In a surprise announcement on February 10, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that his administration was preparing to hold presidential elections before the middle of May. Alongside these elections, he is reported to be planning to hold a referendum on a peace deal with Russia.

This is a dramatic shift in Zelensky’s stance: the president has long resisted elections under conditions of war, despite the fact his mandate ran out in 2024. One possible explanation for the turnaround is that US pressure on Ukraine is having some real effects. A few days ago, Zelensky indicated as much, saying that his US counterpart, Donald Trump, was pushing for a negotiated end to the war by June.

Trump’s timeline – probably with an eye towards the US mid-term elections, when the White House would like to present a Ukraine deal as another major foreign policy success – is one thing. The feasibility of elections and, even more so, a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is quite another.

1. Organising a free and fair vote in wartime

The first problem is logistics. Who will be eligible to vote? Where and who could monitor the elections to ensure they are free and fair? Apart from the hundreds of thousands serving in the trenches defending Ukraine against Russia’s aggression, there are also 3.7 million internally displaced Ukrainians and almost 6 million refugees abroad – plus approximately 5 million Ukrainians currently living under Russian occupation.

There is also the uncertainty of a Russian ceasefire – needed to facilitate not only the conduct of the elections but the preceding election campaign – and the near certainty of large-scale Russian election interference.

We can expect something similar to what Moldova experienced during its presidential elections, European integration referendum in 2024 and parliamentary elections in 2025, when voters were flooded with disinformation. Moscow even recruited Orthodox priests to try to sway the electorate. Russia’s attempts to influence the outcomes of these votes were shown to have clear limitations. But this will not deter it from trying again, and harder, in Ukraine.

Given all this, the prospects of organising any vote – let alone one of such consequence for the country and its people – look worse than daunting.

2. There’s no realistic peace deal yet

A second problem is the feasibility of any peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. At present, it is hard to imagine the gaps between Russia and Ukraine can be bridged in a meaningful way that does not cross either side’s red lines – especially on territory and security guarantees.

Even if it were possible to find a form of words to which the Russian and Ukrainian presidents could both sign up, the approval of any such deal in a referendum in Ukraine looks remote. Likely to be held on the same day as the presidential elections, a referendum would face all the same logistical and eligibility pressures.

3. Ukrainians might say no to peace

It is not clear what would happen if a majority of Ukrainians rejected the settlement put to them in the referendum. Would this mean a return to negotiations, or to war? The latter is the more likely scenario.

A third option would be the continuation of a shaky ceasefire and the implementation of parts of any settlement beneficial to both sides, such as prisoner exchanges.

But as was the case with the ill-fated Minsk agreements of 2014 and 2015, a return to all-out war would remain firmly on the cards.

4. Europe must play a part

So far, Ukraine’s European partners have mostly been on the sidelines of the peace negotiations. They may not be a direct party to the war, but they clearly have a stake in the peace terms that might now be hammered out between Moscow, Kyiv and Washington. The mostly European coalition of the willing is expected to play a key role in the implementation of US-backed security guarantees, and to do the heavy lifting on Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.

But after more than 12 months of hostility from Washington towards Brussels, there is little trust left in the dependability of US backing for Ukraine. The fourth problem, therefore, is that European acquiescence with a US-imposed peace deal cannot anymore be taken for granted either.

This does not necessarily mean a peace deal is impossible – but it will almost certainly be unless Europe has played a part in its negotiation.

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, recently dispatched his most senior diplomat, Emmanuel Bonne, to Moscow for talks in the Kremlin. And the country’s former permanent representative on the UN security council, Nicolas de Rivière, has been appointed as the new French ambassador to Moscow, signalling the importance that Paris assigns to direct contacts with Russia.

The EU, according to its foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, might also appoint a special representative for contacts with Moscow – after the bloc has agreed on the messages it wants to send.

However, despite the fact that Brussels holds some powerful cards – including frozen Russian assets and a wide range of sanctions – there is no indication for now that either Washington or Moscow are willing to grant Brussels a seat at the negotiating table.

