In a statement to Belfast Live, Mr Lavery said that he wanted to “apologise unreservedly” for the error in judgment.

Former Northern Ireland Human Rights Commissioner David Lavery has said he is “disappointed” to be leaving the post after new Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant terminated his contract with immediate effect after he provided a character reference for his paedophile cousin.

Lavery, who is also the Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Law Society, was first appointed as the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commissioner in August 2020. He was reappointed to the role for a second three-year term in August 2023, which was due to end later this month.

An independent review initiated by the NI Human Rights Commission found that Mr Lavery had breached their Code of Governance and was capable of bringing the organisation into disrepute.

In a statement to Belfast Live, Mr Lavery said that he wanted to “apologise unreservedly” for the error in judgment.

“The Secretary of State has informed me of his decision to remove me from the Human Rights Commission. I am disappointed to be leaving the Commission after six years, but I accept and understand the decision that he has made,” he said.

“I want to again apologise unreservedly for what I recognise was a serious error in judgement on my part in providing a character reference for my cousin and particularly for any hurt and distress that I caused the victims in this case. I profoundly regret that and I am committed to doing all I can to address it in the time ahead.”

William Lloyd Lavery was convicted by a jury of sexually abusing pupils at an all-girls grammar in Belfast and was handed a two-year jail sentence

The 77-year-old, from Richmond Avenue in Lisburn, will also spend the next ten years on the Sex Offenders Register.

On Tuesday, A Northern Ireland Office spokesperson said: “The public rightly expects the highest standards of integrity and professionalism from those in public appointments.

“An investigation and an independent review were initiated by the NI Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) after public reports revealed that its Commissioner, David Lavery, had given a reference to a relative convicted of historical and serious sexual offences.“This independent review concluded that in providing this reference, Mr Lavery had breached the NIHRC Code of Governance and was capable of bringing the Commission into disrepute and demonstrated a severe failure of judgment regarding public office responsibilities.“Having considered the findings of this independent review, the Secretary of State, as the appointing Minister, has terminated Mr Lavery’s appointment with immediate effect.”

A Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission spokesperson added: “The protection of victims of sexual violence and abuse is of the utmost importance to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.

“Following media reports that Commissioner David Lavery had given a reference to a relative convicted of historical and serious sexual offences, we initiated an independent investigation under the Commission’s Code of Governance. That investigation is now complete.

“After receipt of the investigation report the Secretary of State has exercised his statutory powers and removed David Lavery from his post as Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission with immediate effect.”

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

The M1 is expected to remain closed throughout the morning following the crash.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “Due to the nature of the incident, the road is likely to be closed throughout the morning to facilitate Police collision investigation works and a complex recovery operation.”

Hello, and welcome to WalesOnline’s live blog for Wednesday, August 5. We’ll be bringing you all of the latest news from across Wales – whether you’re on the move, at home or at work – as well as the latest traffic and travel.

We’ll also be keeping you informed of major news stories from the UK and overseas.

Contribute to the live blog by posting your comments below, or tweet us @WalesOnline to share the news that’s breaking in your area. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.

By EVE SIMMONS HEALTH EDITOR

Published: 23:30 BST, 4 August 2026 | Updated: 05:47 BST, 5 August 2026

Scottish Prison Service operational advisor John O’Connor gave evidence at the Edinburgh Employment Tribunal.

A prison boss admitted an officer team was plagued by “playground antics” and he “potentially” should have reached a different outcome in handling bullying allegations, a tribunal heard today.

John O’Connor – current operational advisor for the Scottish Prison Service – gave evidence at the Edinburgh Employment Tribunal on Tuesday, August 4. Agata Stankiewicz, a former residential officer at HMP Edinburgh, has levied allegations that officers bullied colleagues in the prison’s Ratho Hall, causing officers to “break down” at work.

She yesterday described a “mean girl club” work environment where some officers “singled out” colleagues and wrote “nasty” messages on a professional white board. Mrs Stankiewicz reported the behaviour to management in 2024 in a string of emails.

Mr O’Connor – then a unit manager – told the court he was aware of a “playground antics” culture in Ratho Hall but largely expected line managers to handle disputes. When Mrs Stankiewicz reported the behaviour, he consulted HR.

