Furqan Khalil was convicted by a jury at Chester Crown Court following a four-day trial which concluded on Thursday, August 27.

Jurors found the 28-year-old guilty of one count of sexual assault relating to an allegation he touched the teenager’s bottom.

He was found not guilty of a second count of touching her leg and genitals. The offences related to an incident on February 3, 2024.

During the trial, the court heard, the girl entered Cheshire Mobile and E-Cigarettes in Market Way, Northwich, to buy a phone charger.

While in the shop, she also asked about buying a vape.

Prosecutors alleged Khalil touched the girl inappropriately while showing her a selection of vapes before telling her to wait outside because CCTV cameras were operating inside the premises.

Once outside the shop, the court heard he again behaved inappropriately towards the girl while discussing the vape purchase.

The assault happened at Cheshire Mobile and E-Cigarettes, where Khalil was working back in February 2024 (Image: NQ)

During the trial, the prosecution said the defendant suggested she carry out ‘favours’ in return for being sold the vape.

Instead, the victim’s friend attacked him, causing him to run back into the shop and lock up and leave quickly.  

Khalil, of Rishton Lane, Bolton, was released on bail and is due to return to Chester Crown Court on Friday, October 9, for sentencing.

Following the verdict, Detective Sergeant Helen Harrison said: “I welcome today’s outcome and hope this conviction will provide reassurance to the victim, and local residents, and also acts as a warning to other people who feel it is acceptable to act in this manner.

“We treat all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim our main priority.

“Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to.

“They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”

To report any sexual offence call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences

Commander Claire Smart, gold commander for Notting Hill Carnival, said: “Our message is simple: come and enjoy carnival, look after one another, respect the event, the communities hosting it and the police officers, stewards and other emergency services working to keep people safe.

Since 2020/21 overall real terms benefits spending is forecast to have increased by approximately 16%. As a percentage of GDP, benefits spending is lower than it was in 2020/21 (though it is worth noting that the UK’s GDP was heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly in that year), but it has been increasing since 2022/23.

Gatwick Airport has been left without a water supply for the second time this summer during peak travel season.

The UK’s second busiest airport has been gripped by another water outage just weeks after every restaurant at the hub was forced to close in July after water ran out.

While flights are currently unaffected, some passengers have reported being turned away from restaurants due to the problem.

Gatwick confirmed this afternoon that a problem with the water company SES Water’s supply is affecting the airport.

One passenger claimed online that ‘all toilets are closed and all restaurants, bars, cafes are not operating, no hot food or drinks available anywhere.’

He added that there are ‘no notices’ about the issue anywhere at the airport.

Gatwick Airport said: ‘A water issue is causing some disruption in the local area. The problem is affecting water supply in both terminals and is currently under investigation by SES Water.

‘At present, there has been no impact on flights. We will provide further updates and apologise for any inconvenience to passengers.’

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MORE: Stowaway found frozen to death in plane landing gear at Gatwick Airport

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The Met Office has issued a warning until 9pm today (August 28).

A spokesperson said: “While many areas will miss the heaviest downpours, heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop during Friday afternoon and evening.

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“The focus of showers and thunderstorms over will be northern England and much of Wales during the early afternoon before extending over central and eastern England through the afternoon.

“Thunderstorms will bring 10-20 mm of rain in a short period in a few places with 30-40 mm possible should anywhere see repeated downpours.

“Lightning and hail will be additional hazards in a few locations. Heavy showers and thunderstorms will gradually ease during Friday evening.”

Today (August 28) will see showers developing more widely through the day, often heavy with a risk of thunder in places, but temperatures will remain around normal with a maximum of 21 degrees.

Tomorrow (August 29) will see showers ease off with late evening sunshine and mild weather, with Saturday (August 30) starting dying then rain will become widespread for the rest of the day.

From Sunday (August 31) to Tuesday (September 1), the unsettled weather looks set to continue with outbreaks of rain and showers – which the Met Office says will be “occasionally heavy with the risk of thunder”

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Ola Jordan shared her first update since it was confirmed she had split from her husband, James

Ola Jordan has hailed her daughter for being a “ray of sunshine” during what she called her “darkest days” as she shared her first update since it was confirmed she had split from her husband, James Jordan.

The professional dancers, who both starred on BBC’s Strictly, first met in 1999 at a dance competition in Blackpool, before officially starting to date in 2000. They tied the knot in 2003, before welcoming their daughter Ella who they conceived through IVF in 2020 after a three-year fertility struggle.

