In a pre-sentence report, Spence told a probation officer that he accepted his guilt over the incidents and said he was “sickened over his behaviour”, adding that he was “out of my head on alcohol and drugs”
A sentenced Co Antrim prisoner who tried to hijack two cars in Belfast city centre was handed a 50 month jail sentence on Thursday.
Advertisement
Andrew Bradley Spence, 23, of Madigan Park, Carrickfergus, had previously pleaded guilty to two attempted hijackings, two counts of criminal damage and one of possessing an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.
Belfast Crown Court heard that during the first incident at around 9.45 pm on March 9, 2024, a man was sitting in his black Hyundai car parked in Royal Avenue.
Prosecution barrister Emma McIlveen said Spence approached the driver’s side of the car, opened the door, put a “sharpened piece of metal” towards the victim’s face and told him to get out of the vehicle.
The victim got out and Spence climbed in, stealing £70 in cash from the dashboard.
Advertisement
“The victim tried to re-enter the vehicle but the defendant used the sharpened piece of metal to threaten him and also damaged an interior door panel.”
Spence got out of the car and fled on foot in the direction of Belfast City Hall.
Belfast Recorder Judge Philip Gilpin heard that at around 10pm that same evening, a woman was sitting in her red Ford Focus car in a car park in Bankmore Street.
Said Ms McIlveen: “This defendant opened the driver’s side door and told his victim: ‘I have a knife and I am going to f***ing stab you’.
Advertisement
“He then pulled his victim out of her car at which point she attempted to fight back. She shouted for some assistance from a group of pedestrians who were nearby.
“When they became aware of the defendant, he returned the car keys to the victim and he walked off in the direction of Bedford Street.”
Spence was subsequently arrested by police and was found not to be wearing an electronic tag which he had forcibly removed.
He denied involvement in both attempted hijackings and became verbally abusive and agitated towards interviewing police.
Advertisement
In a pre-sentence report, Spence told a probation officer that he accepted his guilt over the incidents and said he was “sickened over his behaviour”, adding that he was “out of my head on alcohol and drugs”.
He also extended an apology to his victims.
The probation officer said Spence was not assessed as posing a danger to the public but was a high likelihood of reoffending.
Judge Gilpin said the victims in the case “will have endured a frightening experience”.
Advertisement
The female said in a Victim Impact Statement that at the time of the incident she “genuinely feared for her safety”.
She said that the emotional and psychological toll was both “significant and ongoing”.
She wrote that travelling or driving “fills me with dread” and felt “a sense of shame and guilt” that she should have done things differently that evening.
“It has affected my ability to relate to others, in particular men. I have become more defensive or guarded and less trusting.
Advertisement
“The impact of the incident has left true and lasting harm on me,” she wrote.
The court heard Spence had 64 previous convictions, including an entry for hijacking in March 2023.
Defence solicitor Paul Dougan said that in 2025 Spence was sentenced at Downpatrick Crown Court for the hijacking offence and driving whilst disqualified and received a total sentence of eight years and two months, which was divided equally between custody and probation.
Mr Dougan said in relation to the ‘Downpatrick case’, Spence was granted High Court bail in the lead up to Christmas 2023.
Advertisement
But when he was arrested over the ‘Belfast case’, his bail was revoked and he was remanded in custody.
He said that if the two cases had been dealt with together at Downpatrick Crown Court, the judge would have had to take into account the principle of totality in sentencing Spence.
Mr Dougan added that Spence’s release date for the ‘Downpatrick case’ was October 10, 2027.
In his sentencing remarks, the Belfast Recorder said: “The exercise for this court is to determine how much more of a sentence would the defendant have received if Downpatrick Crown Court had also dealt with the offences I am dealing with today.”
Advertisement
Judge Gilpin said he would take into account the principle of totality and handed down a 50 month sentence.
However, Judge Gilpin said the 50 month sentence would run concurrently to the sentence imposed in the ‘Downpatrick case’ which would not interfere with Spence’s release date in 2027.
Which? compared a list of 245 branded items, such as Heinz, Nescafé, and Mr Kipling in February, finding that it was, on average, most expensive for customers at Sainsbury’s and Tesco who were not using the loyalty schemes.
The watchdog acknowledged that most shoppers are part of a membership scheme, but said some may be unwilling to sign up to loyalty cards for reasons such as data privacy, while others have no choice because of eligibility criteria.