5. Russia can’t be trusted

The final problem is whether Russia will accept even the best possible terms in a peace agreement, and then stick to it. The US push to seal a deal in the coming months suggests there is some confidence in the White House that a deal acceptable to the Kremlin can be forged, and that Ukraine and its allies can be coerced to go along with it.

There is a lot in what has transpired in recent days that will be to Russia’s liking: presidential elections in Ukraine; the US using its support for security guarantees as leverage to push Kyiv towards accepting more and more compromises; and the parallel US-Russia negotiations on an economic deal.

Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, has got to this situation without making any concessions. He has played the US president perfectly so far, and there is no indication that he is done playing him. Trump is almost certain to continue to do Putin’s bidding – and to walk away as and when his grandiose plan unravels.

Is there a backup plan?

It is not clear what the backup plan is for Zelensky and his European allies. Given there is little to suggest the current US plan and timeline for a deal will lead to a happy ending, they need to come up with credible contingencies very quickly.

Offering logistically almost-impossible elections and a referendum with a highly uncertain outcome would be a smart way for the Ukrainian president and his European allies to buy themselves the time they need for a new strategy.

Putin may think he has successfully tricked Trump into doing his bidding. But on this occasion, Zelensky may have outsmarted them both – albeit at the price of the war against his country continuing.

WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT. A young woman by the name of Małgorzata reportedly sustained horrific facial mutilations during her four years spent at the mercy of Mateusz J, the depraved kidnapper dubbed ‘Poland’s Josef Fritzl’ who has this month faced sentencing

A young woman went to meet a man she’d connected with on a dating app, only to enter a four-year living nightmare. Now the monster who subjected her to such cruelties has finally faced justice.

The survivor, known only by her first name, Małgorzata, was taken prisoner by village “weirdo” Mateusz J, who brought her back to the farm he lived on with his parents. It was here that he locked her away in a disused animal barn used as an outdoor utility room, subjecting her to unimaginable torture. The makeshift cell in which Małgorzata was kept, in the sleepy village of Gaiki, near Glogow, Poland, had no electricity, running water or heating. She also allegedly had no access to a toilet or even the comfort of sunlight, with the window blocked off with a false window and a curtain.

Earlier this month, J. was sentenced to life imprisonment in a therapeutic setting after Judge Michał Misiak found him guilty of abuse and deprivation of liberty, as per Polish publication Onet. The perpetrator must now also pay the survivor PLN 500,000 (approximately £100,000) in compensation, and has also been banned from contacting her or coming within 100 meters of her for the next 15 years.

This ordeal finally came to light in September 2024, when Małgorzata was taken to the hospital with a dislocated shoulder. It was here that she told other patients that she’d been repeatedly raped and tortured while locked inside an outbuilding, and that she’d even become pregnant with and given birth to her abductor’s baby. Doctors observed that Małgorzata, who was in her twenties at the time of her 2019 kidnapping, had suffered extensive facial damage and that her body was covered in various abrasions and scars. Horrifyingly, Małgorzata reportedly suffered extreme mutilation during her time in captivity, with her kidnapper having allegedly removed her lips and teeth.

READ MORE: Man who violently shook baby to death before scrolling Facebook jailed for life

A source close to the investigation told the Mail Online: “From what we heard, the girl does not have lips now because of everything he had done to her. Her face is covered in bruises, and she just has an open hole [where her mouth is] without the lips. The woman said he [J]was doing some kind of trial on her. He was experimenting on her. He was trying out different things on her.” During her four years of imprisonment, Małgorzata was allowed out of her cell a few times for hospital treatment… However, she was too afraid of her captor to tell medics what was really going on.

Małgorzata, from Leszno, told Polish publication MyGlogow.pl: “I couldn’t tell the doctors the truth, I was afraid, he threatened me that if I complained, it would get even worse.” She also revealed how, during journeys to the hospital, J. made sure she wore a balaclava so that she couldn’t figure out whereabouts she was being kept. This same precaution was adhered to when J. took her out to wash at night, sometimes just using a hose to spray her. If she obeyed his commands, Małgorzata was permitted hot water.

