Six people responsible for the murder of Joanne Penney who was shot in the heart and killed at point blank range on a doorstep are due to be sentenced today. Her murder was part of a background of “a clash of rival organised crime groups” over drug dealing.

The 40-year-old died after the bullet penetrated her heart and left lung and lodged itself in the rear of her chest. She was pronounced dead at a property in Llys Illtyd, Talbot Green, at around 6.10pm on March 9 last year.

Marcus Huntley, 21, pleaded guilty to murdering Ms Penney and being the person who pulled the trigger.

Jordan Mills-Smith, 34, Joshua Gordon, 28, Kristina Ginova, 22, and Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 40, were found guilty of Joanne Penney’s murder.

Convicted murderer Renaldo Baptiste, 39, was also found guilty or murder, having arranged the murder of Ms Penney from his prison cell. He was convicted of murdering a man in Leicester and was serving a sentence of life in prison with a minimum term of 25 years when he orchestrated the shooting of Ms Penney.

The court heard the background to the killing was a “clash of rival organised crime groups”, one allegedly headed by defendant Joshua Gordon, of the “Rico OCG”.

The court heard the expansion of Gordon’s activities into South Wales, specifically Talbot Green, was “not taken well” by a rival group of drug dealers, lead by Daniel Joseph, known as “Jimmy”.

prosecutor Jonathan Rees KC said during the original trial: “On two occasions in the lead-up to the murder on March 9, 2025, Jimmy and his men had confronted, and humiliated, members of the ‘Rico’ group when they were in the Talbot Green area.”

In the days following, the court heard Huntley, Gordon and Baptiste discussed obtaining a firearm and ammunition to “send a message” to their rivals.

The court heard that on the day of the murder Quailey-Dashper knocked on the front door of 10 Llys Illtyd.

Mr Rees said: “The trigger may have been pulled by Marcus Huntley, but the prosecution’s case is that each of Joshua Gordon, Marcus Huntley, Jordan Mills-Smith, Melissa Quailey-Dashper, Kristina Ginova and Tony Porter, are jointly responsible for her murder.

“They each played their part in the death of Joanna Penney – knowing that they were acting to bring about, or assisting/encouraging others to bring about, at least really serious injury to another person.”

The sentencing hearing of all six defendants is due to take place at Cardiff Crown Court this morning.

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Two young children, aged two and four, reportedly suffered cardiac arrests after being found unresponsive in a ‘very hot’ car parked in a garage during a major heatwave in Carpentras, France, according to a local prosecutor

Two young children have reportedly died after being discovered unresponsive in a “very hot car” parked inside the garage of their family home, according to a local prosecutor.

The children, aged two and four, are said to have suffered cardiac arrests after being left in the vehicle during a severe heatwave in Carpentras, France.

Emergency services, including police, paramedics and firefighters, were called to the Bois de l’Ubac neighbourhood at around 1:10pm today (June 22). Despite desperate attempts by emergency services to resuscitate them, both children tragically died.

Carpentras prosecutor Hélène Mourges stated: “The causes of death are still under investigation, but the heatwave is the leading theory.”

According to La Provence, the two children were reportedly trapped inside the vehicle, though it remains unclear how they came to be there, reports the Daily Star.

Their 33-year-old mother, who was at home at the time, was reportedly unaware that the children had got into the car. A police source speaking to Le Figaro indicated that the mother had just returned from a shopping trip with the children and is believed to have let them out of the vehicle.

The mother is yet to be questioned by police but is currently being supported by officers.

France is in the grip of a severe heatwave, with several departments placed on red alert by Météo-France.

The tragedy follows the deaths of three elderly residents in France, who died in their homes in Gironde on Sunday (June 21). Météo-France warned that temperatures exceeding 40C (104F) are anticipated across several regions of France.

Approximately 845 schools have been closed today because of the severe heat.

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With wedding season here, so is the age-old question of ‘what the heck do I wear?’ 

Whether you’re attending a chic, city wedding or a grand stately home affair, choosing an appropriate wedding guest dress can feel quite daunting. 

Warmer weather means you don’t want to overheat in synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, but you’re equally conscious of the weather taking a turn and it bucketing down with rain while the canapes are being served. 

So, what’s the answer? Well, a cotton floral midi dress is one of the most timeless fashion choices for summer weddings and Karen Millen has a lovely piece that’s currently on offer. 

Karen Millen Floral Cotton Poplin Boned Detail Woven Maxi Prom Dress

Made from breathable cotton poplin, this Karen Millen dress features a flattering boned bodice, delicate straps and scoop neckline.

