Jak Jones has his first professional title under his belt (Picture: Getty Images)
Jak Jones landed the first ranking title of his career at the Championship League and it came at the perfect time after a ‘disaster’ at the Crucible in April.
The 33-year-old memorably reached the World Championship final in 2024, losing out to Kyren Wilson, but now has entered the winners’ enclosure for the first time since initially turning pro in 2010.
It is ideal timing for Jones, who ended last season with a morale-sapping 10-2 thrashing at the hands of Mark Selby in the first round at the Crucible.
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Selby made just three half-centuries in a match which Jones admits went about as badly as it could have done, but he is thrilled to put that out of his mind quickly by winning the first ranking event of the new season.
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‘It couldn’t have gone any worse really. How I played, how I felt at the Crucible,’ Jones told Metro. ‘It was a bit of a disaster really. It’s good to put that to the back of my mind.
‘I’ve experienced the good side of the Crucible and I’ve definitely experienced the worst now.
Jones had a match to forget against Mark Selby in Sheffield (Picture: Getty Images)
‘There’s so many different factors, I suppose. You’re playing a Crucible specialist, one of the best players ever. I didn’t feel too good in myself and then you miss a couple of balls and I think it all just got on top of me in the end. Which can happen to anyone, but it certainly got to me.
‘Then obviously it can knock your confidence quite a bit, when you have such a bad experience, a bad performance on the biggest stage. So to then win the first tournament of the new season I think was really big for me.’
It’s been a long journey to his first title for Jones, but it has only been since his amazing run to the Crucible final two years ago that he has been really itching to get his hands on some silverware.
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‘When I was in the World final, I didn’t really think that much about winning a tournament. I wouldn’t say I was desperate to win a tournament,’ he said.
‘But after the last couple of years, you feel like you need to go to the next step in your career. You have to win one, otherwise you just feel like you’re stuck.
‘Since the World Championship last season I’ve thought of it a lot, that I need to win a tournament soon. If I’m going to progress in my career, I do feel like I need to win a tournament soon.
‘So to win the first tournament of the season and get it out of the way was good.’
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Jones has won tournaments before in his junior and amateur days, but thinks the 10-year gap since a European Championship success in 2016 saw him forget what to do after lifting a trophy.
‘I didn’t celebrate,’ he says. ‘Dylan Emery was also in my group and we just drove straight back home.
‘That was it really. No celebration. I think I’ve forgotten how to celebrate!’
Kyren Wilson beat Jak Jones 18-14 to win the 2024 World Championship final (Picture: Getty Images)
Jones does have plenty to celebrate off the table, having moved into a new house in December and now expecting his second child with his wife later this year.
Back in his hometown of Cwmbran after a spell in Cardiff, Jones is pleased to be settled again, although his Russian wife Inna, from the huge city of Samara, is still getting used to it.
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‘Cardiff was a big change for me, but my wife loved it there, we were in the city centre, virtually,’ he said. ‘It was a bit too much for me. She likes Cwmbran, it’s just a lot quieter than what her home city would have been. I think she’s getting used to it, very slowly.’
Next up for Jones, he says: ‘I’m just trying to win another tournament. Now I’ve got one out of the way.
‘It’s so hard now but maybe when I get to the business end of tournaments in future I can be a bit more relaxed than I have been in the past.
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‘I think that psychologically, it’s massive. No matter what tournament it is I’ve won, it’s massive to get it out of the way.
‘I’ve been in the final of the biggest tournament and arguably the smallest one. But the thing that I had in my head before was feeling better in longer formats. I guess that’s out of the window now because it doesn’t get much more shorter format than the Championship League.
‘So to win that one, that’s another psychological obstacle out of the way.’
A three-bedroom home in Wymondham didn’t meet the expectations of Homes Under the Hammer star Jacqui Joseph.
Homes Under the Hammer star Jacqui Joseph didn’t hold back as she shared her take on a three-bedroom property which included a “disappointing” feature.