Recalling how she sustained the shoulder dislocation which led to her final hospitalisation, Małgorzata shared: “I didn’t meet his sexual expectations. And that had been happening very often lately. Back then, I was beaten and not fed. He only fed me better when I had no strength left, when my chest hurt. He was probably afraid I would die…”

A statement released by the prosecutor’s office details the torment Małgorzata endured: “He kicked her, choked her, pushed her, pulled her, twisted her arms, pulled her hair, and isolated her from other people, humiliated her, called her vulgar names, took her outside with a balaclava forcibly put on, maliciously shaved her hair, constantly monitored all of her behaviour. And moreover, during this period of time, repeatedly, at his own discretion and against the will of the injured party, by violence and unlawful threats of beating, bodily harm and deprivation of life, he led the injured party to sexual intercourse, and also forced her to submit and perform other sexual acts and he recorded this at least twice using a mobile phone.”

Chillingly, Małgorzata’s makeshift cell was situated close to neighbours, who were left shocked by the torture allegedly occurring so close by. Meanwhile, his parents have also denied having any prior knowledge of the terrible situation. As per Polish media outlet Onet, J’s father wept as he insisted, “This is a shock for us. It’s impossible. My wife and I really didn’t see any girl here. It’s a shock for us. It’s impossible. It couldn’t have lasted years, maybe a few months, but not that long, because it would have been revealed sooner.”

TVP 3 reports that, throughout his trial, which began in June 2025, Mateusz J. maintained that his relationship with Małgorzata had been consensual, and it was noted that he showed no remorse for his actions. Psychiatric and psychological experts also concluded that the rapist had been fully sane at the time of his crimes. The court heard, “I have never met a man who committed so much evil.”

In his justification for the verdict on February 3, Judge Misiak told The District Court in Legnica that it was “impossible to disagree” with the prosecutor’s claim that “this case defies all convention.” He also remarked that this case “exceeded the professional experience” of officers and experts from a variety of fields.

If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999

READ MORE: Child sex offender Paul Tyler jailed for further 18 years for historic abuse

A man has died after being pulled from a flooded brook following a police chase.

Police had been chasing a stolen caravan in Oakerthorpe, Derbyshire, in the early hours of Saturday.

Two men in the vehicle towing the caravan rammed into the police cars before coming to a stop and fleeing on foot.

One man was arrested shortly afterwards, while a second was described by police as having “entered the flooded Egginton Brook”.

Several hours later the man was recovered from the water and treated by ambulance crews at the scene before being taken to Royal Derby Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Because the death happened after police contact, the force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Formal identification of the man has not yet taken place, and efforts are ongoing to trace his next of kin, the force added.

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Adrian Osiecki, 34, of Harnall Lane West, Coventry, has been charged with dangerous driving, including failing to stop for police, and criminal damage to police vehicles; driving without insurance; driving while disqualified and theft of a caravan.

He is due to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

The return will see his iconic character reunited with his estranged son and drawn into a storyline involving a family friend.

The 61-year-old actor previously returned for the BBC One soap’s 40th anniversary in 2025.

When was Grant Mitchell last in EastEnders?

Ross Kemp is returning as Grant Mitchell for a short stint in EastEnders (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Ross Kemp was last seen as Grant Mitchell back in February 2025, having returned for the series’ 40th anniversary celebrations, following concerns about brother Phil’s mental health.

The actor first joined EastEnders in 1990 and was one of its main characters during the 90s.

He left in 1999 and returned for short stints in both 2005 and 2006, and a guest stint in 2016.

Grant Mitchell has also been played by actor Teddy Jay in a special flashback episode about the Mitchell family in September 2022 and as part of the 40th anniversary in February 2025.

He also featured in a hallucination in the 1990s during a special episode heavily focused on Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) worsening dementia.

During his time in EastEnders, and being the younger brother of Steve McFadden’s Phil Mitchell, Ross’ character has been involved in several big storylines.

One of his most iconic arcs was his turbulent romance and marriage to Sharon Watts, which unravelled when Sharon began an affair with Phil.

The explosive 1994 reveal, often referred to as “Sharongate”, became one of the most famous moments in British soap history.

Grant’s darker side was further explored through his abusive marriage to Tiffany Mitchell, creating one of the show’s most controversial and talked-about domestic abuse storylines of the 1990s.

Tiffany’s death shortly after attempting to escape Grant marked a turning point for the character.

