The inclusion of sensory calm spaces at all festivals has also been introduced, along with compulsory disability awareness and inclusion training, and a mystery shopper system where disabled participants attend selected festivals and assess the accessible facilities available.

Huw Owen was at the centre of a manhunt after leaving his victim, Julian Hargreaves, lying on the floor of his home in Staithes overnight, alone and unable to move after punching and kicking him repeatedly before hitting him with a lamp.

Owen, 42, from Cornucopia Close in Norton, was jailed today and told he will serve a minimum of 16 years and 110 days for killing Mr Hargreaves.

Mr Hargreaves’ brother Jonathan raised the alarm on March 14, 2024, after finding him on the floor of his living room with two black eyes and a small cut to the top of his head. He believed he had been there for a total of 14 hours.

At this point Mr Hargreaves was able to name Owen as the person who had assaulted him repeatedly and struck him over the head with a lamp.

He was taken to hospital but did not recover and died three weeks later on April 4, 2024.

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The investigation found that Owen had attacked his victim on the evening of March 13, 2024, and fled, leaving him on the floor.

CCTV footage showed Owen hiding from police near the scene the following day, peering out to see what was happening, while officers worked at the scene.

After a large scale man-hunt, Owen was located in Newcastle on April 10, 2024 and arrested for murder.

Owen pleaded not guilty on August 8 last year but was found guilty by a jury at Leeds Crown Court on Friday, February 20, 2026.

His co-accused, who was also charged with murder, was found not guilty.

Mr Hargreaves had medical vulnerabilities and pre-existing conditions, but the court heard there was a direct and substantial link between the head trauma and his death.

Medical experts concluded that he had been unlawfully killed.

After sentencing, Police Staff Investigator Paul Thompson, of Scarborough and Ryedale CID said: “This was a calculated and sustained brutal attack, verging on torture, on a vulnerable man.

“Callously, Julian was left lying on the floor overnight, alone and unable to move.

“Understandably, this incident has had a traumatic effect on both Julian’s family and the local community of Staithes. Julian was well known and liked, and his death will leave a lasting impact on the local tight-knit community.”

In a Victim Personal Statements, read our in court, Jonathan Hargreaves said: “It’s been almost two years since the death of my brother Julian, and hardly a day goes by when I don’t remember the sight of him laying helplessly on the floor of his house in Staithes.

“I knew something was wrong as I found his door unlocked but was shocked at what I saw. To see him unable to move and helpless was beyond upsetting.

“I can still hear his voice, and it saddens me to think that I will never be able to see him or speak to him again.

“I am grateful for all the help of the NHS for looking after my brother and the care and commitment of all the police officers that have kept me, and my mother appraised throughout, without whom I am not sure we would have managed.”

Mr Hargreaves’ mother Jackie Hargreaves told the court, in her victim statement: “I don’t think a day has gone by, since his death, that I have not cried at his loss and the way he was killed.

“I know that Julian was a poorly man but know he would have been alive today.”

His nephew added: “Not having him in our lives this last two years has felt like walking in a dark hole. Not being able to climb out of that hole, my heart is and always will be shattered and incomplete – like that of my extended family.”

The senior investigating officer for the case, Detective Chief Inspector Tim Bentley said: “This has been a complex murder investigation – a long and difficult case to investigate due to Julian’s poor health prior to the assault, but I hope today’s result offers some comfort to Julian’s family that justice has been done, and that they can now move forward the best they can.”

“The complexity of this case cannot be underestimated and I would like to commend PSI Paul Thompson for his diligence throughout. My thoughts remain with Julian’s family.”

It follows a number of incidents over the last number of weeks.

Police are investigating multiple reports of anti-social behaviour in Bangor over the last number of weeks.

It was reported on Monday, March 16 that a number of teenage boys entered a retail premises on Main Street in the Co Down city where they threatened to assault a staff member and caused a disturbance.On Friday, March 20 two reports were received, in one it was reported that a teenager had been verbally abusive and thrown food items towards staff and customers in a business premises in the Main Street area. The PSNI says it’s aware of a video circulating on social media of this incident.

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In the other, youths entered a retail store, throwing items around and in general causing a disruption to workers and those trying to shop.A PSNI spokesperson said: “Officers take all such reports seriously, and we recognise the wider impact that this kind of behaviour can have on the local community. We are committed to addressing these issues and supporting those affected.“Patrols in Bangor and the wider area will continue, and we are also continuing to work alongside partner agencies and local representatives in order to help resolve any issues.“It is vital we work together to promote responsible behaviour and support a safe environment for everyone. Our enquiries are continuing, and I am appealing to anyone with any information which might help us to get in touch.“You can contact us via 101, or submit a report online via our non-emergency reporting form at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org.”

