The 21-year-old was found dead in Ballymena days after going missing in June 2023.

The Chloe Mitchell murder trial is to go ahead despite a criminal barristers’ strike, after a meeting between barristers and the Justice Minister.

Due to a long-running dispute over fees for legal aid, crown court cases involving those who require legal aid have been effectively halted.

After a “constructive” meeting on Sunday, Justice Minister Naomi Long agreed to start an accelerated review and the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) agreed to exempt the upcoming trial from its withdrawal of services.

READ MORE: MLAs and MP make joint statement on Chloe Mitchell case as family meet Justice MinisterREAD MORE: Everything you need to know about the Criminal Barrister strike

Further meetings between the Department of Justice and the CBA are scheduled next week.

It comes after a derogation was granted to allow the trial of a man accused of the 2022 murder of Natalie McNally in Lurgan to go ahead despite the industrial action.

Ms Mitchell, 21, was found dead in Ballymena days after going missing in June 2023.

Brandon John Rainey, 29, whose address was given as HMP Maghaberry and who is formerly of James Street in Ballymena, has been charged with murdering Ms Mitchell in June 2023.

Ms Long said: “The meeting today was constructive, and I welcome the CBA’s commitment to engaging to find solutions to the recent impasse.

“Whilst not all issues have been resolved, a decision has now been taken which will enable the Chloe Mitchell trial to progress.

“I recently met with the family, and I am humbled by their resilience and determination to see justice for Chloe.

“We must never lose sight of the fact that victims are central to everything we do. We must protect them, we must serve them, and we must be prepared to make hard decisions for them.”

Michael Chambers KC, vice-chairman of the CBA, said: “We welcome the minister’s frank and constructive engagement with the CBA today, following on from the CBA’s meeting with the Mitchell family and North Antrim political representatives yesterday, during which we had an opportunity not only to listen but also to explain the full background of the strike to them.

“Our consistent position has been that our members want to be in court, dealing with cases like Chloe’s. We welcome the minister’s confirmation that an accelerated review will proceed and it is our hope that this will produce the urgent reforms necessary to enable a full return to work.”

North Antrim MP Jim Allister said he welcomed news the Chloe Mitchell trial will proceed.

“Following our meeting on Friday with the Criminal Bar Association, it was clear that if the minister re-engaged with the mid-January plan of a fast-tracked review of the fees structure, then this outcome was attainable,” he said.

“I trust we are now on a course which can lead to a fair outcome to the current CBA action.”

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Omra Wali Jan died in February 2024 after suffering a non-accidental brain injury less than three months earlier.

This week, Morsal Mohammed Naim, 32, Omra’s mother, was sentenced to nine years in prison, after pleading guilty to child cruelty in March 2025 and then manslaughter in January.

Firooz Wali Jan, also 32, Omra’s father, was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison after also pleading guilty to child cruelty in March 2025.

Senior investigating officer Philip Reade said: “Everyone who has been involved in this case has been deeply moved by the tragic circumstances of Omra’s death.

“The last few months of her life must have been truly miserable, being hurt by those who were meant to care for and protect her.

Morsal Mohammed Naim (left) and Firooz Wali Jan (right) (Image: GMP)

“This has been a challenging investigation spanning more than two years, involving countless medical and forensic experts.

“I would like to thank everyone for their efforts, which have led to justice for Omra.

“Omra was so young, her parents should have been nurturing her, allowing her to grow into the child she would become. Instead, they completely neglected their moral duty to protect her.

“Their behaviour and attempts to mislead our investigation throughout have made this case even more horrifying, so we welcome the custodial sentences handed down today.

“The investigation team never knew Omra, but we have seen countless images of her when being cared for by others, which show a happy, smiling, beautiful child, and she is in our thoughts today and always.”

The police investigation began in November 2023, when officers responded to reports of an unresponsive young child in Levenshulme, Manchester.

Naim said that Omra had collapsed and choked whilst eating a biscuit in the living room. She was unconscious when paramedics arrived and was taken to hospital.

Doctors who started to treat Omra were concerned about several unexplained injuries to her body, including burns and bruising.

A brain scan showed injuries inconsistent with the account given by her mother.

Further scans showed she had a rib fracture, and experts started to suspect Omra had been shaken with her head, possibly striking a hard, solid surface.

Omra was transferred to the critical care unit whilst detectives, forensic experts and medical professionals started the painstaking work of piecing together the evidence.

