A previous customer described it as a ‘quirky old-style pub’
One of the oldest pubs in Cambridge is set to close for an autumn refurb. The Pickerel Inn, on Magdalene Street in the heart of Cambridge, will see changes that will “carefully blend all its rich historic and literary charm with modern-day comforts”, according to Greene King.
Advertisement
The pub will close to the public from Wednesday, September 16, and is set to officially reopen its doors in early October.
The pub dates back to 1608, making it one of the city’s oldest pubs, and is believed to have been a favoured watering hole of CS Lewis. Today, it also has one of the few courtyards where customers can continue to make and share stories in the open air.
Just as it has done for hundreds of years, it remains a popular choice for regulars and tourists, friends, families and students with a good range of food and drinks to suit all diets, appetites and occasions.
It’s a popular choice for customers stopping by for a drink with colleagues, lunchtime refreshments, after work and study catch-ups, or on a night out. The historic pub is full of charm and has earned a rating of 4.5 stars out of five on Google.
Advertisement
One previous customer said: “I’ve been to The Pickerel several times now, and what keeps bringing me back isn’t the beer or the food – it’s the people.”
Another previous visitor claimed it was the “best pub” adding they visited around “20 times”. Meanwhile, another described it as a “quirky old-style pub with decent menu and nice staff”.
More details about Lady Gaga and her fiance Michael Polansky’s newborn baby have been revealed.
A birth certificate obtained by TMZ revealed the sex and name of the couple’s newborn child, as well as details about her birth.
The baby is a girl named Rose Bean Polansky who was born on June 9 at 11:19 PM at Los Angeles‘s famed Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a hospital many celebrities have previously given birth at.
Dr. Robert Katz was the doctor who delivered the child.
Advertisement
News Gaga and Polansky had welcomed a child first came to light last week after she mysteriously dropped out of the public eye.
Page Six broke the news and then published photos of the couple with their newborn baby.
More details about Lady Gaga and her fiance Michael Polansky’s newborn baby have been revealed
Advertisement
Gaga (real name: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta) and Polansky have been engaged since April of 2024, and they began dating back in 2019.
During an appearance in October 2025 on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, she said motherhood would be her ‘next starring role.’
‘I would like to do many things, yeah, all of these things,’ she said after Colbert asked if she wanted to continue acting in films or performing on Broadway. ‘But, what I really want is to be a mom. That’s my next starring role, I hope.’
While speaking to the New York Times in March 2025, Gaga said she was ‘excited to be a mom,’ even though she ‘used to have a lot of apprehension about it.’
Advertisement
‘I’m also kind of at war with myself sometimes as I get ready to, hopefully, become a mom soon,’ she added. ‘Like, today is wonderful, but the whole day has revolved around me. There’s an incredible amount of narcissism in this.’
Gaga’s plans for becoming a mother may not end with just one child.
‘She has only one sister, Natali, and always wanted more siblings. So she wants her children to have many siblings so they can all lean on each other,’ a source told the Daily Mail.
So far, there’s no word on when Gaga and Polansky plan to tie the knot, but in March of this year she indicated that they planned to wed ‘soon.’
Advertisement
During an appearance on Bruno Mars’s Romantic Radio TikTok Live, the Poker Face singer said via a recorded message: ‘Me and my fiancé have been traveling all year, but we’re getting married soon. We were hoping you could choose a special song for us.’
The couple are the parents of a baby girl named Rose Bean Polansky
A teenager was arrested in connection with the incident
16:11, 17 Sep 2026Updated 16:20, 17 Sep 2026
A teenage boy has suffered serious injuries following an alleged attack at a park in Huntingdon, according to Cambridgeshire Police. Detectives have launched an appeal for witnesses following the incident on Tuesday, September 15.
Police were called to Riverside Park at about 3pm where the 14-year-old had suffered a serious, but not life-threatening injury. He was taken to hospital and later discharged, the force confirmed.
