Conservative councillor Liam Bones was issued three court summonses between May 2023 and May 2024 in relation to council tax arrears of up to £1,452.

Coun Bones, the Tories’ former leader in North Tyneside and their candidate in 2025’s mayoral election, said that he was in financial hardship and between jobs at the time.

North Tyneside Conservative councillor Liam Bones. (Image: Liam Bones)

It has also been confirmed that Labour councillor Rebecca O’Keefe was issued a court summons by North Tyneside Council shortly after she was elected in May 2022, and was asked to pay £1,336.24.

The local authority confirmed that both matters had since been either “settled in full or a payment plan has been put in place”.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed last year how a number of councillors across the region had been summonsed to court because of unpaid council tax bills between 2022 and 2025.

While North Tyneside Council confirmed at the time that it had taken three of its own representatives to court, it declined to name them – arguing that it had chosen to withhold the names of the politicians concerned under section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, which protects personal data from being disclosed.

But, following an appeal made by North Tyneside resident Charlie Keville, the Information Commissioner ordered the council to name two of the three.

Coun Bones, who as been a councillor since 2021, was served three summons in a 12-month period for the amounts of £598, £1,452, and £600.39.

The Preston with Preston Grange ward representative told the Local Democracy Reporting Service on Tuesday: “At the time I was experiencing financial hardship and between jobs, which led to a missed council tax payment.

“This is a historic matter, all arrears were settled at the time, and I continued to be able to vote at all council meetings. 

“It is unreasonable that missing a single monthly instalment can result in the council demanding an entire year’s council tax, as expecting people who are already struggling financially to pay an even larger amount immediately is unlikely to help them get back on track.

“This is an issue I will continue to raise at the council.”

Coun O’Keefe, who represents Chirton and Percy Main, was sent her summons on May 26, 2022.

She said: “Before becoming an elected councillor, I fell into arrears with my council tax and defaulted on the agreed payment schedule.

North Tyneside Labour councillor Rebecca O’Keefe. (Image: North Tyneside Council)

“I made arrangements to resolve the matter and ensure that all outstanding amounts were paid in full.

“I am not seeking to justify the circumstances that led to this situation. Like many people, I have faced periods of financial difficulty and challenges that I did not foresee. I am human, and at times I have struggled, as many residents across our borough have.”

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said that a third councillor, who was sent a summons in November 2023 over an unpaid £91.10 should not be named as there was “insufficient legitimate interest to outweigh the harm and distress” that disclosing their identity would cause.

However, the regulator found that the council had been “unable to provide any compelling arguments” to justify withholding the other two names, adding that their circumstances were “reasonably common and could be experienced by many people”.

A legal ruling from the Upper Tribunal in 2016 concluded that there was a “compelling legitimate interest in the public knowing whether a particular councillor has failed to pay the council tax, at least in circumstances where they have remained in default for over two months” and that the public interest in knowing the information was “central to the proper functioning and transparency of the democratic process”.

That judgement stated that there may be “exceptional” personal circumstances to justify a councillor’s identity being withheld, but that the public interest outweighs this in most cases.

Any councillor who has unpaid council tax arrears of two months or more is legally barred from voting on the authority’s annual budget.

North Tyneside Council said that no councillors with this level of arrears participated in its budget votes during the years in question and the “necessary checks were undertaken”.

Stephen Ballantyne, North Tyneside Council’s interim director of resources, added: “The council originally withheld the information after carefully considering the data protection rights and personal circumstances of the individuals involved, in line with section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act.

“The ICO has now determined that, for two of the councillors, the balance of public interest favours disclosure.”

“This decision relates solely to the application of FOI legislation.

“It was not a political decision, and the council will continue to apply the law consistently and transparently in all future cases.

“Further, it can be confirmed that where summons have been issued, the amounts have either been settled in full or a payment plan has been put in place.” 

Twenty-four people have denied obstructing officers during raids at the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe amid a probe into alleged sexual abuse, forced marriage and modern slavery

People living at a religious community in Crewe have denied obstructing police officers during raids carried out as part of an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse, forced marriage and modern slavery.

