Lee Harris, 55, of Salisbury Terrace, Stockton-on-Tees, tried to steal a motorhome from outside a business on Grindon Way, in Newton Aycliffe, at around 9.30pm on August 22 last year.

After failing to get the vehicle to move by tampering with the ignition, the 55-year-old ripped the two front seats from the floor and made off with them.

Forensic experts examining the scene found a small speck of blood on one of the remaining cushions, which was analysed and revealed a DNA match for Harris.

He was charged with attempted theft of a vehicle, theft from a motor vehicle, and criminal damage.

Harris pleaded guilty to the offences, as well as further charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, relating to a similar incident which took place in North Yorkshire last year.

That earlier incident, in January 2024, involved a late‑night operation in which an £85,000 motorhome was stolen from a driveway in Claxton, sparking a police chase through rural North Yorkshire countryside.

Harris and Alexander Ross, of Sunnyside in Middlesbrough, both attempted to flee across moorland, but were quickly arrested by police due to the fact they both tripped over.

A third man, Thomas Bennett, was later found hiding under a hedgerow, while a fourth suspect has never been identified.

Harris appeared at York Crown Court last week where he was jailed for seven years and four months.

Detective Constable Joshua Chew, from South Durham CID, said: “This was an organised and pre-planned attempt to steal someone’s pride and joy, which caused extensive and irreparable damage.

“Thanks to the diligent work of our crime scene investigators, we were able to place Harris at the scene of the crime and bring him to justice.

“I hope this conviction and sentence sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue those offenders who wish to cause harm to our communities.”

The leader of the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) cartel, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, died in custody on February 22, shortly after he was captured by the Mexican authorities. The operation, which came amid renewed US demands for “tangible results” against fentanyl trafficking, appears to have relied on American intelligence support.

This is the most significant intervention against the cartels since the capture of former drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán in 2016. The CJNG is one of the strongest criminal organisations in Mexico and, alongside the Sinaloa cartel, sits at the centre of US claims about fentanyl production and trafficking.

The killing of Oseguera Cervantes, who is better known as “El Mencho”, may have enabled Mexico’s authorities to secure a political win with Washington. But the operation should not be seen as a victory. What often comes next when the Mexican state removes a high-profile cartel figure like El Mencho is an extended period of violence and instability inside the country.

In my own research on criminal conflict in the Tierra Caliente region of western Mexico, I trace how earlier rounds of arrests and state killings have reshaped local criminal groups, broken alliances and created openings for new players and leaders. It was through this very cycle of state enforcement and cartel reorganisation that El Mencho rose to prominence.

El Mencho began as an operational figure linked to the Valencia cartel, an organisation based in the state of Michoacán. The group lost ground in the late 2000s following sustained pressure from the authorities. After key parts of the Valencia network were dismantled around 2010, El Mencho and other remnants of the group moved to Jalisco further north and founded the CJNG.

The conditions that allowed the CJNG to rise came from the same enforcement repertoire that the authorities have now deployed against it. This pattern matters because it undercuts a common assumption among policymakers, including in US agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, that removing a “boss” equals dismantling a criminal market.

The removal of Mexican criminal leaders does not cause the market for drugs to vanish, nor does it cause trafficking routes to disappear. What changes is the balance of power among groups that already compete for territory, labour and access to ports, roads and local authorities.

Studies that track the so-called “kingpin” strategy, the deliberate targeting of cartel leaders by law enforcement, have found that detentions and killings often trigger short-term spikes in homicides and instability in Mexico. Some work suggests that violence rises for months after a leader’s removal, while other research shows that the killing of a kingpin can provoke a sharper increase than an arrest.

This happens because an affected cartel faces a sudden succession struggle and employs violence to prevent – or respond to – rivals testing the new leadership and trying to renegotiate areas of control. As criminal groups cannot use the formal court system to resolve disputes, they tend to do so through open violence or bargains enforced by coercion.

This logic of violence has already been seen following El Mencho’s death. Reports of cartel gunmen blocking roads, launching arson attacks and carrying out disruptions across multiple states fit a familiar script: an affected organisation signalling its capacity, punishing the state and warning local rivals not to seize the moment.

Even if the state contains this wave of violence, the deeper risk sits in what follows. A leadership vacuum invites internal fracture and external opportunism from rivals who have waited for an opening to test boundaries and settle scores.

