A parent of one of the victims of a man jailed over sex offences broke their silence with a harrowing statement on the impact the offender’s actions had on their child

The parent of a young boy targeted by a sick online sexual predator has told how the child has been “stripped entirely of his innocence whilst the perpetrator preyed on him and tortured him – both mentally and psychologically”.

The harrowing testimony emerged after Cameron Mullen, 22, was sentenced to two years and four months for seven counts of online child sexual offences. He will also subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for ten years.

Following the sentencing at Dungannon Crown Court, the parent said: “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to experience what I did.

“It hurt me immensely to see my child stripped entirely of his innocence whilst the perpetrator preyed on him and tortured him, both mentally and psychologically.

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“He was continually coerced to show indecent images and be shown explicit content. Please be vigilant if your child has a smartphone as we often believe they are safe. The internet is not a safe place and it can have detrimental consequences if your own child is subjected to what my child seen and was asked to do online. “It could prove to have fatal consequences given the nature of these conversations and images that they are subjected to while communicating with others. Safeguarding our children is paramount from these predators attacking another innocent child and possibly leaving devastating consequences.”

The charges Mullen, from Kilrea in Co Derry, faced included sexual communication with a child, adult causing or inciting child between 13 and 16 to engage in sexual activity, incitement to distribute indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child and adult causing a child to watch a sexual act.

Detective Chief Inspector David McBurney said: “This case demonstrates how offenders can use online platforms to gain a child’s trust before quickly steering conversations to a sexual nature to satisfy their own sexual perversions.

“It is sickening that we are seeing younger and younger offenders in this space. Mullen deliberately built a rapport with these young boys before rapidly turning the conversation and this is a common tactic that we are seeing by those who seek to exploit young people in our communities. “This behaviour is manipulative and predatory, and it will not be tolerated. Protecting children and young people from sexual exploitation remains a top priority for us and we will continue to robustly pursue those who seek to harm children online. “We continue to urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant about their children’s online activity and to encourage open conversations about staying safe online. Anyone who believes a child may be at risk should report their concerns to police so we can take action as we did in this case. “Let this serve as another warning to those perpetrating child sexual abuse in our communities, we are working every day to break down reporting barriers and encourage victims to come forward. You will be caught, your lies uncovered and you will face the full force of the law.”

PSNI revealed that in early January 2025, officers received a report from a parent in the Mid Ulster region about an individual who they believed was making sexual communications with their child via the internet.

Police quickly made enquiries which led to a suspect being identified and Mullen was just arrested days later on suspicion of carrying out a number of offences.

He was interviewed then charged to court after an investigation discovered mobile phone triage identified that he had contacted a number of young teenage boys via Instagram.

A file was submitted to the Public Prosecution Service and prosecution directed in respect of three victims, who were under the age of 16 at the time of the offending.

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Heatwaves are becoming more likely in the UK

“We are not powerless”

Squadron Leader George Morley Fidler was just 27 when his Hawker Hurricane was brought down over France on May, 19, 1940.

Members of the public gathered in France on Tuesday (May 19) to witness the burial with full military honours of the World War Two Hurricane Pilot.

Fidler joined the RAF in 1934 and spent several years in Egypt, with brief spells in Cyprus and India.

He was described as an ‘exceptional’ pilot by his superiors and in February 1940, he joined 607 Squadron.

The bearer party, comprised of serving personnel from RAF Halton, carry Squadron Leader Fidler’s coffin (Image: RAF/MOD)

On the afternoon of May, 19, 1940, his plane was shot down above Cambrai.

It was initially believed the pilot’s remains had been recovered and buried in the French village of Bachy. 

However, in 2005 metal detectorists discovered wreckage 35km away in Oisy-le-Verger. 

One piece had a serial number ‘P3535’, suggesting it came from his Hurricane.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) investigated the grave to see if it was that of the 27-year-old.

