The man sent more than 8,000 pages of inappropriate messages to a teenage girl, and took part in sexual activity with her

A church volunteer who groomed a teenage girl he knew from a church in Cambridge has been jailed. Nam Vu, 28, sent more than 8,000 pages of inappropriate messages to a teenage girl, and took part in sexual activity with her.

The teenager’s parents became suspicious and discovered deleted screenshots on her phone of a sexually explicit nature.

The girl, who was under 16, denied any hint of a sexual relationship and said she was just friends with Vu. However more evidence was found including a handwritten note from the girl found in a book, which detailed sexual activity between them.

The girl then confided in police about what had happened to her, saying that Vu had made sexual remarks to her in the messages and encouraged her to take part in sexual activity, as well as touched her inappropriately.

Vu, of Linclare Place, Eaton Ford, St Neots was arrested and interviewed but answered no comment to all questions asked by officers.

His phone was seized and analysed where it was discovered that in six weeks during 2024, there were more than 8,000 messages between Vu and the teenager. Most of these were sexual in nature.

The messages highlighted how Vu began grooming the girl, offered to buy her clothes and complimented her.

On multiple occasions throughout the chat Vu acknowledged the girl was under 16, added that she could ‘ruin him’, said how he could go to jail and how he was ‘putting his entire life on the line’.

Vu continued to deny any wrongdoing however, at Cambridge Crown Court in December, eventually pleaded guilty to six offences. These included engaging in sexual communication with a child, four counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl under 13-15, and inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity.

Vu was sentenced to three years and four months in prison at Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday (February 19).

He was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), with strict conditions to monitor any future offending and contact with children. Vu was also given a restraining order, to run indefinitely, preventing him from contacting his victim in any way.

Detective Constable Lara Wycherley, of the force’s Child Abuse Investigations and Safeguarding Unit (CAISU), said: “Vu engaged in highly sexualised communication with the victim in this case, whilst acknowledging her age and that he was in a position of trust.

“He groomed a vulnerable child for his own gain and his behaviour was utterly disgusting. I would like to praise the parents in this case who realised something wasn’t quite right, and urge other parents and carers to speak to their children about exactly who they are communicating with. The magnitude of the effect of Vu’s behaviour cannot be underestimated.

“In a victim impact statement given to the judge, the teenager told how the persistent nature of the abuse meant she was never able to truly see the danger she was in. She added that Vu repeatedly told her to keep quiet and conditioned her to believe that his crimes were her fault.

“Also of importance, she told how the abuse had made her lose all trust in men, changed her perspective on people in a direction that isn’t pleasant, stripped her from her childhood innocence and left an irreparable scar.

“We will do everything in our power to protect children from predators like Vu and, as this case demonstrates, bring them to justice for their actions.”

With its grand medieval castle, elegant stone cottages, and centuries‑old church, it’s often hailed as one of County Durham’s most prestigious and picturesque places to live.

Quietly exclusive yet steeped in heritage, Brancepeth is the kind of place where history, elegance, and rural serenity blend seamlessly. For those in the know, it’s considered one of the poshest villages in the region — a title reaffirmed by The Telegraph, which named it among the UK’s poshest places to live in both 2023 and 2024.

A castle with centuries of power and prestige

At the village’s heart stands Brancepeth Castle, a sprawling medieval fortress that has dominated the landscape for nearly a thousand years. Once the seat of the influential Neville family — one of England’s most powerful dynasties — the castle played a pivotal role in the region’s history.

Now privately owned, it opens only occasionally for public tours, giving it a mysterious allure that sets it apart from more commercialised heritage sites. Those lucky enough to step inside describe it as “a fascinating piece of history,” with impressive restoration work underway.

One visitor wrote: “The family that owns it is working hard to restore it and is very welcoming to those who visit. If you are interested in history, this is a fantastic place to see.”

Its limited public access only adds to the intrigue — a historic gem that remains unmistakably authentic and deeply atmospheric.

St. Brandon’s Church – resilience and beauty

A short stroll from the castle stands St. Brandon’s Church, another link to Brancepeth’s storied past. Dating back to the 12th century, the church was almost lost to a catastrophic fire in 1998 but has since been meticulously restored.

Inside, the craftsmanship is breathtaking — stained‑glass windows pour light onto delicate woodwork, creating a space that feels both sacred and timeless. For residents, it’s more than a place of worship; it’s a symbol of endurance and community pride.