The 2024 detention of Sinaloa cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, for instance, has provoked a wave of violence in Sinaloa state as different factions in the organisation battle for leadership.

US drug politics

Another cycle that keeps repeating across Latin America is that US drug politics shapes security agendas throughout the region. A surge in overdose deaths, for example, can lead to political panic in the US and the application of pressure on Latin American governments to take action, usually through militarised enforcement.

These governments respond with crackdowns, raids and high-profile captures. This is followed by rising violence as criminal organisations fragment and then, after a period of time, governments try to deescalate. The cycle starts again when concern over drug trafficking next arises in the US.

Drug prohibition keeps this cycle alive by ruling out any response other than force or criminal law, while failing to produce meaningful results. Most countries have criminalised drugs. But despite governments reporting rising drug seizures each year, deaths linked to drug use globally continue to climb.

Mexico’s security forces cannot end a transnational market that is financed largely by US demand, no matter how many high-profile arrests they make. Operations that result in the killing or detention of cartel figures instead redirect and reorganise the drug trade, while often intensifying violence.

If Mexico and the US want fewer cartel-related deaths, they need to stop treating kingpin killings as the main metric of success. While a high-profile strike temporarily satisfies US pressure, it is Mexican citizens who all-to-often have to live with the blowback of this approach.

Rob Williams, from the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), says schools need support from health, social care and other services, adding: “Unfortunately, that extra provision is not always available and these types of services have been chronically underfunded for many years.”

Responding to Lord Mandelson’s arrest, the family of the late Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of sexual abuse, said they “commend the British authorities for taking meaningful action and treating the Epstein files with the urgency they demand”. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his associations with Epstein.

TV crews have moved into the beautiful Yorkshire Dales to shoot the new series of All Creatures Great and Small.

The timeless village of Grassington

👀7️⃣🎥 https://t.co/vI1uE0l0nL

— All Creatures Great and Small (@AllCreaturesTV) February 23, 2026

is the real life setting for the fictional Darrowby, where the series is set.

A spokesman said: “Look who’s back in Darrowby…

“Filming has officially started on series 7 of All Creatures Great And Small in beautiful Yorkshire.

“We can’t wait to return with all of you soon.”

The series is based on James Herriot’s cherished books and All Creatures Great and Small remains 5’s most successful drama series to date, having reached over 14 million individuals across the first five series, and it continues to be the top programme across the channel year after year.

This month it won the Best Drama Series at the TV Choice Magazine Awards.

In a statement, the team and cast behind the heart-warming series said: “What an honour to be named Best Drama Series at the awards.

“Thank you to every single person who voted and supported series six. Your support truly means the world to us.

“Massive congratulations to Channel 5 on winning favourite channel/streaming service.”

Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor, 5 said “ All Creatures Great and Small is a jewel in 5’s drama crown and continues to delight viewers year after year. Its warmth, humour and heart, set against the beauty of Yorkshire, have made it a firm audience favourite. We’re thrilled to extend its future with two more series, with many new stories still to tell and more unforgettable adventures ahead for our Skeldale family.”

Melissa Gallant and Sharon Moran, joint Executive Producers for Playground commented: “We frequently receive letters from viewers about how the show has brought joy, comfort and relief in challenging times. Making television that has that effect and is beloved around the world year after year is the greatest privilege, and we’re thrilled to be continuing the All Creatures journey with 5, Masterpiece on PBS and All3Media International into series 7 and 8. It’s a show which people love to watch and love to make and we can’t wait for more adventures in beautiful Yorkshire with our wonderful cast and crew.”

The series is inspired by Herriot’s timeless books, which have sold over 60 million copies globally and remain a cherished part of literary and television heritage.

Series 1 – 6 are currently available to stream on 5.

Sarah and Cain are a troublesome duo in upcoming episodes

Emmerdale star Katie Hill has detailed the “pressure” that Sarah Sugden finds herself under as she helps Cain Dingle hide his diagnosis and steal cars. Actress Katie Hill joined the ITV soap in 2017 as the next star to be cast as Sarah Sugden in order for the character to tackle some more mature storylines.

One of these storylines was being diagnosed with Fanconi Anaemia which has shortened her lifespan and puts her at an increased risk of being diagnosed with cancer.

Sarah decided that she wanted to become a young mum but due to her condition, it was unlikely that she’d be able to fall pregnant, even with IVF. Instead, Charity Dingle offered to become her surrogate.

