Adam Hall, previously of the Washington area, Tyne and Wear, was today (Thursday) brought to justice thanks to the bravery of the victim-survivors.

The 43-year-old has been found guilty of five counts of rape and seven counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent through the intentional transmission of the HIV virus.

Adam Hall, rapist, deliberately gave HIV to seven men (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

He was further found guilty of supplying a controlled drug (GHB) and failing to comply with a police investigation after refusing to provide the password to his phone.

The offences relate to seven victim-survivors, between 2016 and 2023. Hall had denied the offences.

During the trial at Newcastle Crown Court, the jury was told that if the HIV virus is undetectable in a person’s system it is untransmittable.

However, Hall knew at various points he had transmittable levels of the virus in his system and intentionally had unprotected sex – and in the majority of these cases raped the victim-survivors.

He becomes only the second person in the UK to be convicted of the intentional transmission of HIV.

Hall was remanded into custody and will be sentenced on April 23.

Police are also appealing for further victims as there is also evidence he has travelled to different parts of the country, including County Durham, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Manchester, and London.

Northumbria Police Detective Chief Inspector Emma Smith (blonde hair) and Senior Crown Prosecutor Amy Dixon (brown hair) on the steps of Newcastle Crown Court giving a speech (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

The Senior Investigating Officer Adam Hall’s case, Detective Chief Inspector Emma Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: “Today, we have seen a callous and calculating sexual predator brought to justice.

“Adam Hall has been found guilty of multiple counts of rape and grievous bodily harm through the intentional transmission of HIV.

“He has shown absolutely no remorse for the extensive suffering and distress he has caused.

“We want to recognise the courage shown by the victim-survivors who came forward – it is due to their bravery that he has been brought to justice.

“Our priority remains helping ensure anyone impacted by Hall’s actions receives the support they need.

“Through our extensive investigations we believe that he has had sexual contact with men who have not yet been identified.

“There is also evidence he has travelled to different parts of the country, including County Durham, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Manchester, and London.

“We would encourage anyone who may have health concerns to seek advice and support from your local sexual health services.

“There are safe places where you can access a broad range of services. We want people to know this is available confidentially and independently of the police.

“Anyone who believes they may be a victim of a criminal offence is also encouraged to come forward to ourselves.

“We have set-up a dedicated webpage for people to contact us, which can be accessed by visiting our website.

“We want our message to be a clear one – we are here for you, we will listen and we will help ensure you receive the support you need.”

Newcastle Crown Court

Police are also reminding people that anyone who reports being a victim of any kind of sexual offence has anonymity and should not be identified.

Director of Public Health for Newcastle and Gateshead, Alice Wiseman, has spoken on behalf of public health bodies across the region to encourage those with concerns to access sexual health services.

She said: “This is a devastating case for the victims involved who will have to deal with the consequences of Adam Hall’s actions for the rest of their lives.

“I know that there will be many victims of sexual offences who don’t report what has happened to them and may not seek support.

“We have sexual health services across the region all of which offer free, confidential advice and support. There is no judgement and your health and safety is our priority.

“Regardless of where you live, you can access any public sexual health service in any area. If you read about this case and want to seek advice, then we are here for you.

“We will continue to work closely with the police to ensure support is available to victims, and to anyone else who requires it. You are never alone.”

 To access local sexual health services visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services/find-a-sexual-health-clinic

 Alternatively contact your local GP or sexual health clinic.

 Dedicated webpage for the Adam Hall case: Public Portal

 You can also send police a direct message via their social media channels, use live chat or a report form on the Northumbria Police website

 Those unable to contact police this way can call 101 quoting reference NP-20250604-0640.

The star-studded line up for the region’s most hotly anticipated music event from May 22 to 24 will be announced on Friday (March 5) shortly before the first round of tickets go on sale.

Parts of the venue have already been fenced off and works are underway to bring the event to life, which is set to see some of the biggest names in music descend on our region.

A total of 31,000 tickets are going to be available to grab, with prices starting from £34.50.