The village today – quiet affluence and refined living

Brancepeth’s history may draw visitors, but it’s the village’s enduring elegance that makes it so desirable. Its stone‑built homes, tree‑lined lanes, and serene setting exude understated luxury. Property here rarely comes to market, and when it does, it commands a premium.

The village attracts professionals, retirees, and high‑net‑worth homeowners who value privacy and rural tranquillity but still want proximity to Durham’s fine dining, boutique shopping, and cultural venues.

And for those who enjoy a touch of grandeur, nearby landmarks such as Auckland Castle, Raby Castle, and The Bowes Museum provide cultural outings befitting Brancepeth’s refined reputation.

History, heritage, and high society

Visitors who explore Brancepeth often remark on its distinctive atmosphere — “full of history and grandeur,” as one reviewer put it — and its sense of quiet exclusivity. Another said: “It’s a castle with a difference — still lived in and full of stories, not just another tourist attraction.”

Brancepeth may be small, but its legacy and elegance loom large. Combining heritage, prestige, and rural beauty, it stands as a symbol of County Durham’s most refined side — a place where history meets high society and the past continues to shape a truly luxurious way of life.

The latest figures from the Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux (LPO), France’s main bird protection charity, show 15,000 birds have washed up in France so far this year, 4,400 in Spain and 1,200 in Portugal. Most are puffins with significant numbers of common guillemots and little auks.

The “evil” owner of a rogue rescue centre where 41 dogs were found dead has been caged for five years.

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A court sentenced a man to five years after a barbaric animal abuse case in which the bodies of multiple dogs and a cat were left to rot.

Oaveed Rahmam, 26, told victims that he was looking after the animals at a centre called Save A Paw in Crays Hill, Billericay, Essex. However, the truth was he left the animals to suffer and die without food or water in small pens or crates.

The police found 37 dead dogs when they first searched the rehoming centre, where dogs were left to roam among the dead bodies. Another four dead dogs were found when a shed was demolished later on.

A vet who accompanied police last May 13 said that she could smell rotting flesh as soon as she got out of her vehicle where it was 40 meters from Rahman’s property, reported the Mirror.

The sentencing judge said that remains of dogs were found in bins throughout the site with some “piled up like rubbish.” Basildon Crown Court heard from veterinary Surgeon, Amy Cooper who described seeing masses of bodies moving with maggots and rats.

There were 21 dogs alive on the property, but kept in pens or confined to small spaces. Tom Godfrey said that Ms Cooper reported in her statement: “I can honestly say what I smelt and saw was the most horrific thing I have ever seen. It was clear just from a general initial inspection that these animals were all suffering.”

Judge Richard Conley sentenced Rahman to five years in prison. He said that the fraud was “an act of betrayal of epic proportions that has devastated many lives”.

He added that Rahman had fooled decent and well-meaning pet owners by encouraging them to entrust their beloved animals into his care. “In fact many animals taken in by you… were subjected to prolonged barbaric mistreatment, cruelty and neglect. Some of them died directly as a result.”

Many of the dogs were severely underweight but did not have access to food with faeces piled up inside dirty pens or cages. Ms Cooper highlighted that the dogs kept in pens would have faced “mental turmoil” as there were open bags of food on the property that they couldn’t access.

Victims whose dogs were “rehomed” by Rahman and their supporters sobbed as Mr Godfrey told of the condition the animals were found in. After Rahman was sentenced, a victim in the court shouted at him through the video link: “F****** b*****d, I hope you rot in there you dirty b*****d.”

Three of the dogs were so sick they had to be put down and a poodle, later went blind. Rahman pleaded guilty earlier to cruelty against 21 dogs and a cat, and 11 counts of fraud by false representation.

Emma Thompson said she feels “extremely traumatised” by what happened to her dog. She planned to rehome him after the dalmatian pointer cross had shown signs of aggression, and she was pregnant.

“I often think about how confused, scared and sad Lennon must’ve felt being taken from the family he loved, transported to Essex and taken to a stranger,” she said in a victim impact statement read to the court by Mr Godfrey. “He would’ve smelt the death of other dogs at the property.”

Ms Thompson paid Rahman a £300 “surrender fee” and a further £200 as a charitable donation. Lennon was one of the dogs found dead during the first raid.

Tina Davis, another of Rahman’s victims, took her dog Chad, a pocket bully, to Save A Paw to be rehomed after he had a fight with her other dog. Chad is still among the missing dogs.

In her victim impact statement, she said: “I was devastated at the prospect of giving up my dog but knew it was required for Chad to have the best possible life. I torture myself, wondering how much he suffered.