Since then, Sarah and Jacob became engaged, then married, as they celebrated the news of Charity’s pregnancy. Unfortunately, viewers know the truth isn’t so simple as Charity had a one-night stand with Ross Barton, which led to her falling pregnant.

Of course, the truth is yet to be exposed and while Charity’s due date nears, Sarah has other family concerns on her mind. In recent episodes, Cain Dingle opened up to her that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but refused to tell anyone else.

The pair stole Joe Tate’s car for revenge, but next week Cain’s made it clear to Sarah that he won’t be involving her in any more car thefts. But knowing that the potential TB outbreak might lose them the farm, Sarah can’t help herself when she spies a sports car parked outside the village hall. She’s about to speed off when Jacob appears furious to have caught his wife stealing his boss’ flash motor knowing it could easily spell the end of his medical career.

Soon he’s hurt by Sarah’s inability to tell him the truth about what’s really going on. Sarah is stymied from admitting the truth about Cain, as Cain still insists on keeping his cancer a secret from everyone. Cain’s ready to explode when Jacob turns up shouting about getting Sarah stealing cars. Soon Charity’s livid too, giving Cain both barrels over what would cause him to jeopardise his granddaughter’s freedom, Cain stalks off to avoid the questions.

Cain’s left brooding after Liam gently advises stealing cars with his granddaughter is perhaps an indication his strategy of keeping his cancer diagnosis a secret isn’t working and he is missing out on the support and guidance of his family at a crucial time. Jacob is frustrated as yet again Sarah rushes to make sure her granddad is OK. But once she is there Sarah explains she is fed up with being the only one in the family who knows and calls Cain a coward for being unable to front up to his nearest and dearest.

With his cancer, Moira being incarcerated and Joe’s continuing pressure to get the farm, even Graham is advising that selling up is the best course of action. But will Cain agree?

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News and other press, Katie shared: “I think it’s definitely hard the pressure being on her, and she’s the only one that knows. She appreciates the fact that Cain has confided in her, it’s a massive thing that he’s chosen to tell her about it.”

Touching on the pair of them working together to steal cars, Katie added: “She’s the only one that knows right now, so she probably does feel a lot of pressure that she’s the one that can help him through this, and they do have such a close bond, and she knows that he would always do the same for her.

“She just cares about him a lot and wants him to get through it. Obviously, with his situation right now, he’s so on his own and I think she kind of feels like she doesn’t have a choice, but also because of their relationship she would want to be there and do that for him anyway.”

The actress continued: “After the first one Sarah has a taste for what it’s like, the adrenaline, and how she really enjoys doing that with him. She wants to help him out with money and also a distraction from his diagnosis.

“She knows that it’s not healthy to just sit at home and be sad about it. She’s also a Dingle at the end of the day, so she’s definitely getting some enjoyment from it as well as trying to help him.”

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.

Lord Mandelson has been released on bail, the Metropolitan Police says, hours after his arrest on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The Metropolitan Police said a 72-year-old-man was released pending further investigation.

Lord Mandelson arrived back at his London home at around 02:00 GMT.

North Yorkshire Police has issued an update to say that one man has been charged with obstructing police, assaulting police and possessing a knife after a stabbing which took place in Trinity Lane, Micklegate, last Thursday (February 18) afternoon.

A total of five men and three women, aged between 28 and 58, have been arrested in connection with the incident, police said.

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One of the men has been released without charge and the remaining six people have been bailed, with conditions in place, while enquiries continue, police added.

As reported by The Press on Friday (February 19), the county’s police force said officers were called to an address in Micklegate at around 3.20pm on Thursday after a violent incident had taken place.

They said that a man in his 40s had received wounds consistent with a stabbing and was taken to hospital, where he was said to be in a critical condition on Friday afternoon.

Anyone who has information that they have yet to share can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101. Please quote reference NYP-19022026-0285.

Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by UEFA for Benfica’s Champions League game against Real Madrid on Wednesday following allegations he racially abused Vinicius Junior.

The 20-year-old was banned for one match, while an investigation into alleged racism directed at the Real Madrid forward continues, which could lead to further punishment, UEFA said.

Prestianni denied making a racist slur, claiming Vinicius “misinterpreted what he thought he heard” at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.