More than 500 officers took part in search warrants at three addresses linked to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in the Cheshire town on April 29.

On Wednesday, 24 people appeared at South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court charged with public order offences, alleged to have taken place during the raids.

Annika Livermore, prosecuting, told the court residents obstructed officers from getting into rooms at Webb House, the group’s headquarters, with some linking arms to try to stop them getting past.

She said defendant Dareem Charles was alleged to have kicked at police shields and thrown items, while Marc Ferreira was alleged to have grabbed an officer while he was making an arrest.

The oldest defendant, Ramazan Demirovic, 59, was seen pushing past officers and wedging himself against a doorframe, Ms Livermore said. She added: “The defendant was then seen to lash out with his arms and push an officer to the face.”

Laure Delogne, who spoke through a French interpreter, was accused of hiding in a bush when police entered the site, the court heard.

The defendants, aged between 18 and 59, were brought into court individually, with the hearings listed to go on until the afternoon. All have addresses in Crewe apart from Hatem Sider, who told the court his address was in London. Many wore black clothing and some wore black beanie hats.

Cheshire Police said the defendants were of nationalities including British, French, Belgian, Iranian, Egyptian and American.

Outside the court building, a handful of protesters gathered, filming defendants on their phones as they arrived.

District Judge Ian Barnes granted the defendants unconditional bail until their trials, listed for dates in April next year at South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court.

Case management hearings were scheduled for September 29.

The following pleas were entered:

• Jahmeel Musa, 33, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Onur Aydin, 36, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable..
• Myrah Hashem, 27, pleaded not guilty to failing to comply with a section 35 direction.
• Dareem Charles, 36, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Hussein Khadum, 18, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Marc Ferreira, 38, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Gustavio Ruiz-Quinteros, 34, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Laure Delogne, 31, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Sarah Batul, 33, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Ramazan Demirovic, 59, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a constable.
• Rad El-Kanami, 47, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Soufiane Ben Abdeslam, 32, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police officer and obstructing a constable.
• Diniy Sisyam, 20, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Maryham Marfoug, 32, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Hatem Sider, 42, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Ahmed Elhaouss, 21, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police officer.
• Mohammed Hiary, 32, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Tahani Hashem, 27, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Aun Haideer, 26, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Taymour Elalfy, 37, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Mammadagha Abdullayer, 35, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Raimah Batul, 18, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police officer.
• Alireza Khatib Haghighi, 40, pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
• Mohamed Ayob, 38, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police officer.

The case of Hamidreza Saghari, 39, who had been charged with obstructing a constable, was discontinued by the prosecution.

Twelve people arrested as part of the investigation into alleged sexual abuse were later released on conditional bail.

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is a sect that blends tenets of Shia Islam with conspiracy theories about the Illuminati and aliens controlling US presidents. Mainstream Muslim groups have long distanced themselves from the group.

The community is based at Webb House, a former orphanage where around 150 people are understood to be living. The site was returned to residents after police concluded their searches in early May.

Polls open from 7am tomorrow for the Makerfield by-election – which is expected to be a tight contest

Forget door knocks, leafleting or TV and radio appearances. It could be something as simple as where a candidate does their big shop that clinches a few votes at the Makerfield by-election.

A day away from polls opening for the crunch vote and the streets of Ashton town centre are busy with backers of both Andy Burnham and Robert Kenyon.

The battle between Labour and Reform has been the story since MP Josh Simons resigned and the by-election was called.

That fact isn’t lost on the voters. The majority of people the Local Democracy Reporting Service/Manchester Evening News spoke to said they will vote Labour or Reform, no matter their political persuasion.

Click here for our dedicated Makerfield by-election newsletter with exclusive interviews and analysis

Asked about a significant moment in the election campaign that clinched their vote, radio broadcasts, TV debates and newspaper articles were the usual answers. But Mr Burnham pushing a trolley through Asda clinched it for one voter.

