‘Their busy social lives unravelled their deception’

A man who spent years feigning a severe disability to avoid trial for child sex offences has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

John Siddell, 41, and his brother, James Siddell, 44, were exposed for leading a “double life” that included faking paralysis while secretly attending social clubs and Elvis Presley tribute nights.

A trial at Leicester Crown Court heard that John Siddell presented himself as a mute, wheelchair-bound individual who was physically unable to hold up his own head. This charade was supported by his brother, James, who spoke for him during psychiatric evaluations to convince experts he was unfit for trial.

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Their “scheming and devious” act was ultimately dismantled by digital and physical evidence.

Images showed John walking unaided, smiling for selfies, and drinking at a social club, while video footage captured John pushing his wheelchair like a “trolley” to move household items over a mile. Hospital staff described John as “the most verbal non-verbal person” they had encountered.

Earlier this week, Judge Keith Raynor condemned the brothers for a “not-so-covert double life” that wasted precious NHS resources and “entirely corrupted” the course of justice. Prosecutor Claudia James said the brothers’ “busy social lives in part unravelled their deception”.

John Siddell was handed a 15-year custodial sentence with an additional two-year extended license. He previously pleaded guilty to 15 counts of sexual assault and inciting sexual activity involving three boys under the age of 14.

James Siddell was sentenced to two years and nine months for his role in the cover-up.

While the defence argued the family was “generationally dysfunctional” and that John suffered from genuine conditions like autism and epilepsy, the prosecution emphasised the cruelty of the deception.

Nicola Potts of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) noted that while the public may focus on the brothers’ “lies and antics,” the heart of the case remains the three victims.

“His cynical lies and the support he received from James was a further insult to these victims,” she stated.

The victims, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, provided a statement to the court confirming they are still dealing with the profound effects of the abuse.

The brothers, of Ashington, Northumberland, did not attend their sentencing hearing on Tuesday (12 May).

The BBC has confirmed that a brand new full series of Two Doors Down is in the works.

In 2025, a Christmas special was released, two years after the death of the show’s co-creator Simon Carlyle at the age of 48.

The episode was penned solely by Gregor Sharp, who said at the time: ‘I think we all felt we wanted to make sure that Simon would have approved, adding: ‘The togetherness that everyone’s shown has really helped us all just get through it and it’s made this quite a happy and joyous experience to be back together again.’

Now, it has been announced that series eight is officially on the way, with Sharp saying in a new statement: ‘It was a lot of fun putting the band back together for the Christmas episode last year, so I’m really excited to be coming back with some new tunes, which we hope will turn out just as special.

‘The cast are the most talented group of performers you could wish for, and I can’t wait to get started.’

More to follow.

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We’ve looked at some of the lowest‑priced listings on Rightmove to highlight five of the cheapest homes currently for sale in the town.

All prices and details were correct at the time of writing, but homes can sell or be withdrawn at short notice.

This is not a definitive list of the very lowest asking prices, but a snapshot of some of the cheapest options available right now based on advertised prices.

Five of the cheapest homes for sale in Darlington right now

1. £40,000 semi-detached house with garden and garage – Carnaby Road, Darlington (DL1)

A three-bedroom semi-detached house on Carnaby Road is on the market with a guide price of £40,000. You can see the full listing here.

The freehold property has two reception rooms, a separate kitchen, front and rear gardens and a driveway leading to a garage, but it needs full modernisation inside.

It is being sold with vacant possession ahead of an auction, which could appeal to investors or buyers looking for a project.

Listing from Rightmove/McHugh & Co – price and availability correct at time of writing.

2. £50,000 three-bedroom terrace close to town centre – Borough Road, Darlington (DL1)

A three-bedroom mid-terraced house on Borough Road has a guide price of £50,000 and is due to go under the hammer at an auction later this month. The full details are available here.

The property, close to Darlington town centre, includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms and a bathroom, with a yard to the rear.

It is being offered with vacant possession, making it a potential option for buyers who want to move quickly or landlords looking for a rental investment.

Listing from Rightmove/Auction House – price, auction date and details correct at time of writing.

3. £50,000 two-bedroom terrace with garden – Branksome Terrace, Darlington (DL3)

In the Branksome area of Darlington, a two-bedroom terraced house on Branksome Terrace is listed with a guide price of £50,000. The listing can be viewed here.