Tesco customers who are under 18 can not sign up to a Clubcard, although the supermarket has announced it will review this before the end of the year.
Advertisement
@lynx Honestly I’ve been using lynx for year’s but in tesco £5.90 for a can of antiperspirant is absolutely shocking…. Think it’s time to use another brand… Deals are only on a short while and I’m fed up with it… Nearly 20 year’s using your products #lynx#expensive
The Which? list of items was most expensive at Sainsbury’s for non-Nectar members at £942.66 – 14% more than the cheapest retailer in the study, Asda, which cost £823.58.
Tesco followed behind Sainsbury’s, with its non-Clubcard price totalling 11% more than Asda at £916.56.
Both Tesco and Sainsbury’s – the UK’s two largest grocers – were more expensive for non-members of their loyalty schemes than Waitrose, which cost £899.05.
Advertisement
Waitrose was 9% more expensive than Asda and emerged as a “more competitive option”, Which? said.
Fuel is so expensive now, Sainsbury’s are just turning off the prices so as not to scare people 😆 pic.twitter.com/X2uZZUuLtK
Which? said the figures showed the “dramatic price gulf” created by loyalty pricing.
Meanwhile, Which? found customers who used a Nectar card at Sainsbury’s could expect to pay only 3% more than Asda at £848.56 for the entire list of items.
Advertisement
Which? retail editor Reena Sewraz said: “Our analysis reveals a shocking truth and shows the impact loyalty schemes have had on grocery pricing.
“Branded favourites can actually be cheaper at Waitrose than at the UK’s biggest supermarkets for shoppers who don’t use a loyalty card – something that would have seemed unthinkable until a few years ago.
“If you’ve got your heart set on specific brands, your best bet is to shop around, keep a close eye on the unit price, and stock up whenever you see a good deal – otherwise, you’re likely to end up paying way over the odds.
“While loyalty cards definitely offer some savings, if you don’t use one you’re better off heading to Asda, where the pricing is usually cheaper on a range of branded goods.”
A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “We have invested over £1 billion in recent years to help keep prices low and we know more customers are choosing to do their shop at Sainsbury’s.
“We are committed to helping customers access great quality at lower prices and remain focused on offering outstanding value across thousands of products through our Aldi price match scheme, Nectar prices, Your Nectar Prices and our own-brand value lines.”
A spokesman for Tesco said: “It’s no secret that Tesco Clubcard unlocks exceptional savings for the 24 million UK households who have one.
Advertisement
“More than 80% of our sales are made with a Clubcard – but it’s just one of the ways our customers get great value.
“Though everyday low prices we keep prices consistently low on thousands of branded products, and our Aldi price match ensures shoppers can be confident they’re getting competitive prices.”
“Deeply unpleasant odours” and “uncivilised” conditions have forced council staff in Scarborough to work from home or relocate to spaces that were not designed as offices.
It comes as North Yorkshire Council approved an ‘asset rationalisation’ plan, including the purchase of Resolution House by the A64 for an undisclosed sum and a move of staff from Scarborough Town Hall and Ryedale House.
The authority has said that new customer access points will be created in town centre sites in Scarborough and Malton.
At a special scrutiny meeting on Thursday, March 26, councillors were told about the concerning condition of the buildings at the Town Hall site.
Advertisement
Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Gareth Dadd, said: “In a civilised society, we cannot let our staff work in these conditions, and the time for action has come.”
A presentation gave councillors a glimpse of the deteriorating coastal building, but corporate director for resources, Gary Fielding, said the pictures did not tell the whole story.
“The photographs don’t capture the full odours, and some of those areas are deeply unpleasant to walk around due to the smell and damp from over the years.”
A group of coastal and independent councillors called for a “full independent cost assessment” and for a full meeting of the authority to decide on the scheme, which was announced by the council earlier this month.
Advertisement
Dilapidated Condition Of Scarborough Town Hall Campus. Courtesy Nyc
Despite concerns about the economic impact of the plans on Scarborough town centre and questions about financial due diligence, the overview and scrutiny committee voted against the motion that called for a delay to the decision.
NYC director, Mr Fielding, told members: “It’s worth remembering that Resolution House has been refurbished to a very high spec by Anglo American, and we have had assessment support from Align Property.
“It’s in extremely good condition.”
Mr Fielding added that due to the condition of the town hall site, “staff are not inclined to work from the office” and that it was “quite hard to enforce” a policy encouraging staff to work on-site.