Social worker Nicola Clancy said: “I hope for Burnham to win. I know he is the best person for the area, I’ve done my research.

“I think he can make us be seen and heard in Makerfield. He is a genuinely nice guy as well. He does his shopping in the Asda around here. It’s not for face value or the PR, he stops to chat to people there as well when he’s doing his big shop.

“He’s a public servant. When you work in the public sector your days are longer because we serve people, he gets that.

“I brought my son up as a single mum, I dread to think of opportunities other families like mine would get if Reform or Restore were in.

“There was no particular moment during the election I thought Burnham was the right person, I just know he is.

“He is keeping me with Labour. We need him.”

The ‘local lad’ card has been played by Mr Burnham, Reform’s Robert Kenyon and Conservative Michael Winstanley. Local identity and being proud of your roots is a big deal for people in Makerfield, so there is little wonder putting Ashton first has been front and centre of the election campaign.

It’s a battle Mr Burnham, current mayor of Greater Manchester, is losing with some locals, mainly because he is widely speculated to challenge for the Labour leadership and move into Downing Street if successful.

Many people disliked the idea of him using the constituency as a ‘stepping stone’ for bigger things.

Paul Tushingham was out with a volunteer group tidying up Ashton Memorial Garden. He said: “I’m a lifelong Ashtonian, I’ve been to school here and lived here all my life. I shop here best I can. It’s very important to me.

“I do think Andy Burnham will use this as a stepping stone. It disappoints me because we’re being used as a political pawn. I can’t believe Josh Simons stood down to implement this.”

The 70-year-old used to be an independent councillor for the area between 2004 and 2012.

He added: “My concern for this area is that all the votes for other candidates are going to detract from Reform and they’ll lose out to Labour.

“I should support Michael, because I signed the paper for him to run, but I think he would be a wasted vote. I just don’t want Burnham in. If he gets to be Prime Minister, he will be off.”

Fellow garden volunteer George is also an anti-Burnham man.

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Taking a break from pulling up some weeds, he said: “I have seen so many negatives against Burnham with his handling of the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and stuff like that, but he did get the buses right to be fair to him.

“He’s using Ashton to become Prime Minister. He will forget about sleepy old Ashton.

“I’m voting for either Burnham or Kenyon. I’ll go Tory. I’m basically spoiling my vote aren’t I.

“Michael Winstanley seemed more sincere. I don’t think he said things he couldn’t do – it was that performance on BBC Question Time that clinched it for me.”

Further down Gerard Street, into the town centre, Jill Reynolds was out with her granddaughter Chloe. Her vote for Burnham comes with conditions.

The 77-year-old said: “I am leaning towards Andy Burnham. I’ll never forgive him if we don’t get a health centre in Orrell.

“My sister has been going on at me, that is why I’m voting for Labour. She’s a Labour councillor and she’s come over from Yorkshire to canvas recently.

“I live across the road from another constituency. We get forgotten about because we’re on the border you see.

“I just want Starmer out.”

The 27-year-old Chloe just said she votes for whoever her gran or auntie tells her to – this time it will be Labour.

Elizabeth Williams was basking in the sunshine when she weighed in: “I’ve always voted Labour and I will go for Burnham. I tried to listen, I’m not politically minded, but I think Burnham deserves a chance.

“There was no other credible candidate on the ballot. When you look how much he’s down for Manchester he’s the clear option, I’m resolute on that.”

But Mr Burnham’s track record as mayor of Greater Manchester wasn’t winning him votes everywhere. Dave Culshaw and Hazel Ellis are backing Reform to keep him out.

Dave said: “I shall be going against Burnham. We live in Hindley and my bugbear is the mayoral precept.

“Wigan’s council tax has been going up by 4.99 per cent each year. The precept has gone from 12 pc to 19.5 pc. You’ve got to pay that, you can’t get out of it.

“Burnham’s finances are out of control. If he gets into power he will spend people’s money rapidly. He’s not financially responsible enough for higher office.

