After meeting on Tinder, Kathryn White’s abusive behaviour led to the death of her girlfriend, Claire Alex

A possessive and controlling woman subjected her girlfriend to a relentless campaign of abuse, driving the “vulnerable” mum to suicide just days after she finally found the strength to report her tormentor, a court has been told.

Victim Claire Alex told police she had “completely lost herself” and felt “broken” after 11 months of torment from her partner, Kathryn White. Four days later, she killed herself.

At Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Gary Woodhall said White’s prolonged abuse of Ms Alex had significantly contributed to the mum’s decision to end her own life in July 2022.

The “cold, collected” abuser showed “absolutely no remorse, shame or empathy” for her actions, as the court heard how she terrorised Ms Alex physically and emotionally, cutting her off from her family and friends.

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White, 41, of Mayfield Mews in Crewe, Cheshire, denied controlling and coercive behaviour, but was found guilty following a trial. She appeared back in court on Friday July 31, for sentence, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Prosecutor Ember Jade Wong said White and Ms Alex had met on dating app Tinder in August 2021, and that “the relationship to begin with was a positive one.”

She said: “Claire Alex was in love. That remained a constant throughout the relationship and was one of the reasons Ms Alex remained in what emerged to be an abusive and controlling relationship, where she was reluctant to report to the police and was scared to leave. Even as that relationship became more volatile and abusive, and she became more isolated from those around her.

“She would control what she did, who she spoke to, and would monitor her in various different ways. Perhaps the most significant form of isolation in this case was from friends and family, including her own children.”

The troubled relationship finally came to an end in July 2022, when an argument resulted in White grabbing Ms Alex by the neck and pinning her to a wall. She threatened to kill herself, took the victim’s phone so she could not call for help, and threw her to the floor.

Judge Woodhall said: “I have no doubt that your behaviour on that day demonstrates the way you manipulated your partner to ensure your control, and more importantly, your complete inability to cope with any challenge by her to your authority in the home.

“Your controlling behaviour appears to have been motivated by sexual jealousy, a sense of ownership and desire to isolate the victim for you to gain control.”

The incident “spilled out onto the street” and neighbours called the police, which led to Ms Alex making a statement.

The judge continued: “She described how she had completely lost herself, and that she was broken. I have no doubt that she took her own life, at least in part, because she felt her own life had been completely ruined by you, because you left her feeling like she had no choice.”

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Rosemary Proctor, defending White, said the former army officer had depression, anxiety and ADHD, and had suffered sexual trauma in the past.

Asking the judge to pass a suspended sentence, she said: “I ask your honour to take into account sexual trauma and the impact of imprisonment on her. While there are mental health services in prison and while treatment is available, people with mental health issues can find the overwhelming nature of a prison environment more oppressive than those without mental health disorders.

“During this trial the court saw the worst version of Kathryn White. That’s not the only version. It’s clear from the character references she can be compassionate, she can be generous, she can be a good friend, a good sister, a good daughter, even a good girlfriend. There are many who can say she had made a positive impact on their lives.”

Judge Woodhall said Ms Alex had been “besotted” by White, and was “very much in love”. In return, White “controlled her and was abusive towards her.”

He said: “You belittled her, controlled her access to social media, checked her calls and messages and interactions with others. This included putting distance between her and her family and ultimately isolating her from her family until she felt completely dependent on you and unable to tell her family what was happening.

“You were abusive and threatening to anyone you perceived showed a sexual interest in her. You sought to control who she had contact with, including at work.”

The isolation worsened when Ms Alex moved from Rhyl in Wales to live with White in Crewe, and she was scared to visit her daughter on her wedding day.

The judge said: “Your behaviour amounted to a prolonged and persistent campaign of psychological and physical abuse.”

When Ms Alex had tried to take her own life on a previous occasion, White showed “no real concern for her health” as she dropped her off at the hospital, telling her to “get the f*** out of the car”. She later told Ms Alex she had “not done a good enough job in trying to take her own life”.

On one occasion she threatened to stab Ms Alex. On another occasion, she slapped her outside her workplace after a colleague hugged her.

The judge concluded: “I have watched your behaviour throughout the trial. I’m satisfied, even allowing for your mental health difficulties, you demonstrated a cold, collected attitude with absolutely no remorse, shame or empathy.