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US President Donald Trump has halted strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure amid ongoing talks regarding the conflict in the Middle East – some in Iran say his comments are driving them ‘crazy’

Iranians have issued a plea to Donald Trump as they beg the US President to postpone further strikes on energy infrastructure.

Iran has been in conflict with the US since February 28, when the US and Israel carried out joint strikes on several key Iranian sites. Iran responded by striking sites across the Middle East, plunging the region into conflict. Energy infrastructure has been targeted by both US-Israeli forces in Iran and Iranian forces across the Middle East.

In a post on his social media site Truth Social on Monday, March 23, Mr Trump said that the US and Iran had, over the last two days, “very good and productive conversations” about the resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.

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The post, written in all caps, continued: “Based on the tenor and tone of these in depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.”

Iranians, speaking to BBC Persian, reacted to Mr Trump’s post.

A man in his 20s, who resides in capital Tehran, said it will be very costly for Iranians.

“Whether the Islamic Republic remains or realises that it is on its last legs, it will increase the cost to the Iranian people as much as possible,” the man said.

A woman in her 40s, also from Tehran, said she believes Trump wants to give the Iranian leadership “another ultimatum”.

Her theory is: “If they don’t open up the Strait of Hormuz, he will strike because he wants to put pressure on them, either by capturing Kharg Island or by attacking them on land.”

A woman, in her 20s, who resides in the north of the country, said: “Did you see Trump’s new message? It’s driving us crazy.”

Trump also issued an update about Iran’s new Supreme Leader – who the president suggested may be dead. He told reporters the US had not been talking to Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the previous Supreme Leader who was killed in the initial strikes.

“We have not heard from the son,” he told reporters. “We don’t know if he’s living.”

The Trump administration has escalated its scrutiny of Harvard University, announcing two new federal probes against the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Ivy League institution.

The U.S. Education Department’s civil rights office confirmed it “opened two new investigations into Harvard University amid allegations that it continues to discriminate against students on the basis of race, color, and national origin” in violation of federal law.

These latest inquiries will specifically examine whether Harvard employs race-based preferences in its admissions process, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling that ended affirmative action in higher education. Additionally, the department will investigate allegations of antisemitism on Harvard’s campus.

This action follows reports released last year by Harvard task forces, which detailed bigotry and abuse faced by Jewish and Muslim students at the university.

A Harvard spokesperson said on Monday that the school is “firmly committed to confronting antisemitism” and has taken steps aimed at “preventing harassment and discrimination.”

Harvard does not discriminate on grounds of race, the spokesperson said, and complies with the law in admissions practices, including the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision.

“We are reviewing the U.S. Department of Education’s latest actions, which represent the government’s latest retaliatory actions against Harvard for its refusal to surrender our independence and constitutional rights,” the spokesperson said.

A deal to resolve the Trump administration’s probes against Harvard remains elusive.

Last week, the administration sued Harvard to recover billions of dollars over allegedly failing to protect Jewish students. The Trump administration also separately sued Harvard in February, accusing it of failing to comply with a federal investigation, while also seeking documents to determine whether the university considered race in its admissions process.

Education advocates have urged universities to push back against government efforts to collect more admissions data, saying they could lead to privacy violations. A former official from President Joe Biden’s administration described it as “a tool for anti-civil rights enforcement.”

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U.S. President Donald Trump has attempted to crack down on universities and freeze their federal funds over pro-Palestinian protests against Israel’s assault on Gaza, transgender policies, climate programs and diversity initiatives, leading to concerns over academic freedom, free speech and due process.

Efforts to freeze federal funds have faced legal and judicial roadblocks.

Trump has in particular cast pro-Palestinian protests as antisemitic and alleged that universities, including Harvard, allowed antisemitism on campus.

Protesters, including some Jewish groups, say the government wrongly conflates criticism of Israel’s assault on Gaza and its occupation of Palestinian territories with antisemitism, and advocacy for Palestinian rights with support for extremism.

Trump’s administration has reached deals to settle investigations against some schools including Columbia University in New York. Columbia has agreed to pay over $200 million to the government.

Academic experts have raised alarm over parts of those agreements, saying they set a precedent for “pay-to-play” deals.

Trump has not initiated equivalent probes into allegations of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian bias.

Vincci, owner of Smoked Tamago, was travelling home from Glasgow before the nerve-wracking ordeal.

A Scots caterer has revealed the terrifying moment her car trailer started swinging while driving on the M8. Vincci, owner of Smoked Tamago, was travelling home from Glasgow before the nerve-wracking incident on March 15.