A 16-year-old boy from Huntingdon was arrested on Wednesday, September 16, on suspicion of GBH without intent. He has since been released on bail to return on December 13.
Advertisement
Detective Sergeant Molly Halksworth said: “We believe this was an isolated incident but understand it will have caused concern in the community and officers will be in the area over the coming days.
“An investigation is ongoing and officers are carrying out enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. I would appeal to anyone who was in the area between 2.30 and 3pm on Tuesday to contact police if they think they can help our investigation.”
Ian Davis’ family have said he ‘did not deserve what happened to him’
Carl Eve and Olivia Bridge Reporter in Live News Network
19:25, 17 Sep 2026
Four men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was found dead with “multiple injuries” in a property.
Emergency services swarmed a residential property at Baytree Hill, Liskeard, at around 9.30pm on Sunday. Upon arriving at the scene, the forced said a man was found dead inside.
Today, Mr Davis’ heartbroken family have paid tribute to him, stating: “He was harmless and he loved his animals, especially dogs.
“He didn’t deserve what happened to him.
“He will be missed and loved.”
Advertisement
Devon and Cornwall Police have said specially trained officers continue to support the family.
A local man in his 30s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. Fast-paced enquiries subsequently identified three further suspects.
Two local men aged in their 40s and 50s, respectively, were arrested on suspicion of murder, along with a man in his 20s from Plymouth.
All four men have now been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Advertisement
Det Insp Pete Gee said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with the family and loved ones of Ian at this incredibly difficult time.
“Our investigation is continuing and detectives are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry, and we have several scene guards still in place.
“We recognise the impact this incident has had on the local community and would like to thank residents for their continued support and patience while enquiries are carried out.
“We continue to appeal for anyone with information or footage that may be relevant to our investigation to contact us.”
Advertisement
Residents may continue to see an increased police presence in the area while enquiries remain ongoing.
Anyone with information or footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 or via the force’s website quoting reference 50260246022.
In total, there’s 11 beautiful shades to choose from across matte, jewel and shimmer shades
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Advertisement
While Christmas is still over three months away, it pays to be prepared. Starting the festive shop now not only reduces stress in December, it spreads the cost over a few months as well as reducing panic-buying.
Ahead of the festive season, Victoria Beckham Beauty has just dropped four new shades of her Satin Kajal Liner. The glitzy new colourways are perfect for any upcoming Christmas or New Year’s Eve parties.
Among the new shades is Navy Noir Pavé, a rich navy with silver and sapphire sparkle. It costs £33 and shoppers can pick it up with a free branded eye pencil sharpener at no extra cost.
There’s also Cocoa Pavé, a cool rich brown with silver sparkle, as well as Silver Glaze, a chrome silver with silver sparkle. The last addition, Terracotta, is an earthy, warm clay in a matte finish.
In total, there’s 11 beautiful shades to choose from across matte, jewel and shimmer shades. Each one boasts a creamy, smudge-free formula that promises to deliver a vivid, high-performance that remains in place all day and all night long, even after partying.
Infused with skin-loving ingredients for long-lasting wear, the Satin Kajal Liner glides on smoothly for gorgeous colour and eye-calming comfort in a single swipe. It can be used in the waterline as well as all over the lid for a bold makeup look.
Advertisement
Elsewhere, Charlotte Tilbury has reduced its Exagger-Eyes Easy Eyeshadow Stick by 20% from £27 to £21.60. The crease-proof, waterproof, fade-proof sticks deliver high-impact, buildable colour with a silky-smooth glide, transforming your eye game instantly.
Choose from an array of universally flattering shades in matte and satin finishes that are perfect for sculpting, defining, lifting and highlighting. Whether you want a quick wash of brightness or a more layered, dramatic effect, just scribble, smudge and swipe.
Alternatively, The Eyeshadow Stick comes in five shades for £30. It is a creamy, highly pigmented eyeshadow stick that transforms without trying.