“Buses are also a problem, lots of them have poor service histories. It cost millions to paint all of them yellow.”

Dave, a former Conservative councillor, also bemoaned Mr Burnham’s alleged lack of response when he was his MP. This was when Hindley came under the Leigh constituency before the boundary changes in 2024.

Hazel added: “I’ve got a problem with him using Makerfield as a stepping stone. He’s the mayor of Greater Manchester, if he’s so bothered about making the north a powerhouse, stay here and do it.

“He’s not got a record. He wants the top job, but what has he achieved? Has he ever been held to account?

“I dread to think what would happen if he came in as Prime Minister.”

The sun was shining on the high street of the constituency’s principal town, but not all the opinions on politics were glowing. A popular third choice to Labour and Reform was not voting at all.

Political apathy in Ashton was there in abundance. The M.E.N repeatedly heard statements like, ‘I don’t believe anything they say’, ‘they’re all hypocrites’ or ‘no more interviews, I’m fed up with politics’.

It’s clear that whoever becomes the newest entrant to the House of Commons is come early Friday morning – they have a lot to prove.

Polls will open from 7am on Thursday, June 18, until 10pm the same day.

Here is the full list of candidates in the Makerfield by-election in alphabetical order:

• Jake Austin – Liberal Democrats
• Count Binface – Count Binface Party
• Andy Burnham – Labour and Co-operative Party
• Dan Clarke – Libertarian Party
• John Dyer – Independent
• Ed Gemmell – Climate Party
• Paul Gould – Independent
• Howling Laud Hope – The Official Monster Raving Loony Party
• Robert Kenyon – Reform UK
• Rob Pownall – Independent
• Rebecca Shepherd – Restore Britain
• Sarah Wakefield – Green Party
• Peter Ward – Rejoin EU
• Michael Winstanley – Conservative and Unionist Party

They boast Champions League-winning duo Vitinha and Joao Neves of Paris Saint-Germain, with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, the Premier League player of the season, ahead of them as the No10. For the DR Congo, this is their first ever appearance at a World Cup as the Democratic Republic, and they got here thanks to their victory over Nigeria in the African play-offs earlier this year. Keep up to date with all the latest from Houston with our live blog below.

The motorcyclist was involved in a fatal crash on Monday, June 1

The motorcyclist, described as “loving”, who died in a crash on the M11 has been named as his family has paid tribute. Richard Beazer, 54, from Outwell in Norfolk was riding a green Kawasaki ZX 636 when it was involved in a crash with an orange Mini Cooper at about 7am on Monday, June 1.

The crash happened on the M11 near Junction 9 to Great Chesterford. Richard’s family has described him as a ” loving husband, father and grandfather” who “ led a full life that was cut so devastatingly short”.

His family has released the following tribute to him in full: “Richard Beazer tragically died in a road collision in Cambridgeshire on Monday, 1 June. Richard, at 54, led a full life that was cut so devastatingly short.

“He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who brought joy and happiness to all those lucky enough to ever have known him and he will be so dearly missed by family and all his friends.”

Officers are appealing for information and dashcam footage from anyone who may have witnessed the collision or the vehicles leading up to it. Anyone with information should contact police quoting Operation Tranmere. Alternatively, call 101.

Ladies Day at Ascot traditionally draws the largest crowd of the week and our ace tipster supplies his recommendations for a day featuring the Gold Cup

2.30 Chesham Stakes – APEROLL landed some bets in style on her debut at Newbury at the beginning of the month and gets the vote to remain unbeaten.

The chestnut daughter of Ghaiyyath had clearly been doing something right on Richard Hannon’s gallops – she was available at 8-1 for a fillies’ maiden over the Berkshire track’s six and a half furlongs before being backed into 9-4 favourite.

In the event, Pat Dobbs’ mount didn’t give her supporters too many anxious moments. Racing with enthusiasm behind the pace, my selection was pushed into the lead at the furlong pole and did what was necessary to beat Scommessa Sicura by one length.