Advertisement
Poor Condition Of Scarborough Town Hall Campus. Courtesy Of Nyc
The Scarborough town hall site is made up of four buildings: The listed Town Hall building, a 1950’s/1960’s extension, York House (the old Brewery), and the Customer Services building.
The scheme has been presented as a way to avoid up to £19 million of costs to upgrade “appalling working conditions” at the ageing coastal town hall site, and could see Malton’s Ryedale House office sold to make way for housing.
Empty Office Space At Scarborough Town Hall Campus. Courtesy Of Nyc.
Deputy leader, Cllr Dadd, said: “I believe what we are buying is virtually risk-free and helps regenerate Scarborough. If we miss this opportunity, we’re missing the opportunity of a generation.”
According to a report prepared for the executive committee, the scheme would create “minimum ongoing savings in property running costs of £400,000 per annum and savings of more than £20 million in backlog maintenance liabilities across Ryedale House and Scarborough Town Hall”.
Cameron Patey, 22, said he bought a stash of the Class A drug to share with pals on a weekend trip.
A football hooligan has dodged jail again after being caught dealing cocaine.
Advertisement
Cameron Patey, 22, said he bought a stash of the Class A drug to share with pals on a weekend trip. Last June the Airdrie supporter was handed a football banning order for his part in a brawl with St Johnstone fans in the Lanarkshire town.
When asked about his role in the trouble, Patey told a social worker: “It’s an escape. It gives me a buzz.” Patey was back in the dock at Airdrie Sheriff Court to admit having cocaine with intent to supply others in the town’s Whinhall Avenue on March 21 last year.
He was on bail in relation to the football offence when he was detained. His solicitor, Paul Belardo, stressed Patey wasn’t a commercial drug dealer, telling the court: “He pleads guilty on the basis of social supply.”
Tammy Hislop, prosecuting, said he was caught with 53 bags of cocaine with a street value of £1,560. He claimed he’d bought it for £900 and planned to split it with friends during a weekend away.
Advertisement
Sheriff Derek Livingston ordered Patey, of Airdrie, to carry out 183 hours of unpaid community work as an alternative to prison. Last year the court heard that Patey was in a group of hooded Airdrie fans who confronted St Johnstone supporters at the West End Bar before a Scottish Cup tie in January 2024.
A fight broke out in the pub and spilled on to the street. Patey, who admitted causing a breach of the peace, was spared jail but was ordered not to attend any regulated matches in the UK or pubs showing football for two years.
It was the second time he had been given a court football banning order.
Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.
The Mirror accompanied Tony Hayes as he jetted 1,800 miles to Rhodes, Greece, and visited the spot where he waved goodbye to his 15-year-old daughter Jessica before she fell to her death in 2020
Dan Warburton Senior News Reporter and Annette Belcher
20:45, 26 Mar 2026Updated 20:49, 26 Mar 2026
The dad of a teenager who fell to her death parasailing tragedy on a Greek island has returned to the spot where she lost her life. Tony Hayes, 43, made the 1,800-mile trip to Rhodes for the first time since his daughter, Jessica, 15, and her cousin, Mikey Connelly, 13, died after falling on to rocks below in 2020.
And today (Thursday) he laid two white roses in the sand just hours before the watersports boss who operated the trip was due to face a criminal prosecution in court, The Mirror exclusively reports.
Advertisement
Nikos Mallios, 57, is accused of breaching a raft of health and safety regulations after the rope tethering Jessica and Mikey to his speedboat snapped, sending them spiralling to earth. Michael’s older brother James, then 15, was also being towed in the “three-man ride” but miraculously survived. Today, the Mirror accompanied Tony as he returned to the same beach where he waved Jessica off and told her: “We love you.”
In an exclusive interview, Tony said: “I never want anyone to have to experience anything as traumatic as this. Losing a child is the worst thing that can happen. I need to come back to re-live some parts of it so I can process it.” He added: “It’s difficult to be here. It’s very, very hard. What’s hard for people to understand is that it’s been five and a half years. But for us it feels like it’s still exactly the same day. That time has passed but because of what happened and the court case is ongoing, we haven’t had a resolution to that.
“So I look at a picture of Jess, or see a video of her, and I can’t process what happened. I’ve had to have PTSD counselling. But it’s difficult because I can’t remember the good times because I’m consumed with the ongoing case.