The home offers an open‑plan living space, fitted kitchen and a private garden, and is described as being in generally good condition but with scope for buyers to put their own stamp on it.

With amenities, schools and transport links nearby, the property could suit both first-time buyers and investors.

Listing from Rightmove/Holbrook & Co – price and availability correct at time of writing.

4. £60,000 two-bedroom terrace in North Road area – Cumberland Street, Darlington (DL3)

A two-bedroom terraced property on Cumberland Street, in the North Road area of Darlington, is on the market for £60,000. You can see the listing here.

Downstairs there are two reception rooms and a kitchen, with two bedrooms and a separate bathroom on the first floor, plus a yard at the back.

The agent describes it as a good opportunity for an investor or first-time buyer wanting a home within reach of local shops and transport links.

Listing from Rightmove/Bridgfords – price and availability correct at time of writing.

5. £65,000 two-bedroom terrace with potential to improve – Locomotive Street, Darlington

On Locomotive Street, a two-bedroom terraced house is being advertised with offers in the region of £65,000. The full listing is available here.

The property has a lounge, kitchen with space for a dining table, two bedrooms and a bathroom, and has been well maintained but offers scope for further improvement.

Located in a popular residential area with bus services, schools and shops within walking distance, it is available with no onward chain and has a courtyard to the rear with an up‑and‑over door, greenhouse and outside WC.

Listing from Rightmove/Ann Cordey – price and availability correct at time of writing.

How we chose these Darlington properties

These homes were selected by looking at Darlington listings on Rightmove sorted by lowest asking price and picking out a sample of lower‑priced properties across different parts of the town.

We focused on standard sales rather than shared‑ownership or retirement homes and included auction lots where the guide price reflects the lower end of the market.

Asking prices and availability can change quickly, and buyers should check the latest details directly with the agents and carry out their own independent checks.

Why homes in Darlington can be cheaper than elsewhere

Darlington and wider County Durham have long been among the more affordable housing markets in England, with average sale prices significantly below the national average.

Terraced streets close to the town centre and older estates on the outskirts often offer some of the lowest entry points for first-time buyers and investors.

However, prices can vary street by street, and modern estates, larger family homes and properties near top-performing schools or transport hubs command higher figures.

The event was cancelled in 2025 due to ‘rapidly rising costs’

A Cambridge festival that’s coming back after a year off is set to have an Area 51 space theme. The Strawberry Fair has been running in Cambridge for 50 years, providing audiences with free musical entertainment.

In 2025 it was cancelled due to “rapidly rising costs”. However, the fair will return to Midsummer Common on June 6 after great fundraising efforts from organisers were able to bring it back.

“We are coming back bigger and stronger,” said Mark Evans, chair of the Strawberry Fair committee. With this year’s fair being the 51st, its theme is based on Area 51. On the alien-inspired theme, Mark said: “Last time it ran it was for 50 years. The next is for 51 so it’s a play on words for Area 51.”

Mark added that people should “expect a lot of aliens and space themes across the site”. He said: “It gives people an excuse to dress up as their favourite sci-fi character.”

While last year was cancelled due to financial struggles, Mark said organisers have been raising money to keep the event going. He said: “There has been lots of fundraising going on with various events. We are looking at how we can sustain it for years to come.”

In the lead up to June 6, Mark added that it has been a “manic” time for volunteers. He said: “I can report that everyone is working flat out. We are working a lot smarter than we have before, and having a year off has given us time to refocus.”

Mark described the Strawberry Fair as a “unique” event. He added: “It’s free to access and it’s for the people of Cambridge. It’s what the people of Cambridge deserve. There’s nothing quite like it. Cambridge should be proud of it and people should enjoy themselves.”

The Strawberry Fair is a volunteer-run festival and is free to attend. Anyone who would like to volunteer or find out more information about the event can visit the fair website.

Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor will take on a groundbreaking role with the men’s national side after being appointed as fielding coach for next month’s Test series against New Zealand.

Taylor, a World Cup winner in 2017, has been part of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s coaching set-up for a couple of years and worked as an assistant coach for the Lions in Australia this winter under Andrew Flintoff.