“Your behaviour demonstrated attempts by you to control the way evidence was given. You made flippant and jokey remarks which could not have been more inappropriate, which shows a complete lack of understanding of the impact of your offending.”

He sentenced White to three years and six months in prison.

Part of the road may have collapsed, police say

A Cambridgeshire road is closed after a water main burst. Cambridgeshire Police has closed off Weasenham Lane in Wisbech this morning (Tuesday, August 4) due to a burst water main.

A video captured by resident Ryan Conway shows water sprawling out across the road. The road has been closed by police between Elm Low Road to Bolness Road.

A police spokesperson believes “some of the carriageway may have collapsed”. As a result of the burst main, people in the area may be experiencing an interruption to supply.

On the Anglian Water website, it said: “We’re sorry if you’ve got lower pressure than normal or even no water at all at the moment. We’re working hard to find out what’s going on.

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“Problems like this are usually a sign there’s a burst pipe somewhere in our network, but as it might not be visible yet, our teams are on the ground using the latest technology to try and find it.”

Anglian Water and Cambridgeshire Police have been contacted for further information.

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At least five people were killed and 10 more injured in a Ukrainian drone strike on a warehouse close to Moscow overnight on Tuesday, the region’s governor has said.

The official did not specify what had been targeted but Ukraine has been carrying out strikes on facilities operated by Wildberries in recent weeks, often dubbed the “Russian Amazon”.

Kyiv says the depots are used to supply the Russian military, which Moscow denies.

Local officials also said Wildberries warehouses were targeted in the St Petersburg and Tver regions overnight.

Russia also launched strikes against parts of Ukraine, killing at least four and injuring several people.

Russia’s defence ministry said it had intercepted and destroyed 320 drones overnight.

Moscow region governor Andrei Vorobyov said an industrial site in Novoselki, Chekhov – about 69km (43 miles) south of the Kremlin – was attacked, triggering a fire at a warehouse.

He wrote on Telegram that seven of the 10 people injured were in a moderate condition, with one in a serious condition.

Ukrainian media reported that the site of the Moscow strike was linked to Wildberries.

The company has not commented publicly but confirmed its facility in St Petersburg was hit.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said an 89-year-old woman was killed and two girls, aged two and 12, were among seven injured in a Russian strike on the southern port city of Mykolaiv overnight.

A woman and two girls, aged five and 10, were killed in a strike on a residential area in Sumy, and another four people were injured, it said.

Russian strikes also injured two people in the city of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, while a food warehouse was set on fire in Dnipro, according to the State Emergency Service.

Auckland Castle’s Walled Garden, a Grade II-listed site in County Durham, is one of six projects in the running for the Stephen Lawrence Prize 2026, which celebrates emerging architectural talent.

The restored garden was brought back to life by MawsonKerr Architects in collaboration with landscape architect Pip Morrison.

The new space includes a Victorian-inspired glasshouse (Image: Oli Sturdy)

A citation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) praised the transformation and its thoughtful approach.

It said: “The Walled Garden at Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, has a rich and distinctive history.

“Its restoration by MawsonKerr Architects with landscape architect Pip Morrison strikes a compelling balance between sensitive repair and thoughtful reinvention.”

The glasshouse (Image: Dan Kerr)

Judges also commended the restored garden walls and the integration of new, functional elements.

The citation continued: “The Grade II-listed walls enclosing the garden have been meticulously restored and seem content to resume their role as a backdrop to a productive landscape after years of dereliction.

“MawsonKerr’s new-build interventions are small, precise, and beautifully executed.”

One of the key new additions is a maintenance block that blends into the bankside, designed with reclaimed and new brick and topped with a sedum roof.

The Walled Garden is central to the Castle’s transformation into a major visitor attraction (Image: Oli Sturdy)

According to the judges, this building “merge seamlessly with the surrounding landscape” and reflects the high level of care applied to the entire project.

The citation also highlighted the wider purpose of the site beyond its visual appeal.

It said: “These functional interventions ensure that the Walled Garden is more than a visitor attraction or productive plot.

“It now serves as a resource for education on seasonality and biodiversity, with produce grown on-site used in local restaurants and surplus donated to local charities.”

Staff wellbeing and volunteer engagement have visibly improved since the garden’s transformation, according to feedback from those working on the project.

