A judge has condemned calls to legalise cannabis after a son killed his estranged mother during a severe mental health episode when he developed paranoid schizophrenia following his habitual smoking of the drug.

Judge Steven Everett warned cannabis was a ‘terrible’ substance which ’caused and exacerbated’ mental health issues.

And he said campaigns to decriminalise it – led by politicians including Labour mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and the Green Party‘s Zack Polanski – were ‘wholly misconceived.’

The judge hit out after hearing how drifter Simon Carter made a 245 mile trip from his rented room in Devon to batter his widowed mother Gwyneth, 73, to death with such ferocity he broke his own hand.

Just two days before the fatal assault at the elderly victim’s home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, Carter, 50, had admitted himself to a hospital.

He admitted a history of abusing cannabis and claimed he had been attacked by mystery assailants before being forcibly injected with heroin.

But he was allowed back on the streets because doctors had no ‘mechanism’ or proper reason to have him detained. 

He has since been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and having delusional beliefs.

Judge Steven Everett (pictured) said Gwyneth Carter’s killing was just the latest tragedy to illustrate why calls to decriminalise cannabis were ‘wholly misconceived’

At Chester Crown Court, Carter was ordered to be detained in a secure psychiatric unit having admitted manslaughter on the ground of diminished responsibility.

Judge Everett told him: ‘This is just further evidence as far as I can see that those who talk about cannabis being somewhat of a positive drug in the community are wholly misconceived.

‘You are not the first and sadly won’t be the last with mental health issues to appear before me and say: “I smoke cannabis.”

‘There is a wealth of evidence that use of that terrible drug causes and exacerbates mental health issues.

‘Whatever else it causes it is clear your bizarre behaviour and comments to your doctor were there for all to see. 

‘But there was no reason or mechanism to keep you out of the community when you were seen by the hospital in days leading up to your mother’s death.

‘What was going through your mind is difficult to assess but I am quite sure it was affected by significant mental health issues.

‘You intended to carry out some sort of, as you saw it, wrongly, retribution upon your mother and it appears that you still now have those delusional beliefs.’

Police were called to Mrs Carter’s home in Macclesfield, Cheshire following the discovery of her body on July 18, 2025

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Carter had been estranged from his parents since 2006 and was unaware his father Norman had passed away.

Tragedy struck when he decided to pay his family an unexpected visit on the pretext he wanted to see his children.

On July 12, 2025, Carter travelled to Macclesfield where great grandmother Mrs Carter lived alone.

She contacted her sister Janis to say he had arrived ‘out of the blue’, prosecutor Martin Reid KC said.

‘Mrs Carter described the defendant as acting very strangely and she couldn’t work out whether he was drunk or on drugs, and that he just didn’t feel like her son.’

On being told his father had died, she said he ‘did not seem bothered and he only stayed for 10-15 minutes’.

The following day he was admitted to an unnamed health facility where he reported being attacked ‘multiple times’ and injected with heroin whilst living in Torquay.

‘He said he used to smoke cannabis but had stopped a month ago,’ Mr Reid said.

‘He appeared confused, uneasy, talked excessively and asked: “Do you think I’m mad?”

‘But medical examinations revealed no findings and he was discharged.’

Then on July 16 Carter was seen carrying a rucksack containing a saw before loitering outside his mother’s house.

A neighbour heard a ‘lot of banging and shouting’ and heard Mrs Carter pleading ‘No’ and then what sounded like a heavy suitcase being dragged down the stairs.

Her body was found in the living room two days later after her sister – who had been trying in vain to contact her – gained access to the property.

Tests showed she died from multiple head and neck injuries. 

As police investigated, Carter admitted himself to Macclesfield Hospital A&E where he was treated for a broken hand.

Asked about his injury by a nurse, he replied: ‘Oh, I punched something.’ 

He was arrested shortly afterwards as he walked through Macclesfield town centre.

In a victim personal statement Janis Slater said: ‘Gwyneth was just getting back to her usual self after a few years of sadness following the death of Norman.

‘She started to believe that she had a life again. 

‘Then she rang me around tea time on a Saturday and said: “Guess who has turned up after 19 years?”

‘I started to worry about Gwyneth with Simon being around and I told her to lock the doors and windows and hide her jewellery. 

‘There had been issues before he left and Gwyneth said he would not be coming back.

‘I just wish you had told me when he came again. Before you answered the door, I would have been there in five minutes. 

‘I miss you dearly. Our day trips out, our shopping, our meals out, our chats and conversations. 

‘I miss your laughter which was loud and infectious.’

In mitigation, Owen Edwards KC, said Carter’s life had been ‘marred by drug use and significant mental health issues’. 