Squadron leader George Morley Fidler, provided by the Great Ayton History Society (Image: UNKNOWN)

Then in 2022, work on the Seine-Nord Canal at Oisy-le-Verger, in northern France, unearthed a Hurricane with the pilot still inside near to where Fidler’s aircraft was last seen.

Squadron Leader Fidler was laid to rest yesterday, with the service organised by the MOD’s ‘War Detectives’ who work to identify the recovered remains of British military casualties.

War detective Nicola Nash said: “Squadron Leader Fidler has been buried today 86 years after he was killed. 

“His story has been known to us since his grave was ‘unnamed’ many years ago. It has been wonderful to finally find him and be able to put him to rest. 

“Today we honour him and the sacrifices he made all those years ago.”

The pilot’s service took place at Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) London Cemetery and Extension, France.

Dr James Wallis, head of commemorations at the CWGC, said: “It is an honour for the Commission to pay our respects to Squadron Leader Fidler, following the 2022 discovery of his Hurricane along the route of the future Canal Seine-Nord Europe.

Members of RAF Halton, 607 Squadron and a Trumpeter of the Band of the Royal Air Force College stand behind Squadron Leader Fidler’s headstone (Image: RAF/MOD)

“That another commemorative service will be held today at his local church – in Great Ayton, Yorkshire – shows the power and impact of his war experience eight decades on.

“Now resting amongst fellow airmen at London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval, his grave will be cared for in perpetuity.”

The Great Ayton History Society previously said: “Following the recent discovery in Oisy-le-Verger, France, where engineers uncovered the remains of Squadron Leader George Morley Fidler – found seated in the cockpit of his Hawker Hurricane almost 86 years after being shot down – the story of this young man from Great Ayton has taken on renewed significance.

“George, just 27-years-old, was the son of George and Christiana Fidler and served as a pilot with 607 Squadron. 

“His aircraft, Hurricane P3535, was brought down by a Messerschmitt Bf 109 over France on 19 May 1940, where it buried itself in the ground with George still inside.

“In light of this remarkable discovery, the Great Ayton History Society will be updating George’s story as part of its annual Remembrance Day memorial plaques at Christ Church.”

The Foreign Secretary has warned that Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could result in tens of millions going hungry as she told an aid summit of the risk of “sleepwalking into a global food crisis”.

Yvette Cooper told an aid conference in London that the global south was paying the biggest price as the global trade of fertiliser and heating oil are largely blocked.

Markets are already pricing in weaker harvests and the World Food Programme has estimated that 45 million people could fall into acute food insecurity if the conflict does not end by the middle of the year.

The Foreign Secretary said: “We meet against the backdrop of the Hormuz crisis, a strait of water through which 90 ships a day used to pass, but for the last three months it’s been more like five.

“Heating oil for Asia – stuck in the Strait, fertilisers for Africa – stuck in the strait, 20,000 seafarers, 800 ships – just stuck in the strait.

“The global economy is being held hostage, and the global south is paying the biggest price.”

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The eastern U.S. sweated through a second day of early-season heat Wednesday, with some schoolchildren being sent home while others stayed in sweltering classrooms.

The Philadelphia school district shifted to remote learning for students at 57 schools, saying that while it has made progress, a number of schools continue to have inadequate air conditioning.

The National Weather Service said another day of record heat was expected from the mid-Atlantic to New England before a cold front brings rain later in the week. Daily high temperature records were broken Tuesday in Portland, Maine, at 92 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celsius) and Boston, at 96 degrees (35.5 degrees Celsius).

In Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, officials at one high school set up fans, passed around bottled water and allowed students to wear shorts and T-shirts instead of their usual uniforms.

“The heat outside feels like it’s manageable because of the wind but inside it feels just tight and burdening because we also have to go through quizzes, exams, there is no excuse,” student Ariolainy Baez told CBS News.

A heat advisory was in effect for portions of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island through Wednesday evening.

In New York City, city officials opened cooling centers to help residents find relief.

“Just as New Yorkers look out for one another through the coldest days of winter, we must do the same through the hottest days of the year,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said.