The glasshouse was described as the “jewel in the crown.”

A distinctive ridge and furrow roof maximises morning and evening light (Image: Oli Sturdy)

Inspired by the “ridge and furrow” design of Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace, the new structure sits lightly on the footprint of the former pinery-vinery and supports the work of gardeners and volunteers.

The structure was developed in close collaboration with JC Consulting, and judges praised its lightness, both visually and structurally.

Budget constraints shaped the project, but the judges said its quality did not suffer as a result.

They concluded: “Through close collaboration with manufacturers, client, and contractor, they have created something genuinely special that could so easily have been ordinary.”

They also recognised The Auckland Project’s commitment to regeneration through culture, heritage, and high-quality design.

This is not the first time Bishop Auckland has been recognised for architectural excellence.

The glasshouse is now the third RIBA North East Award–winning project within a 100-metre radius.

Elsewhere on the Stephen Lawrence Prize shortlist are projects in London, Hertfordshire and Cornwall, including a new junior school, a converted department store, and an urban stables scheme.

The Auckland Castle Walled Garden is described as “a thriving hub for education and community wellbeing.”

Matthew Goldschmied, jury chair and managing trustee of The Marco Goldschmied Foundation, said: “Once again, the shortlist presented the jury with a diverse array of outstanding projects by early-career architects.

“Through excellence in community connection, regeneration of public spaces, education environments and ecological sensitivity, these projects collectively reassure us of the undoubted talent emerging into the profession.

“Those shortlisted have become part of the living memorial to Stephen Lawrence, and we are looking forward to visiting all projects and meeting the project architects and clients behind them.”

Chris Williamson, RIBA president, added: “This year’s shortlist is a powerful reminder of the talent, creativity and innovation emerging within our profession.

“From the sensitive restoration of historic buildings to the creation of new structures that support education, wellbeing and community, these projects demonstrate the enormous impact architecture can have when people and purpose are placed at its core.

“Not only are these emerging architects shaping the future of our built environment, but they are already delivering projects of exceptional quality and social value.”

The winner of the Stephen Lawrence Prize 2026 will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Old Billingsgate in London.

Officers want to trace 37-year-old Luke Linley, from Leeds, who is wanted by the domestic abuse integrated offender management team from the city force for breaching the conditions of his licence.

Despite extensive enquiries, police said they have been unable to locate Linley and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

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A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “We are renewing an appeal for information to help trace a man from Leeds who is wanted on recall to prison.”

Anyone who has information regarding this person is asked to call police on 101, or report online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat.

Information can also be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Please cite reference number 13260197766.

Five other people have already been named by police

A teenage boy is the sixth person to be charged after a man was shot in a Cambridgeshire town. Cambridgeshire Police was called to Leverington Common in Gorefield, near Wisbech, at around 1.55am on May 31.

A man in his 20s had been shot and suffered serious injuries. Five people were charged in connection with attempted murder and later appeared in court. Police have charged a sixth person.

A police spokesperson said: “A 15-year-old boy from Basildon, Essex, has been charged with conspiracy to murder, actual bodily harm (ABH) and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He has been released on police bail to return to Milton Police Station on September 9.”

The other five people charged in connection with the incident were:

• Jesse Hughes, 31, of St Thomas’ Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm, and perverting the course of justice;
• Billy Cameron, 21, of Grosvenor Road, Basildon, Essex, has been charged with conspiracy to murder and perverting the course of justice;
• Brandon Walsh, 29, of Long Riding, Basildon, Essex, has been charged with conspiracy to murder and perverting the course of justice;
• Eleanor Warren, 30, of Willingham Gardens, Flitton, Bedfordshire, has been charged with perverting the course of justice;
• Leah Foley, 34, of Byrd Court, Basildon, with assisting an offender.

All five appeared at Luton Magistrates Court on July 22. All five will appear at Cambridge Crown Court on August 19.

A number of ‘traditional’ names are no longer being chosen by parents

A number of baby names are quickly falling out of favour, with barely any new parents choosing them. Data spanning 120 years from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed a number of traditional names that face the very real prospect of becoming extinct.