Family loyalty remained a core theme throughout Grant’s time on the show, particularly in his bond with his mother, Peggy Mitchell.

Despite frequent clashes, Grant was fiercely protective of the Mitchell name and legacy.

His various departures and dramatic returns over the years have typically reignited old feuds and unfinished emotional business.

Ross Kemp to return as Grant Mitchell in BBC soap EastEnders

A statement shared on the EastEnders social media pages said: “Grant Mitchell is set to make a dramatic return to Walford this spring with Ross Kemp reprising the iconic role for a short stint.

“Grant is called upon by his estranged son Mark to return to Walford, marking the first time the pair will be reunited since Mark learned the truth about his true parentage.

“Grant’s arrival on Albert Square also comes amidst the deteriorating health of long-time family friend Nigel.

“While full details of Grant’s comeback remain under wraps, viewers can expect explosive drama.”

On his return, Mr Kemp said: “I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year.

“As well as exploring Grant’s attempts to reconnect with his son Mark, it’s especially an honour to be part of Nigel’s powerful ongoing dementia storyline, which holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life.”

After EastEnders, Kemp has since built a career in documentary filmmaking with series such as Ross Kemp On Gangs, Ross Kemp In Afghanistan and Ross Kemp: Extreme World.

His 2016 appearance on the soap marked Dame Barbara Windsor’s final episode as Peggy Mitchell.

More recently, Mr Kemp has presented the BBC gameshow Bridge Of Lies.

Ben Wadey, executive producer of EastEnders, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross back once more to the legendary role of Grant.

“The Mitchells remain one of EastEnders’ defining dynasties, and we can’t wait to see them reunited again.

“As always, when Grant is around, drama inevitably follows him.”

Are you excited to see Ross Kemp return as Grant Mitchell? Let us know in the comments.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

It’s a place I walk regularly with friends and family members and took great pleasure in doing ‘roly polies’ down some of the more forgiving grassy slopes as a kid.

I tell anyone from out of town about the army assault course, which was used in Granada’s Krypton Factor TV programme, the tragic story of Ellen Strange and indulge in a pub lunch after trekking to the Pilgrims Cross and back.

But as I discovered for the first time this week – despite being born and raised in Bury – this particular area is so much more than just a pleasant picnic spot to look at the Manchester skyline from.

PC Tim Elliott with ranger Oliver Smith (Image: GMP)

Holcombe Moor, which is cared for by the National Trust, is part of the West Pennine Moors Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a nationally protected upland landscape between Chorley, Blackburn, Bolton and Haslingden.

A group of around 20 hardworking volunteers and rangers spend their free time looking after the delicate moorland, which includes heather, bog and upland heath.

One of their main jobs on the moor is to repair damaged peat.

I learned that healthy peatlands retain moisture, soaking up rain, locking in carbon and slowing the flow of water into Ramsbottom and Holcombe, which is vital to help tackle flooding. 

The Trust and its partners have put in thousands of small peat and stone dams and low banks in the bog. These hold water on the moor, help sphagnum moss grow back and stop bare peat washing away.

Volunteers and police are working together to help preserve the area (Image: GMP)

National Trust area ranger Nikolas Taylor also told me that they have planted an impressive 1.5 million sphagnum plugs in the last six years or so.

The group also looks after paths, fences and signs so people can still enjoy walking on the moor, while protecting ground‑nesting birds and delicate plants.

Sadly, the moorland was subject to vandalism last month, causing more than £25,000 worth of damage in the Bull Hill area of Holcombe Moor.

A range of pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles, quad bikes and motorcycles have all been using the land, which is only accessible by foot, to ride recreationally.

I joined volunteers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the National Trust on Tuesday morning (February 10) to learn more about the work they do in the area.

PC Charles Reece, a Ramsbottom Neighbourhood Officer and volunteer Wildlife Officer, also told me that there had recently been some damage to Peel Tower, with bars being pulled off windows and a door being kicked in on the historic landmark.

These acts highlight the vulnerabilities of the land and the importance of early reporting if members of the public spot anything of concern.