Advertisement
The lightweight formula lets you customize your look from one simple sweep to a layered statement. It locks onto lids for long-lasting wear without creasing or transferring.
Back at Victoria Beckham Beauty, the Satin Kajal Liner boasts an overall star-rating of 4.4 out of five based on more than 42,579 reviews. One satisfied shopper said: “The application of this is smooth as silk, and I love the touch of sparkle. Definitely want this in more colours.”
A second wrote: “Never found an eyeliner which goes on smoothly and glides over the eye I am not very good with makeup but this product let me create a smokey eye look I have always wanted without any effort.”
Advertisement
“I absolutely love these,” a third penned. “The pigment is insane, I don’t end up looking like a panda by the end of the day and the pencil glides on like butter. Will definitely keep buying these.”
One shopper, however, found the Satin Kajal Liner to be ‘too subtle’ and gave it a three-star review. It reads: “Not as bold as I would have liked. It’s subtle bronze.”
Another found the liner to be ‘meh’, also giving the liner a three-star review, writing: I thought this was gonna be magical and it’s fine but not life-changing. I expected more. If you’re on the fence cause of the cost, it’s meh.”
Advertisement
But another loved their latest Victoria Beckham Beauty purchase, adding: “The Satin Kajal Jewel Liner is the nicest eye liner I have seen and used. It is so long, it could last forever, such value for money.
“I purchased the sharpener as well as I needed a new one. Very sophisticated branding.”
Another five-star review reads: “Absolutely love this eyeliner. It glides on effortlessly, has beautiful rich pigment, and is incredibly easy to blend while still staying in place.
Advertisement
“The texture feels luxurious and smooth, and it gives the eyes a beautifully defined, sophisticated look. Definitely one of the best eyeliners I’ve used.” Get the Satin Kajal Liner for £33 here.
In 2007, as head of the Pakistan Ulema Council group of Islamic clerics and scholars, the imam said he would give bin Laden – the orchestrator of the September 11 terror attacks – the title Saifullah, which means “Sword of God”, for “serving Muslims by waging jihad against infidels”.
Labour has been accused of sidelining dinner ladies in a ‘disgusting’ move to fund teachers’ pay rises.
The GMB union is furious that a saving made from the school support staff pension scheme is being diverted away – despite individual pensions remaining unaffected.
The windfall is going to be spent on fully funding a pay rise for teachers, but the union is arguing it should go towards boosting support staff pay and benefits instead.
GMB’s 100,000 school support staff members include dinner ladies, caretakers, receptionists, librarians and teaching assistants – who are the ‘poorest paid group in education,’ it said.
Advertisement
Support staff are only getting a 3.3 per cent pay rise this year, while teachers are getting 3.5 per cent.
The row erupted after it emerged a surplus in the Local Government Pension Scheme means schools can make employment contributions of, on average, 4.9 per cent less this year for support staff members.
This will not result in any cut or adverse effect on individual members’ pensions.
Lucy Powell, the Education Secretary, revealed yesterday that schools will be able to use the savings to fund this year’s teacher pay rise.
Advertisement
Labour has been accused of sidelining dinner ladies in a ‘disgusting’ move to fund teachers’ pay rises (pictured: Education Secretary Lucy Powell)
However, today, Stacey Booth, GMB national officer, said: ‘School support staff are already paid a pittance for nurturing, feeding and helping to educate our children.
‘To take money from their pensions to give others a pay rise is completely disgusting.
Advertisement
‘Ministers should be ashamed of themselves – if they can’t fund a pay rise they should have the guts to admit it rather than stealing the money of others.
‘Meanwhile anyone who celebrates a pay rise that takes money away from the poorest paid group in education is a wolf in sheep’s clothing and should take a long hard look at themselves.’
The GMB said it was going to meet Ms Powell to voice concerns its members had been sidelined.
Yesterday’s announcement from Ms Powell came in response to the National Education Union (NEU), which is mostly made up of teachers, threatening strikes over their pay rise not being ‘fully funded’.