The pretty pink floral print makes it a perfect choice for summer weddings, race days and garden parties, while the elegant prom-style silhouette means it’s a piece you’ll be able to wear for years to come.

Simply add metallic heels and a clutch bag and you’re good to go.

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Made from breathable, lightweight cotton poplin with a touch of stretch, this Karen Millen dress has one of the most beautiful pink floral prints that works perfectly for summer soirees. 

It features a boned bodice that flows into a prom-style skirt, creating a flattering shape and its natural cotton fabric keeps things feeling airy and comfortable when temperatures start to climb.

When it comes to styling this gorgeous piece for a summer wedding, we’d recommend pairing it with metallic heels, a matching clutch and a pretty pashmina – perfect for throwing over your shoulders when the cooler evening air creeps in. 

Heading to a more conservative wedding? Why not style it with a structure, cropped jacket or cashmere cardigan for extra coverage. 

Of course, one of the biggest selling points of this Karen Millen number is how rewearable it is.

Some occasion dresses can feel like a one-hit wonder, destined to sit unworn in the back of your wardrobe after a single outing, but this floral midi has plenty of wear beyond wedding season.

Think summer garden parties, race days, anniversary dinners, fancy brunches and even holidays abroad. Just switch up your accessories and you’ll have a completely different look.

And with the dress currently reduced from £229 to £137.40 – that’s a saving of more than £90 – there’s never been a better time to buy.

So if you’re still searching for the perfect wedding guest outfit, this Karen Millen floral midi could be exactly what your wardrobe has been waiting for.

Elegant, flattering and currently 40% off? We’d suggest adding it to your basket before the wedding season really gets going. 

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Argentina take on Austria in their second game of Group J, with the holders looking for a second win to that would see them through to the knockout stages as group winners. Lionel Scaloni’s side swept past Algeria in their opener, with that man Lionel Messi announcing himself on the world stage once more with a hat-trick in Kansas City, Missouri.

“The mist is so lightweight on the skin that it simply leaves a cool sensation.” Our senior writer, Eve Rowlands, put the new gadget to the test.

When a heatwave hits the UK, adjusting to the scorching temperatures as we would do on holiday is a struggle – the air just feels different and more clammy. A handheld fan is something of a necessity in this weather to help us keep cool and prevent us from melting into a puddle of sweaty (no one wants those tell-tale patches when nowhere near home).

Recently, I got my hands on a fan that has been making headlines for being a go-to gadget for tennis stars (Aryna Sabalenka, I’m looking at you), and I can see why it’s been so popular – especially with another heatwave in our midst; despite being restocked after selling out in May, it’s already sold out in one colourway.

The Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Fan, Mist & InstaChill System is available on the Shark Ninja website in five colours, thankfully, from pink and blue to green and bronze (or rather ‘Iced Latte’) – and has been a total lifesaver when I’ve been chilling in my garden or out and about in 30 plus degree heat. So much so all my friends have been taking it in turns in using it in a bid to feel some relief from the sun’s heat.

While it’s not the cheapest costing £129.99, the ChillPill is far more sophisticated than your average handheld fan. Marketed as the first device of its kind, this three-in-one cooling gadget can blast cold air, spray a fine mist that instantly cools the skin, and even double as a reusable ice pack with its InstaChill System. These three functions can’t be used simultaneously, but the versatility is impressive – not to mention its 11 hour battery life means it can be used all day long and at night.

One of the ChillPill’s biggest strengths is its portability. Lightweight and comfortable to hold in one hand (even a small one), it features a rotating base that cleverly doubles as both a stand and a handle.

Shop the Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Fan, Mist & InstaChill System

£129.99

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The Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 comes with attachments for a fan, a mister and a cooling InstaChill plate.

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It’s also compact enough to pop into the smallest of handbags, measuring at just 4.5cm x 8.41cm x 11.2cm. This makes the ChillPill super practical and ideal for holidays, day trips and for when that heatwave commute gets a little too warm to bear.

Back to its versatility. The device’s modes are selected based on which interchangeable attachment is used (these are also very easy to switch out, just twist it off and click in the new one): its high-speed fan, an InstaChill Cooling Plate or its ultra-fine misting pod.

The fan, despite being small, is pretty mighty and offers 10 speed settings. Levels one to five are recommended for indoor use, while higher settings are better suited to outdoor conditions – and work wonders for needing a cool blast that immediately dries up (apologies) sweat.

Adjusting the airflow is easy, too, thanks to a smooth rotary dial on the base. Shark claims the fan can project air at speeds of up to 7.5 metres per second on its highest setting, although I haven’t personally put that to the test.