The family address was forensically examined, accounts from neighbours and family friends were taken, and forensic examination of mobile phone devices began.

By December 6, 2023, police had the evidence to arrest Omra’s mother.

Naim was arrested on suspicion of assault and interviewed at length, where the picture was building that she was the only adult present when Omra received her head injury.

She maintained her original account but was charged two days later.

On February 9, 2024, Omra died in hospital after life support was withdrawn, having never regained consciousness.

Naim was further charged in connection with her death.

Omra’s father was arrested in April 2024 in relation to the burn injuries and bruising that Omra had suffered.

 Alan Richardson of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Morsal Mohammed Naim not only shook her daughter to death, but then lied about what she had done.

“As her mother, Naim should have cared for two-year-old Omra Wali Jan, and kept her safe. Instead, she inflicted the catastrophic injuries that caused Omra’s death.

“It is a killing almost impossible to comprehend in its cruelty and sheer senselessness.

“The Crown Prosecution Service worked with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case to put before the court, including witness testimony, phone downloads, expert reports and medical evidence.

“The strength of the evidence led Naim to admit causing her daughter’s death in the early stages of the trial.

“Our thoughts are of Omra, whose young life was cut mercilessly short – and all those affected by her untimely death.”

These are some of those to have been locked up recently

A drug dealer who tried to drag a woman out of her car and a career shoplifter who stole more than £2,000 worth of alcohol in nine days are among the latest Cambridgeshire offenders to be sent to prison. The list of criminals also includes a prolific criminal who burgled several homes.

These are some of the people were jailed after appearing at courts across the region between February 6 and February 13. CambridgeshireLive regularly reports on the criminal behaviour of people in the area.

Also on the list of offenders is a thief who stole hundreds of pounds of meat, laundry products and ready meals. He’s now been banned from every Co-op and Tesco in Cambridgeshire.

Here is a rundown of some of the Cambridgeshire criminals to have been jailed in the past few days.

Prolific burglar who struck several times in a month

Lee Edwards, 40, has been sent back to prison again after being convicted of a series of crimes. His latest spree began on April 29 last year and ran until June 5. During that period, his offending included stealing a car from one house, a motorbike from another, and taking copper piping and tools from a building site.

He was identified and linked to the burglaries and thefts through a combination of CCTV images and forensics before being arrested in Orchard Street, Fletton, Peterborough, on June 13. Edwards, of Queen’s Walk in Fletton, Peterborough, was jailed for three years and four months after admitting two counts of burglary. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, theft of a pedal cycle, and a further burglary, for which he received no separate penalty.

Career shoplifter who stole more than £2k of alcohol

A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted shops and businesses across Cambridge has been jailed. Louis Kidd, 39, of Arrington, stole more than £2,000 worth of alcohol and £142 in cash from a business in Sussex Street between December 16 and 25.

He also broke into the Asda warehouse at the Beehive Centre and targeted Co-ops in Milton Road and Hills Road on nine occasions. Kidd was given a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) in April last year, banning him from entering any Co-op in Cambridgeshire.

At Cambridge Crown Court, he was sentenced to one year and 10 months in prison. He had entered guilty pleas to nine counts of breaching a CBO, nine counts of shoplifting and six counts of burglary.

Prolific thief banned from every Co-op and Tesco in Cambridgeshire

A thief who breached a banning order to steal hundreds of pounds of meat, laundry products and ready meals has been jailed. Ashley Till was given a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) in September, banning him from entering any Co-op or Tesco in Cambridgeshire.

But between November 6 and February 1 he breached the order on 14 occasions, stealing items including steak, chocolate and laundry products from the Co-op on Milton Road and Tesco Express on Christ’s Lane. The 37-year-old, of no fixed address, also broke into a pharmacy and stole £50 of prescription medication.

Till was sentenced to a year in prison after pleading guilty to 14 counts of theft, 14 breaches of a CBO, bike theft and burglary.

Thug who tried dragging random woman out of her car

A convicted drug dealer who tried to drag a woman from her car outside a doctor’s surgery has been jailed. Lee Holliday, 43, ran towards the woman’s car as she was leaving the Westwood Centre, Peterborough, on July 31.

The victim stopped driving when she noticed Holliday chasing after her, thinking there might be a problem with her car. Holliday, of Welland Road, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, immediately opened the rear passenger door of the car and got into the back, shouting “drive, drive, they’re chasing me”.