“When I look at the hotel I have so many mixed emotions. So I have this moment where the family is together and we were having a really lovely time. Then it all changes in a moment. On that day we didn’t think anything about the overall risk that was involved. It’s so important we get justice. It’s important a message goes out to people.”
Advertisement
Tony’s return to Lindos, Rhodes, is the latest step in his five-year journey for justice following Jessica and Mikey’s death. Tomorrow Mr Mallios, 57, will take the stand at Rhodes Courthouse where, if convicted, he could face prison for failings which left Tony and his wife, Kayleigh, 39, a catering manager, devastated. Three British witnesses – who were on holiday at the time of the tragedy – have travelled to Rhodes to give eyewitness accounts.
Tony said: “I want him to go to prison, I want it to be long. I think it would help me come to terms with what happened. It might mean that instead of looking of pictures of Jessica and thinking of her death, I’d be thinking of happier times. But I’m also a bit scared about the legal case coming to an end. This feels like the last thing I have been able to do for Jessica. “I’ve felt like I’m still able to do something as her dad, for her. When this is over, I won’t have any more dad duties.”
Advertisement
Tony, from Corby, Northants, went to the Greek island in 2020 with his wife Kayleigh for his father-in-law Phil’s surprise 65th birthday. The couple were on holiday with Kayleigh’s brother Phillip Connelly and wife Sharon – parents of James and Mikey. In the days before the accident, Jessica, Mikey and James played games and watched bands in the hotel. Jessica told her parents the day before she died it was “the best holiday she’d ever had”.
On October 28 they booked on Mr Mallios’ boat in Lardos Bay after seeing the rides on advertising board around the hotel. Tony said goodbye at 12.30pm on the beach outside the hotel, but never saw them again. He said: “Jessica was having a great holiday. There are pictures of James and Jessica revising because they were preparing for their mock exams.
“We had some special moments the night before. She had danced with her grandad and said she was having a great time. The night before she slipped in the shower and bumped her head. Me and Kayleigh lay in the bed with her.
“We didn’t know at that time that it would be the last time we would be that close.” Tony added: “When Jessica, James and Mikey were getting on the boat, we told them we loved them and gave them a cuddle. When we said goodbye, all of the family was together. Instead of staying in front of the hotel, the boat started heading around the bend in the coast. Straight away we knew something wasn’t right.”
Advertisement
A storm erupted and when the rope snapped the parachute veered uncontrollably toward the rocky coast where they suffered devastating injuries. James spent more than two weeks in a coma before being evacuated to the UK. Tony said: “The next thing we knew, the boat had come back and everyone was crying.” The families were initially told two of the children had suffered broken bones while the third was alive but in a more serious condition.
It was only when Sharon forced her way into the hospital that nurses told her that Jessica and Mikey had died. Mr Mallios was arrested and bailed while prosecutors decided whether he should face manslaughter charges. Legal teams acting for the families in Greece – led by solicitor George Moschos – say triple-seat parasailing is forbidden, as is taking kids under 14.
They also claim Mr Mallios could have breached guidelines by operating in bad weather and going outside of a designated watersports area. But Jessica’s death has cast a shadow over Tony’s life and he is wracked with guilt for allowing her to go on the excursion.
He said: “I should have been far more cautious. I could have just said no. I have a lot of guilt about that. I struggle a lot with the fact I could have ultimately made the decision for them not to go out on the parasail. For me that’s hard. I don’t want to tell people going on holiday: ‘Be super cautious, don’t enjoy yourself.’ But watersports companies should be operating to the highest standards and not cutting corners because it puts people’s lives at risk. They have to protect the tourists who put their faith in them. We also want the authorities that oversee these companies to enforce the law.”
Advertisement
Despite being at the centre of a criminal probe, Mr Mallios was not arrested and was free to continue operating from the same spot where he picked up Jessica, Mikey and James. In 2022 the Mirror revealed he was taking boatload after boatload of thrillseekers out to sea on €75 jaunts.
Our exclusive pictures showed the bronzed watersport chief launching his neon yellow speedboat emblazoned with the word “parasailing” on the hull. Today Tony said: “He’s been able to continue operating despite what happened. How many British tourists has he unknowingly taken up in his parasail? If he were a truck driver and he’d killed someone then they would have taken his licence off him.”
Mr Mallios is also scheduled to face more significan charges in Kos later this year.
The Friday letters page enjoys the madness of the Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream demo, as one reader doesn’t have the time for Crimson Desert.
Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk
Assembling the team Seeing Fox McCloud in the new Mario movie was a genuine shock to me. I know the Pikmin were already in it, but I thought that was just Miyamoto giving his favourite franchise a cameo (they’re also at the Super Nintendo World in L.A.). But Star Fox? That makes a cameo by Samus Aran now very possible, if not probable.
I get that the space setting is being used as an excuse to get them together, but I’ll bet quite a bit of money that the next Mario movie finds an excuse to include Zelda and other fantasy characters like Fire Emblem.
Advertisement
To me, a Super Smash Bros. movie is now inevitable. We are witnessing the build-up to the original Avengers all over again, but this time with Nintendo characters! Now all we need is some new games to go along with them and I would be very happy with a new Star Fox and Smash. Badgerman
Delaying the inevitable I really don’t know why publishers bother holding back review copies when they know the games are going to get reviewed anyway and reviewers are then probably going to go into them assuming there’s a problem from the start.
Expert, exclusive gaming analysis
Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning.
Advertisement
Gamers too, because even if Life Is Strange: Reunion’s good (or more likely okay) the name has already been through the dirt. Starfield never recovered from its initial bad press, for the very good reason that it’s not a very good game. Even if it had someone got good reviews, nothing would’ve changed that. Lumpy
Slow-mo train crash $300 million to make a new video game? That’s more than most movies! And people wonder why the games industry is in trouble. In 40 years we’ve gone from one person making a game in his bedroom as a hobby to bloated ‘epics’ that are so expensive they have to sell tens of millions of copies to turn a profit. Oh, and they take so long to make you can only have one every five years (at best).
I think it’s clear at this point that no publisher is making any attempt to fix this problem and at some point the house of cards is going to collapse in on itself and who knows what will be left after that. It’ll be awful but we all see it coming and as upset as I’ll be I definitely won’t be surprised. Focus
Forbidden love RE: Alex the cousin lover. Is it just me who finds that the Japanese obsession with adopted siblings, (i.e. stepbrother/stepsisters entering relationships) is a whole lot weirder than the second cousin thing?
You may only see your second cousin/extended family once maybe twice a year, at family dos or gatherings, it’s exciting, a thrill ride, something different to the everyday… your stepsis/bro well, they are your sisters and brothers, you see them every day, you love, you hate, you grow together… but ultimately, they’re ya sister or brother!
There’s something to get all keyboard warrior-y about… also, who’s Alex?! big boy bent PS: Loving Pokémon Pokopia. However, I’m a little stuck on Bleak Beach. Prof. Tangly says bring more light; I’ve connected all the street lamps, they’re on, but the story isn’t moving on? Any hints, anyone? Maybe I’ll ask my second cousin!
Advertisement
GC: Have you connected the power cables up to Peakychu’s machine? He’s the key to the end of that quest.
Second thoughts About a week or so ago, I wrote into the Inbox with a photo of my Switch in the bin, after going through my backlog.
Just to let everyone know it has been taken out of the bin since playing the Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream demo and the whole game has now been pre-ordered from MyNintendo.
Advertisement
Looks like there’s still life left in the ol’ hybrid yet… LeeDappa
GC: We hope you didn’t make it say anything rude.
Max closure It’s rather disappointing to see the fact that there won’t be a review of Life Is Strange: Reunion from GC this week. It’s released today and there’s no reviews to be seen anywhere. Which is a personal shame for me, because I’ve actually downloaded all the titles to my Ally X and I’m currently playing through the first title. Essentially the introduction of Max and Chloe, and the beginning of the franchise as a whole.
Maybe it was the negative critical reception to Double Exposure that has scared Square Enix from receiving the same outrage or outcry of disappointment, that they’re being silent over this title’s reception. I don’t really know the facts and I certainly can’t tell the whole story, but if it is another disappointment from Deck Nine that is the final nail in the coffin.
Advertisement
As far as the narrative of Reunion is concerned, I’m hoping it ties into the events of the first game. Especially the events carried out by Mark Jefferson. He was such an important character and I’m really hoping for closure. Maybe he’s dead in his prison cell or even sentenced to life behind bars. We need to know his fate for definite.
Because if Reunion is the end of the franchise, or at least the end of Max and Chloe’s story, it involved Mr Jefferson at the end of the day; even Nathan Prescott played a huge role. It was those events that led to Max and Chloe breaking up, after all. So I’d surely tie the events of the first game into the story of Reunion. Because I’d just like to have that needed closure and hopefully a happy ending for Max and Chloe.