‘He has fixed ideas as to that which has happened to him and to individuals that he believes are close to him,’ he added.

Gorse on Edinburgh’s The Pleasance has been open for just a few months and gone viral thanks to its Northern Irish treats

A Northern Irish bakery which launched on a busy Edinburgh street just months ago has been forced to rebrand, following what it says it the threat of legal action from another firm of the same name.

Gorse, the Northern Irish-inspired bakery which opened on The Pleasance in the Scottish capital in April, says it will be changing its brand name – though ‘its character or identity’ will remain the same. The proprietors have revealed that another company, situated 530 miles away, has contacted them about the Gorse name.

It’s believed the other establishment sharing the name operates in Newquay, England, reports Edinburgh Live. Edinburgh’s Gorse Bakery has gone viral in its short time trading with fans flocking to try its unique versions of Northern Irish classics like Fifteens, Irish stout spelt cake, soda farls, and Tayto cheese and onion pastries.

Edinburgh Gorse’s proprietor, who signs off social posts as ‘Your Belfast Girl’, has determined their funds are ‘far better spent on talented bakers and front of house team than watching it disappear into legal fees’.

In a social media statement, the owners explained: “Almost a year ago now, we dandered along Pleasance, heady from the buzz of the Fringe and admired this wee spot that would eventually become ours. A Northern Irish bakery felt risky (will people get it? ! ), and a relatively quiet street that’s only really busy in August felt even riskier (will people even come? ! )

“But looking up at the crags and Arthur’s Seat in all their glory gave me all the convincing I needed (husband took a weeee while longer! ) I’ve always been in absolute awe of nature, particularly along the North Coast of Northern Ireland and here in Holyrood Park. Gorse was the common thread running between my two homes. More recently, it became a familiar sight on the motorway between Belfast and Fermanagh throughout my granny’s cancer journey and eventual passing last year. A poetic reminder of her fierce resilience, and my own.

“Unfortunately, we’ve been left with little choice but to rebrand after another business threatened legal action over our name.Truth be told it’s been difficult to understand, particularly as other businesses in the same industry continue to coexist with the same name, but we’ve accepted that we simply don’t have the resources to fight it.”

“As sure as we are that nobody has accidentally turned up at our Northern Irish bakery in Edinburgh instead of a sourdough bakery 530 miles away, we’ve concluded that our money is far better spent paying our talented bakers, front of house team and suppliers than watching it disappear into legal fees. Fundamentally, we’re just a wee business that cares deeply about bringing a little bit of Northern Ireland to Edinburgh through our baking, coffee and hospitality. Those who truly know us to our bones already understand that.

“So, our name will soon change. Our character and identity won’t. To me, it’s only strengthened my belief in what we’ve built, and just another chapter in our story that I’m excited to share with you.”

Supporters were swift to rally behind the business.

One follower wrote: “No matter what your name change is, my boyfriend and I are super excited to come and try your coffee and pastries when we visit Scotland in September! ! It’s been one of the local spots I’m most excited about seeing.”

Another sympathised: “What a shame for you. The name has such a lovely story and meaning behind it. I hope you’ve managed to find a new one that holds a personal meaning for you too.”

While a third simply remarked: “We came today – not for the name. For the outrageously good coffee, pastries and cakes.”

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New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been confused with stars like Richard Osman, Mel Gibson and Jeff Bezos according to a concerning new survey

Richard Osman began selecting his Cabinet after a new survey revealed many people are confusing him with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

The TV star and author 55, was taken aback that the results of a recent poll suggest that 38 per cent of voters could not identify the new PM from a picture. Many British citizens are mistaking the Labour leader for BBC favourite Richard, Hollywood actor Mel Gibson and, bizarrely, even bald Amazon boss Jeff Bezos.

Richard’s wife Ingrid Oliver joined in the fun, saying his plans for his new position include: “Running on a platform of devolution of power away from Westminster towards the World Snooker Federation.” Richard is one step ahead, and knows who he wants alongside him in his own cabinet reshuffle.

Taking to Instagram, Richard shared a screenshot of an article from The Independent with the headline reading: “Brits mistake Andy Burnham for Richard Osman and Mel Gibson in surprise new poll.”

Brainbox Richard certainly wasn’t offended and responded by making an appointment. Following up on his wife’s claim he is a snooker obsessive, he responded: “My Chancellor? Ronnie O’Sullivan.”

The survey was even raised on This Morning, and one social media user tweeted the show: “Who the fook is confusing Andy Burnham with Richard Osman? Mr Magoo?… Richard Osman looks nothing like Andy Burnham.”