Previous headliners have included the likes of Sam Fender, The 1975, Harry Styles and Billie Eilish.

But this is not the first time that the Big Weekend has come to the region – the last time it was at Herrington Park was in 2005, with headliners including the Foo Fighters and The Black Eyed Peas.

Here’s everything you need to know about the event.

When is BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend?

Radio 1’s Big Weekend will take place over three days – May 22, 23 and 24.

Where is it being held?

The Big Weekend is being held at Herrington Park, in Sunderland this year. If you aren’t familiar of where that is, the park can be found opposite iconic landmark Penshaw Monument.

The last time it was held in the region was in 2019, in Middlesbrough, and it was held in Herrington Park in 2005.

Headliners back then included the Foo Fighters and The Black Eyed Peas.

How much are tickets?

Ticket prices have this week been confirmed – here’s how much you’ll need to pay to get in.

Friday

General admission – £34.50

VIP admission – £86.00

Saturday

General admission – £44.50

VIP admission – £106.00

Sunday

General admission – £44.50

VIP admission – £106.00

Where can I buy tickets?

The tickets will be available to buy via Ticketmaster, and you can find the ticket link by going on the BBC website.

When do they go on sale?

The ticket sale dates are staggered.

Tickets for Friday, 22 May will go on sale at 9am on Friday (March 6).

Tickets for Saturday and Sunday (May 23 and 24) will go on sale on March 11.

Are tickets allocated by region?

Yes – the BBC say they have been put into three ‘pots’.

The first pot, which is 30% of tickets, are allocated to Sunderland residents.

A further 60% are for the wider North East including County Durham, Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland.

Then, the final 10% will be available to the rest of the UK.

Can I go to all three days?

No. It has been confirmed that you can’t buy tickets for all three days.

You can buy a maximum of two tickets per person per day.

You are allowed to go on Friday and either Saturday or Sunday, but not both.

Are there age restrictions?

Yes, there are age restrictions.

You can only attend on Friday if you are 18 or over.

No restrictions are placed on Saturday or Sunday, but anyone aged 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

What is the line-up?

Unfortunately, a full line up for the three day event has not yet been revealed.

Previous headliners have included the likes of Sam Fender, The 1975, Harry Styles and Billie Eilish.

Mark Richards, aged 48, was involved in a crash on Wigan Road in Bolton on Saturday, January 17.

The incident took place at the junction of the main road and Beaumont Road at around 3pm that day, with three cars involved.

But Richards, who is from Skelmersdale, was seen in the aftermath of the crash running into some nearby woods – with no trousers on.

He was arrested by police following the incident for failing to provide a specimen.

The crash on Wigan Road in Bolton (Image: Phil Taylor)

Yesterday, March 4, he was brought before Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court to be sentenced for his offending.

Richards pleaded guilty to the offence of failing to provide a specimen.

Failing to provide a specimen is when, without reasonable excuse, a driver refuses to provide a specimen of breath, blood, or urine when lawfully required to do so by a police officer.

Richards was sentenced to a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement, 80 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months, and a disqualification from driving for 24 months.

The crash on Wigan Road involved a Volvo V40, a Nissan Juke, and a Honda Jazz.

A man who was bizarrely seen running from the scene of a crash with no clothes on has been sentenced (Image: Facebook)

It came just six days after the fatal crash further up Wigan Road, which claimed the lives of four.

Following this more recent incident, a video circulated on social media, showing a half-naked man running into some woods, before the camera pans round to show the three-car crash at the junction of Wigan Road and Beaumont Road.

A rather confused-looking dog could be seen standing on the pavement next to the trouser-less man.

Police confirmed to The Bolton News at the time that the man in question was Mark Richards, but this information could not be reported for legal reasons.

They also told us that he “went through a red light” before fleeing the scene.

The Soham murderer was rushed to hospital last Thursday following the assault at HMP Frankland in County Durham.

Ian Huntley has reportedly been declared blind after he was attacked in prison, according to reports.

The Soham murderer was rushed to hospital last Thursday following the assault at HMP Frankland in County Durham. Sources told how medics “worked miracles” to save the 52-year-old, and how prison staff assumed he was dead when they found him in a pool of blood.