If GC is able to have a review out for the game, could you guys please let me know if Mark Jefferson or Nathan are at least mentioned and there’s some ties to the first game? Or if it has moved on completely and the story is just bland and uninteresting? Maybe not a satisfying conclusion. I look forward to the review. Shahzaib Sadiq
Always one Totally agree with everything the reader said yesterday about the flaws of Metacritic. They really should just do a top critic version because it’s almost useless otherwise. Just take a look at it now and there’s one single review for Life Is Strange: Reunion and, you guessed it, it’s from a no-name site and very positive.
Advertisement
Considering what GC told us about the review copies I think we all know just how reliable that score is. And yet it’s going to be included in the final meta score, which really doesn’t seem fair, whether the game turns out to be good or not. Gorf
Don’t miss Gaming news! Add us as a Preferred Source
As a loyal GameCentral reader, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for gaming stories. We have all the latest video games news, reviews, previews, and interviews, with a vibrant community of highly engaged readers.
Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
GameCentral has been delivering unique games news and reviews for over a decade
Out of time It’s a shame that Crimson Desert was underwhelming overall, as I can see that it has its fans with some streamers and others not quite so much. It’s hard to see the pull for me and committing the time for the game is not possible, if I believe my confidence is just a little below par for dedicated gaming sessions.
The problem I have is the many hours I’ve had in Dragon’s Dogma, Death Stranding, Dragon Age, and many others with exploration involved. I also will include Assassin’s Creed games, as Valhalla nearly wiped out the passion I had for the series, after enjoying Creed games for many years.
Before I found out the company behind Crimson Desert, I thought it was done by the Assassin’s Creed developers, as I thought I saw so many of its gaming mechanics being used in the game. When I found out I was pretty surprised for sure.
Advertisement
Another game it reminds me of is Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, for again the climbing and of course the cooking. And like Breath Of The Wild, a story not being the most engaging part and the sub-activities being the ones of interest, strengthening your character. I think Crimson is definitely borrowing a few ideas from these other franchises that have been popular.
Like another questionable product by Nvidia and their DLSS 5 technology! What I can’t understand is how DLSS 5 devs can say lighting changes the textures and look of a gaming character! It appears makeup has been applied or a more stylish five o’ clock shadow and skin textures which unfortunately reminds me of AI creations and not a creation from a skilled development team.
Anyways, definitely a lot of heated discussions recently in the gaming industry and I will be keeping my eyes and ears open for further developments into the above topics. Alucard
Inbox also-rans Have you heard about the new FromSoftware sequel featuring its first Colombian protagonist and brutally hard timing? Shakira: Shadows Dance Twice. Bll
Advertisement
It’s a good job I like Bluey, because if it wasn’t for that the Xbox Partner Preview would’ve been a total wash. It was nearly as bad as the recent Nintendo Directs. Cone Dash
The small print New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.
You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.
Advertisement
You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.
The UK Government has announced new changes to bin collection in England that will begin on March 31.
Anyone living in England should be aware that rubbish collection methods are set to change in order to simplify the process. The UK Government has introduced the “Simpler Recycling” initiative, which will require councils to collect certain categories of waste separately in different bins.
Advertisement
Under these new arrangements, English households will receive four separate containers, each designated for different types of waste and recycling. Simpler Recycling is being brought in to replace the current ‘postcode lottery’ system, where English councils collect different materials for recycling, creating a “muddled and confusing patchwork of approaches to bin collections.”
The scheme will take effect at the end of the month on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 and will be implemented throughout the rest of the year.
What are the new categories of waste containers?
Dry mixed recycling
Mixed recycling will encompass dry materials such as glass, tinned cans, kitchen foil, plastic drink bottles, yoghurt pots and other cartons.
Advertisement
Paper and cardboard
Most paper materials will be accepted provided they are not covered in glitter, food residue, or other sticky substances.
However, books, wallpaper, padded envelopes, and tin foil will not be permitted in this container for recycling.
Food waste
Food waste will be collected weekly, and some councils may require garden waste to be placed in the same container.
Advertisement
Items that can be placed in this container includes pet food, eggshells, teabags and meat. However, liquids such as cooking oils, fats, gravies or soup should not be placed in this container.
General waste
Items that don’t fall into the first three categories should be disposed of in the residual waste container, from where they will be sent for energy recovery or to landfill.