Lars B. Andersen, Managing Director at mynametags.com – which carried out the analysis – said: “We’ve been supporting parents in the UK for over 20 years, and have observed first-hand that baby name trends tend to be cyclical in nature. In recent years, we’ve seen the resurgence of many vintage names, such as Florence and Arthur. This got us thinking about the historic names that haven’t experienced a comeback, which set us on our path to discovering the beautiful, traditional names that risk becoming lost in time.”

He further noted that the company hopes certain names, including Freda, can be “saved”.

According to the ONS, the most recently available figures show a number of more unusual names breaking into the top 100 registered in England and Wales – with both Athena and Yahya featuring on the list for the very first time. At the other end of the spectrum, the name Cecil was once a staple among British boys in the early-to-mid 20th Century, but became officially extinct in 2024.

Baby names that could become extinct

Leigh

Leigh is a unique spelling of the more common ‘Lee’, and means ‘meadow’ or ‘delicate’. The name was only registered three times in 2024, despite fitting with the current trend for short-and-sweet boys’ names.

Maurice

A traditional Roman family name, Maurice was a staple of the top 100 most popular names from 1904 to 1954, but was registered just eight times in 2024.

Percy

Percy, meaning ‘pierce the valley’, offers plenty of vintage charm, yet has been left to almost extinction, accounting for just 0.02% of babies registered.

Claude

Claude, with roots to historical nobleness, has fallen out of favour with parents since the 1920s. A short and chic-sounding name, it’s now almost entirely extinct in the UK, with only 0.001% of babies born in 2024 given the name.

Winifred

Appearing consistently in the top 100 names from 1904 to 1934, Winifred means ‘blessed peacemaker’. Often shortened to ‘Winnie’, the adorable name has become surprisingly scarce in recent years.

Millicent

A retro alternative to the popular ‘Amelia’, Millicent, meaning ‘gentle strength’, offers a variety of charming shortenings, including Millie, Minnie, and Mila. However, just 42 Millicents were registered in the UK in 2024, compared with 2,448 Amelias.

Freda

Freda, meaning ‘peaceful ruler’, was one of the most popular names in the early 20 th Century, appearing in the top baby 100 names consistently from 1904 to 1934. However, the name is now virtually extinct with only seven babies registered with the name in 2024, according to ONS’s most recent data.

Rosina

Meaning ‘little rose’, the name Rosina was particularly popular before the First World War. Now, only 0.002% of babies born in the UK have the name, making it a perfect option for expectant parents looking for a unique, classical twist on current favourites ‘Rose’ and ‘Rosie’.

Bessie

Bessie, used on its own or as a shortening of Elizabeth or Beatrice, is a beautiful alternative to another vintage name, ‘Betty’, which has risen in popularity in recent years. Yet, it was only registered 17 times in 2024, meaning the name could die out entirely this generation.

Karanjeet Kaur Bains, who is a powerlifter and fitness coach, sustained a major knee injury during filming earlier this year, reportedly ruling her out of season four.

She was forced to pull out of season three due to a complete ACL tear, meniscus tear, injuries to both the LCL and MCL, and a bone fracture.

However, Bains has now taken to social media to break her silence on her exit.

She wrote: “I’ve seen a lot of speculation recently that I’m still injured… The truth is I’ve been fully fit for several months now and honestly, I’m the fittest and strongest I’ve ever been.

“The rest I’ll comment on in due course, but I just wanted to set the record straight.

“In the meantime, here’s my latest track sessions… Actions speak louder than words.”

Fans responded with messages of support in the comments, with one writing: “We love you Athena!

“Always queen of the arena regardless.”

Another person posted: “I’m sad you’re not there.

“But hopefully see you soon.”

Filming for the new series began last weekend, but both Bains and her co-star Bionic, real name Matty Campbell, were absent due to injury.

A source told The Sun that although they won’t appear on the show this year, they could potentially return for the live tour, depending on their recovery.

Newsquest has contacted the BBC for comment.

Two other Gladiators stars exit show

Outside of Athena and Bionic not being involved in the next series of Gladiators, Cyclone will also not be returning.

Lystus Ebosele confirmed on social media that she has stepped down from the series of her own accord.

In an Instagram story shared on Thursday (July 30), the 25-year-old powerlifting champion said she was not “axed,” but chose to leave after appearing in two seasons of the programme.

She confirmed she will still take part in the 2026 Live Tour but will not return for future series.