He must’ve thought I didn’t love him to leave him at that wretched place… I question if I will ever forgive myself.”

Some of Rahman’s victims contacted him on his Facebook page for Save A Paw, which had good reviews, the court heard. He was occasionally paid a “surrender fee” and accepted “donations” to his organisation, which he told victims was a charity – despite this application for charitable status being refused.

Rahman took around £4,800 from his 11 victims, telling them it would be used to rehome dogs, provide a new kennel block or train dogs to behave around children and other animals.

He promised to keep in touch with people about how their dogs were doing. However, he often became difficult to contact and in some cases blocked the people who had taken their dogs to him.

“We’ll never truly know the extent of how far maybe offending or this behaviour has gone,” said Superintendent Leigh Norris of Essex Police.

He sentenced Rahman to five years’ imprisonment, with 38 months of that for animal cruelty. The animal cruelty sentence will run consecutively to the fraud counts, for which he was sentenced to 22 months for each count, to all run concurrently.

He was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, to run concurrently, for owning the banned XL bully, and was banned from owning dogs and cats for life.

Rahman can apply for the ban to be lifted after 15 years. He was also sentenced to a deprivation order, meaning the dogs found at his property can be taken. Costs will be dealt with at a later date.

These are eight of the best‑reviewed restaurants on the travel website, according to users.​

8 – Zest Of India Bispham

Zest Of India in Bispham serves classic South Asian dishes, tandoori grills and vegetarian options in a modern, relaxed setting just north of the town centre.

Diners praise the rich, flavourful curries, fluffy naan breads and welcoming staff, calling it a “lovely curry” spot for both sit‑in meals and takeaways.​

Food was amazing and staff were very attentive would highly recommend to anyone looking for amazing Indian food to visit here

7 – The Bank Bar & Grill

The Bank Bar & Grill is an independent town‑centre bar and grill serving steaks, ribs, burgers and modern British dishes alongside cocktails and wines.

TripAdvisor users highlight its cosy atmosphere, extensive menu and top‑notch service, frequently calling it “one of the best restaurants in Blackpool” and recommending booking in advance.

We booked last minute and what a great find! Friendly staff, excellent menu. The food is outstanding and plentiful. Reasonably priced for such a high standard of venue, service and food.

6 – Zest of India

Zest Of India in South Shore is a Travellers’ Choice‑rated Indian and Asian restaurant in Squires Gate Lane, serving curries, grills and a popular all‑you‑can‑eat buffet.

Diners praise the fresh, richly flavoured dishes, generous portions and warm welcome from chef‑owner Abir, often calling it one of the best curry houses on the Fylde coast for family meals and celebrations.

Well pricee, beautiful food, friendly atmosphere and staff were lovely, even the chef came to speak to us 👌

5 – Stefani’s Pizzeria

Stefani’s Pizzeria is a cosy, independent spot specialising in wood‑fired, Neapolitan‑style pizzas with a choice of traditional and vegan toppings.

Reviewers highlight the light, chewy bases and fresh ingredients, saying it is a must‑visit for pizza lovers looking for something more authentic than the usual high‑street chains.

amazing as always came to see the new reno and its just gorgeous!!!! such a staple in blackpool we’ve been coming here for years

4 – Yorkshire Fisheries

Yorkshire Fisheries, a historic fish and chip restaurant tucked near the North Pier, has become a Blackpool institution.

It earns some of the highest ratings in the resort, with visitors repeatedly describing it as the best fish and chips in Blackpool, citing crisp, light batter, proper chip‑shop chips and friendly, efficient staff as reasons they return year after year.

Easy to find, good location, very friendly and helpful staff, fish and chips where the best I have tasted in a long time. Prices are brilliant, will definitely go back

3 – Eat Italian

A family‑run neighbourhood trattoria in Marton Drive, specialising in authentic southern Italian cooking with recipes rooted in Naples.

Travellers’ Choice‑rated and ranked among Blackpool’s best restaurants, it serves homemade pizza, fresh pasta and classic dishes such as carbonara, seafood marinara and lobster ravioli, alongside Italian wines and limoncello.

Reviewers describe the restaurant as small, cosy and genuinely welcoming, with many singling out the friendly front‑of‑house team for creating a relaxed, family atmosphere.

Lovely little Italian restaurant. Food was beautiful, staff very friendly. Would highly recommend. We would definitely go back when next in Blackpool.