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During Thursday’s episode of the popular BBC show, the long-running presenter visited the historic market town of Wymondham, located 10 miles from Norwich.
The town is known for its rich history and features one of the UK’s oldest pubs, which is believed to have opened in the 1300s.
While visiting the three-bedroom semi-detached property, which was up for auction, the presenter was impressed by its location, which was so close to transport links and essential amenities.
However, while inside the house, Jacqui shared her thoughts on the unfashionable decor. Standing in the hallway, she said, “Straight into your hallway, very neat.
“You’ve got textured ceilings, dated electrics. To my left, there is a full bathroom. That’s dated, that needs to go.
While in the kitchen, she expressed exhaustion: “The place is so dated. It really is. The size is not too bad, rip it all out and start again.”
With the bathroom being downstairs next to the front door, when Jacqui finally went upstairs, she shared her dissatisfaction. She said: Into the third bedroom, the final bedroom, a tiny compact double. But you have your boiler here – and actually, the boiler doesn’t look like it’s in a bad condition.
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“Boiler in the bedroom, I’m not a fan of. I would like to see that down in the kitchen area.”
She then added, “But what is disappointing is that there isn’t a bathroom up here.” Sharing her ideas, the presenter suggested that maybe whoever gets their hands on the property could potentially put in a bathroom upstairs.
Property developer Joshua and his brother Marcus purchased the three-bed property for £170,000. Marcus, who was working on the renovations, later shared what updates they made to the property.
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Although Jacqui was concerned about the layout, they still decided to keep the bathroom downstairs but replaced it with a brand new suite and tiles. They also included a new en-suite bathroom upstairs.
Marcus said, “With the space, it works. It really adds something to the room.”
Homes Under the Hammer airs weekdays at 11:15pm on BBC One.
A stark new assessment has revealed that a mere 14 per cent of England’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters are currently in good ecological health.
The findings come from the Environment Agency’s first update in six years, conducted under retained EU legislation governing water quality.
This comprehensive evaluation scrutinised 4,658 of the country’s rivers, lakes, estuaries, canals, and coastal waters, measuring their health against a range of standards including wildlife populations, overall water quality, and the condition of physical habitats.
The report indicates that just 14.3 per cent of surface water bodies achieved an overall good ecological status in 2025, with widespread issues attributed to sewage spills, agricultural nutrient runoff, and pollutants emanating from urban areas and roads, such as litter, petrol, and garden pesticides. Alarmingly, only 15 per cent of rivers meet or exceed good ecological status, according to the figures.
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They also reveal England’s water bodies are falling far short of the government target to restore 75 per cent to good ecological status by 2027.
In response to the latest data, campaigners warned “nothing has changed” despite repeated government promises, and said England’s rivers were among the filthiest in Europe, poisoned by sewage and industrial-scale agriculture.
The 2025 figures are slightly down from the 16.3 per cent achieving good status in the last assessment in 2019, although the Environment Agency said they were not directly comparable as it had updated its methods, used a wider set of data and focused on places it suspected had problems.
The report indicates that just 14.3 per cent of surface water bodies achieved an overall good ecological status in 2025, with widespread issues attributed to sewage spills. (PA)
But the EA said the analysis showed that “too many water bodies are not achieving the standards we want to see” and it would use the data to direct action from companies, farmers, businesses and councils to improve the state of England’s waterways and lakes.
And every single surface water body continues to fail to meet a “good” chemical status, largely due to persistent chemicals in the environment including former flame retardants and “PFOS”- a former stain repellent and firefighting chemicals.
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These substances are now banned or heavily restricted in the UK but break down very slowly and persist in the environment for decades.
The rules mean that classification of water bodies is done on a “one out, all out” so that if a river, lake or estuary fails to meet good status in one of the elements it is assessed on – from fish, invertebrate and plant life to phosphate, ammonia and oxygen levels – it will fail to meet good ecological status overall.