She was driving her car normally near Junction 3 around 4pm when, due to windy weather conditions, her trailer started to swing. All of a sudden, she lost control and her trailer tipped over, bringing her journey to an abrupt halt.

She said the trailer had started dragging her motor, which she and her fiancé, who was with her at the time, travel across the country selling their Japanese Korean street food.

Vincci said they are the “luckiest couple ever” after the ordeal, which she believes “could have been so much worse”. She told Edinburgh Live: “We were driving like normal and then all of a sudden, my trailer started swinging.

“I tried to slow down but then it just dragged me. I lost control. I have been driving for around 20 years so I knew something wasn’t right. I am just so blessed we’re both okay because it could have been so much worse.

“I just feel like we’re the luckiest couple ever because it was a very scary and unfortunate situation but luck was on our side.”

She went on: “Three minutes after I stepped out the car, a police car arrived because they just happened to be there. There were really slow cars behind but there was one who stopped and asked if we were okay.

“Police helped us get to a safe place because it was on really busy motorway. We are so blessed.”

The trailer was so badly damaged that the couple had to give it up. They left the scene unharmed and no one else was hurt.

Vincci added: “The trailer got disposed of because it’s not possible to fix it. It’s a big loss but we are just so lucky and grateful that we can get back on our feet and keep doing what we love to do.

“We just want people to know that we are okay and not to worry. It was really emotional but we are alright. We just really want to apologise for all the people that were stuck behind us on the M8 – there was a huge queue.

“All the messages we have received from customers and fellow traders have been so touching because so many people have offered to help us.”

The couple also shared a statement on social media. They said: “First things first – we’re both okay. Goodbye to our wee trailer, which helped us survive a very windy market day.. but unfortunately didn’t make it home.

“Not long ago we travelled around the country hunting for the right trailer for us. Still remember the joy when we finally found this one, after putting a lot of time and effort into fixing it up and turning it into something that worked perfectly for our stall. And then in just a moment, it was gone.

“But at the end of the day, me and Rick walked away from our car in one piece, and no one else was hurt. That’s what really matters.

“Losing the trailer probably means we’ll miss out on a few plans and opportunities we had coming up, but as we’re still here, we will be able to keep going. There will always be more pop ups ahead.”

A statement from Traffic Scotland at the time read: “The M8 is currently restricted eastbound after Junction 3 due to a road traffic incident.”

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Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice have nevigated through challenging situations recently following the arrest of their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was the Duke of York

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice are said to be going through “a complete and utter personal crisis” following the arrest of their dad, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

The sisters have largely maintained their distance to both Mr Mountbatten-Windsor and their mum Sarah Ferguson, who were known as the Duke and Duchess of York before their royal titles were stripped last year. Since then, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, was taken into custody over allegations of misconduct in public office. Although he was soon released, the case is still under investigation. He, though, denies any wrongdoing.

Eugenie turned 36 on Monday but it is understood all celebrations were held privately this year. Speaking during the week of Eugenie’s birthday, royal journalist Matt Wilkinson said: “I’ve got sympathy for both Beatrice and Eugenie, and I’d like to see them somehow rehabilitated and used properly in the royal family.

“I think the King wants her, wants them both, to not pay for the sins of their parents, but I’m not sure there is mass public sympathy for them at the moment. They’re probably going through a complete and utter personal crisis.”

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But Mr Wilkinson believes the siblings have strong support networks, including their husbands. He added: “I don’t like bad things to happen to people when they haven’t actually done anything wrong themselves, but I think they can cope.

“I think there are enough support structures around them and enough money. Their husbands are both very supportive and rich, so I think they’ll be able to cope.”

Indeed, mother-of-two Eugenie was spotted enjoying a ski getaway in Switzerland last month. Beatrice, though, has allegedly shown more support towards her father in recent months.

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She joined him on a horse ride weeks before his arrest. According to reports, they spent more than 45 minutes in the grounds of Home Park in the shadow of Windsor Castle. It is understood ­Beatrice, 37, also spent time at Royal Lodge, which Andrew has since vacated. Noting this, one of the sisters’ friends said: “They aren’t turning their backs on him. But everything is obviously very strained and hard.”

Mr Wilkinson spoke to HELLO! Magazine, which reports Eugenie kept a low profile on her birthday. It said the royal, who used to work at an art gallery, remained out of the limelight. Mum-of-two Eugenie has only been seen out in public once since Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on February 19.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror this week, former BBC royal expert Jennie Bond had said: “Both Eugenie and Beatrice must be feeling the heat of the headlines that are now turning on them. And so I doubt whether this birthday will be one she will particularly feel like celebrating in a big way.”