That performance, which triggered rave reviews from her trainer, marked Aperoll as a two-year-old of abundant promise and she has any amount of as-yet untapped potential to draw upon as she moves up to Listed level and takes on male opposition.

Two of the last three runnings of the Chesham Stakes – via Snellen in 2023 and Bedtime Story 12 months on – have fallen to females and Aperoll is taken to continue the trend.

Favourite Aix La Chapelle did it well on his Curragh debut and is an obvious danger, along with his Ballydoyle stablemate South Dakota and Revels .

NEWSBOY’S 1-2-3: 1 APEROLL, 2 AIX LA CHAPELLE, 3 REVELS

3.05 King George V Stakes – JOULANY has already shown a high level of ability – but several factors point to a personal best this afternoon.

In a career spanning four races, the Sea The Stars-sired half-brother to the talented-but-quirky Al Aasy – Joulany cost 800,000 guineas as a yearling in October 2024 – has not exactly established himself as the punters’ darling. Joulany has been sent off the odds-on jolly on no fewer than three occasions, but has yet to deliver the goods.

The 5-6 market leader for his debut at Kempton Park in September, Hector Crouch’s partner ran second to Look To The Stars before a fourth to Morshdi when 4-6 at York the following month.

Joulany reappeared in a hood for a 10-furlong novice stakes at Newbury in mid-April and, this time a 6-1 chance, went under by a neck and a head to Maltese Cross and My Love Is King, form that the first two home have given a good polish since.

And his latest run saw my selection take a two-and-a-half-length second to Galiyan over today’s mile-and-a-half-trip in a maiden at Chester’s May fixture.

Joulany has a British Horseracing Authority mark of 91 but now gelded, fitted with a tongue tie and going into the handicap sphere, he’s taken to make a leap forward.

Dangers lurk at every turn, with Heyzoom, Cannes and Believed all capable of having a say.

NEWSBOY’S 1-2-3: 1 JOULANY, 2 HEYZOOM, 3 CANNES

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3.40 Ribblesdale Stakes – GILDED PRIZE surrendered her unbeaten record with a last-time-out Longchamp flop – but it’s early days to be writing her off.

The daughter of Frankel – dam Grand Jete was a one-time winner in France before going on to score at Grade 3 level for her owner-breeder Juddmonte in America – got off to a winning start in a fillies’ maiden at Chantilly in November before heading into a 136-day winter break.

The Francis Graffard trainee returned for a two-length supremacy at the same track in March before her sights were raised to Group 3 level for the Prix Cleopatre over an extended 10 furlongs at Saint-Cloud the following month.

Gilded Prize passed that test with ease, scoring by three and a half lengths, before moving up to Group 2 company for Prix Saint-Alary in Paris last time out.It was then that the wheels came off as my selection, the odds-on favourite, toiled with a fifth of six behind Lapotheose.

It’s possible the prevailing soft ground that day was to blame and, back on a sound surface, it’s worth giving Oisín Murphy’s mount the chance to bounce back.

It’s no massive surprise to see Juddmonte No.1 jockey Colin Keane on board Oaks second Legacy Link and the favourite isn’t passed over lightly, with Earth Shot and Composing next on the list.

NEWSBOY’S 1-2-3: 1 GILDED PRIZE, 2 LEGACY LINK, 3 COMPOSING

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4.15 Gold Cup – RAHIEBB is the choice to usher in a new era for the stayers by landing Royal Ascot’s signature race.

The Gold Cup presents a particular type of test, so those who have been here before – Trawlerman was third in 2025 before his victory 12 months ago, while Sweet William and Dubai Future have podium finishes on their CVs – must be respected.

But the old guard can’t last forever – Trawlerman is eight years old, Sweet William is seven and Dubai Future is 10 – and there are new kids in town.

After making a winning debut over a mile at Newcastle in March of last year, Rahiebb didn’t manage to double his tally in 2026 but ran some fine races in Group company, most notably when a neck second to Scandinavia in the St Leger at Doncaster in September.