For the misting function, the pod must first be filled with tap water and fitted with the supplied wick. Once installed, pressing the black plate cycles through the settings until the water droplet icon appears. The mist intensity can be adjusted using the same dial, while users can choose between a continuous spray or an interval mode that delivers pulses of mist for up to 10 minutes.

The mist is so lightweight on the skin that it simply leaves a cool sensation – rather than being soaked in cold water.

The InstaChill Cooling Plate is equally impressive. Cooling on contact to the skin and designed to lower skin temperature by up to 9°C, I was surprised by how quickly it cooled down once activated and applied to my skin. Unlike many metal cooling products that quickly lose their chill on contact, the plate stayed noticeably cold and proved a useful feature when I needed targeted cooling. It’s a simple feature, but one that works remarkably well.

To turn the device on, it has a simple on/off slider which, once unlocked, requires the press of the black plate on the fan’s base to be powered up. The same applies to turning it off, but in reverse.

All three modes operate relatively quietly, too. The fan naturally produces the most noise, but it’s never distracting or overpowering. Elsewhere, Dyson’s HushJet Mini Cool (£99) also boasts a quiet performance thanks to its anti-vibration design, although it lacks the additional cooling and misting functions offered by the ChillPill.

My main criticism of the ChillPill, if I had to find one, is a lack of hands-free carrying options included in the initial purchase box. A strap or clip would make the device much more convenient to use while on the move – it would mean I wouldn’t have to yo-yo between taking it in and out of my bag throughout the day.

That said, accessories are available separately, starting from £5.99, but it would have been nice to see at least one included as standard. Those specifically looking for a wearable cooling solution may prefer a neck fan instead, such as this Boots Menopause & Me Wearable Neck Fan (£15.99).

The other potential drawback is the price. At £129.99, the ChillPill sits firmly at the premium end of the market for what is, ultimately, a pocket-sized gadget. However, if it proves durable in the long run, the triple-threat combination of fan, misting and cooling functions could make it worthwhile, particularly for frequent travellers or anyone who finds themself experiencing hot flushes regularly.

Although I must admit, this fan has thoroughly impressed me and, in this scorching heat, it has been a real godsend both day and night and has been a worthy investment.

Need to know

Everything you need to know about this week’s heatwave

• A rare 36-hour red weather warning for extreme heat has been issued by the Met Office ahead of ‘exceptionally’ hot weather forecast for this week. This includes parts of Cambridgeshire.
• The warning runs for 36 hours between Wednesday (June 24) at 9am and 9pm on June 25. Experts say the weather is ‘highly likely’ to affect the general population.
• The Met Office has said that “substantial” changes in working practices and daily routines “will be required” to adapt to the heat. The forecaster also warned that for people who experience even moderate delays on transport networks could face “significant welfare issues”.
• The warning covers a large area of central and southern England, including parts of Cambridgeshire. Large parts of the West Midlands and Wales are also affected.
• The Met Office said parts of the UK covered by the warning are likely to see a two to three day period where maximum temperatures in the shade exceed 37C. This could rise to 38C to 40C in some places.
• The heat will be accompanied by high humidity, which the Met Office said is likely to make it more uncomfortable for people. Very warm and humid night times are also expected to reduce the ability for people to recover overnight.
• The UK Health Security Agency has already issued a red alert for health running between 1am on Wednesday (June 24) to 11pm on June 25. They say that severe impacts are expected across health and social care services due to the high temperatures.

You can read the full article HERE.

The incident happened in Tanpit Lane at around 4pm on Thursday (May 14), and involved a light-coloured Toyota.

The driver of the car stopped at the scene, North Yorkshire Police said, but left without providing any details.

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A man in his 30s suffered minor injuries following the crash, a force spokesperson confirmed.

They added: “Please contact us if you recognise the man pictured, as we believe he may have witnessed the incident and could have information that might assist our investigation.

“Please email Jack.Dodsworth@northyorkshire.police.uk if you can help.

“Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Jack Dodsworth or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

“Please quote reference 12260089302 when passing on information.”

The UK is forecast to be hit by temperatures as high as 40C this week, and experts have shared the best times to open and close your windows to keep your house cool

With Britain sweltering in another scorching heatwave, discussion has once more shifted to whether folk should keep their windows open or shut to combat the heat.

Weather forecasters predict that temperatures across parts of the nation could soar as high as 40C this week, which would shatter the all-time June record that has stood for half a century.

The Met Office issued a rare red alert warning for Wednesday (June 24) and Thursday for certain areas of the country, signifying that hazardous weather is expected with a significant likelihood of risk to life.

With this in mind, people are frantically attempting to stay cool, but should you open your windows or keep them shut?

According to specialists, that very much depends on how the outside temperature compares to the conditions inside your home, reports the Express.