Advertisement
Schools had originally been expected to fund roughly half the pay rise from their existing budgets, raising concerns over staff cuts.
A formal strike ballot had been planned for this autumn, with walk-outs expected after Christmas.
However, under the new arrangement, around £500million will be made available from the pension scheme savings, meaning there will no longer be a shortfall.
The GMB union is furious that a saving made from the school support staff pension scheme is being diverted away – despite individual pensions remaining unaffected (file picture)
Advertisement
NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede said today of the GMB comments: ‘Not one support staff pension has been cut – this is a fall in what employers pay in, set independently by actuaries because these funds are healthier than expected.
‘Our fight from day one was for a fully funded pay rise for the whole school workforce, and this is a win on exactly those terms: support staff were most of the 8,300 jobs we warned were at risk from an unfunded award, and it’s the NEU’s campaign and the threat of strike action which has now ensured this money stays in the school system.’
The Local Government Pension Scheme is a defined benefits scheme and relies on contributions from both employers and employees.
It is separate from the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, which is for teachers only.
Advertisement
A DfE spokesman said: ‘Supporting the whole school workforce remains a priority for this Government, and the recent pay awards and funding will benefit teachers, teaching assistants and support staff alike.
‘The recent local government pension scheme valuation reduces what schools have to pay into the scheme as employers, but it does not reduce the pension benefits support staff receive.
‘This has the overall effect of supporting the whole school budget.’
Back pain will affect most of us (80%) at one point or another. And given that 70% of UK adults are sexually active, there’s bound to be some overlap between spinal woes and steamy sessions.
“Any family doctor will tell you that couples will often ask them how to manage their back pain during and after having sex,” professor Stuart McGill, who helped conduct research into the topic, said.
“Many couples will remain celibate because one night of love-making can lead to months of back agony.”
Prof McGill was part of a University of Waterloo team which sought to find “very solid science to guide clinicians on their recommendations for patients who suffer debilitating back pain, but still want to be intimate”.
Advertisement
So… which positions work best for people with back pain?
Initially, the researchers used infrared and electromagnetic motion capture systems to track how couples’ spines moved during a range of sex positions.
The first study focused on which stances were best for men’s backs, while the second looked at what could benefit women with sore spines.
Doggy style and spooning can help men with different types of back pain
Advertisement
The male-focused study found that men whose back pain is “flexion intolerant” – or gets worse when you round your back, for instance while touching your toes or sitting – should swap out spooning (having sex while lying on your side).
Instead, their results suggest, a “doggy style” approach (kneeling on the bed with your partner bent over) might be best. And flexion-intolerant men could also benefit from hinging at the hip while thrusting rather than pushing forward with their spines.
“Spooning is often recommended by physicians as the one position that fits all. But we’ve found that’s not the best advice,” said lead author Natalie Sidorkewicz.
Meanwhile, “extension-intolerant” men, who find arching their back or lying on their stomach uncomfortable, should use the missionary (with the man on top of their partner who’s lying down) or spooning positions.
Advertisement
“There are sex positions that someone with one type of back pain may find comfortable, but that very same position may increase the back pain of another individual with different pain triggers,” Sidorkewicz pointed out.
Depending on their pain type, women can benefit from missionary with a pillow
A separate study from the same group showed that women whose back pain was extension-intolerant tended to see better results from missionary sex with a pillow supporting their lower back.
And for women who were more flexion-intolerant, two positions – spooning and doggy-style, resting her upper body on her hands and not her elbows – seemed best.
Advertisement
“What we know now is that sex positions that are suitable for one type of back pain are not appropriate for another kind of pain,” said Sidorkewicz.
“These guidelines have the potential to improve quality of life – and love life – for many couples.”