Roger Varian was always confident Frankel’s son would improve with age and so it proved on his return when the four-year-old took on seven rivals for the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup on the Knavesmire.

It was a taking comeback – Ray Dawson’s partner held Al Nayyir by two and a quarter lengths with Furthur back in fourth – and, while it’s a long way from a mile and three-quarters to two and a half miles, the going-places four-year-old shapes like he will stay a distance of ground.

Trawlerman comes to his title defence without a prep run, which makes life difficult, so Scandinavia, Caballo De Mar and Sweet William are taken to fight it out for the minor medals.

NEWSBOY’S 1-2-3: 1 RAHIEBB, 2 SCANDINAVIA, 3 CABALLO DE MAR

4.50 Britannia Stakes – OUTBACK HEAT, a thrice-raced two-time winner – including over course and distance – makes plenty of appeal.

It’s three years since Harry Eustace saddled the then-embryonic course specialist Docklands to victory in this race, and the Newmarket trainer has another likely type in Outback Heat.

Too Darn Hot’s son didn’t see the track as a two-year-old but, gelded prior to his debut, began to make up for lost time with a victory over a mile at Newcastle at the beginning of February.

My selection then went to Great Yarmouth to finish third behind the odds-on Organise in a novice stakes before entering the handicap sphere over Ascot’s straight mile last month.

Facing 10 opponents, Outback Heat came from the rear of the field under Kaiya Fraser to hit the front at the furlong pole to hold Luzon Heights by three-quarters of a length.

Docklands landed that contest prior to coming to Royal Ascot for the first time and, from a British Horseracing Authority mark of 91, Outback Heat is the choice to follow suit.

It would take longer to list horses who can’t run well rather than those that can, but Pathein, We’re Goosers, Organise and Wechaad all merit a second look.

NEWSBOY’S 1-2-3: 1 OUTBACK HEAT, 2 WE’RE GOOSERS, 3 WECHAAD

5.35 Hampton Court Stakes – GENERIC proved no match for Constitution River at Chester last time, but should find this opposition less daunting.

Unraced as a juvenile, the Andrew Balding-saddled son of Kameko showed plenty of promise for the future when running fellow debutant Enemy Agent to a head at Kempton Park at the end of March.

And Generic duly built on that first run with a three-length humbling of My Mate Roger in a one-mile novice stakes at Great Yarmouth 17 days later.

Balding then elected to send the gelding to the Roodee for the Listed Dee Stakes over 10 furlongs, for which he started the 22-1 outsider in a field of five.

He crossed the line a seven-length runner-up behind Constitution River, who subsequently overcame a bad draw to land the Prix du Jockey Club.

But the winner isn’t the only horse to boost the form – third home Golden Story is now a Goodwood Listed winner while fourth-placed Shayem has since finished second in the German 2,000 Guineas – and Generic has plenty of scope for progress now that he moves up to Group 3 level.

Aidan O’Brien stablemates Endorsement and Italy have podium claims, as does Oxagon.

NEWSBOY’S 1-2-3: 1 GENERIC, 2 ENDORSEMENT, 3 OXAGON

6.10 Buckingham Palace Stakes – COLOMBIER was back to winning form at Epsom’s two-day Derby fixture, and another good account is on the cards.

A two-time victor for André Fabre, Kingman’s son matched that tally in the care of Alban de Mieulle before moving to Newmarket to join Hamad Al Jehani earlier this year.

Making his comeback from 475 days off, Colombier went off a well-backed 100-30 joint-favourite over this course and distance at the beginning of last month but beat just one of his 10 rivals home.

However, there was much more to like about his fifth career success, gained in the finale of Oaks day, which saw him get the better of Zarathos by a neck, the pair clear of the third horse.

A 6lb rise for that performance could have been worse and Colombier, for whom the booking of Ryan Moore is an obvious plus, should have more to offer in Al Jehani’s hands.

The shortlist to the conclusion to Ladies’ Day is unsurprisingly a lengthy one and includes Cosi Bello, Royal Velvet and Arctic Dawn.