Another said: “Apparently 38% of people asked to Identify Andy Burnham in a survey this week failed! Some people chose a picture of Richard Osman!… Would have thought 60% knowing was quite high. Four out of ten Britons still don’t know who Andy Burnham is!”

On his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment in 2024, Richard took aim at politically vocal celebrities, saying they should stop discussing their opinions in public because ‘nobody is listening to you.’

He said: “I genuinely think this is every single election over here and in America.

“Showbusiness does get involved and we hear the opinions of celebrities and we hear about the importance of their views on the records of different candidates and their views on the direction of the country they live in.

“Nobody has ever given the first toss about anything anyone from the entertainment industry has ever said about any political issue…

“There’s a load of little things that happen in this country and you can send a tweet and people go, ‘Oh yeah, that was an interesting take on that.”

Over the past 24 hours, Rachel Reeves was axed as Chancellor and former Defence Secretary John Healey taking the post.

Keir Starmer’s Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was also sacked and Peter Kyle lost his job as Business Secretary.

Among Mr Burnham’s other appointments are Ed Miliband, joining as Foreign Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, who remains Home Secretary, and former Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner as Housing Secretary.

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The investigation centres on the death of a 50-year-old man who was found dead at a property in Gray Street on June 30.

Police officers found him with serious head and chest injuries, dead at the scene.

The boy has been detained under the Mental Health Act and is due for questioning by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

(Image: Terence Howarth)

The investigation was launched following a post-mortem examination which revealed new information.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Edwards from our Major Incident Team said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends.

“Following new information coming to light regarding his death, we are now carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the events of the day he died.

(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

“We’d like to thank members of the community for their patience and understanding as we carry out enquiries in and around the Gray Street area.”

On Friday at the address, CSI investigators at the scene, with a lot of speculation among residents before details were released.

Officers believe that this is an isolated incident and that there is no wider risk to the local community.

(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

DCI Edwards added: “There is no information to suggest there is any wider risk to the public, and we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident.

“Anyone who has information that may assist police enquiries and who has not yet spoken to officers is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101, quoting log 3965 of 30/05/26.

“Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Scotland is still in line for temperatures to creep above average during dry spells – but rain is on its way

Scots hoping for a glorious late-summer sizzler have been given the final verdict as the Met Office reveals its forecast for August.

Following a roller-coaster summer that has seen heatwaves baking parts of the UK while northern areas faced cooler, cloudier spells, forecasters have delivered their long-range outlook for the coming month.

According to official Met Office forecasts, higher pressure is expected to take charge as August progresses, bringing more settled conditions across much of the country. However, experts warn that Scotland will remain on the frontline for changeable weather, with Atlantic rain bands and coastal breezes still threatening to break through.

While the sunniest and hottest spells are set to hit southern parts of the UK, Scotland is still in line for temperatures to creep above average during dry spells, delivering some welcome summer warmth. But forecasters caution that dry weather won’t be guaranteed everywhere, as occasional heavy downpours and thundery showers could still disrupt outdoor plans.

Scots are being advised to keep both the suncream and the waterproofs handy, as August prepares to bring a mix of dry, warm sunshine and sudden summer rain sweeps across the nation.

The Met Office says: “As we move into the second weekend of August, conditions across the UK are set to bring a mix of sunshine, showers, and changing temperatures.

“Saturday will begin with a squally band of rain moving southeast across Scotland. This feature will gradually weaken as it progresses, leaving only a few showers by the time it reaches northern Wales and northern England later in the afternoon. Blustery showers will follow into northern Scotland, where it will remain windy throughout the day.

“Elsewhere, conditions will be predominantly dry with sunny spells and variable cloud cover. There is a slight chance of a light morning shower in southern areas, but most places will enjoy a fine day. Temperatures will range from rather cool in the northwest to warm in the southeast, with highs of 24-26°C expected across central, southern, and eastern England. Isolated spots may reach 27°C.

“Showers over Scotland will become confined to coastal northern and western areas overnight, with winds gradually easing. Most other regions will see clear skies, particularly across southern and central parts of the UK. In rural areas, conditions will turn chilly, with isolated fog patches forming in the south and west.

“Minimum temperatures will fall to the mid-single figures Celsius in rural locations, making for a noticeably cooler night compared to recent evenings.”

Millions of people in London and the south east of England are now under a hosepipe ban.

Thames Water announced the ban today, saying it comes after weeks of hot, dry weather and multiple heatwaves.

The restriction, also known as a temporary use ban (Tub), will begin at 00.01am on Thursday.

The water supplier said: ‘We’ve been working around the clock to maintain water supplies, but we now need everyone’s help to reduce non-essential water use.’