However, it was confirmed earlier this month that the couple had gone their separate ways after 22 years of marriage, with their separation being “trialled” some time ago.

A statement addressing the news was first shared by their manager, before James and Ola took to Instagram to issue their own comment, in which they said they were working through “very difficult personal challenges”, and that James moved out of the family home some time ago.

Now, Ola has shared her first update since the statement. She took to Instagram with a photo of herself and daughter Ella, now six, and wrote to her followers: “There have been moments this summer when my heart has felt heavier than I ever imagined it could [broken heart emoji]. Life has changed in ways I never expected, and some days have been incredibly tough.

“But through all of the uncertainty, one thing has remained constant, my beautiful girl Ella [heart emoji]. Spending these summer holidays with my baby girl, making memories, having cuddles, laughing until our tummies hurt and simply enjoying every precious moment together has been my greatest comfort. She may not realise it now, but she has been my little ray of sunshine through some of my darkest days [sun emoji].”

The mum-of-one added: “This summer hasn’t been the one I imagined, but I’m choosing to focus on what truly matters – her, our memories, and all the love between us [heart emoji]. And to everyone who has sent me messages, checked in on me, shown me kindness or simply reminded me that I’m not alone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your love and support have meant more to me than you will ever know.”

Ola was soon flooded with messages of love and support. @clairebishop06 said: “Sending you so much love. Tough times don’t last….tough people do! Take it one day at a time and be kind to yourself.2 @butterworth.lynne commented: “Beautiful girls. One day at a time Ola.”

@misshayleyd13 wrote: “Sending so much love Ola.” @elainegreen18 replied: “Sending love Ola – you will come out the other side so much stronger with your beautiful daughter.” @carolejones636 posted: “Stay strong Ola! Just one day at a time.” @2060dar added: “Lovely picture of you both. Never feel you are alone; it’s a difficult path to walk, it will get easier in time. The future will be bright no matter what occurs. Stay strong you are loved and needed. Take care.”

The cast of the supernatural series Heroes recently staged a reunion to collectively pay their respects to their late co-star Hayden Pantettiere.

Following her death earlier this week, actor Jimmy Jean-Louis revealed that the cast and crew of Heroes had gathered in Hayden’s memory.

He admitted: “A Heroes reunion to celebrate the life of Hayden was deeply emotional.

“There was sadness in our hearts, but also so much love, gratitude and warmth as we remembered the beautiful moments shared and the lasting impact of a life that touched so many.”

“Au revoir Hayden,” he added, alongside photos showing the likes of Santiago Cabrera, Jack Coleman, Greg Grunberg, Masi Oka, Sendhil Ramamurthy and Zachary Quinto, who took part in the event virtually.

Following the news of her death, Heroes creator Tim Kring penned a tribute for Variety, remembering her as a “true team player”, “level-headed beyond her years” and “singularly talented as an actor”.

“It wasn’t just that Hayden could learn lines with ease,” he recalled. “It was her rare ability to find and explore the nuances of drama and humor and pathos in any scene she was in.”

“As a showrunner, I have come to appreciate how rare it is to cross paths with a talent like Hayden’s. But more importantly, I will remember her as a kind and gentle person who was always a joy and an inspiration to work with,” he concluded.

Another man was arrested in relation to the crash

A man has been rushed to hospital in a “life threatening condition” after a crash in Peterborough. Cambridgeshire Police was called to a crash on the A15 Bourges Boulevard, between the junctions of Mayor’s Walk and Westfield Road, just after 10.30pm on Thursday (August 27).

The crash involved a pedestrian and white Toyota Auris. A 30-year-old man, the pedestrian, sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital.

A police spokesperson said: “The pedestrian, a 30-year-old man from Peterborough, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

“The driver, a 25-year-old man from Peterborough, was uninjured and arrested on suspicion of drug driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He remains in custody.”

Cambridgeshire Police is appealing for information. Anyone with information should call police on 101 and quote Operation Jersey.

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The defendant will return to court next week

A man at the centre of a murder investigation in Salford has been named, after the person accused of killing him appeared in court.

Officers launched a murder investigation after being called out to reports of a disturbance on Kempster Gardens, in Lower Broughton, at around 5.19am on Wednesday, August 12. A man in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene.

He has since been named in court documents as Yuri Felipe. A 37-year-old man has been charged with murdering Mr Felipe.

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Gabriel Joao Gurney Sacutti, of Bridge Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, appeared in Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court this morning (August 28). He has been remanded in custody ahead of his next court appearance.

Gurney is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday, September 1. He is yet to enter a plea to the charge.