As reported by the Mirror, triple killer Anthony Russell is said to be the suspect in the attack. The 43-year-old was charged with the murder of Julie Williams and her son David Williams, as well as the brutal rape and murder of Nicole McGregor, who was pregnant at the time, near Leamington Spa in 2020. He was jailed in 2022 under a whole-life order.

Huntley was given just a 5% chance of survival after he was struck multiple times and left with severe head injuries. Emergency services raced to the Category A prison at around 9am on February 26.

The Sun now reports Huntley has been declared blind after being struck in the eyes. It’s claimed he is not expected to regain consciousness.

A source told the outlet: “It is now looking like he will not pull through, barring a miracle. Huntley never recovered from the battering and never stood much of a chance of doing so.

“His condition has not really improved since day one despite the best efforts of doctors. It looks like it’s only a matter of time. It could be days, it could be weeks. It is probably for the best. Few people will shed a tear.”

In an update on his condition today, a spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “There has been no change in the 52-year-old man’s condition overnight – he remains in hospital in a serious condition.”

Last week, a source told how it was “extraordinary” that the killer was still alive as he was left “totally unresponsive and could not breathe” in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

Huntley is serving a life sentence after he was convicted of murdering schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in August 2002. He will not be eligible for parole until at least 2042.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department on Thursday released additional Jeffrey Epstein files involving uncorroborated accusations made by a woman against President Donald Trump that the department said had been mistakenly withheld during an earlier review.

The department said last week that it was working to determine if any records were improperly withheld after several news organizations reported that the massive tranche of records that had been made public didn’t include some files documenting a series of interviews conducted in 2019 with a woman who made an allegation against Trump.

The accuser was interviewed by the FBI four times as it sought to assess her account but a summary of only one of those interviews had been included in the publicly released files.

On Thursday, the department said those files had been “incorrectly coded as duplicative,” and therefore were inadvertently not published along with other investigative documents related to the disgraced financier, who killed himself while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in 2019.

“As we have consistently done, if any member of the public reported concerns with information in the library, the Department would review, make any corrections, and republish online,” the department said in a post on X.

Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. The department noted in January that some of the documents contain “untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election.”

The new disclosures come as Attorney General Pam Bondi faces continued turmoil over the department’s handling of the files released under a law passed by Congress after months of public and political pressure. Five Republicans on the House Oversight Committee joined Democrats in voting Wednesday to subpoena Bondi, demanding that she answer questions under oath in a sign of mounting frustration among members of the president’s own party.

The Trump administration has faced constant political headaches since the rollout of the files began in December, with critics accusing the department of hiding certain documents or over-redacting files, or in some cases, not redacting enough. In some cases, the department inadvertently released nude photos showing the faces of potential victims as well as names, email addresses and other identifying information that was either unredacted or not fully obscured.

Department officials have defended their handling of the files, saying they took pains to release the files as quickly as possible under the law while also protecting victims. Department officials have said errors were inevitable given the volume of the materials, the number of lawyers viewing the files and the speed at which the department had to release them. The department has said it’s entitled to withhold records that exposed potential abuse victims, were duplicates or protected by legal privileges, or related to an ongoing criminal investigation.

Some of the new records published Thursday pertained to a woman who contacted the FBI shortly after Epstein’s 2019 arrest and claimed that a man named “Jeff” living in Hilton Head, South Carolina, had raped her there in the 1980s when she was around 13 years old. The woman told the agents she didn’t know the man’s identity at the time, but decades later concluded he was Jeffrey Epstein when a friend texted her his photo from a news story.

In a follow-up interview a month later, the woman added a host of other claims, including that Epstein had schemed to have her mother sent to prison, beaten her, arranged sexual encounters with other men and once flew her to either New Jersey or New York, where she claimed to have bitten Donald Trump after he tried to sexually assault her.