____

Associated Press writer Holly Ramer contributed from Concord, New Hampshire.

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Prince William is set to be at the Europa League final this evening to cheer on Aston Villa – but why does he support them?

HRH Prince William looked every bit the typical Aston Villa supporter as he cheered his side on during the 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Europa League semi-final second leg at Villa Park.

And he is set to do it all again at the final in Istanbul against Freiburg this evening.

He may hold a royal title, but he’s no casual claret and blue enthusiast, reports Birmingham Live.

He is a devoted follower who is eagerly anticipating watching his side hopefully claim their first European silverware since 1982.

But what exactly led him to support Villa and how did he develop into such a passionate fan? We have all the details here…

Why does Prince William support Aston Villa?

Prior to Villa’s FA Cup loss to Arsenal in May 2015 under Tim Sherwood, he discussed his Villa loyalty with BBC presenter Gary Lineker.

Prince William said: “A long time ago at school I got into football big time. I was looking around for clubs. All my friends at school were either Man United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn’t want to follow the run of the mill teams.

“I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments. Aston Villa’s always had a great history. I have got friends of mine who support Aston Villa and one of the first FA Cup games I went to was Bolton v Aston Villa back in 2000. Sadly, Villa went on to lose to Chelsea.

“It was fantastic, I sat with all the fans with my red beanie on, and I was sat with all the Brummie fans and had a great time. It was the atmosphere, the camaraderie and I really felt that there was something I could connect with.”

Speaking in February 2020, William said: “People like Paul Merson were playing and I thought if people like him can play as well as he does, knowing the struggles he was under at the time…this is a club I can support.

“I was also born in ’82, the year we won the (European) Cup, so I feel the history and pedigree around Villa has always been quite close to me.”

Has he attended matches?

He was photographed in an executive box at Villa Park during the 0-0 Premier League draw against Sunderland in November 2013, sporting a Villa coat and scarf.

He also took his place at the 2015 FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal, seated as a dignitary in the Royal Box alongside then Villa owner Randy Lerner. Villa were beaten 4-0, with Prince William presenting the trophy to Arsenal and handing out runners-up medals to Tim Sherwood’s players.

He made a further visit to Villa Park for the 1-0 Championship win over Cardiff City in April 2018, and was pictured celebrating in an executive box alongside former Villa favourite John Carew as Jack Grealish netted a late winner.

The prince paused after the match to chat and pose for photographs with players and staff. He attended the play-off final defeat to Fulham at Wembley in May 2018, a week after his brother Harry’s wedding, and was present at Carrow Road in the 2019/20 season to witness Villa thrash Norwich 5-1.

Prince William was also spotted at a fixture against Nottingham Forest in April last year and attended the Europa Conference League semi-final against Olympiacos in May.

Have there been any other examples of his Villa support?

Upon Villa’s return to European football’s premier competition, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “We are Champions League! A historic season and an amazing achievement. “Thanks to Unai, the whole squad and everyone at Aston Villa. Can’t wait for next season. #UTV.”

He appeared to be sporting a claret tie at the wedding of his wife’s sister Pippa Middleton in May 2017. In October 2017, the Duke and Duchess visited the London Stadium, home of West Ham United. The Hammers presented their young children with replica kits; however, William made his allegiances abundantly clear.

He quipped: “Right colours, wrong team.”

A month later, as a guest at the Pride of Britain awards, he donned a Villa scarf in a gesture of solidarity with Villa supporter Moin Younis, who was honoured with an award recognising his courage in living with a severe skin condition. During the same month, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge paid a visit to Villa Park and held talks with manager Steve Bruce, with the Duke commending the manager on his side’s performances. He has never been one to hide his claret and blue loyalties, and was proudly flying the flag for Villa in September 2018 while on a training exercise in Kenya with his regiment, the Irish Guards.

William met with local forces as well as the football team from the small town of Kinamba as part of a community initiative. He presented every player with that season’s Villa shirt, handing out a combination of home and away kits, and posed for a photograph.

How have Villa marked his support?

