death of Ms Brown were revealed in court.

Advertisement

In December 2015, 24-year-old Ms Brown had been on a first date at the Shard with Shepherd when they decided to take a speedboat down the Thames.

His trial was told that ‘Captain Jack’ Shepherd was showing off by drunkenly zooming up the Thames in the defective craft he had bought to ‘pull girls’.

When he flipped the 14ft craft after hitting a submerged log, Ms Brown was thrown into the icy waters in darkness. He was rescued but his passenger drowned.

Charlotte Brown (pictured), 24, was thrown from Shepherd’s boat when it capsized on the River Thames in December 2015

Advertisement

Rather than explain his actions, cowardly Shepherd went on the run to Georgia, and was eventually tried in absence in July 2018 – when he was sentenced to six years in prison.

The Daily Mail launched an investigation to find him and successfully did so in January 2019. He was extradited back to Britain from Georgia in April of that year.

Months later, Shepherd was given a further four years for a vicious ‘glassing’ attack on a barman at a Devon hotel.

Shepherd was freed halfway through a ten-year sentence for the manslaughter of Ms Brown.

Advertisement

He was released in January 2024, but recalled to prison in September 2025 after breaching his licence conditions.

Details of the breach had not been made public until now. 

The Daily Mail reported at the time that he was arrested after a complaint on August 4 about his ‘coercive and controlling behaviour and assault.’

The man followed two strangers, killing one of them with one punch

A man followed two strangers before killing a “beloved” father, brother, and friend with a single punch. Ashley McMillan, 32, punched John McGarry, 63, knocking him to the ground in Broadway, Peterborough in the early hours of August 30, 2025.

Mr McGarry, of Broom Close, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, was found on the ground by security staff who flagged down police officers on patrol at just after 2.30am. He was taken to hospital with a serious head injury but never regained consciousness. He later died on December 12.

A statement released on behalf of the children, siblings, and wider family of Mr McGarry described him as a “beloved” father, brother, and friend whose “final act was one of extraordinary selfless courage”.

Police inquiries later revealed McMillan punched another man. In response to this, Mr McGarry could be seen on CCTV trying to defend the stranger by throwing his arm out before walking away.

Although Mr McGarry walked away, McMillan followed him and punched him once to the head – knocking him to the ground. McMillan, of Oundle Road, Peterborough, left the scene.

Several members of the public rushed over to help Mr McGarry. McMillan was arrested at his home later that day and was initially charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent. This was upgraded to a charge of murder after Mr McGarry died.

McMillan pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter at Peterborough Crown Court on June 25, according to Cambridgeshire Police. The 32-year-old was sentenced to six years in prison at Peterborough Crown Court on Friday, July 17.

The statement by Mr McGarry’s family reads in full: “Today’s sentence brings the criminal proceedings to an end, but it does not bring an end to our grief. Nothing can replace our beloved father, brother, friend John McGarry.

“John’s final act was one of extraordinary selfless courage. He intervened to stop Ashley MacMillan assaulting another person and, believing the incident had ended, continued on his way. Instead, MacMillan waited before deliberately launching a cowardly attack from behind, delivering a punch to which John had no opportunity to defend himself.

“That single, spiteful act robbed his children of their father, our family of a beloved brother and our community of a man who dedicated his life to standing up for others.”

They continued: “While Ashley MacMillan’s guilty plea to manslaughter has brought a degree of accountability, our family will always feel that the sentence cannot truly reflect the enormity of what was taken from us. After fighting for his life for three months, John died from his injuries.

“We thank everyone who has supported us, especially the staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital for their tireless care and compassion, and all those involved in securing today’s conviction.

“John will be remembered not for the violence that took his life, but for the courage, kindness, and selflessness with which he lived. He stood up for someone else when it mattered most. That is the legacy he leaves behind.”

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Inwood, of the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit, said: “While McMillan may not have intended to kill John McGarry, the consequences of his actions were devastating. Following a confrontation in Broadway, he chose to continue pursuing Mr McGarry and ultimately delivered the fatal punch.

“John was found by security staff and taken to hospital, where he received specialist treatment for more than three months. Tragically, despite the efforts of medical professionals, he died on 12 December surrounded by those who loved him.