The UK and its NATO allies in Europe must prepare for a “worst case scenario” of the US not defending them in a crisis, an influential committee of peers and MPs has warned.
Tensions between Donald Trump‘s administration and Sir Keir Starmer‘s government could also compromise the reliability of critical pillars of UK national security, including the maintenance of Trident missiles used in the navy’s nuclear deterrent submarines, intelligence sharing and access to programmes such as the F-35 jet, it said in a report.
The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy urged London to “plan to move away from a bilateral relationship with the United States that is so dependent on the latter for nuclear and intelligence operations, and conventional defence”.
It also advised the UK, Europe and Canada to develop a plan “for a transition towards greater European leadership of NATO“.
The intervention, published on Friday, came as President Trump again lambasted his allies – and the UK in particular – for choosing not to join his war against Iran.
He mocked the Royal Navy’s two aircraft carriers as “toys”, while accusing fellow NATO countries of having “done absolutely nothing” to help combat the Iranian regime.
Posting on social media, the president added: “The USA needs nothing from NATO, but ‘never forget’ this very important point in time.”
Advertisement
The comment is a further signal that Washington’s support to the transatlantic alliance under Article 5 of its founding treaty on collective defence – where an attack on one ally is deemed to be an attack on all – cannot be guaranteed.
Mr Trump has already repeatedly dismissed Mr Starmer as not being like Winston Churchill.
The increased unpredictability of the White House’s security priorities is upending NATO assumptions on the defence of Europe – which has always been built around a belief that the US armed forces would be the dominant power on the side of the allies in a war.
Advertisement
The Supreme Allied Commander Europe – the top operational commander in the alliance – has only ever been an American, while the US military provides critical elements to any fight such as satellite feeds, electronic warfare jammers and overwhelming mass.
It means a European-only force would be a lot less capable.
Watch: Could Iran attack the UK?
Advertisement
The committee – which was assessing the UK’s National Security Strategy, published last June – said it was important for the government to continue to collaborate with the US where practical.
But it must also “develop a clear plan, along with other European allies, for a transition towards greater European leadership of NATO”.
“Preparing for a ‘worst-case scenario’ whereby Europe can no longer rely on US support in the event of a crisis, the Government must work with European partners to invest in its own capabilities to offset this potential withdrawal,” the committee added.
Britain is uniquely exposed to any weakening in this transatlantic bond because of its close security and defence partnership with the US, developed over decades and based on the “special relationship”.
The committee listed areas of particular importance, including the UK’s dependence on the US for maintenance of its Trident missiles, intelligence sharing arrangements, delivery of the F-35 fast jet programme, and a new plan to build attack submarines.
Advertisement
But it warned of the potential for Mr Trump to use any leverage he has against allies if they do something he does not like.
Referring to Britain’s reliance on the US in various defence and security domains, the report said: “There are demonstrable areas of tension in the UK-US relationship that may compromise the reliability of these dependencies in the near future.”
An interior designer has shared the perfect shade to paint your bedroom for achieving the ‘old money’ aesthetic on a budget – and it’s not the standard blue or white
The ‘old money’ aesthetic, which mimics the appearance of inherited wealth spanning generations, has seen a surge in popularity within the realm of home design in recent years, with Bridgeton and Downton Abbey often being cited as inspiration. Kiki Astor, a romance novelist and interior designer with a deep understanding of the ‘old money’ style, has imparted wisdom gleaned from her time living in the sought-after area of Montecito, California – also home to Prince Harry and Meghan.
Advertisement
Recently, she provided advice on the most opulent colour to use when revamping your bedroom to achieve an ‘old money’ vibe without splurging on your design budget.
“There’s only one appropriate colour to paint your bedroom in the old money aesthetic. Some of you won’t like it, so go ahead and prove me wrong,” she stated in a TikTok video.
She continued: “Oh, I know that psychologists say, ‘Oh, you should have a blue bedroom, it promotes sleep, it’s so restful’ – what do they know about style?”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
However, she pointed out that for those adamant about having a blue bedroom, it’s crucial to offset the colour with thoughtfully selected décor such as artwork, Persian rugs, and brown furniture.
Advertisement
“If you don’t do that, it’s going to look like a nursery. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” she warned, before advising against the use of green in the bedroom.
“I know that I’ve said that green is the most old money colour to paint most rooms in your house, but not your bedroom,” she clarified, suggesting that green walls could cast an unflattering hue on those undressing.