Lystus has unfollowed the show’s official Instagram account and deleted all pictures of herself on the show.

Earlier this year, 40-year-old Jamie Bigg, known as Giant, also left the programme under controversial circumstances.

Bigg said he was let go after telling producers he intended to go public with his relationship, including the fact that his partner is an OnlyFans creator.

He said in a statement to the Press Association: “I made it clear that I was planning to go public with my relationship, including the fact my partner works as an OnlyFans creator, and shortly after that I was told I wouldn’t be continuing on Gladiators.

Are you said to see Athena leave Gladiators? Let us know in the comments.

This week marks the start of the consultation period for the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA).

Over the next three months, residents, stakeholders, and business owners will have the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and share their opinions on the proposed plans.

Once a major aviation hub in South Yorkshire, flying passengers to 50 destinations in Europe, Doncaster Sheffield Airport was forced to close its doors four years ago.

Its owners at the time, Peel Group, claimed that the airport was no longer financially viable to keep it open. However, that should hopefully soon change.

The consultation follows several crucial developments earlier this year.

In April, a large jet landed at Doncaster Sheffield Airport for the first time since its closure, marking the beginning of ambitious plans to bring the site back into operation.

Staff celebrated the arrival, which is kept on constant standby as a response aircraft to oil spills around the world, calling it an ‘amazing moment’ for aviation and the for the community.

Christian Foster, director of airport operator FlyDoncaster Ltd, was equally thrilled by the development, telling news outlets: ‘It’s quite a moment seeing a jet land at the airport for the first time in almost four years.’

And just a few weeks later, in the middle of May, more good news arrived.

Doncaster Council officially approved a £57 million loan to help kickstart the project — a rather shocking turn of events given the fact that Labour and Reform UK councillors had been at odds over the matter for months.

Reacting to the news, #SaveDSA campaigner Mark Chadwick told the Doncaster Free Press: ‘After years of uncertainty, today’s result provides long-awaited clarity and sends a strong message that elected representatives have listened to the voices of local residents, businesses, trade unions and 40k plus supporters across the region.

‘People have consistently made it clear: they want Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopened and delivering jobs, connectivity, and economic growth once again.’

Tourism expert Christian Petzold previously told Metro that the DSA project is an important step towards international connections for South Yorkshire.

He shared: ‘Currently it remains the largest city-region in Europe without access to a functioning airport.

‘When reopened, the airport will significantly reduce the reliance of passengers and businesses on airports like Manchester, Leeds Bradford and East Midlands.’

Travel times would be reduced from over 90 minutes down to approximately 30-40 minutes, he added.

Airport bosses have described the consultation phase as ‘crucial’, emphasising that they want to hear from as many people as possible.

As well as delivering leaflets to nearby households, the airport also plan on hosting webinars and in-person events.

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Through the Young Patients Family Fund (YPFF), the SNP Scottish Government provided £72,267 to families across the Lanarkshire region during the 2025/26 financial year.

Clare Adamson MSP has welcomed new figures from the Scottish Government showing that 400 families across Lanarkshire have received financial support while their children were staying in hospital.

Through the Young Patients Family Fund (YPFF), the SNP Scottish Government provided £72,267 to families across the Lanarkshire region during the 2025/26 financial year.

The Young Patients Family Fund helps cover the cost of travel, food and accommodation for parents, primary carers and siblings under 18 who are visiting a child in hospital.

Since being introduced by the SNP Scottish Government in 2021, the scheme, which is unique to Scotland, has provided practical support to thousands of families facing the worry and uncertainty of a child spending an extended period in hospital.

The Motherwell and Wishaw MSP said: “Having a child in hospital is incredibly difficult for any family, so it’s really encouraging to see 400 families across Lanarkshire supported through the Young Patients Family Fund over the last year.”

“This practical help with travel, food and accommodation costs allows families to focus on being there for their child, rather than worrying about the extra financial pressures that can come with a hospital stay.”

“Whether it’s the Baby Box, funded early learning and childcare, investment in breakfast clubs or the Young Patients Family Fund, the SNP remains committed to making Scotland the best place in the world for children to grow up and for families to thrive.”

“I’m proud that Scotland continues to provide this support, helping families stay together when they need each other most and ensuring no one is left to face these challenges alone.”

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