“This was a senseless act of violence that has robbed a family of a much-loved relative and left those closest to him facing an unimaginable loss. Our thoughts remain with John’s family and friends, who have shown great dignity and strength throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

“This case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that a single punch can have. Where Mr McGarry was trying to do the right thing in helping a stranger this has resulted in him losing his life and a family being left to grieve.”

A former detective has become the first Reform UK candidate to be elected as a police and crime commissioner.

Colin Sutton, who led several high profile murder investigations during his 30-year-career, was confirmed as the new commissioner for Norfolk on Friday after 32,647 people voted for him.

Sutton won with a majority of 14,299 with the Conservative party candidate, Matthew Taylor, in second place.

The by-election was held following the resignation of Sarah Taylor, who was elected as a Labour Party commissioner until she quit the party and became an independent in protest at the role being scrapped. Voter turnout was 17%.

Speaking on the stage after his victory was announced, Sutton said he would “repay the trust the people of Norfolk have put in him” and he would “get to work on Monday”.

“I’m overjoyed. Policing has been my life and it is the best job. I believe I can make a difference and make things better,” he said.

This is expected to be the final police and crime commissioner election held, unless anyone else steps down or leaves the role by other means.

Police and crime commissioners will be abolished as part of plans to devolve powers to Norfolk and Suffolk and create a mayorship covering the two counties.

Sutton is best known for leading the investigation into Levi Bellfield, the serial killer convicted for the murders of Milly Dowler, Marsha McDonnell and Amélie Delagrange.

After retiring in 2011, he moved to Norfolk but continued to appear in the media.

Prior to the election he said he wanted “more focus” on rural crime, claiming priorities were “too focused on our city and towns”.

Turnout for the election was the second lowest since the role was created in 2012, with just 17.14% of the electorate, 122,739, people voting .

In some polling station areas voter turnout was as lower than 6%.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on X, external to get the latest alerts.

Brett Dryden was found by friends covered in blood and with a large gash on his forehead in his home in Mojacar, on the Costa De Almeria in July 2024.

CCTV showing two masked men running away from the villa carrying bags was also discovered and the 35-year-old’s phone, designer Gucci glasses and cash was missing.

Despite this, and to his mother Sandra’s heartbreak, authorities claimed dad Brett, who had lived in Spain for five years, died of a blood clot and the Guardia Civil closed their probe.

Br (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Sandra, from Chester-le-Street in County Durham, is now planning on protesting outside a court in Vera in August with the hope a judge will re-open the case and investigate her son’s death as a murder.

The 56-year-old said: “I went in to view his body and saw his head, and thought, that’s not natural causes.

“It’s a mother’s instinct, I know in my heart.

“I want justice for my son – and I want someone to be held accountable for his death.

“I feel determined – I am determined to make a stand and make them listen.

Br (Image: FAMILY)

“I think they thought I would go away, but I won’t.

“What the authorities saw in Spain when Brett died was someone who was broken.

“I am still broken, but my love for Brett makes me stronger.”

To comply with Spanish law, Sandra and her lawyer must apply for a license to protest.

Br (Image: FAMILY)

The grandmother is driven by the results of a second autopsy carried out in the UK which disagreed with Spanish findings.

Dr Cooper, of the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, found Brett sustained bruising and injuries “consistent with having been assaulted”.

Sandra added: “It is shocking that it has had to get to this point, but I feel like I have no choice.

Grieving mum Sandra Dryden, 56, from Chester-le-Street in County Durham, who is convinced her son Brett Dryden was murdered in his Spanish villa in July 2024, (Image: NORTH NEWS & PICTURES)

“I want justice, someone needs to be held accountable.

“I will never stop, it’s the only thing that keeps me going.

“It is soul destroying, a loss like this is on another level.

“I am not the same person I was before, I look in the mirror and don’t see myself anymore.

Br (Image: FAMILY)

“But, I plod on for Brett and for his seven-year-old daughter Charley. She misses her dad terribly.”

Brett, a former Nissan factory worker, moved to Spain back in 2019 and was said to have been thriving as an ex-pat, with many friends and a successful business, a legal cannabis club called The Dawg House.