But her new role with Ben Stokes’ side is a watershed moment, marking the 36-year-old out as the most senior female coaching appointment for a major England men’s team.

It is not her first time smashing through glass ceilings. She was once called ‘the best wicketkeeper in the world’ by the great Adam Gilchrist, who made it clear he was speaking without reference to gender, joined the Sussex coaching staff in 2021 and was drafted by Hundred franchise Manchester Originals the following season. Back in 2015, she even earned the distinction of becoming the first woman to play first-grade cricket in Australia when she took the gloves for Northern Districts.

She will work with Jamie Smith and James Rew in the three-match series against the Black Caps, with previous fielding consultant Carl Hopkinson involved at the Indian Premier League with Mumbai Indians.

Rob Key, managing director of men’s cricket, said: “She’s done a lot of work in the Lions. We’ve been thoroughly, unbelievably impressed with her and the way that she goes about her business.

“I just think she’s one of the best in the business at what she does. She’s been outstanding, and she’s worked a lot with Andrew Flintoff and (performance director) Ed Barney. They can’t speak highly enough of her.

“So from what we can see, she’s one of the best in the business. She’s stepped up to come and do this and she’ll continue to work with the Lions when that’s required. She’ll be someone that we’ll definitely look at and continue to use.”

One of Taylor’s former international team-mates, Alex Hartley, has previously worked as spin coach for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League, with Ireland’s Cath Dalton also on staff as fast bowling coach.

In football, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has previously spoken encouragingly about the idea that Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman could one day take charge of the England men’s team.

Marie-Louise Eta was named as interim boss of Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin in April, while further down the English pyramid Hannah Dingley was briefly in charge of Forest Green on a caretaker basis in the summer of 2023.

Even further back, former British tennis number one Andy Murray became the first elite level male player to employ a female coach, working with Amelie Mauresmo from 2014-2016.

A large police operation is underway

A two‑year‑old British boy has reportedly been abducted in Cyprus as police launch a huge search operation after he was allegedly taken by his father from the family home in Limassol.

Officers say the 29‑year‑old Turkish Cypriot crossed illegally from the island’s north before entering the property, where he is accused of snatching the child from his British mother.

The man is believed to have stormed the property with an accomplice, forcing his way inside before fleeing in a small white car. A manhunt is under way, and investigators have already examined the suspected getaway vehicle as part of the operation.

Police believe the man returned to the island’s northern Turkish-occupied territories, with an island task force alerted to the incident.

Limassol deputy police chief Lefteris Kyriakou said an arrest warrant is set to be issued for the father, who is already subject to another arrest warrant relating to a domestic abuse incident in November 2025.

The British mum is part of the ‘Hope’ program which offers support to victims of domestic abuse, local outlet Protothema reports.

Channel 4 viewers have been left feeling ‘sick’ after the latest episode of Virgin Island ramped up the action.

The controversial reality series is back on our screens for a second season after the first became a hit with fans.

Taking place on a beautiful Croatian island, 12 adults who have never had sex attempt to overcome their intimacy issues with professional coaching and intimacy therapy.

Earlier this month, two sex therapists on the series insisted that they ‘were not lovers’ after a steamy scene between each other.

Now, however, viewers have been left ‘speechless’ after Bertie got his first proper tour of female genitalia thanks to his surrogate partner, Kat.

The 24-year-old, who is autistic, was encouraged to put his fingers inside of Kat’s vaginal opening.

After the pair stripped off their clothes and Kat offered an ‘anatomy lesson’, Bertie explained: ‘I obviously know what female genitals look like.

‘When it comes to dealing with one if I ever have sex, I wouldn’t know what to do. I’d know the different names of the different parts but I don’t know where’s where.

‘So, I wouldn’t know where to, you know… aim.’

Helping Bertie find different parts of the vagina, Bertie located the clitoris but ended up poking Kat, which led to her reassuring him that it’s ‘okay’ but saying it is ‘super sensitive’.

After laughing, Kat then said: ‘You can put your finger inside too to just feel what it feels like.’

Despite some hesistation, Bertie followed her instructions, giggling nervously, before he gave his finger a sniff afterwards.

He said: ‘I’m just curious. Okay, it doesn’t smell of anything.’