The experts at SCI Windows say: “There is lots of advice available on the internet, but the general rule is: open the windows if house temperature is greater than outside temperature. Otherwise keep them closed to keep the cool air inside, as long as possible.”

They suggest keeping the windows open at night when feasible and also first thing in the morning, before the temperature begins to climb again.

They added: “Letting air circulate around the house is easily the best method of keeping inside temperatures down. By doing this, you should be able to create a flow of air, then cold air can be pushed through each room.”

Alan Reid, windows specialist at Art Windows and Doors, informed the Manchester Evening News that households should begin opening their windows at 8pm when outdoor temperatures begin to fall.

UK housebuilder and Ty Eco owner John Small believes windows ought to be closed around 9am in the morning when temperatures begin climbing again, according to Border Counties Advertiser.

Leaving windows open overnight brings some clear security concerns. Homeowners are recommended to check whether your windows feature a night vent lock (or ‘night latch’).

Numerous contemporary UK double-glazing systems enable you to secure the window while it remains slightly ajar by roughly an inch. It’s not as effective as a fully-open window, but it will still permit that essential night-time thermal exchange to occur safely while you sleep.

According to Dr Ben Roberts, an expert in building performance and indoor environments at Loughborough University, who explained how vital it is to manage our properties during warm weather.

He stated: “With overheating, it’s a simple heat balance problem. We have too much heat going in – and not enough heat going out.

“The sun’s heat comes through windows, hot air infiltrates from outside, and even everyday activities like cooking, watching TV or running appliances all generate heat inside the home.

“Many people open their windows during the heat of the day, thinking it helps – but it actually does the opposite. During the day, your home can be a cool battery. The last thing you want to do is bring in hot air.

“Instead, windows should stay closed during the day, with reflective blinds or light-coloured curtains drawn on the sunny side of the house. Then, when it cools down in the evening, that’s the time to open your windows and let the cooler air in.”

A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 13:46 on Monday, 22nd June, following reports of an RTC on the Crumlin Road area, Belfast.

“NIAS dispatched 1 Emergency Ambulance, two HART Teams and an Advanced Practitioner.

“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one person was taken to Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast by Ambulance.”

Gabby Logan was taken aback as she conversed with fellow BBC broadcaster Mark Chapman on their podcast

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Gabby Logan was stunned to discover that fellow broadcaster and podcast co-host Mark Chapman will not be covering the World Cup 2026 final.

Logan will front the BBC’s coverage of the showpiece event, becoming the first woman to do so. Both she and Chapman are British sports broadcasting royalty with a combined 60-plus years of television experience.

When Gary Lineker stepped away from hosting the BBC staple Match of the Day last year, the pair, alongside Kelly Cates, were named as his successors. At the World Cup, the trio have been passing the baton around when it comes to covering the competition for the BBC from their base in Salford.

Chapman, who continues as the lead host of 5 Live Sport on the radio, works across both formats. Logan will be on her lonesome when the final rolls around, with Cates in the United States covering the game live from the stadium for radio, and Chapman at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

However, Logan wasn’t quite aware of these arrangements. Both Chapman and Logan have hosted The Sports Agents podcast together since 2024 and during the latest episode, they touched on the topic of the final.

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After England’s convincing 4-2 win over Croatia, the duo, who admitted they got ahead of themselves, discussed their plans for the final with the possibility of the Three Lions reaching it. Logan asked on the pod: “Are you already kind of working out where you’re going to watch the World Cup final? Because you’re working on it, aren’t you?”

Chapman replied: “No, I’m not. No, I’m not,” which took his co-host off guard. She then questioned: “Are you doing radio?” To which Chapman revealed: “No, I’ll be at the golf.”

Logan muttered an, “Oh, God,” before Chapman continued: “I’m doing The Open golf that weekend, and then I will drive back from The Open golf listening to Kelly and the build-up on the radio and then I’ll catch some of you on the telly.”

Whilst the BBC lost the rights to broadcast The Open in 2016, Radio 5 Live still retains the rights to broadcast full, ball-by-ball radio coverage, and so Chapman will head to Southport next month to lead this.

The major championship was first shown on the BBC in 1955 and it found a home on its TV channels for 60 consecutive years before Sky Sports took over a decade ago.

Continuing their conversation, Logan added: “You’re going to be at the golf? My gosh. That could be an extraordinary day, couldn’t it? I think they might change their tee-off times if England are in a World Cup final.”

Chapman replied: “They could bring it forward a bit. Normally, it finishes between 6pm and 7pm. I would imagine if England or Scotland are in the final, they may want it to finish between 5pm and 6pm.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.