Advertisement

Employment Judge Jane Porter questioned Mr O’Connor about whether Mrs Stankiewicz’s report raised “alarm bells” and why he did not take more direct action instead of “pushing it to HR”, reports Edinburgh Live.

She said: “[Mrs Stankiewicz] gave cogent evidence how [if the behaviour took place] in Tesco this wouldn’t be of interest. In your circumstances [in a prison setting] would not this be of interest?”

Mr O’Connor claimed he consulted HR because he “needed guidance about how to handle the situation” and “my reaction was concern at the time which was why I was seeking guidance.”

Mrs Stankiewicz claimed on Monday that bullying poses a significant risk to officer safety, saying: “If prisoners see this white board and see [a nasty message] about another officer, they think ‘there is a divide and we can target those officers and no one will defend them.’”

She described how officers have been stabbed, had ribs and noses broken, and even lost fingers in violent incidents involving prisoners, adding: “You need to know your colleagues will have your back if there is any trouble.”

An investigation was launched whereby a prison boss, Jill Dollard, conducted interviews and reviewed evidence. She concluded two offending officers had a case to answer. However, the court heard that Mr O’Connor disagreed with her findings and deemed the officers had no case to answer in a subsequent disciplinary hearing.

Judge Porter said she was “confused” by Mr O’Connor’s decision which seemed to contravene Jill Dollard’s conclusion.

He replied: “It was a lot of ‘he said, she said’. There were two different camps at the time. I believe with the information I had in front of me, that was the best course of action.”

Mr O’Connor denied the subsequent decision to move Mrs Stankiewicz to a new ward was “targeted”. The officer yesterday alleged she was transferred from Ratho Hall because of her whistleblowing, though Mr O’Connor claimed transfers are “chosen on balance of experience and competency in each area.”

He added: “People aren’t employed to be a residential officer in Ratho Hall. They are employed to be at HMP Edinburgh and can be moved accordingly within that.”

The court also heard staff transfers routinely occur without warning. Mr O’Connor denied Mrs Stankiewicz was moved as a “punishment” for her disclosures.

Under cross examination by Mrs Stankiewicz Mr O’Connor admitted that, looking back, he would “potentially” reach a different outcome regarding the officer responsible for writing a nasty comment on the white board.

He said: “I do think there would be other avenues that could be reached at that point.”

Mr O’Connor also conceded he was aware at the time Mrs Stankiewicz’s claims were considered whistleblowing and that she should not suffer any detriment as a result of making such disclosures. He further admitted she did the right thing by reporting the behaviour.

Employment Judge Jane Porter presides over the hearing. The tribunal continues.

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

The plan by Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, to invite equity investment into the World Cup didn’t last long. Announced on July 28, it immediately provoked hostility from across football.

Three days later Fifa sought to reassure critics: “Nobody is selling football. This is not something Fifa would ever entertain.” The proposal was then unceremoniously abandoned less than 48 hours later, amid reports that Infantino’s position is now under considerable pressure.

Although withdrawn, the proposal exposed a more significant issue than the question of the “ownership” of football’s most iconic tournament. Contemporary elite level football has become increasingly dependent on continual commercial expansion. The 2026 Fifa World Cup generated more than US$15 billion (£11.2 billion) in revenue, yet football’s governing bodies continue to search for new sources of growth.

Whether through larger tournaments, expanded club competitions, additional broadcasting rights or private investment, the commercial logic remains the same: increasing the number of matches and the consequent overall value of football.

This expansionist strategy is now encountering increasing resistance from the players themselves. Trade unions, medical experts and international organisations argue that fixture congestion, longer playing times and growing travel demands are pushing elite footballers beyond acceptable limits.

What was once presented as a debate about player welfare is becoming a question of employment rights, occupational health and safety, and the legal responsibilities owed to professional athletes. A complaint was brought in July 2025 by the French players’ union before the European Committee of Social Rights.

In addition, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has issued guidelines for the protection of professional athletes, and the international players’ union has continued to present evidence relating to player welfare. These suggest that football may be approaching a significant regulatory turning point.

Fifa’s abandoned private equity proposal was not the problem in itself, but a symptom of a wider economic model in which commercial growth depends upon an ever-expanding football calendar. The central question is whether that model is compatible with the legal and ethical obligation to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of the players on whom the game ultimately depends.