NEWSBOY’S 1-2-3: 1 COLOMBIER, 2 COSI BELLO, 3 ARCTIC DAWN

In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

The sister of one of Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann’s victims lashed out at him in court Wednesday, saying he believed women were “his to destroy” and accusing him of lacking any remorse for his horrific crimes.

“He is a selfish, entitled man who felt like my sister and the others were his to destroy,” Danielle Mack said at the start of Heuermann’s sentencing in Riverhead, New York, according to CNN.

Victim Valerie Mack’s sister also said Heuermann, 62, didn’t “have the humanity to feel remorse.”

Heuermann, wearing a black suit, blue shirt and light-colored tie, looked down with his hands lap as Danielle Mack spoke.

The scene played out during a series of victim impact statements before Judge Timothy Mazzei sentenced Heuermann to life in prison without parole for murdering Valerie Mack and six other women: Megan Waterman, Melissa Barthelemy, Amber Lynn Costello, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla.

Heuermann —who strangled his victims and dismembered some before dumping their remains along Ocean Parkway near Long Island’s Gilgo Beach — also admitted killing an eighth woman, Karen Vergata, during his grisly crime spree from 1993 to 2010, despite not having been charged in her slaying.

In a statement read by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, Valerie Mack’s son, Benjamin “Aaron” Torres, said there was “no possible excuse” for Heuermann’s “evil and selfishness.”

“You will reap what you have sown. No one is exempt from that universal truth,” the statement added.

Many of Heuermann’s victims were sex workers and Danielle Mack’s sister acknowledged her “struggles” but said Valerie Mack “had a fire inside of her that lit up the world around her.”

Adoptive mother JoAnn Mack also told Heuermann in court: “You can never give back what you took from her and her son. You took away a lifetime for him of his mother’s love.”

“She had hopes, and she had dreams, and you took it all away from her,” JoAnn Mack said before warning Heuerman, “Unless you get yourself right before God, Valerie is the one who is free today, and you are not.”

The families of seven victims told prosecutors they wanted to make statements either in person or in writing before Mazzei imposed punishment on Heuermann, who worked as architect in New York City and was a married father of two before authorities revived a stalled investigation and arrested him in July 2023.

The evidence against him included cellphone records and DNA recovered from a pizza crust he tossed in a trash can near his Manhattan office.

During Wednesday’s court proceedings, the sister of victim Melissa Barthelmy was midway through her statement when she stopped to scold Heuermann for avoiding eye contact with her.

“You can look at me while I’m talking,” Amanda Funderburg snapped.

The remark prompted Heuermann to briefly glance at her before turning away and staring straight ahead.

Funderburg said her sister’s slaying caused her to suffer ongoing anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and she described having stared at her phone as a teen while fearfully awaiting another call from her older sister’s killer.

Funderburg and other members of her family received a series of calls from Barthelmy’s cellphone after the 24-year-old disappeared in 2009, with a male voice taunting them and ultimately admitting that he’d killed her.

In court, Funderburg said she agreed with news reports that called Heuermann an “ogre” because “that’s truly what you are.”

“I hope you suffer to the fullest extent,” she said.

Dyllan Hagget, son victim Maureen Brainard-Barnes, said he was only 1 when she was killed, leaving him without any memories of her.

“I never had her when I needed her,” Haggett said. “She never got to see who I have become.”

Daughter Nicolette also said she “was shaped as much by my mother’s absence” as her presence, adding, “I will never be someone who can relax because I had such fear at such a young age.”

Nicolette said that “like every sex worker, my mom was an entire human being” who was “deeply loved and cannot be replaced.”

“She loved, she struggled, she mattered. And she deserved the chance to keep living,” her daughter added.

Elizabeth Meserve, aunt of victim Megan Waterman, said Heuermann “not only took Megan’s hopes and dreams, he also shattered our family,” and she took note of his hulking, 6-foot4-inch height and weight, which was reportedly 240 pounds when he was arrested.

News reports have said he’s apparently put on even more weight since then.