When the victim refused and told him to get out, Holliday did so but walked around to the driver’s side, opened the door, and tried to grab the ignition keys and the steering wheel. Holliday put his hands around the victim’s neck, attempted to pull her out of the vehicle, ripping her shirt and necklace in the struggle. The victim’s daughter, who was close by at the time, assisted in intervening and getting Holliday away from the vehicle until police arrived.

After a trial at Cambridge Crown Court, Holliday was convicted of common assault and was jailed for two years and five months, which included the activation of a two-year suspended sentence for drug offences.

“Most of the residents in this building are taxpayers in this country, yet they cannot feel safe and secure in their own homes.”

Ethnic minority residents living in a Belfast city centre apartment block have been left traumatised following a series of hate crime incidents.

Residents of the Bass Building on Alfred Street have raised serious concerns following a series of distressing incidents involving repeated trespass and anti-social behaviour by a gang of youths over recent months.

According to residents, the individuals have repeatedly gained unauthorised access to the building, causing damage and leaving rubbish in communal areas.

READ MORE: Claudia Jaczyk: Police name 23-year-old killed in crash between car and busREAD MORE: Man arrested after reports of ‘suspicious activity around homes’

Concerns escalated significantly following a recent incident in which racist graffiti was discovered on a wall inside the building. The message has caused profound distress among residents, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds, who now fear for their safety in their own homes.

Ana Chandran, Community Advocate and Director for Projects at the Belfast Asian Women’s Academy, says these ongoing incidents have created a climate of fear and intimidation for those living in the building.

She has condemned the incident and called for urgent action: “For months, residents of this building have been subjected to intimidation and distress. The appearance of such an explicitly racist and threatening message is deeply alarming and cannot be ignored.

“We have come here to work and pay our taxes. Most of the residents in this building are taxpayers in this country, yet they cannot feel safe and secure in their own homes,” she said.

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Ms Chandran called on elected representatives, statutory bodies, and community safety partners to take stronger and more coordinated action to address hate crime and protect vulnerable communities.

“Hate has no place in our society. We need clear leadership and decisive action to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that residents are protected from further harm,” she said

The residents are also urging authorities to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and to work proactively with the community to prevent further incidents and restore a sense of safety and dignity for those affected.

Police say they are investigating concerns regarding recent anti-social behaviour in the Alfred Street area.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “We received a report on Saturday afternoon, February 14 of criminal damage to an internal wall in a residential building on the street.“It’s understood that a group of youths entered the complex, causing damage to bins and sprayed graffiti on a wall. This is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime and enquiries are ongoing at this time.“We will continue to work alongside partner agencies, local representatives and the community to find collaborative and proactive solutions to address the problem. Those identified as being involved in this criminality will be brought to justice.“I would encourage anyone that witnesses or is a victim of a Hate Crime or incident to ring us on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or speak directly to your Neighbourhood Team.”

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Bosses at the fast food chain’s restaurant at Glasgow’s Forge shopping centre in Parkhead is barring youngsters from coming in without an adult.

A popular Scots McDonald’s has banned kids to ensure the “safety” of customers.

Bosses at the fast food chain’s restaurant at Glasgow’s Forge shopping centre in Parkhead said it had been forced to stop youngsters from coming in without an adult due to concerns over anti-social behaviour.

A sign was placed on the door saying “no under 18s” after the new “temporary” ban was brought in.

The move follows similar restrictions at other McDonald’s around the country in recent years.

A McDonald’s spokesman said: “At McDonald’s we have a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-social behaviour, and the safety and security of anyone visiting our restaurants remains our highest priority.

“The decision to impose this temporary measure was not taken lightly, and our Parkhead restaurant team continues to work closely with local police, Glasgow City Council, and local youth projects to help address the wider issue of anti-social behaviour in the area.”

The McDonald’s on Helen Street in the city‘s Govan also banned teens from entering after 6pm in June amid safety fears. The franchise offered a takeaway service instead for youngsters.

In May, a restaurant at Costorphine Retail Park in Edinburgh brought in the same ban after reports of anti-social behaviour.

In 2023, a Highland McDonald’s also moved to ban teens at night becaue of verbal abuse targeted at its workers.