More please…

Investors in football, such as the owners of Premier League clubs or sponsors and broadcasters, desire growth, which can be generated by further exploitation of the existing product or by expanding the number of games. It is this latter approach that has occurred at both international level through Fifa and European level by Uefa as both seek to maximise financial opportunities.

The 2026 Fifa World Cup increased from 32 to 48 teams, creating more fixtures, greater broadcasting opportunities and additional commercial revenue. This mirrored the approach of the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup, expanding the tournament from seven clubs to 32. Uefa has also presided over a significant enlargement in club football competitions, moving from a simple knockout tournament to an expanded league system involving far more teams and fixtures.

While expansion is often justified in terms of greater sporting opportunity, increased global participation or enhanced fan engagement, it also reflects the economic reality that growth depends ever more upon creating more matches to sell.

The consequences extend beyond the clubs participating in these competitions. Additional European fixtures compress domestic calendars, reduce recovery periods and increase travel demands on players. They also affect supporters, with domestic fixtures progressively scheduled to accommodate broadcasting requirements rather than traditional match-going times.

The expansion of competitions has fundamentally altered the workload of elite footballers. The issue is no longer simply the number of matches played but the cumulative demands created by congested calendars, global travel and longer periods spent on the pitch. The 2022 World Cup saw stoppage time recalculated, leading to a significant increase in playing time – a principle later extended into domestic leagues.

For leading players, the traditional off-season has become progressively shorter, while recovery periods between matches have been reduced as domestic, continental and international competitions compete for space within an already crowded calendar.

The travel issue is exacerbated for players who represent countries outside Europe but play their club football there. For example, Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez accumulated 195 hours of travel during 29 journeys, spanning 149,010 kilometres in one season.

A workers’ rights approach

It seems odd to discuss highly paid elite footballers in the context of a traditional health and safety framework. But despite their huge paycheques, professional footballers are still employees whose work involves identifiable physical and psychological risks. Employers and governing bodies have a clear legal duty to manage risks and reduce harm. The recent legal challenges and regulatory pressure reflect a more traditional workplace approach.

The recent ILO guidelines for professional athletes explicitly recognise the importance of rest and recovery periods as central to managing occupational health and safety risks. The footballer’s union, Fifpro’s Medical Position Statement on Minimum Player Workload Safeguards outlines recommendations focusing on recovery periods, off-season breaks and protections for young players.

The increased workload issue is evident across the game. At the top end of the women’s game, leading players have averaged over 50 games in a season, with some reaching around 60 matches. This workload is exacerbated by the number of games played within short time-frames. At the other end of the spectrum, players outside of the elite suffer from insufficient game opportunities. As the women’s game grows in popularity, the pressure to schedule more games at club and international level is likely to increase, creating similar problems to the men’s game.

The controversy surrounding Fifa’s now abandoned private equity proposal was much more than an investment issue. It has highlighted a broader commercial model in which continued financial growth depends upon creating more of the same. The expansion of the game to facilitate increased commercial exploitation cannot continue without serious impact on those who deliver the spectacle. Addressing player welfare requires a change of approach where health and wellbeing are prioritised over the economic proposition of more games.

Funeral plans have been announced for former international peacekeeper Danny Vettrino, from Dysart, Fife, who was murdered in Canouan, on St Vincent and the Grenadines, in June.

A Scot shot dead on a Caribbean paradise island is to be laid to rest at home as his family pay tribute several weeks on from the killing.

Former international peacekeeper Danny Vettrino, from Dysart, Fife, was murdered in Canouan, on St Vincent and the Grenadines, in June, with police making “several” arrests as part of the investigation.

Now the family of the 36-year-old, who moved to the Granadines in 2024, have announced plans for his funeral later this month in Kirkcaldy, describing him as “a cherished friend to so many people across the world”.

In a message shared through funeral directors, the family said: “It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of a much loved man and a man who brought so much joy to those around him, Mr Daniel Vettrino, affectionately known to most as Danny.

“Danny tragically passed away on Canouan Island, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where he had been living and working, on Thursday, 25th June 2026, aged just 36 years.