Michail Antonio has been found guilty of failing to identify the driver of his Lamborghini when it was suspected of involvement in a motoring offence
Tristan Kirk, Press Association Courts Editor and Annette Belcher
18:51, 17 Sep 2026Updated 18:54, 17 Sep 2026
Former West Ham forward Michail Antonio has been found guilty of failing to disclose the driver of his Lamborghini supercar following an alleged motoring offense in central London.
The 36-year-old was prosecuted by the Metropolitan Police for failing to assist an investigation after his vehicle was spotted being driven without due care and attention in Pall Mall late one night last November.
Advertisement
Appearing before Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court, Antonio denied being behind the wheel, explaining that he was in Manchester while his cousin loaned the vehicle out.
The footballer added that he never received the original police notice requesting the driver’s details, maintaining that the letter must have been lost in the post.
And he gave evidence that he was “shocked” to discover, in February, that he had been charged with a failure to identify the driver.
Antonio told the court he left his cousin to reply to the charge, and believes he then provided details of the guilty driver.
Advertisement
But after a short trial, Antonio was found guilty by magistrates of failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver of a vehicle when required.
Magistrate Ian Comfort said the panel was sure the police letter had arrived, and found that Antonio had failed to respond according to the legal requirements.
Antonio already has six penalty points on his licence, after being convicted of driving without insurance in July 2025. He now faces the prospect of an automatic driving ban.
Antonio was the registered keeper of the Lamborghini Urus when it was involved in an incident on Pall Mall at 12.38am on November 5 last year.
Advertisement
The Met wrote to him on November 12 last year to seek the identity of the driver, and commenced a criminal prosecution when it did not receive a response.
Giving evidence, Antonio said he was visiting his children in Manchester from November 3 to 6 last year, and said he had handed over the keys to the Lamborghini to Tarique Josephs who runs a company loaning out cars.
He said he called Josephs in February after receiving a notice of the criminal charge.
“I was in shock”, Antonio said, of his reaction to finding out he was being prosecuted. “How can I be charged with something I haven’t done?
Advertisement
“This is the first time I was aware of that.”
He gave evidence that Josephs “rents my car every now and then”, telling the court: “When someone calls up for a Lamborghini, he will call me and say can I use your Lamborghini.
“I worked out he had the car at the time, he has come across to me to collect the forms, and said he would send the details.”
Josephs told the court he filled out the response to the prosecution, entering a not guilty plea and giving a brief explanation that the car had been on loan.
Advertisement
When questioned why he had not mentioned the other driver’s details on the form, he claimed to have included a copy of the loan agreement in the same envelope when posting it back.
Antonio’s girlfriend, Sunita Bains, gave evidence that she handles the mail to their £2.2million Buckinghamshire mansion, and said she does not believe the initial police letter ever arrived.
The striker is also accused of failing to respond to West Midlands police over a speeding offence in the Lamborghini. He is set to stand trial on that charge next March.
Antonio’s footballing career was derailed in December 2024 when he crashed a Ferrari in Epping Forest in Essex, suffering a badly broken leg.
Advertisement
The star, a Jamaica international, spent three weeks in hospital and was out of the game recovering from his injuries for more than half a year.
Antonio, who has played for Reading, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, became West Ham’s top scorer in the Premier League during his 10 years at the club.
He left in summer 2025, joining Al Sailiya in Qatar where he made four appearances before signing for Watford on a free transfer earlier this month.
The new season is nearly upon us, with one final weekend of pre-season action left until the United Rugby Championship gets away.
For the third year in a row, a Welsh side made the play-offs last year – with Cardiff following in the footsteps of Ospreys and Scarlets in making the top eight. However, just like the other two, a quarter-final was as good as it got.
The question is, can a Welsh club go further this year? Would reaching the same stage merely represent some success, given the ongoing uncertainty?
And just who will be the best Welsh side this time around?
Advertisement
Let’s start with the side that finished highest last time around. It’s a big season for Cardiff, given the club is celebrating their 150th anniversary this year.