Bosses at the Fort William fast food premises said it had not been an easy decision, but it had to protect the wellbeing of staff and customers.

Last weekend a mass brawl between teenage thugs broke out in a McDonald’s in Dundee.

Police were called to the Kingsway East restaurant on Longtown Road after the alarm was raised at around 10.30pm on Saturday, February 7.

The shocking incident was captured in video footage as the yobs battered into each other. In the clip around a dozen school-age teenagers are heard shouting as punches are thrown between the youths.

A 13-year-old boy was arrested and charged in connection with assault as a result of the incident.

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The man was found after an hours-long search but could not be saved

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A man has died after he entered floodwater during a police chase in South Derbyshire. Officers had been pursuing a vehicle towing a caravan that was believed to have been stolen from Oakerthorpe, Derbyshire Police said.

During the pursuit in the early hours of Saturday, the occupants of the vehicle rammed police cars before coming to a stop near Egginton, the force added.

Police said both men fled the vehicle and one arrest was made a short time later. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.

A second man entered the flooded Egginton Brook near the junction of Main Street and Ash Grove Lane.

After searches by police and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service over several hours, the man was recovered from the water.

He was treated by ambulance crews at the scene and taken to Royal Derby Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Because the death happened after police contact, the force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Formal identification of the deceased man has not yet taken place and efforts are ongoing to trace his next of kin, the force added.

Adrian Osiecki, 34, from Harnall Lane West, Coventry, has been charged with dangerous driving, including failing to stop for police and criminal damage to police vehicles; driving without insurance; driving while disqualified and theft of a caravan.

He is due to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

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Call the Midwife series 15 episode six features a Broadchurch and EastEnders star in a new guest role

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Call the Midwife returns with a fresh episode on Sunday, bringing a host of compelling storylines for audiences to enjoy.

The synopsis for series 15, episode six states: “The Nonnatus team help a young father come to terms with a life-threatening diagnosis, and Trixie uncovers a mystery illness in a female wrestler.”

Joining the beloved BBC period medical drama for this episode is actress Charlotte Beaumont. Many viewers will recognise the 30-year-old from her numerous television appearances throughout her career.

Charlotte portrayed Tasha in EastEnders back in 2010, before securing a part in Broadchurch as Chloe Latimer. She featured in the ITV crime drama alongside Olivia Colman and David Tennant between 2013 and 2017.

The opening series, broadcast in 2013, centred on the death of 11-year-old local boy Danny Latimer and explored how grief, suspicion and media scrutiny affected the community, reports the Mirror.

A central element of that season was Danny’s family – his mother Beth, portrayed by Jodie Whittaker, father Mark, portrayed by Andrew Buchan, and sister Chloe, portrayed by Charlotte – as it charted their bereavement and quest for justice.

Charlotte’s additional credits throughout the years include Waterloo Road, where she took on the recurring role of Kenzie Calhoun in 2015, Adelaide Scott in Death in Paradise in 2018, and a recent return to EastEnders in 2025, playing Jill.

In preview images from Sunday’s instalment, Charlotte appears as Tina Bianchi, with the character shown to be heavily pregnant in the BBC programme. In one photograph, Tina can be seen reading in bed alongside her husband, Tony Bianchi, portrayed by Steffan Rizzi. Another image shows Shelagh Turner, portrayed by Laura Main, checking Tina’s baby bump.

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This follows viewers becoming emotional and worried about Sister Monica Joan, portrayed by Judy Parfitt, during last Sunday’s instalment. Sister Monica Joan has been a key character since the programme’s debut episode in 2012, with actress Judy celebrating her 90th birthday in November.

In the most recent episode, Sister Monica Joan had lost her appetite, even turning down pudding, which raised alarm at Nonnatus House, particularly when Sister Julienne, portrayed by Jenny Agutter, observed her swollen feet.

Dr Turner, portrayed by Stephen McGann, visited Sister Monica Joan at home, where he disclosed she had kidney failure, explaining that additional tests would provide more information. Sister Julienne said to Dr Turner: “This was always going to come, wasn’t it? In one form or other.”

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To which Dr Turner sombrely responded: “And, when it does, it’s going to feel like the Ravens leaving the Tower of London. The end of the known world.”

Call the Midwife returns on Sundays at 8pm on BBC One.

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Everything you need to know about the weather warnings across the Canary Islands

Winds of up to 90kmh have been forecast to hit parts of the Canary Islands over the coming days as Spain’s state meteorological agency (AEMET) has issued several weather warnings.