PS Sam De Gouveia is part of the Force Prevention Branch and is the Subject Matter Expert for wildlife for GMP, overseeing rural and wildlife crimes.

She explained that there are currently more than 20 wildlife officers who volunteer as Wildlife Officers, liaising with rural residents and groups to help protect the land and wildlife, alongside their usual policing roles.

PS Sam De Gouveia with PC Tim Elliott (Image: GMP)

PC Charles Reece, a Ramsbottom Neighbourhood Officer, said: “It’s about monitoring logs that come through.

“Sometimes, we can find they can fall through the cracks, just because we’re trying to solidify an understanding of the legislation at the moment.

“Covering Ramsbottom, I knew this [an NT hub on the moor] was up here but I’ve never had a full day of engagement with the National Trust so it’s really great to see what they do, and they’re really passionate.

“They have fantastic knowledge so it’s going to be great to engage with them further.”

Mr Taylor said: “Unfortunately, over the Christmas period and New Year, we’ve had a bit of damage on our peatland restoration area, which had some off-roaders come in off the tracks.

“It is an area of special scientific interest, and therefore, it does have protection against such activities. We want this to be a place where people come and enjoy, and where wildlife and people meet.”

He explained that while these examples of criminal activities set them back “quite a lot”, he is hopeful that by raising awareness of what this area actually means, it’ll make people realise “the value of these areas far more than they ever used to”.

He added: “Whether it’s capturing carbon, whether it’s doing natural flood management, habitat improvement or general access for local people and visitors alike.

“[They’re] really important areas therefore we should look after them in such a way that makes them even better in the future.”

He also urged dog walkers to keep dogs on leads around wildlife, especially during the upcoming lambing season.

Holcombe Moor and Stubbins Estate is home to birds such as skylark, golden plover, curlew, dunlin and snipe, who nest on the wet moor, along with meadow pipits, stonechats and winter thrushes.

Kestrels and owls also hunt there, feeding on shrews and voles.

In the woods and cloughs, there are great spotted woodpeckers, jays, dippers and other small songbirds. Foxes, badgers and bats use the slopes and field edges.

The peat and rough grassland attracts common lizards, other reptiles and insects, while nearby ponds hold frogs, toads and newts.

GMP is actively working on growing its partnership with the National Trust to help protect the rural environment and encourage stronger reporting from the community, including those who may feel more isolated or out of sight, such as rural residents.

The officers receive practical education on how the moorland functions, why it is environmentally significant, and the challenges faced by those who manage it, which will help officers respond more effectively to future incidents.

This growing relationship also means that, should an incident occur on the moor, officers will now have a clearer understanding of how to safely reach remote areas and can rely on the support and expertise of National Trust rangers.

PC Tim Elliott, Neighbourhood Officer for Whitefield and volunteer Wildlife Officer, said: “It’s something that I’ve had an interest in as my dad was a Wildlife Officer for Lancashire Constabulary so I’ve sort of followed in his footsteps.

“I really enjoy being in the outdoors, and I’d like to say that I think, as a team, we’ve been at the forefront of trying to gain a relationship with the rangers.

“We found that they’ve been quite unlucky because they’re on the Lancashire side but they are also on the Bury side, so when they are reporting things, it’s been like a table tennis match of whose crime it is.

“We’re finding that because there isn’t a dedicated team for wildlife, crimes are being closed without being investigated so we’re trying to jump in before that happens, and try and get some positive outcomes.”

National Trust ranger, Oliver Smith, is responsible for land management and has been part of the team for around three years.

He said: “I love the fact that this job is so diverse. One day I can be walling, one day I can be out fencing or doing moorland restoration or working with partners from universities.

“I love working with the volunteers on volunteer days. There are no two days the same, that’s why I think it’s so great up here.”

Protecting the land is about more than just pretty scenery – it’s about keeping a major store of carbon in the ground, saving rare upland wildlife, looking after historic sites and preserving a much-loved open space for people to use now and in the future.

Paramedics found the man injured after being called to Fifth Avenue on Saturday (February 14), afternoon, around 12.40pm.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said his injuries were “possibly as the result of an assault.”

One resident said she saw “at least 30 coppers” descend on the area, and said the field was cordoned off as police dealt with the incident. Durham Police has been contacted for information.