Kiki continued to share her bold views on bedroom colour schemes, stating unequivocally that white should be avoided as bedrooms are not art galleries. Her strong opinions didn’t end there: “Not red, that awakens passions. Do not paint it grey, people used to know how to use grey appropriately, that knowledge has been lost.”
What is the best colour to paint your bedroom?
“The only appropriate colour to paint a bedroom is pink,” she declared. “Not bubblegum pink, not hot pink. No, you paint it the sort of neutral pink that you can tell your husband is beige.
Advertisement
“He’ll believe you. I promise he believes everything you say,” she added with a hint of humour.
Her viewers seemed to concur with her advice, sharing their own experiences of selecting the perfect paint colours for their bedrooms.
One viewer supported Kiki’s theory, saying: “As a lady with a pink bedroom who told her husband it’s beige… yes,” while another agreed: “This is true y’all it’s the cosiest possible colour.”
Another grateful commenter, who had been considering green but was now having doubts, wrote: “My primary room was going to be green. I am yellow toned. Thank you for saving me from myself.”
Advertisement
However, not everyone was convinced by Kiki’s pink creation, with one person remarking: “Old money here! We actually wallpaper our walls.”
Meanwhile, another commenter injected some humour about their own circumstances, saying: “I’m no money and my bedroom is the landlord special.”
Lanchester Garden Centre, on Bargate Bank just outside Lanchester, has become a favourite spot for families and visitors seeking a relaxed day out.
The site combines a traditional garden centre with a restaurant, animal experiences, and play areas, encouraging customers to stay and explore.
Visitors of all ages are catered for, with families, couples, and regulars all finding something to enjoy, with one TripAdvisor review saying it was ‘a really nice place for a day out.’
Advertisement
While the core offering still appeals to gardeners – with seasonal plants, shrubs, tools, and ornaments – there is much more to the experience.
An aquatics section, featuring colourful tanks and well-kept fish, is frequently praised in online reviews.
The Greenhouse Restaurant is especially popular, with visitors describing the food as “lovely” and complimenting the cakes and views.
Advertisement
Outdoor areas include planted displays, seating, a duck pond, and trails.
It is the additional attractions that set the centre apart.
Potter’s World, an on-site tropical village and small zoo, is a highlight for many visitors.
Families often split their time between the animal exhibits, indoor and outdoor play areas, and the main retail space.
Advertisement
The garden centre has become a destination where people can spend a few hours enjoying a variety of activities.
Lanchester Garden Centre is open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
With help from the council’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) Fund, East Kilbride organisation Little Brains has created the sensory-regulation space that is able to be used in a calm, dignified way by young people and adults with any level of support needs.
A Regulation Room has been created at an East Kilbride group’s premises to help people of all ages decompress when the world feels too much.
Advertisement
With help from the council’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) Fund, East Kilbride organisation Little Brains has created the sensory-regulation space that is able to be used in a calm, dignified way by young people and adults with any level of support needs.
The organisation’s ASN support groups help families with children aged from five to 16. They currently engage with 67 children with additional support needs, improving their wellbeing, confidence, and inclusion through weekly sessions including sensory spaces, games, crafts and external workshops that build friendships, develop social and emotional skills, and allow them to benefit from sensory regulation.
They also support parents though creating a vibrant, strong, inclusive and compassionate community that enables them to feel less isolated and more supported.
Louise Keegan, Project Director at Little Brains, said: “Spaces like the Regulation Room are not a ‘nice extra’ for our community. For many of the families and individuals who come through our doors, access to a safe, regulated environment is essential for emotional wellbeing, participation and feeling respected rather than managed.
Advertisement
“It means people can stay longer, engage more fully and leave feeling safer and more settled.
“Awards like this one make a huge difference because they allow us to create things that are truly special for our families without taking away from the funds that keep our doors open week to week.
“This support from the Participatory Budgeting Fund hasn’t just helped us improve a room. It has helped us improve experiences, dignity and emotional safety for the people who need it most, and for that we are deeply thankful.”
Jackie Taylor, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “I’m delighted that the Little Brains has been able to use this money to support local people in such a meaningful and effective way.
“As ever, it’s this community-led approach that makes the Participatory Budgeting process so unique; it genuinely hands the decision-making power to those ideally placed to identify local priorities.
“I thank and congratulate everyone, both in our communities and in the council, who work hard together to foster such a spirit of democracy and togetherness.”
More information about Participatory Budgeting is available from the Community Planning website.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login