2 – Le Sorelle Restaurant

Le Sorelle is a family‑run Italian restaurant where pizza, pasta and classic mains are served in a warm, neighbourhood setting.

Customers rate it highly for its generous portions, good value and friendly service, with many regulars returning again and again on the strength of its Tripadvisor reputation.

Lovely little restaurant, friendly staff, fabulous food, excellent value for money. Highly recommend, will definitely be back!

1 – 31 Queen Street

31 Queen Street has quickly become one of Blackpool town centre’s most talked‑about spots, pairing sommelier‑selected wines with charcuterie boards and inventive small plates in a smart, dimly lit dining room.

Travellers’ Choice‑rated and described by reviewers as a “hidden gem” and “culinary delight”, it specialises in European and Spanish‑inspired dishes with Asian twists, alongside classic cocktails, bottomless brunches and grazing boards ideal for sharing.

Atmosphere was brilliant and the staff could not help enough, so friendly and polite, the food was amazing too, would definitely come back again.

Are any gems not included in the list? Let us know in the comments!

President Donald Trump lashed out at Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch after they ruled against his sweeping tariff plan.

In the 6–3 opinion released on Friday morning, the justices ruled that Trump’s tariffs were not authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which permits the president to regulate trade in “unusual and extraordinary” circumstances when a national emergency is declared.

In a Friday evening Truth Social post, Trump wrote: “What happened today with the two United States Supreme Court Justices that I appointed against great opposition, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, whether people like it or not, never seems to happen with Democrats.”

“The new TARIFFS, totally tested and accepted as Law, are on their way,” he added.

The post came an hour after Trump announced that he signed off on a temporary 10 percent global tariff, which will “be effective almost immediately.”

Meanwhile, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has demanded that Trump issue an $8.6 billion refund to the state’s residents after his tariffs “wreaked havoc on farmers, enraged our allies, and sent grocery prices through the roof.”

When asked about Pritzker’s letter, White House spokesperson Kush Desai told The Independent: “The immense weight of Illinois’s sky-high taxes and regulations is matched only by JB Pritzker’s own personal bloat.”

“If this slob really cared about delivering economic relief for Illinois, he’d start with his own state government instead of chasing another stupid headline,” he added.

ICYMI: Here’s what Trump said in his press conference about the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling

During a White House press conference on Friday, Trump lashed out at the Supreme Court over its landmark 6-3 decision to strike down his sweeping tariffs.

Here are some of the key moments:

• Trump said he is “ashamed” of the six justices who ruled against him, a group that includes Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett. He went on to call the justices a “disgrace to our nation” and “fools and lapdogs.”
• In contrast, he praised the three conservative members of the court who dissented, singling out Justice Brett Kavanaugh for his “great ability.”
• He also took issue with the court’s timing. “They could have made this decision a long time ago,” he said.
• Trump listed three acts that he says justify his sweeping levies: the Trade Expansion of Act 1962, the Trade Act of 1974 and the Tariff Act of 1930.
• When asked if the justices who ruled against him would still be invited to the State of the Union, Trump said they would just “barely” be invited.
• Afterward, Trump signed an executive order imposing a global 10 percent tariff, he announced Friday evening.

Read more

Brendan Rascius20 February 2026 19:34

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White House shares ‘Keep Calm and Tariff On’ image

The White House shared an image that reads, “Keep Calm and Tariff On,” just hours after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

Katie Hawkinson21 February 2026 02:10

Trump lashes out at Supreme Court justices who ruled against him

President Donald Trump lashed out at Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett after they ruled against his sweeping tariffs.

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Trump appointed both justices during his first term.

“What happened today with the two United States Supreme Court Justices that I appointed against great opposition, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, whether people like it or not, never seems to happen with Democrats,” he wrote on Truth Social.

“They vote against the Republicans, and never against themselves, almost every single time, no matter how good a case we have. At least I didn’t appoint Roberts, who led the effort to allow Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for years to continue to do so — But we won’t let it happen,” he added.

In a separate post, Trump said the Supreme Court justices who ruled against his tariffs “should be ashamed of themselves.”

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Katie Hawkinson21 February 2026 01:56

Analysis: Trump learns that plenty of conservatives don’t like his tariffs

President Donald Trump suffered one of the biggest blows to his domestic agenda on Friday when the Supreme Court struck down his power to levy tariffs. It was a massive body blow given how much Trump regularly talks about how tariffs are “my favorite word.”