The mum-of-two, who did not want to be named, said: “Around one o’clock there were about 30 coppers and the whole field was cornered off.

Fifth Avenue in Chester le Street (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“I saw police go into one house and then to another.

“This area doesn’t feel safe at all and it’s unfair on the kids who live here. Whenever my seven-year-old son hears a bang, he’s terrified and doesn’t want to leave the house.

“I hate living here. You see things like this happen all the time. The kids are just petrified.”

Another resident said he saw armed police in the area earlier that afternoon.

He said: “I saw armed police here about 1pm, there were helicopters above as well. I went into my garden to keep out the way. I keep myself to myself.”

While another elderly resident, Janet, said: “There’s always trouble around here. Police are here a lot. But I didn’t see anything happen, I hope everyone is okay.”

Another resident said she saw “loads of police” opposite her house.

Fifth Avenue in Chester le Street (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“Sadly stuff like this happens all the time around here,” she added.

A NEAS spokesperson confirmed: “We received a call on Saturday (February 14) at 12.41pm to concerns for a person injured on Fifth Avenue, Chester-le-Street, possibly as the result of an assault.

“One emergency ambulance crew attended the scene along with police, and one male patient was taken to hospital for further treatment.”

Cyclist Shaun Reilly had come off his bike and was standing at the side of the road in East Whitburn, West Lothian, when he was involved in the collision early on Saturday.

Tributes have been paid to a “proud” Scots dad who died in a collision involving a van.

The cyclist, named locally as Shaun Reilly, had come off his bike and was standing at the side of the road on Main Street in East Whitburn, West Lothian, when he was involved in the collision with the white Vauxhall van just after 6am on Saturday.

Emergency crews were called to the scene but the 34-year old tragically died at the scene.

The driver of the vehicle, a white Vauxhall van, was uninjured.

Police appealed for anyone with information on the crash to come forward as loved ones paid tribute to the married dad on Sunday.

One friend said on Facebook that “heaven has gained a proper angel”.

They wrote: “I don’t even have the right words to express how much I’m gonna miss you.”

In a message to Shaun’s partner, who he wed three years ago, they wrote: “I can’t begin to imagine what your going through my hearts broken for you but you and those boys were his world he was so so proud.”

A loved one also paid tribute on Facebook, saying: “Still can’t believe this is real! Your gonna be sadly missed.

“Rest easy buddy. You’ll never be forgotten.”

Another tribute read: “Sleep tight my wee pal.”

Police taped off the road following the early hour crash and motorists were asked to use alternative routes.

Photos taken from the scene showed a large cordon in place and multiple police vehicles in attendance.

Anyone with any information, or who may have seen the white Vauxhall van or the cyclist in the area around the time of the crash are urged to get in touch.

Sergeant Fraser Mitchell said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died in this crash. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

“I am appealing to anyone who has information to come forward. If anyone saw the white Vauxhall van or a cyclist on or off a black pedal cycle in the area around the time of the collision, please contact us.

“I would also urge anyone who has dash-cam or personal footage to please review it and get in touch if there is anything that may be relevant to our investigation.”

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The 21-year-old was found dead in Ballymena days after going missing in June 2023.

The Chloe Mitchell murder trial is to go ahead despite a criminal barristers’ strike, after a meeting between barristers and the Justice Minister.

Due to a long-running dispute over fees for legal aid, crown court cases involving those who require legal aid have been effectively halted.

After a “constructive” meeting on Sunday, Justice Minister Naomi Long agreed to start an accelerated review and the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) agreed to exempt the upcoming trial from its withdrawal of services.

READ MORE: MLAs and MP make joint statement on Chloe Mitchell case as family meet Justice MinisterREAD MORE: Everything you need to know about the Criminal Barrister strike

Further meetings between the Department of Justice and the CBA are scheduled next week.

It comes after a derogation was granted to allow the trial of a man accused of the 2022 murder of Natalie McNally in Lurgan to go ahead despite the industrial action.

Ms Mitchell, 21, was found dead in Ballymena days after going missing in June 2023.