“He always wanted to own his own business, and said he wanted to go to Spain to set up a cannabis club,” Sandra, a senior carer said.

“I said to him ‘Brett, I don’t want you to do that’, I was instantly worried.

Grieving mum Sandra Dryden, 56, from Chester-le-Street in County Durham, who is convinced her son Brett Dryden was murdered in his Spanish villa in July 2024, (Image: NORTH NEWS & PICTURES)

“But he loved it, he was living his dream and it was his passion.”

The last time Sandra spoke to Brett was just hours before he passed away and she said he appeared to be his usual happy self.

It was only until after Sandra finished her shift at 10pm that her partner Rob, a salesman, called to break the news after being told by friends.

Through tears, he said “Brett’s dead” – and within hours the pair had booked a flight to Spain departing the following morning.

“I don’t know how I got back,” Sandra added.

“I went into a trance, I was just in shock.

“I came into the house and just broke down. 

“I fell to the floor.”

Br (Image: FAMILY)

Strangely, it was at this moment that Sandra got a mysterious call from Brett’s number – a call she believes was from those who stole his phone.

Sandra added the device was located in a traveller camp near Vera, but no further action was taken by police to recover it.

“I just went into shock, I picked up and there was someone on the other line but it was silent,” she said.

“I got that little glimmer of hope.

“I tried ringing back and it just kept ringing.”

As her wait for answers continues, Sandra maintains that Brett’s death is suspicious.

She said: “I know my son, I know he was little but he would have fought.

“I strongly believe Brett’s XL bully Lila knew who was in there, otherwise she would have protected Brett.

The Guardia Civil have been contacted for comment.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.”

The discounted activity is ideal for a family day out or those looking for an adrenaline-filled experience with loved ones

With the summer holidays officially underway, families now have the time to go out and do fun activities that don’t involve screens or depend on the weather. For families who have a young thrill-seeker at home or are looking for something a little different to do with a friend or partner, this discounted Wowcher voucher for an indoor go-karting experience in South Wales is described by reviewers as ‘well worth a visit’.

The deal lets two people take to the track at Kart Kingdom in Cowbridge, with a 15-minute session for £29.98 or a 30-minute session for £49.98. As it’s an indoor circuit, visitors don’t have to worry about the unpredictable British weather, making it a great option for the school holidays.

Suitable for beginners and experienced drivers alike, the experience includes a full safety briefing and all the necessary equipment. Visitors have the chance to race head-to-head on a track packed with fast straights and challenging corners.

READ MORE:

Friends and family can also watch the action from the dedicated viewing gallery. Frequently asked questions about the Indoor Go-Karting Experience include:

• Sessions available on Wednesday–Sunday and during school holidays/half-term.
• No driving licence required, anyone meeting the minimum height (142cm) can participate.
• Food and drinks are available on site.

Indoor Go-Karting Kart Kingdom

£39.98

£29.98

Wowcher

Buy Now on Wowcher

Head-to-head indoor go-karting experience for two participants at Kart Kingdom. Choose between 15 or 30 minutes of adrenaline-fuelled fun

Advertisement

Another activity to book for families with thrill-seeking children is the 30 Minute Young Driver Experience for £54.99 from Buyagift. The flexible voucher offers a 12-month validity and is ran by the UK’s largest under-17 driving academy. It includes basic driving lessons for 10 to 17 year olds which get to experience driving a car before hitting the road.

Alternatively, another summer holiday plan to consider is booking a holiday park, like the Trecco Bay Holiday Park in Porthcawl. The holiday park is on the beach, includes an indoor pool and waterslide, nature reserves to discover and much more.

The Wowcher Go-Karting voucher has earned four highly rated reviews, with previous visitors praising their experience. One reviewer wrote: “I took my sons and they both enjoyed the experience, well worth a visit. Very organised helpfully.”

A second said: “Bought this for my two sons age 9 and 12. Fantastic value and they had a great time.”

Another pleased reviewer shared: “Superb set up. Well organised and a great venue for families. Just a heads up that you will need to buy gloves and a balaclava before racing, £5.99 each.”