Agents spoke with the woman two more times, at one point asking her to provide more detail on her supposed interactions with Trump, but reported that she declined to answer additional questions and broke off contact. There’s no indication that Epstein ever lived in South Carolina and it was unclear whether Trump and Epstein knew each other during the time period involved.

The woman’s report was one of a number of uncorroborated, sometimes fantastical, reports that federal agents received from members of the public alleging misconduct by Trump and other famous people in the months and years after Epstein’s arrest.

The Victorian detective drama led by Kate Phillips has been hailed a masterpiece by many viewers

Period drama enthusiasts have received some bittersweet news after it was recently confirmed that a beloved series is going to be returning – but only one final time. This comes after others have already been singing the praises of a WWII film set to be released later this year and a Netflix period drama series compared to HBO’s Chernobyl.

The costume drama series has previously been lauded by one fan on IMDb as “One of the best”. The reviewer remarked on how the lead star was an “absolute master at facial expressions”. They went on to say: “IMHO this series continues to get stronger and is one of the best things produced for network TV,” , reports the Express.

They continued: “I am hoping this will be as long lived as some of the classic British shows like Vera and Silent Witness [sic].” A second person posted in their 10/10 review: “A wonderful TV detective story that bridges 21 century sensibilities with the horrible conditions of Victorian England, with its pollution, gender and class inequalities, poverty, etc.”

They went on to praise the programme further: “What truly makes this show exceptional are the costumes, the sets, the great chemistry between the two protagonist, and the relationships amongst the other characters that slowly develops throughout the six episodes [sic].”

Yet another 10/10 review stated: “Fresh look, captivating plot, beautifully portrayed characters, real feel of old atmosphere, close attention to detail.” The fan said they were “totally hooked” by the drama. A third glowing review was titled “Amazing period piece” and the individual wrote: “I joined PBS for this great masterpiece.

“The tension between the lead actors keeps me coming back for more. In this Downton Abbey meets Sherlock Holmes drama, each episode brings a more compelling reason to keep coming back for more.” Miss Scarlet is confirmed to be drawing to a close after its forthcoming seventh season after the show first appeared on screens back in 2020.

The programme stars Peaky Blinders actress Kate Phillips in the lead role of Eliza Scarlet, the first female detective in Victorian London.

Miss Scarlet has not only been solving cases but shattering the glass ceiling at the same time with her work across the city.

In a statement seen by Deadline, the show’s creator Rachael New said: “Making Miss Scarlet has been the greatest joy of my professional career.

“Every stage of this beautiful show – from the writing, filming, editing and finally it reaching the screen – it has taken a whole village. A village of exceptionally talented people.

“From the wonderful exec team who first saw the potential in this story, to my brilliant writing partner Ben Edwards, the Belgrade production team, the Dublin post team and not least to our remarkable cast led by the magnificent Kate Philips, it has been a collaborative and beautiful experience.

“I’m very proud of how the final season plays out and the story we tell for Eliza.”

She concluded: “It’s a wrench to say goodbye to a character that I have lived and breathed for all these years, but Eliza will forever be with me whether on screen or off.”

Meanwhile, lead star Phillips stated: “What a journey this has been. Miss Scarlet has been one of the greatest joys of my career, and I will forever be grateful to Rachael New for creating such a witty, sharp, and delightful character in Eliza.

“It’s been a privilege to work on a show crafted with so much love and dedication and as we prepare to say goodbye, I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved and the memories we’ve made.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us – I can’t wait to share the farewell Miss Scarlet deserves.”

Alongside Phillips, Miss Scarlet – previously titled Miss Scarlet and the Duke – also stars Tom Durant-Pritchard, Paul Bazely, Tim Chipping, Evan McCabe, Felix Scott, Cordelia Bugeja, and Ansu Kabia.

Work is currently underway on season seven in Serbia on the final six episodes of the drama series.

Miss Scarlet is streaming on UKTV’s U

Igor Tudor has made four changes from Tottenham’s loss at Fulham. Kevin Danso, Souza, Pape Sarr and Mathys Tel come into the starting XI. The likes of Xavi Simons, Conor Gallagher and Richarlison are on the bench.