After making the play-offs, the Blue and Blacks are also back in the Champions Cup. How that affects the squad, given the Challenge Cup has been used to help blood the likes of Tom Bowen and Steffan Emanuel in recent seasons, remains to be seen.
In terms of signings, former Australia prop Scott Sio, even at the age of 34, is the eye-catching addition. His experience, having just reached the Prem final with Exeter, will be valuable to the likes of Rhys Barratt and Danny Southworth.
New coach Dan Bowden will look to get Cardiff’s attack firing on all cylinders, with things perhaps naturally fallen off slightly after Matt Sherratt’s departure on the eve of last season.
However, under Corniel van Zyl, Cardiff have continued to develop from a plucky side to one that can grind out results. Gethin Jenkins’ defence is a big part of that, as is their home form.
Winning another 10 or so games at the Arms Park would be nice, as would a few more victories on the road.
But, ahead of a big season for the club, there’s every reason to believe Cardiff can replicate their achievements from last year.
Advertisement
Moving onto the Dragons, last season finally saw some tangible steps forward for the Men of Gwent.
Three wins and four draws in the league might not look like a lot, with the Rodney Parade outfit still finishing bottom of the pile in terms of Welsh clubs, but Filo Tiatia’s side were considerably more competitive.
Combine that with being within a score of a Challenge Cup final and there’s reasons to be optimistic.
Of course, that is couched by losing the talismanic Aaron Wainwright. How you replace the Wales No. 8 is hard to say.
Advertisement
Terrell Peita will arrive from New Zealand to soften that blow, while Tongan wing Anzelo Tuitavuki and Samoan scrum-half Ere Enari are also on the way.
It’s a settled squad, but – as ever with the Dragons – taking the next step from those initial signs of progress are crucial. The club’s relative safety in Welsh rugby’s madhouse could help.
The same can’t be said out west. As part of the Welsh Rugby Union’s plans to cut a professional side, one of the Ospreys or Scarlets are in the firing line.
Last year was a challenging one for the Ospreys. Owners Y11 were on the brink of buying Cardiff from the WRU, while the uncertainty saw Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake leave for Gloucester.
Advertisement
To lose their captain and vice-captain, Wales’ two skippers, is a monumental blow. There are other key departures too, with Jack Walsh heading to France.
However, Mark Jones’ side have moved to replace them. Wales international Tom Rogers should get opportunities at full-back to replace Walsh, while there’s a distinctly Australian feel to the rest of the business.
Advertisement
Three former Wallabies – Liam Wright, Lalakai Foketi and Marika Koriobete – have joined, as well as Australian playmaker Lawson Creighton.
There’s an element of risk to some. Former Australia captain Wright hadn’t played for over a year due to injury, while dual-code powerhouse Koroibete arrives from Japan via a short stint playing sevens in India.
However, the upside on both is considerable. Foketi, meanwhile, was superb in this year’s Super Rugby semi-final.
Consistency was the problem last year, but if they can fix that, the Ospreys still have the pack to finish higher than last year’s 11th.
Advertisement
The biggest disappointment last year was the Scarlets. Having snuck into the play-offs the previous season on the back of some red-hot form late in the campaign, there was little to celebrate last year beyond Fletcher Anderson’s displays on a weekly basis.
Nigel Davies was brought back as director of rugby to assist Dwayne Peel, while the club had a bit of a squad turnover ahead of the new campaign as James Davies once again showing his knack of finding hidden gems.
Gareth Anscombe, if he stays fit, will give Sam Costelow and Carwyn Leggatt-Jones a wise head to bounce off, while the likes of Cullen Grace and Tom Allen could be solid signings.
Young second-row Will Evans could be a breakthrough for the club, having recently been invited to one of Wales’ alignment camps.
Advertisement
There’s talent in this Scarlets team, particularly in the backline. Several around the club have tipped Macs Page to have a big season after a frustrating year.
But, for whatever reason, it rarely clicked last year. Hopefully, that changes this time around.