Brandon John Rainey, 29, whose address was given as HMP Maghaberry and who is formerly of James Street in Ballymena, has been charged with murdering Ms Mitchell in June 2023.

Ms Long said: “The meeting today was constructive, and I welcome the CBA’s commitment to engaging to find solutions to the recent impasse.

“Whilst not all issues have been resolved, a decision has now been taken which will enable the Chloe Mitchell trial to progress.

“I recently met with the family, and I am humbled by their resilience and determination to see justice for Chloe.

“We must never lose sight of the fact that victims are central to everything we do. We must protect them, we must serve them, and we must be prepared to make hard decisions for them.”

Michael Chambers KC, vice-chairman of the CBA, said: “We welcome the minister’s frank and constructive engagement with the CBA today, following on from the CBA’s meeting with the Mitchell family and North Antrim political representatives yesterday, during which we had an opportunity not only to listen but also to explain the full background of the strike to them.

“Our consistent position has been that our members want to be in court, dealing with cases like Chloe’s. We welcome the minister’s confirmation that an accelerated review will proceed and it is our hope that this will produce the urgent reforms necessary to enable a full return to work.”

North Antrim MP Jim Allister said he welcomed news the Chloe Mitchell trial will proceed.

“Following our meeting on Friday with the Criminal Bar Association, it was clear that if the minister re-engaged with the mid-January plan of a fast-tracked review of the fees structure, then this outcome was attainable,” he said.

“I trust we are now on a course which can lead to a fair outcome to the current CBA action.”

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Omra Wali Jan died in February 2024 after suffering a non-accidental brain injury less than three months earlier.

This week, Morsal Mohammed Naim, 32, Omra’s mother, was sentenced to nine years in prison, after pleading guilty to child cruelty in March 2025 and then manslaughter in January.

Firooz Wali Jan, also 32, Omra’s father, was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison after also pleading guilty to child cruelty in March 2025.

Senior investigating officer Philip Reade said: “Everyone who has been involved in this case has been deeply moved by the tragic circumstances of Omra’s death.

“The last few months of her life must have been truly miserable, being hurt by those who were meant to care for and protect her.

Morsal Mohammed Naim (left) and Firooz Wali Jan (right) (Image: GMP)

“This has been a challenging investigation spanning more than two years, involving countless medical and forensic experts.

“I would like to thank everyone for their efforts, which have led to justice for Omra.

“Omra was so young, her parents should have been nurturing her, allowing her to grow into the child she would become. Instead, they completely neglected their moral duty to protect her.

“Their behaviour and attempts to mislead our investigation throughout have made this case even more horrifying, so we welcome the custodial sentences handed down today.

“The investigation team never knew Omra, but we have seen countless images of her when being cared for by others, which show a happy, smiling, beautiful child, and she is in our thoughts today and always.”

The police investigation began in November 2023, when officers responded to reports of an unresponsive young child in Levenshulme, Manchester.

Naim said that Omra had collapsed and choked whilst eating a biscuit in the living room. She was unconscious when paramedics arrived and was taken to hospital.

Doctors who started to treat Omra were concerned about several unexplained injuries to her body, including burns and bruising.

A brain scan showed injuries inconsistent with the account given by her mother.

Further scans showed she had a rib fracture, and experts started to suspect Omra had been shaken with her head, possibly striking a hard, solid surface.

Omra was transferred to the critical care unit whilst detectives, forensic experts and medical professionals started the painstaking work of piecing together the evidence.

The family address was forensically examined, accounts from neighbours and family friends were taken, and forensic examination of mobile phone devices began.

By December 6, 2023, police had the evidence to arrest Omra’s mother.

Naim was arrested on suspicion of assault and interviewed at length, where the picture was building that she was the only adult present when Omra received her head injury.

She maintained her original account but was charged two days later.

On February 9, 2024, Omra died in hospital after life support was withdrawn, having never regained consciousness.

Naim was further charged in connection with her death.

Omra’s father was arrested in April 2024 in relation to the burn injuries and bruising that Omra had suffered.

 Alan Richardson of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Morsal Mohammed Naim not only shook her daughter to death, but then lied about what she had done.

“As her mother, Naim should have cared for two-year-old Omra Wali Jan, and kept her safe. Instead, she inflicted the catastrophic injuries that caused Omra’s death.