National Highways estimated the upgrade scheme will cut journey times by 10 minutes each trip

National Highways has given an update on the UK’s most expensive road project, the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvements. More than two years into construction, a spokesperson for National Highways has confirmed that the route is on track to open in spring 2027.

The £1 billion upgrade aims to deliver a new 10-mile dual carriageway linking the A1 and A421 Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire with the A428 Caxton Gibbet roundabout in Cambridgeshire. National Highways is redeveloping the Caxton Gibbet roundabout into a two-level junction.

This will link the new A421 dual carriageway with the A428 and A1198. Traffic on the new dual carriageway will move over the junction using a flyover bridge.

One recent milestone in the construction included work beginning to lower the A1 by eight metres at Black Cat junction. This is described by National Highways as “the most complex element of the scheme”.

In February, 11 beams were lifted into place for the new flyover at Caxton Gibbet. Once complete, the bridge will carry the A421 over the junction, aiming to allow traffic to flow more freely.

National Highways said that the steel structure is now in place for the new 250-metre viaduct over the River Great Ouse. The bridge-like structure aims to allow smooth travel across the river.

Edwards issued a statement condemning the upcoming drama chronicling his downfall.

Premiering tomorrow (Tuesday, March 24), the two-part factual series is titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards.

The show will recount how one of the most recognisable figures in British television was at the centre of one of the biggest scandals at the public broadcaster.

In his statement, Edwards said: “[They] made no attempt to check with me the truth of any aspect of their narrative before going ahead with the production.

“They belatedly asked for a response after the drama had been made, while reserving the right to edit any such response.

“They also refused to disclose whether any of those making allegations had been paid for their contributions.

“Channel 5’s ‘factual drama’ is hardly likely to convey the reality of what happened.”

He continued: “My deep regret and remorse for the crimes I committed were expressed in court.

“In pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity, I took full responsibility for my reprehensible actions.

“I am repelled by the idea that some people enjoy viewing indecent images of children. Every image represents an innocent victim. I offer my sincere and profound apologies for what I did.

“I am making an effort to produce my own account of these terrible events.

“This is a slow process, given the fragile state of my health. have been open about my struggle with persistent mental illness over a period of 25 years.

“What is less well known is the severity of that condition, which was managed successfully until the downward spiral which led to an appalling outcome.”

A 5 spokesperson said in response, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards is based on extensive interviews with the victim, his family, the journalists who revealed his story, text exchanges between the victim and Edwards, and court reporting.

“It has been produced in accordance with Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code.

“All allegations made in the film were put to Huw Edwards via his solicitors 6 weeks before transmission.”

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What did Huw Edwards do?

Edwards was one of the BBC’s highest-paid newsreaders, known for presenting the BBC’s News at Ten for decades, delivering some of the biggest stories to the British public, including Queen Elizabeth II’s death, before pleading guilty to making indecent images of children in July 2024.

In July 2023, a national newspaper reported that “a top BBC star” had paid a teenager for sexual images.

Days later, Edwards’ wife named him as the presenter at the centre of the scandal. He resigned from the BBC in April and was charged in June 2024 following a Metropolitan Police investigation.

Leonid Radvinsky, a Ukrainian-American entrepreneur who was the owner of the adult content platform OnlyFans, has died.

In a statement, the company confirmed his death from cancer at the age of 43.

A spokesman for OnlyFans said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Leo Radvinsky.

“Leo passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer.

“His family have requested privacy at this difficult time.”

Mr Radvinsky acquired Fenix International ⁠Limited, the parent company of OnlyFans, in 2018 and served ‌as its director and majority shareholder.

He also ran Leo, a venture capital ‌fund he founded in 2009 that focuses primarily on investments in technology companies.

OnlyFans, founded in 2016 by British entrepreneur Tim Stokely, ⁠surged in popularity during the ​COVID pandemic as lockdowns drove creators ​and consumers online.

It turned the subscription-based ​platform into a mainstream source of ⁠income and entertainment globally.

In January, the Reuters news agency reported that OnlyFans was exploring the sale of ⁠a majority stake to ​investment firm Architect Capital in a deal ​valuing the company at about $5.5bn (£4.1bn), including debt.

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The strong financial performance by the platform led to significant cash windfalls for Mr Radvinsky.

Last August, it was revealed Mr Radvinsky was paid £522m in dividends in 2024.

The streaming site had also seen its user numbers jump by almost a quarter.

OnlyFans reported that the total number of creator accounts producing content for the site grew by 13% to 4.6 million as more people used it as an opportunity to make a living.