Tottenham: Vicario, Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Gray; Palhinha, Sarr, Kolo Muani, Tel, Souza, Solanke.
Substitutes: Kinsky, Austin, Simons, Bissouma, Richarlison, Gallagher, Olusesi, Kyerematen, Roswell.

Oliver Glasner has made two alterations from Palace’s defeat at Manchester United. Chadi Riad and Evann Guessand come into the starting XI. Maxence Lacroix is suspended whilst Brennan Johnson is on the bench against the club that sold him to Palace in January.

Crystal Palace: Henderson, Munoz, Canvot, Richards, Riad, Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Sarr, Guessand, Strand Larsen.
Substitutes: Benitez, Lerma, Pino, Johnson, Uche, Clyne, Hughes, Sosa, Devenny.

When I was working for a large corporation, one of the first things that was implemented was the involvement of Occupational Therapy, supporting me in my role by putting in reasonable adjustments.

However, whilst I was happy to implement adjustments within the workplace, when it came to the outside world, I was less confident.

Not only did I not realise things weren’t available, but I was too proud and too scared to ask for things to be put in place, fearing I may be judged.

However, just like asking for them in the workplace, all I was asking for was to be put on the same level playing field as others.

The first time I found out there were things in place in shops was in Primark. After a full days shopping, a few too many shopping bags and my battery running low on my chair, I was determined to finish off the last bit of my Christmas shopping.

But as I was trying to turn to get down the till aisle, I was knocking everything off the shelves.

At this stage a member of staff came over and told me there was a till dedicated for people with disabilities on the end and if I waited there then when someone was free they would come over. I wasn’t sure at this stage if it was more to save their stock or to help me to be honest.

However, having a dedicated till really helped grow my confidence when it came to asking for assistance in stores.

I would often look at shops and think I can’t get my chair in there as they might have a clothes rail or boxes in the way, and I would move on. As time has gone on though, and I have more confidence, if a shop has not made access requirements, then I ask.

Adjustments cannot always be made, especially if it is the layout of the shop, but in these circumstances, many times I have been asked if there is anything they can bring to me to look at.

I am noticing more shops are helpful when it comes to people with disabilities, helped by the introduction of the Nimbus Access Card, which can be discreetly shown to staff. Not everyone is aware what the card means, but more are starting.

Food shopping is another area that has often been a struggle. And whilst I appreciate I could do an online shop, I do enjoy going round the store and picking my own stuff. Tesco offers Priority Assistance, where a member of staff will assist you whilst you go round. It is best to book this in advance as there may be a wait if you just turn up.

There are many places where you do have to book which can be a pain; like assistance on the train and if you require help with fuel, though services such as the FuelService App has really helped me.

I would often struggle with putting fuel in my car, calling on friends to help which is no good if you are 100 miles away from home, but with the app you can find your nearest fuelling station, advise of the time you will be there, let them accept and then tell them the pump number on arrival and they do the rest. Oh, except pay, unfortunately I haven’t found a station that will pay for my fuel yet!

Being in a power chair you can see that I have a physical disability but people often shy away from asking if I need help, if you are happy for people to ask or you have a hidden disability, the Sunflower scheme has great options.

If I pop into a shop on my own, I can wear the lanyard and shop assistances always ask if they can help.

To this day I am finding out about new schemes retailers have in places. Businesses, especially in retail, are striving all the time to make things accessible, and whilst I have had to learn to ask for adjustments, I have also found that so many are willing to change and learn with us.

Reasonable adjustments are not just about retail, and the ones I have listed just scratch the surface, it is about every aspect of the world and no place should be immune to making these adjustments or putting things in place

The Soham murderer remains in hospital in serious condition following the assault at the County Durham prison

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Soham murderer Ian Huntley has allegedly been declared blind following an assault in prison.

Huntley, 52, was urgently taken to hospital last Thursday after the attack at HMP Frankland in County Durham. Insiders revealed that medical staff “worked miracles” to save him, and that prison officers initially believed he was dead when they discovered him lying in a pool of blood.