Eric Garcia21 February 2026 01:40

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Senate majority leader says lawmakers will ‘continue working’ with Trump administration

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Friday Republican lawmakers will “continue working” with the Trump administration following the Supreme Court’s ruling.”

“Tariffs can be an important and effective tool to address unfair trade practices and help level the playing field with foreign competitors,” Thune wrote on X.

“Senate Republicans will continue working with the administration and our colleagues in the House to advance our shared goal to strengthen rural America, including South Dakota’s farm and ranch communities, and the broader U.S. economy,” he added.

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Katie Hawkinson21 February 2026 01:20

Analysis: Trump just lost his global tariff sword. Will his boasts of being the ‘world’s greatest dealmaker’ now be put to the test?

The Supreme Court’s decision to gut President Donald Trump’s ability to impose unlimited tariffs on imports from any country will force him to revert to a traditional set of diplomatic tools that he has largely ignored since returning to power.

Andrew Feinberg21 February 2026 01:00

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The Supreme Court struck down Trump’s tariffs – here’s what it means for your wallet

The Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump was not authorized to impose global tariffs, challenging what has been a cornerstone policy in the president’s economic agenda.

Now, with the court’s decision, the average consumer might wonder what’s ahead for their wallets. Will tariffs end, and would it lead to lower prices on consumer goods and services?

Here’s what we know so far:

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J.R. Duren21 February 2026 00:40

Trump signs off on global 10% tariff

President Donald Trump signed off on a 10 percent global tariff, he announced Friday evening.

“It is my Great Honor to have just signed, from the Oval Office, a Global 10% Tariff on all Countries, which will be effective almost immediately,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

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Earlier Friday, the Supreme Court struck down his sweeping tariffs in a 6-3 decision. Soon afterward, Trump vowed to implement the new 10 percent global tariff, authorized by a law that restricts it to 150 days.

Katie Hawkinson21 February 2026 00:03

Lindsey Graham says Trump has ‘many options’ to keep existing tariffs

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said in a lengthy statement on X that he believes President Donald Trump has “many options” to keep his existing tariffs despite the Supreme Court’s ruling.

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“While I accept the Court’s ruling, I believe that @POTUS does have many options regarding keeping existing tariffs in place under authorities beyond the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA),” Graham wrote.

“I support President Trump’s decision to fight refunds. I did not think they are necessary or appropriate, and I’m sure that they will be subject to much litigation,” he added.

Katie Hawkinson20 February 2026 23:40

Chuck Schumer responds to treasury secretary

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has responded to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who commented Friday on potential tariff refunds following the Supreme Court’s ruling.

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When asked about potential refunds at an Economic Club of Dallas event on Friday, Bessent said he has “a feeling the American people won’t see it,” according to Bloomberg.

Schumer responded: “Trump illegally taxed American families and small businesses, and he’s not giving them their money back. Even his Treasury Secretary admits it.”

Katie Hawkinson20 February 2026 23:40

Hello and welcome to our coverage of England u20s vs Ireland u20s in the Junior Six Nations. England, unlike their senior counterparts, are still on the hunt for a Grand Slam following victories against Wales and Scotland. Ireland’s form, however, is much more aligned to Andy Farrell’s setup, having lost heavily to an ominously good-looking France before scraping past Italy by 30-27.

The Irish similarities don’t end there, they suffered a drop in form last year (earning them a wooden spoon), after first and second placed finishes in the years prior. They’ll be desperate to prove that Ireland’s existential concerns around player development are reactionary but in England face an opponent with an equal desire to prove a point. After their grand slam win in 2021 the English youth setup, masterminded by Mark Mapletoft and now Andy Titterrell, has excelled with consistently high Six Nations finishes (a grand slam denied dramatically by Wales in 2024) and a World Cup win in 2024. Most notable about their success, however, has been the steady line of Premiership, and in some cases, international ready players. That seems to be no different this year.

Noah Calouri, the 19-year-old winger who trained with England seniors in the Autumn, played in England’s 19-16 comeback win vs Wales in the opening round but has been rested since by Titterell as a result of the high volume of minutes he’s picking up for Saracens. In his place is Tyler Offiah, son of rugby league international Martin, with Leicester Tigers’ George Pearson on the other wing – he scored a superb individual try against Stormers in the Champions Cup this season.

Bronson, initially jailed in 1974 for armed robbery, has earned notoriety as Britain’s most dangerous lag.

Britain’s most notorious and longest-serving prisoners Charles Bronson has vowed to “expose” his “unlawful sentence and treatment” ahead of an oral parole hearing.