Over the next few days the islands, a popular holiday destination, which belong to Spain but are located to the west of Africa – are affected by yellow coastal and wind warnings, issued by AEMET.

Similarly to the UK’s severe weather system implemented by the Met Office, AEMET issues weather warnings in varying severities – yellow, amber and red – and for a range of phenomenon including rain, hail, snow, wind among others.

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A yellow warning means that there is low risk from the weather. AEMET explains that although the general population is not in danger, certain activities may be affected. The recommendation issued by the AEMET in this warning is: “Stay alert. It is advisable to regularly check the weather forecast, as some outdoor activities could be affected.”

On Sunday (February 15), there are coastal warnings around all but two of the Canary Islands – affecting La Palma, El Hierro, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. The same day, wind warnings are in force across El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

AEMET warns that in some of the affected areas, wind gusts could reach 90kmh (around 55mph) at its worst. Gusts of up to 90 km/h are possible in high areas and areas of typical acceleration. These warnings are set to be lifted at around 5pm on Sunday.

On Monday (February 16), AEMET has issued a warning for suspended dust affecting all of the Canary Islands. The warning reads: “Visibility: 3000 m. The most significant concentrations will occur above 400-500 meters.”

The warning for suspended dust will remain in place all day on Monday and into the next day, being lifted at 12pm on Tuesday (February 17).

Also known as Calima, suspended dust is caused by strong winds transporting dust particles, often leading to reduced visibility. These conditions can cause respiratory discomfort and make outdoor activities difficult.

Over in mainland Spain, there are several yellow weather alerts in force along the coast on Sunday for wind, rain and avalanches in the north east. The following day similar warnings are in place, plus one more severe amber alert for wind in Tarragona where gusts could reach 90kmh.

Police were called to the incident at 4.15pm on Friday

A woman’s body has been found at a property in Aberdeen.

Police were called to the incident on Station Road in Dyce near Aberdeen at 4.15pm on Friday, February 13. Officers attended and a woman was found dead within.

Her death is currently being treated as unexplained. Cops, however, say there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.

A report is due to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 4.15pm on Friday, 13 February, 2026, emergency services attended at Station Road, Dyce following the death of a woman. Her death is being treated as unexplained, however there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

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More than 6,000 people were killed in three days when a Sudanese paramilitary group took control of the key city of Al Fashir last October, the United Nations has said.

The offensive by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) included widespread atrocities that amounted to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, the UN Human Rights Office said in a report.

Rights violations in the final push for the city in Sudan underscored how “persistent impunity fuels continued cycles of violence”, according to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk.

The RSF and their allied Arab militias, known as Janjaweed, overran Al Fashir, the Sudanese army’s only remaining stronghold in Darfur, on 26 October 2025 and rampaged through the city and its surroundings.

It had previously been under siege for more than 18 months.

The UN Human Rights Office said it documented the killing of at least 4,400 people inside the city between 25 October and 27 October, while more than 1,600 were killed as they were trying to flee the RSF rampage.

The 29-page UN report detailed atrocities that it said ranged from mass killings, summary executions, sexual violence, abductions for ransom, torture and ill-treatment to detention and disappearances.

In many cases, the attacks were ethnicity-motivated, it said.

Sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, was apparently widespread during the Al Fashir offensive, with RSF fighters and their allied militias targeting women and girls, the report added.

The RSF did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

The alleged atrocities in Al Fashir, the provincial capital of North Darfur, mirror a pattern of RSF conduct in other areas in its war against the Sudanese army, the report said.

The tribal militia turned paramilitary is known to document its own war crimes.

Videos of their fighters lynching women, lashing emergency responders and cheering over dead bodies have circulated online since the start of the conflict.

Read more:
1,000 days of war in Sudan
UK sanctions four paramilitary commanders over ‘mass killings’

The war began in April 2023 when a power struggle between the two sides led to open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere across the country.

The conflict created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with parts of the nation pushed into famine.

It has also been marked by atrocities, which the International Criminal Court said it was investigating as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been accused of backing the RSF, something that an RSF intelligence officer appeared to confirm in an exclusive interview with Sky News.

But the UAE’s foreign ministry hit back at the allegations, saying: “We categorically reject any claims of providing any form of support to either warring party since the onset of the civil war.”