Benfica, who last week said they stood by their player, said in a statement on Monday they “regret being deprived ‌of the player while the case is still under investigation and will appeal UEFA’s decision”.

Last week’s Champions League knockout round play-off first leg was stopped for 11 minutes early in the second half, after the Brazilian forward told the referee he suffered racial abuse.

TV footage showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt repeatedly before making comments that ⁠Vinicius and nearby teammates interpreted as a racial slur.

Cameras picked up the 25-year-old telling French referee Francois Letexier he had been targeted in a comment made to him by the Argentine winger.

Anti-racism protocol used

UEFA’s anti-racism protocol was activated but no further action was taken during the match as there was no evidence against Prestianni.

The match was halted shortly after the away side went ahead thanks to a Vinicius goal, which he celebrated by the Benfica corner flag, upsetting local fans and players.

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‘Another match that has shamed football’

The forward was shown a yellow card after his celebration.

Both coaches, Benfica’s Jose Mourinho and Madrid’s Alvaro Arbeloa, talked to Vinicius at one point.

Real’s players threatened ⁠to leave the pitch ​as tensions rose, but the referee ​eventually allowed the match to resume. It finished 1-0 to Real.

Mourinho accused of ‘gaslighting’

Mourinho, who was roundly criticised for his comments about the incident after the game, will not be at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the second leg in Madrid on Wednesday.

The Portuguese coach appeared to suggest Vinicius had brought any abuse upon himself with his celebration, and said that “a stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens, always”.

Read more on Sky News:
Vinicius ‘deserves empathy’
Fans jailed for Vinicius racist abuse

Anti-discriminatory organisation Kick It Out responded by accusing Mourinho of “gaslighting”.

Benfica’s assistant coach Joao Tralhao will undertake media duties at the Bernabeu, the club said, without saying why Mourinho would be absent.

Mourinho will not be on the bench for the ‌second leg after receiving a red card for ​complaining in the first game.

Changes are coming in to help people increase their income

The DWP has issued a statement about sweeping changes affecting people in a certain age group. DWP minister Diana Johnson spoke about changes coming in that could affect people’s income.

The update came after Reform UK MP Lee Anderson asked a written question in Parliament about what action is being taken “to help improve employment opportunities for older people”. Ms Johnson provided a response from the Government. She said: “Work helps everyone play active and fulfilling roles in society while building financial security for retirement, and we recognise the wealth of skills and experience that older workers bring both to the workplace and the economy.

“We are committed to supporting workers over the age of 50 through a wide-ranging strategy that promotes age-inclusive employment practices, flexible working, and progression and career development.” She went on to explain what help is available for this group, which would include anyone born before 1976.

Ms Johnson said: “We have a dedicated offer for older workers within jobcentres, including our 50PLUS Champions who provide a critical layer of support to ensure the needs of older jobseekers are met. We also offer a Midlife MOT, which helps people to review their health, finances and skills and signpost to suitable support.”

The Midlife MOT is a Government service available to people aged 45 to 65. It provides resources to help you think about your career, health and finances. On the money side, the service can help you budget for your retirement and look at what benefits you may be able to claim, such as Universal Credit or the state pension.

Increasing earnings

Ms Johnson spoke about the other support on offer: “Our Employer and Partnership Teams in jobcentres work with a range of employers and partners to enhance the skills and employment support available locally for customers.” Looking ahead, the minister also spoke about what further help is being rolled out for older workers.

She said: “As part of our plans to Get Britain Working and create a new Jobs and Careers Service, we are committed to reforming employment support to ensure it is inclusive and meets the needs of our customers. We are considering the support we offer to those aged 50 and over so that they can access support to find good, meaningful work, and help them progress in work or increase their earnings.”

You may want to check what benefits you can claim using an online benefits calculator. You could try using the one on the Turn2us website. When planning for your later life, you may want to factor in how much you will get with the state pension.

The age you can access your private pensions is currently 55, although this is increasing to 57 from April 2028. Britons face a longer wait to claim their state pension, which you can apply for when you reach the age of 66.

The access age is soon increasing, moving up gradually from April 2026, to reach 67 by April 2028. The full new state pension currently pays £230.25 a week, and you typically need 35 years of National Insurance contributions to get this amount.

Payments go up each April in line with the triple lock, which will boost payments by 4.8 percent this April. You can check how much state pension you are on track to receive using the state pension forecast tool on the Government website.

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