“A beloved son, a loving brother, uncle and nephew, Danny was also a cherished friend to so many people across the world. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Danny moved from Scotland to Egypt in 2015 and worked for an international peacekeeping organisation, which was created to oversee the terms of the Egyptian peace treaty with Israel.

He moved to Colombia in 2023 and was contemplating returning to Scotland early in the next year before he landed the job in the Caribbean.

In August of 2024, Danny moved to the Grenadines where he worked as a Technical Service Manager at the Canouan Estate Resort and Villas.

Danny was gunned down at a car park in the Gym Hill area of Canouan at around 11:30pm after returning from a day out.

He suffered a number of gunshot wounds to his body and was pronounced dead at the scene.

We previously told how detectives investigating the fatal shooting were reportedly probing links to a plane which ‘vanished’ in mysterious circumstances.

Local media reports stated that his death has triggered an “expansion of an ongoing investigation” into the “disappearance” of a private plane near Canouan in July.

Reports suggested the probes became linked as the two pilots of the light aircraft, which vanished from radar before being found days later, came from Colombia, where Daniel previously lived.

Confirming his passing online in the days after his murder, his brother Robson Vettrino Kolberg previously said Danny was “loved by everyone, a pure soul who only wanted success and happiness for all of those around him”. He said: “He has touched the lives of so many people, from his hometown in Fife to all corners of this world.”

Daniel’s aunt also paid a heartfelt tribute to her “one in a million” nephew, saying: “Daniel lived a life shaped by courage, independence, and a determination to follow his own path.”

Daniel’s brother shared news of his funeral this week, which will be held on August 21 at Kirkcaldy Crematorium, saying “all family and friends are respectfully invited” to the service, followed by a wake in the town.

Last month, police said they had made “several” arrests after two co-workers of Danny Vettrino were nabbed over his murder.

Police Sergeant Edson Smith said: “We are looking at everything – no stones will be left unturned.”

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

An independent review initiated by the NI Human Rights Commission found that Mr Lavery had breached their Code of Governance and was capable of bringing the organisation into disrepute.

The Law Society have said that they will not be commenting any further after their CEO, David Lavery, was sacked from his role as Northern Ireland Human Rights Commissioner for supplying a character reference to his convicted paedophile cousin.

David Lavery was first appointed as the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commissioner in August 2020. He was reappointed to the role for a second three-year term in August 2023, which was due to end later this month.

An independent review initiated by the NI Human Rights Commission found that Mr Lavery had breached their Code of Governance and was capable of bringing the organisation into disrepute.

When asked by Belfast Live if there have been any internal reviews or further actions taken by the Society’s Presidential and Senior Management Team in relation to Mr Lavery’s decision to supply a reference to a convicted paedophile, a spokesperson for the Law Society of Northern Ireland said: “The Law Society has undertaken an internal process in relation to this matter. This has now concluded, and respecting the confidential nature of that process, we will be making no further comment on the outcome.

“We acknowledge the concern that this has caused. We are committed to facilitating appropriate consideration of the use of character references following conviction, acknowledging that there will be a broad range of views.”

In a statement, Mr Lavery said that he wanted to “apologise unreservedly” for the error in judgment.

“The Secretary of State has informed me of his decision to remove me from the Human Rights Commission. I am disappointed to be leaving the Commission after six years, but I accept and understand the decision that he has made,” he said.

“I want to again apologise unreservedly for what I recognise was a serious error in judgement on my part in providing a character reference for my cousin and particularly for any hurt and distress that I caused the victims in this case. I profoundly regret that and I am committed to doing all I can to address it in the time ahead.”

William Lloyd Lavery was convicted by a jury of sexually abusing pupils at an all-girls grammar in Belfast and was handed a two-year jail sentence

The 77-year-old, from Richmond Avenue in Lisburn, will also spend the next ten years on the Sex Offenders Register.

On Tuesday, A Northern Ireland Office spokesperson said: “The public rightly expects the highest standards of integrity and professionalism from those in public appointments.