Earlier this week, it was disclosed that if Huntley recovers, he will not be returned to the jail known as Monster Mansion. His injuries are so severe that he is instead expected to be transferred to Ashworth Hospital on Merseyside, reports the Mirror.

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Reports suggest that Huntley was given just a 5% chance of survival after being hit multiple times, resulting in serious head injuries. Emergency services were called to the Category A prison around 9am on February 26.

The Sun now reports that Huntley has been declared blind after being hit in the eyes. It is claimed that he is not expected to regain consciousness.

A source informed the outlet: “It is now looking like he will not pull through, barring a miracle. Huntley never recovered from the battering and never stood much of a chance of doing so.

“His condition has not really improved since day one despite the best efforts of doctors. It looks like it’s only a matter of time. It could be days, it could be weeks. It is probably for the best. Few people will shed a tear.”

In a statement released today regarding his health, a representative for Durham Constabulary stated: “There has been no change in the 52-year-old man’s condition overnight – he remains in hospital in a serious condition.”

Following the brutal attack on him last Thursday, the convicted double murderer was swiftly transported to hospital via ambulance, with armed police forming a protective convoy both ahead and behind. Two prison guards and an armed officer were present inside the ambulance during this high-security operation.

An insider revealed: “He was placed in an induced coma because he was so close to death. The team from the helicopter travelled with him but he could not be evacuated by air in case of any complications. He was transported by road because he was in a coma; this helps to keep him stable.

“The helicopter then travels to the hospital to collect the medics. Two armed officers are guarding Huntley around the clock at the hospital.”

Huntley is currently serving a life sentence following his conviction for the murders of schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in August 2002. He will not be eligible for parole until at least 2042.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The United States and Venezuela agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations in a major shift in a historically adversarial relationship, the State Department said on Thursday.

The move comes after rounds of Trump administration officials have visited the South American nation following a U.S. military operation that deposed former President Nicolás Maduro in January. Since then, the Trump administration has been stepping up pressure on Maduro loyalists now in power to accept its vision for the oil-rich nation.

Relations between the two countries were cut off in 2019, during the first Trump administration, in a decision by Maduro. They closed their embassies mutually after U.S. President Donald Trump gave public support to Venezuelan opposition lawmaker Juan Guaidó, who claimed to be the nation’s interim president in January that year. That prompted U.S. diplomatic staff to move to neighboring Colombia.

The State Department in a statement on Thursday said that talks between the countries were “focused on helping the Venezuelan people move forward through a phased process that creates the conditions for a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government.”

The announcement was made at the end of a two-day visit by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to Venezuela. The visit largely focused on the country’s mining sector. It followed a February visit by Energy Secretary Chris Wright that centered on Venezuela’s oil potential. Both secretaries are aiming to shore up foreign investment to advance the administration’s phased plan to turn around the crisis-wracked nation.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, formerly Maduro’s vice president, said on state televisions that such steps “will strengthen relations between our two countries.”

Rodríguez’s government in a statement later expressed confidence that reestablishing diplomatic relations “will contribute to strengthening understanding and opening opportunities for a positive and mutually beneficial relationship.”

“These relations ought to result in the social and economic happiness of the Venezuelan people,” she said.

Since the unprecedented U.S. offensive in Venezuela, the Trump administration has pushed the government to make sweeping changes, including opening its oil sector to foreign companies. Rodríguez’s government also approved an amnesty law that has enabled the release of politicians, activists, lawyers and many others, effectively acknowledging that the government has held hundreds of people in prison for political motivations.

Trump stunned Venezuelans in and outside their home country with his decision to work with Rodríguez, instead of the political opposition, following Maduro’s ouster. On Sunday, Venezuela’s top opposition leader and winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize María Corina Machado said that she will return to Venezuela in the coming weeks and that elections will be held in Venezuela.

Such seismic shifts would have been unthinkable just months before in the South American nation. Venezuela’s main political current, known as Chavismo, has been able to dodge curve balls thrown at it for years, from U.S. sanctions to spiraling economic crisis.

___

Janetsky reported from Mexico City.