Reacting to the moment online, @bytesizedlaff wrote on TikTok: ‘I’m confused? Is this his partner or some random?’

Responding beneath, Catherine asked: ‘Is this broadcasted for all to see…on television?’

Meanwhile, Francesca said: ‘I’m gunna be sick,’ as Rachel similarly declared: ‘This is crazy honestly.’

Wendy also added: ‘I’m speechless, where did this come from?’

Previously, fans declared that Bertie delivered the ‘funniest TV moment of 2026’ after he learned how to position himself during sex with Kat and thrust.

The next episode of Virgin Island is available to watch at 9pm on Monday May 18 on Channel 4 and streaming.

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PARIS (AP) — Over 1,700 passengers and crew on a British cruise ship were ordered to remain on board after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness, French authorities said Wednesday.

They dismissed any link to a deadly hantavirus outbreak on another vessel that has put European health authorities on alert.

The Ambition was midway through a 14-night cruise from Belfast and Liverpool that was due to take in ports in northern Spain and along France’s Atlantic coast.

It reached Bordeaux on Tuesday evening, according to the operator, Ambassador Cruise Line.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 23 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships visiting U.S. ports in 2025, the highest annual total in more than a decade. Most were caused by norovirus, including a new strain driving the recent surge.

The prefect of Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and Gironde department, Étienne Guyot, suspended disembarkation from the Ambition and restricted the vessel’s interactions with the port of Bordeaux.

He acted on the recommendation of the regional health agency, the Agence Régionale de Santé Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the joint statement said.

Up to 50 passengers showed symptoms consistent with acute digestive infection after the ship’s captain alerted French authorities on Tuesday evening, the statement said.

Those affected were treated by the ship’s doctor and isolated in their cabins.

A medical team was dispatched to the vessel, and samples are being analyzed at a Bordeaux hospital.

“There is no reason to establish a link between this outbreak aboard a cruise ship from Belfast and Liverpool and the hantavirus cases detected aboard the MV Hondius,” the joint statement said.

The hantavirus outbreak aboard the Hondius last month prompted a multicountry response and the hospitalization of passengers in Britain, France, Spain and the United States. Three passengers died and there have been nine confirmed cases, with another two suspected.

An update is expected later on Wednesday, once analysis results are available.

Ambassador Cruise Line said earlier Wednesday that a 92-year-old male passenger had died on Sunday, although he had not reported symptoms consistent with the illness, and that his cause of death was yet to be established by a coroner.

The company said 48 passengers and one crew member were displaying gastrointestinal symptoms as of late Wednesday morning.

Ambassador said its data showed cases had risen after passengers boarded in Liverpool on May 9. All shore excursions at Bordeaux had been canceled and affected passengers offered full refunds, the company said.

Ambassador Cruise Line, a British operator targeting passengers over 50, was founded in 2021.

Bhekisani Matabiswana, 27, battered 37-year-old Luke Harden and was later caught at Manchester Airport attempting to escape the country

A man who killed a model and then attempted to flee to South Africa has been found guilty of murder.

Bhekisani Matabiswana, 27, battered 37-year-old Luke Harden and was later caught at Manchester Airport attempting to escape the country.

A court heard how Luke, who worked for Nemesis Model Agency in Manchester, and others were booked to DJ at a Halloween fancy dress party at a working men’s club in Stacksteads, Lancashire, on October 31, 2025.

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Matabiswana, who attended the same event with his friends, launched what police described as a ‘frenzied and cowardly attack’ on Luke as he lay defenceless on the ground during an encounter shortly after both men had left the venue. His killer then attempted to portray himself as a Good Samaritan who had simply tried to help after, he claimed, coming across an injured stranger on the ground.

The model had suffered swelling to the brain and back of the head, extensive facial bruising with cuts to the left lower eyelid and to the lips, patterned bruising to the left cheek, fractures to his nose, jaw and larynx, and bruising to the neck, arms and shoulder. It was later established that he died as a result of blunt force trauma to head and neck following an assault.

Today (May 13, 2026), a jury at Preston Crown Court found Matabiswana guilty of murder after the judge accepted a majority verdict.

At 11.46pm on October 31, the defendant and his associates left the venue via one exit and Luke left via a different exit. CCTV footage captured the movements of Matabiswana’s group and Luke after they left. Footage showed that Matabiswana’s group was ahead of Luke, who was walking alone.