The 73-year-old has called his treatment a “total joke” ahead of his next parole hearing in the coming months. In a letter to Sky News, Bronson wrote: “I am 23 years over my tariff. I am forever denied progress.

“I am forever kept in solitary. They won’t even take me off Cat A.” He added: “I have to expose this unlawful sentence and treatment. It’s now gone on for far to (sic) long its become a total joke.”

The Parole Board has confirmed Bronson’s next hearing will be an oral one, meaning they will hear his plea for freedom, according to reports.

Once one of Britain’s most violent offenders, Bronson has spent most of the past five decades behind bars – apart from two brief periods during which he reoffended – for a string of thefts and firearms and violent offences.

These included 11 hostage-taking incidents in nine different sieges. Victims included prison governors, doctors, staff and, on one occasion, his own solicitor.

Bronson, who changed his surname to Salvador in 2014 after the artist Salvador Dali, was handed a discretionary life sentence with a minimum term of four years in 2000 for taking a prison teacher at HMP Hull hostage for 44 hours.

Since then, the Parole Board has repeatedly refused to direct his release. His last parole review in 2023 was his eighth.

It comes after a former lag revealed Bronson’s true nature when an inmate began weeping. Noel ‘Razor’ Smith clocked up three decades in various jails after more than 200 robberies.

Noel walked free from prison in 2010 but while recounting predictable tales of Bronson wreaking havoc within the prison system, Noel revealed to podcaster Dodge Woodall that there was another aspect to his character.

He said: “He’s a kind-hearted geezer. I will give you an example. I was in a block… and Charlie was there on the lie down and there was a kid who was next door to us.

“He was about 20 and he was crying all the time – his first time in prison. So Charlie went, ‘Why don’t you turn the f***ing radio on or something or read a book?’ He said, ‘I ain’t got a radio.’

“So the next morning… there’s a cleaner in the block who’s a prisoner… He’s out mopping and his radio is on the table. Charlie walks over, picks his radio up and goes, ‘I’m lending this to that kid. You’ll get it back when he’s gone.’”

Noel revealed Charlie then requested prison guards unlock the young man’s cell before presenting him with the radio for companionship.

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The DVLA has issued a reminder to drivers about the cheapest method to renew a driving licence – and it could save you money

Millions of motorists are being urged to check how they renew their driving licence – as doing it the wrong way could cost you extra cash. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has taken to social media to remind drivers that renewing online is the cheapest option. In a post on X, it said: “Due to renew your driving licence? Do it online at http://gov.uk/renewdrivinglicence

The £7.50 difference that could catch drivers out

Renewing your photocard driving licence online via GOV.UK costs £14. But head to a Post Office counter and the price jumps to £21.50 – £7.50 more for exactly the same renewal.

Apply by post and the fee is £17. With around 50 million driving licence holders in Britain, that difference could add up to a sizeable sum for households already feeling the squeeze.

When do you need to renew?

Drivers must renew a photocard licence every 10 years. The DVLA says you will receive a reminder before your current licence expires.

To renew online you must:

• Be a resident of Great Britain (there’s a different service in Northern Ireland)
• Not be disqualified from driving

If you cannot use the online service, you can apply at a Post Office or by post instead.

Who cannot renew online?

There are some important exceptions that could trip drivers up. You cannot renew online or at a Post Office if your name or title has changed. In that case, you must apply by post and include supporting identity documents.

There are also different processes for:

• Drivers aged 70 or over
• Those renewing a 5-year bus or lorry licence
• Anyone with a short-term medical driving licence

There is no fee if you are over 70 or renewing a medical short period licence.

How long does it take?

If you apply online, your new licence should arrive within a week. Applications made at a Post Office or by post can take up to three weeks – and potentially longer if medical or personal details need to be checked.

Importantly, your new licence will be valid from the date your application is approved – not from the expiry date of your current licence. Drivers must also send their old photocard back to DVLA once the new one arrives.

How to pay

Online renewals can be paid for by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card. Postal applications require a cheque or postal order made payable to DVLA and sent to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DH

Motorists are allowed to continue driving while waiting for their new licence to arrive, provided they meet the usual legal conditions.

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“Since potentially significant and, as yet, unquantified risk of long-term biological harms is present to participants and biological safety has not been definitively demonstrated in this proposed cohort, at the very least, there should be a graded/stepwise approach starting with those aged 14 as the lower limit of eligibility,” it reads.