“An investigation and an independent review were initiated by the NI Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) after public reports revealed that its Commissioner, David Lavery, had given a reference to a relative convicted of historical and serious sexual offences.“This independent review concluded that in providing this reference, Mr Lavery had breached the NIHRC Code of Governance and was capable of bringing the Commission into disrepute and demonstrated a severe failure of judgment regarding public office responsibilities.“Having considered the findings of this independent review, the Secretary of State, as the appointing Minister, has terminated Mr Lavery’s appointment with immediate effect.”

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

“It’s just a fantastic space as well – there’s so much under one roof”

Belfast’s historic weekend market is embracing the spirit of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann as traders celebrate a week-long opening.

Located in the heart of Belfast City Centre, St George’s Market is combining a fantastic selection of local and international traders with a full live trad music programme until August 9.

Three days into Fleadh celebrations at the market, Belfast Live headed down to chat to vendors about what it means to be able to trade during the landmark event for Belfast and soak up the buzzy atmosphere on Tuesday afternoon.

1to1 Music is combining showcasing its locally made guitar straps and music gear with its own mini sessions right in front of its stall.

Co Tyrone musician Finn McGinn encouraged visiting musicians and locals alike to come down to St George’s Market and avail of the “coolest guitar straps you’ve ever seen” while out celebrating the Fleadh.

His colleague added: “The city centre’s buzzing – there’s all the streets are closed and there’s loads of bars ticking about in different stands.

“But there are a lot of local people in here actually selling stuff that they’ve made. Our guitar straps are all made by us and the whistle cases, they’re hand stitched and designed by us as well.

“It’s good fun in here as well, I like talking to all the people. It’s nice talking to them and seeing what they are doing here and what else they’ve enjoyed.”

Melting Pot Fudge is a well-known presence at the market every week and is delighted to be able to show off its locally made treats for the entire week.

With their fudge being made only one mile from St George’s Market, General Manager Jack McAdorey said the Fleadh celebrations at the market have only “levelled-up” what the market is offering every weekend.

“It’s amazing every weekend anyway – it’s a good atmosphere, it’s a great part of Belfast and it’s a good part of Belfast heritage,” he explained.

Jack added that the extra opening hours have allowed more tourists and visitors to experience the market, bringing “more energy”, which has been exciting for guests and traders alike.

“Come down and see the amazing selection of products that we have – food, art, everything really. Come down yourself, see it, listen to some music, try some products, get a free sample of fudge and get some fudge ice cream.

“Come down and have a laugh.”

Amy’s brand, Sage and Soul, specialises in handmade resin jewellery, trinkets, gifts and more. She has said the Fleadh has allowed her to chat to some brilliant people and has enjoyed meeting the people who are taking home her creations.

Amy said: “I think it’s great because obviously a lot of the city centre is pedestrianised, so I think it’s an amazing opportunity for people from the country and tourists alike to get down, have a wee nosey, come try lots of really yummy foods and shop lots of local crafts.

“It’s just a fantastic space as well – there’s so much under one roof.”

Lydia, a Co Fermanagh native who now runs her independent Irish fashion and graphic apparel brand from Dublin, said it was amazing to be able to have a stall at St George’s Market all week during the Fleadh.

“We’re a small Irish-owned brand called Deluly, and we screen print on t-shirts – so all the designs are inspired by Irish culture and the iconography and everything like that.

“All the stalls here are great, there’s such a wide variety. For us, we’re just so happy to be here in Belfast – hopefully people like our bits and support small businesses.”

She added that there has been “such a buzz” at St George’s Market, a sentiment felt by the market’s new and more established traders alike.

SporeShore Mushrooms have been trading at the market for over six years – they sell speciality mushrooms grown in Ballywalter and are at St George’s Market every weekend.

Suzanne, whose son Connor founded the business, is a musician herself and said the atmosphere surrounding the Fleadh at the market has been great.

“It’s been great having all the different performers in and the Irish dancers too- the atmosphere has been great.

“We’ve had people from Brazil, from Italy, from France and from Germany at the stall so please come and meet international people.”

St George’s Market is open for business from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday, then 10am to 10pm on Thursday to Sunday.

Find out more about Fleadh celebrations at the market here

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter here

“For trans, intersex and gender non-conforming individuals, as well as those men and women who do not fit normative social representations of gender, these guidelines present the danger of discrimination and prejudice in the spaces where we should be prioritising care, support and service provision,” she added.