“When you compare his size to these smaller victims, it’s clear: He was not a fearsome predator, but rather a cowardly opportunist,” Meserve said. “Begone, cowardly demon.”

Jasmine Robinson, a cousin of Jessica Taylor, told Heuermann that “you fill me with so much repugnance it’s suffocating,” and another cousin, Violet Swager, noted that Taylor would have turned 43 on Wednesday.

“I’m so grateful for this day of justice and I know she is, too,” Swager said. “Happy birthday, Jess.”

In written statements read in court, Kimberly Overstreet said that although sister Amber Costello “was a sinner, she was forgiven,” and Ruth Ramos, sister of Sandra Costilla, said that “it brings our families peace knowing the person responsible for our everlasting pain can never harm anyone else.”

Heuermann’s wife, Asa Ellerup, divorced him after his arrest and didn’t attend his sentencing, with her lawyer releasing a statement last week that said she “believes this day should be centered on the victims, their families, and the profound impact these crimes have had on their lives.”

And the heart-breaking reality is that this crime is far more common than many realise — so much so that police in Bolton are now taking action to stop it in its tracks.

Specialist officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Economic Crime Unit is hosting a series about romance fraud over the coming weeks.

Staff and volunteers will be on hand to offer advice to residents about romance fraud, and cybercrime in general, explaining what it is, how to stay safe and protect yourself.

In Bolton the session will be held on Monday, June 22 at Nationwide in Deansgate, Bolton town centre, from 10am to 1pm.

For more fraud prevention advice, visit GMP’s crime prevention webpage here – https://www.gmp.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/

More than 500 complaints related to romance scams were received by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) between January 2025 and March 2026.

Romance scams happen when fraudsters convince often vulnerable people to send money to them, by gaining their trust and convincing them that they are in a relationship.

Generally, the service said cases that it sees involve scammers using social media and gaming apps to lure victims, enticing them towards more private messaging apps.

Criminals will sometimes search for profiles of widowed people or divorcees, the FOS said.

Patrick Hurley, ombudsman director at the FOS, said: “Being the victim of a fraud or scam can be deeply distressing and sadly for many people the financial implications can be life-changing.

“Romance scams particularly can leave an emotional scar and the impact on victims is often significant.

“Our service offers free, fair and final answers to your financial complaints. So, if you’re unhappy with how your financial provider has handled your issue, you can bring a complaint to us.”

Tips from the FOS to help prevent romance scams:

1. Do not send money to someone you have only met online.

2. If someone pressures you into transferring money, stop and ask yourself if it could be a scam.

3. Listen to your bank if they warn you about a scam and answer their questions accurately.

4. If someone tries to convince you to invest money with a firm, check the Financial Conduct Authority’s register to confirm that it is authorised.

Stephen’s parents thanked those who have kept him in their thoughts and prayers

The parents of North Belfast knife attack victim have confirmed there is a possibility he may be left blind.

Stephen Ogilvie was stabbed on Kinnaird Avenue on 8 June in an incident which led to two nights of disorder across parts of Northern Ireland.

A 30-year-old Sundanese national, Hadi Alodid, has been charged with attempted murder, threats to kill an NHS radiographer on the same day and possession of a knife.

In an update which was shared on the GoFundMe page, which has raised more than £31,000 for the victim, his parents confirmed he is now out of his induced coma.

“On behalf of our family, we would like to sincerely thank everyone who has donated, shared this fundraiser, and kept Stephen in their thoughts and prayers,” they said.

“We are relieved to share that Stephen is now out of his induced coma and continuing his recovery, although he still faces significant challenges ahead. The funds raised will help provide Stephen with the equipment, support, and everyday items he may need as he adjusts to life following this attack.

“With the loss of sight in his left eye and the possibility of losing sight in his right eye, your generosity will make a real difference to his future quality of life.

“We have been truly humbled by the kindness of so many people, many of whom have never met our family. Thank you all for your incredible support, and please continue to share the fundraiser with your friends and family if you can.”

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