Following the birth of all three of William and Kate’s children, Villa posted a congratulatory message on Twitter featuring a picture of a Villa shirt bearing the name ‘HRH’. Former manager Bruce was struck by the depth of knowledge HRH displayed about his Villa squad when the pair met in November 2017.

Bruce said: “He introduced Kate to me as the ‘top man’. He talked about the squad and how we have turned it around a little bit.

“He’s delighted we are moving it forward. Being a dad myself, you would like him as a son. He was impeccable. It’s not often you have the future King as a supporter so it’s great for the club.”

Marvin Ducksch, a striker for Birmingham City, has been fined more than £16,000 after causing a serious three-car crash in Warwickshire while over the drink-drive limit

A Birmingham City player has been sentenced for causing a three-car crash in Warwickshire while drink driving.

Marvin Ducksch has been fined more than £16,000 and faces a bill of more than £20,000 after causing the accident which took place as he changed music.

The Germany international striker was told he was lucky he had not killed himself and two female drivers in the late-night crash as he was ordered to pay the victims £1,000 each in compensation.

Leamington Spa Magistrates’ Court heard Ducksch stopped at the scene and checked on the other motorists, one of whom had a nosebleed and injuries to her forehead and thumb.

The 32-year-old pleaded guilty on Wednesday to driving his Mercedes with excess alcohol, namely 53mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, above the legal limit of 35mcg.

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Magistrates were told the charge related to a collision on the A3400 near Henley-in-Arden in Warwickshire at around 10.30pm on Easter Monday.

The crash happened hours after Ducksch had appeared as a substitute in Birmingham’s 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

Magistrates handed Ducksch a 14-month driving ban alongside a fine of £16,155, a total of £2,000 in compensation, a £2,000 surcharge and a bill for costs of £85. The court agreed to allow Ducksch to pay off the total amount of £20,240 at a rate of £2,000 per month.

Prosecutor Lina Akther told the court: “The defendant identified himself to the officers and confirmed he was involved in the collision. The defendant stated to the officers that he was driving and he went to change his music and crashed and he wasn’t sure how.”

As a result of the crash Ducksch, who also claimed to have been avoiding a tree branch in the road, was arrested and breath-tested. In a prepared statement to police, the court heard, Ducksch said he was driving home and admitted “he did have alcohol before he drove” and had “clipped an oncoming car and another one following behind”.

Ms Akther said: “He thought he would be under the limit and the defendant was apologetic in his prepared statement.”

Imposing the fines, chairman of the bench John Kiely told the footballer, who lives in Solihull: “Thank you very much for your patience while we have been talking about this offence. We heard that there was an incident in which two vehicles were clipped.

“We have looked at the photographs (of the damaged cars). You can consider yourself lucky first of all that you weren’t killed and secondly that the other drivers weren’t killed. That’s how serious this matter is.”

During mitigation, defence solicitor Julia Morgan said Ducksch, whose former clubs include Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund, had a promising career ahead of him.

Ms Morgan told the three magistrates during the 20-minute hearing: “It’s abundantly clear that damage was caused to those vehicles and the lady concerned was injured during the course of this.” Ducksch was comprehensively insured and the damage would be covered by the policy, she said.

Ms Morgan added: “Mr Ducksch waited at the scene for the police. They didn’t arrive immediately but he waited and he checked on the welfare of the occupants of the other vehicles. He is currently a young man who plays as a professional footballer for Birmingham City Football Club.

“Not only is he going to be subject to the sentence that you impose today – from a financial point of view he has also been penalised by Birmingham City for his actions that night.

“He has been penalised financially and further by not being permitted to play in a number of matches following this incident. That illustrates how seriously incidents of this nature are taken.”

The lawyer continued: “They (the club) have provided references. I hope you have had the opportunity to see them and read them. In essence they talk about a man of impeccable character in his conduct towards his team, his managers and the club itself. I myself have found him to be a most polite young man. It’s very unfortunate he has found himself in this position, now having a conviction from the courts.”