Matabiswana, who was known locally as Nick, and a woman he was with separated from their group on Clough Street at 11.51pm. However, when they got to Newchurch Road at 11.58pm, there was an interaction with Luke, and Luke was punched and then either kicked or stamped on by Matabiswana while he lay defenceless on the ground, police said.

Luke had no defensive wounds on his hands or arms, and there were no marks on his hands to suggest he was the aggressor.

Matabiswana was captured on CCTV just after midnight, and his female associate appeared to be tugging at him as if he was attempting to leave the scene. It was in the two-minute period before this that Luke was fatally assaulted.

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Rather than attempt to administer first aid or ring for an ambulance, Matabiswana used Luke’s phone to call the victim’s friends at 12.03am to tell them their friend was on the floor. He also called Luke’s family and told them a similar thing.

At 12.06am, a member of the public came onto Newchurch Road and saw Luke lying on the pavement and Matabiswana’s female associate was kneeling next to him with his head in her hands. Noticing that Matabiswana was on the phone, he asked the defendant numerous times if he had called for an ambulance but received no reply.

The member of the public then called an ambulance and administered first aid to an unresponsive Luke, along with Matabiswana’s female associate. Paramedics arrived just after 12.20am and provided first aid to Luke.

They noted he had injuries to his face which were consistent with being the victim of an assault. However, Matabiswana lied to the paramedics, claiming that he had seen Luke fall, stating that Luke had struggled to breathe after falling and that he had put him into the recovery position.

At 12.35am police officers on patrol in the area came across paramedics tending to Luke. Matabiswana told officers that he had been walking from the working men’s club when he came across Luke lying on the floor. He falsely claimed to have used Luke’s phone to call for an ambulance and to have telephoned Rawtenstall A&E.

Whilst the woman was talking to the police, the defendant was captured on the officer’s body worn video camera talking to himself, and he was heard to say: “We shouldn’t have done this.” Following this, Luke was pronounced deceased at the scene at 1.17am.

Matabiswana and his female associate were arrested on suspicion of Luke’s murder shortly before 2am and they were taken into custody. After arriving at custody, it was noted that Matabiswana had grazing on his left-hand knuckles and swelling around the ring finger of his right hand which caused him pain when touched.

He later claimed these injuries were old and did not cause him any pain.

On November 2, Matabiswana and his female associate were released under investigation whilst police enquiries continued. The following day however, Matabiswana was tracked by authorities and arrested at Manchester Airport trying to board a flight to South Africa.

In his subsequent police interview, Matabiswana accepted that he had struck Luke but claimed it was in self-defence as he had been punched first. He denied using his feet to assault Luke.

Following his arrest, Matabiswana’s mobile phone was seized and examined by experts. In text messages recovered from Matabiswana’s phone, he gave another conflicting account about the circumstances which led to the altercation with Luke to the two he had given to the police.

He also sent numerous messages about how he intended to flee the country, and that he needed money and a third-party email address to book a flight. Matabiswana, 27, of St James Street, Bacup, was today found guilty of murder, and he will be sentenced at the Preston Crown Court on Monday

DI Pete MacDonald, from our Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Following a brief encounter with his victim, Matabiswana engaged in a frenzied and cowardly attack – continuing to attack Luke whilst he lay defenceless on the floor.

“He then made no effort to help Luke, instead choosing to contact his family and friends in a sordid and sinister bid to paint himself as the Good Samaritan who had simply come across an injured man on the pavement. He continued these callous lies to Luke’s distressed friends and family, as their loved one lay dying on the ground yards away from them.

“Throughout this case. Matabiswana has shown no remorse, making several efforts to evade justice. Firstly, by attempting to leave the scene before police arrived – later being heard to say ‘we shouldn’t have done this’. And then secondly by booking a flight to Johannesburg. Thankfully he never made that flight.

“Thankfully a jury had today held Matabiswana accountable for his actions by finding him guilty of Luke’s murder. I would like to thank them for their considered verdicts.

“I would also like to thank our Counsel, the CPS and all those officers and police staff who have worked around the clock to ensure Luke’s loved ones got the justice they understandably craved.”