So where does that leave us? Right now, the smart bet still seems for Cardiff to be the best-placed Welsh side by the end of the campaign if they maintain their Arms Park record, but the Ospreys could run them close.
The Dragons should take another step forward, but they’ll likely be competing with the Scarlets to avoid whatever the opposite of the Welsh Shield is.
Advertisement
Now the real question – will any finish in the top eight? Cardiff, Ospreys and Scarlets are all 150/1 with some bookies to win the whole thing. Dragons are further back than that.
Unfortunately, we’re probably looking at just one, if any, making the top eight.
Footballer Michail Antonio has been found guilty of failing to identify the driver of his Lamborghini when it was suspected of involvement in a motoring offence
18:28, 17 Sep 2026Updated 18:31, 17 Sep 2026
Former West Ham striker Michail Antonio has been convicted of failing to identify the driver of his Lamborghini supercar following an alleged motoring offence in central London.
The 36-year-old was prosecuted by the Metropolitan Police for failing to assist an investigation after the vehicle was observed being driven without due care and attention in Pall Mall late at night last November.
Antonio informed Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court that he was not driving the car at the time of the incident, stating he was in Manchester while his vehicle was loaned out by his cousin.
Advertisement
He claimed he had not received the initial police letter, asking for the driver’s identity, suggesting it was lost in the post.
And he gave evidence that he was “shocked” to discover, in February, that he had been charged with a failure to identify the driver.
Antonio told the court he left his cousin to reply to the charge, and believes he then provided details of the guilty driver.
But after a short trial, Antonio was found guilty by magistrates of failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver of a vehicle when required.
Advertisement
Magistrate Ian Comfort said the panel was sure the police letter had arrived, and found that Antonio had failed to respond according to the legal requirements.
Antonio already has six penalty points on his licence, after being convicted of driving without insurance in July 2025. He now faces the prospect of an automatic driving ban.
Antonio was the registered keeper of the Lamborghini Urus when it was involved in an incident on Pall Mall at 12.38am on November 5 last year.
The Met wrote to him on November 12 last year to seek the identity of the driver, and commenced a criminal prosecution when it did not receive a response.
Advertisement
Giving evidence, Antonio said he was visiting his children in Manchester from November 3 to 6 last year, and said he had handed over the keys to the Lamborghini to Tarique Josephs who runs a company loaning out cars.
He said he called Josephs in February after receiving a notice of the criminal charge.
“I was in shock”, Antonio said, of his reaction to finding out he was being prosecuted. “How can I be charged with something I haven’t done?
“This is the first time I was aware of that.”
Advertisement
He gave evidence that Josephs “rents my car every now and then”, telling the court: “When someone calls up for a Lamborghini, he will call me and say can I use your Lamborghini.
“I worked out he had the car at the time, he has come across to me to collect the forms, and said he would send the details.”
Josephs told the court he filled out the response to the prosecution, entering a not guilty plea and giving a brief explanation that the car had been on loan.
When questioned why he had not mentioned the other driver’s details on the form, he claimed to have included a copy of the loan agreement in the same envelope when posting it back.
Advertisement
Antonio’s girlfriend, Sunita Bains, gave evidence that she handles the mail to their £2.2million Buckinghamshire mansion, and said she does not believe the initial police letter ever arrived.
The striker is also accused of failing to respond to West Midlands police over a speeding offence in the Lamborghini. He is set to stand trial on that charge next March.
Antonio’s footballing career was derailed in December 2024 when he crashed a Ferrari in Epping Forest in Essex, suffering a badly broken leg.
The star, a Jamaica international, spent three weeks in hospital and was out of the game recovering from his injuries for more than half a year.
Advertisement
Antonio, who has played for Reading, Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest, became West Ham’s top scorer in the Premier League during his 10 years at the club.
He left in summer 2025, joining Al Sailiya in Qatar where he made four appearances before signing for Watford on a free transfer earlier this month.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login