“It is a killing almost impossible to comprehend in its cruelty and sheer senselessness.

“The Crown Prosecution Service worked with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case to put before the court, including witness testimony, phone downloads, expert reports and medical evidence.

“The strength of the evidence led Naim to admit causing her daughter’s death in the early stages of the trial.

“Our thoughts are of Omra, whose young life was cut mercilessly short – and all those affected by her untimely death.”

These are some of those to have been locked up recently

A drug dealer who tried to drag a woman out of her car and a career shoplifter who stole more than £2,000 worth of alcohol in nine days are among the latest Cambridgeshire offenders to be sent to prison. The list of criminals also includes a prolific criminal who burgled several homes.

These are some of the people were jailed after appearing at courts across the region between February 6 and February 13. CambridgeshireLive regularly reports on the criminal behaviour of people in the area.

Also on the list of offenders is a thief who stole hundreds of pounds of meat, laundry products and ready meals. He’s now been banned from every Co-op and Tesco in Cambridgeshire.

Here is a rundown of some of the Cambridgeshire criminals to have been jailed in the past few days.

Prolific burglar who struck several times in a month

Lee Edwards, 40, has been sent back to prison again after being convicted of a series of crimes. His latest spree began on April 29 last year and ran until June 5. During that period, his offending included stealing a car from one house, a motorbike from another, and taking copper piping and tools from a building site.

He was identified and linked to the burglaries and thefts through a combination of CCTV images and forensics before being arrested in Orchard Street, Fletton, Peterborough, on June 13. Edwards, of Queen’s Walk in Fletton, Peterborough, was jailed for three years and four months after admitting two counts of burglary. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, theft of a pedal cycle, and a further burglary, for which he received no separate penalty.

Career shoplifter who stole more than £2k of alcohol

A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted shops and businesses across Cambridge has been jailed. Louis Kidd, 39, of Arrington, stole more than £2,000 worth of alcohol and £142 in cash from a business in Sussex Street between December 16 and 25.

He also broke into the Asda warehouse at the Beehive Centre and targeted Co-ops in Milton Road and Hills Road on nine occasions. Kidd was given a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) in April last year, banning him from entering any Co-op in Cambridgeshire.

At Cambridge Crown Court, he was sentenced to one year and 10 months in prison. He had entered guilty pleas to nine counts of breaching a CBO, nine counts of shoplifting and six counts of burglary.

Prolific thief banned from every Co-op and Tesco in Cambridgeshire

A thief who breached a banning order to steal hundreds of pounds of meat, laundry products and ready meals has been jailed. Ashley Till was given a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) in September, banning him from entering any Co-op or Tesco in Cambridgeshire.

But between November 6 and February 1 he breached the order on 14 occasions, stealing items including steak, chocolate and laundry products from the Co-op on Milton Road and Tesco Express on Christ’s Lane. The 37-year-old, of no fixed address, also broke into a pharmacy and stole £50 of prescription medication.

Till was sentenced to a year in prison after pleading guilty to 14 counts of theft, 14 breaches of a CBO, bike theft and burglary.

Thug who tried dragging random woman out of her car

A convicted drug dealer who tried to drag a woman from her car outside a doctor’s surgery has been jailed. Lee Holliday, 43, ran towards the woman’s car as she was leaving the Westwood Centre, Peterborough, on July 31.

The victim stopped driving when she noticed Holliday chasing after her, thinking there might be a problem with her car. Holliday, of Welland Road, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, immediately opened the rear passenger door of the car and got into the back, shouting “drive, drive, they’re chasing me”.

When the victim refused and told him to get out, Holliday did so but walked around to the driver’s side, opened the door, and tried to grab the ignition keys and the steering wheel. Holliday put his hands around the victim’s neck, attempted to pull her out of the vehicle, ripping her shirt and necklace in the struggle. The victim’s daughter, who was close by at the time, assisted in intervening and getting Holliday away from the vehicle until police arrived.

After a trial at Cambridge Crown Court, Holliday was convicted of common assault and was jailed for two years and five months, which included the activation of a two-year suspended sentence for drug offences.