The data show more than four-fifths (82 per cent) of individual indicators were good or high status, which the EA described as “encouraging”.
The 2025 dataset shows two-thirds (65.4 per cent) of water bodies achieve moderate ecological status, while 17 per cent are poor, 3.1 per cent are bad and just 0.1 per cent achieve high status.
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The assessment also looks at groundwater and finds that 41 per cent achieve good status, compared to 37 per cent in 2019.
The EA said the analysis showed that “too many water bodies are not achieving the standards we want to see.” (Getty)
Chair of the Environment Agency Alan Lovell said the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) classifications helped officials understand where water bodies were improving and where further action was needed.
“The results show that too many water bodies are still not achieving the standards we want to see.
“We share the public’s ambition for faster progress which is why we are transforming our enforcement work with better data, stronger powers and our largest ever enforcement workforce.”
He added: “We are using all our evidence to direct sustained improvement action from water companies, farmers, businesses and councils.”
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The agency pointed to improvements in phosphate levels in the River Roch to a “good” classification, following a catchment permit that required sewage treatment works upstream of the Manchester Ship Canal to remove more phosphate, improving the canal and other connected waters.
The EA also said it had stepped up its inspections of water company sites, and would be further increasing farm inspections from 4,000 to 6,000 a year over the next three years.
Environment secretary Angela Eagle said the results underlined the need for “wholesale change” across the water sector.
“Our local communities deserve to have clean local rivers and lakes,” she said.
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“We’ve already introduced landmark legislation to hold water companies to account, secured record investment to help fix infrastructure, and are laser focused on long term reforms that will prevent future failures.
“We will drive forward a system that puts the public interest first with higher standards, better performance and cleaner waterways.”
Environment Secretary Angela Eagle said the results underlined the need for “wholesale change” across the water sector. (Getty)
But chief executive of environmental charity River Action James Wallace said, “Despite successive governments’ promises, nothing has changed.
“Our rivers remain among the filthiest in Europe, poisoned by sewage from polluting, profit-driven water companies and by industrial-scale agriculture, including chicken manure runoff from intensive poultry units that rear tens of millions of birds for fast-food chains and supermarkets.”
And he said: “If the government is serious about restoring our rivers, it must use the upcoming Clean Water Bill to take back control of water companies from private profiteers and ensure they are owned and operated for public benefit, environmental protection and public health.
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“It must also tackle agricultural pollution with the same urgency, holding the biggest polluters to account, supporting the transition to nature-friendly agriculture and ending the regulatory failures that have allowed our rivers to become open sewers.”
A spokesperson for industry body Water UK said: “As the Environment Agency has made clear, the health of rivers, lakes and waterways is shaped by many different factors, including agricultural nutrients and urban and transport run-off, as well as sewage.
“Water companies are investing a record £22bn in environmental improvements by 2030.
“This will be the largest amount of money ever spent on the natural environment, and will help to secure our water supplies, support economic growth and end sewage entering our rivers and seas.”
Donald Trump is demanding jail for the ‘leakers’ who exposed his furious clash with Pete Hegseth over hidden missile shortages.
Confronted over why the President was kept in the dark, the secretary of war reportedly turned on his own deputy, according to the Washington Post.
The showdown reportedly unfolded at Camp David last Friday, where Hegseth insisted he was blameless and accused his number two, Stephen Feinberg, of presiding over the shortfall and failing to keep the President fully briefed.
The astonishing scene laid bare Trump’s mounting frustration with Hegseth, one of the loudest early cheerleaders for striking Iran, who had assured him the operation would be a swift and relatively painless win.
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Shortages of long-range guided missiles and air defense interceptors are among the reasons Trump has held back from launching further large-scale strikes against Iran in recent days.
Trump hit back at the report, denying any shortage of US munitions and insisting that interceptors are reaching American bases as needed.
‘The “leakers” of these treasonous statements are being hunted down. Long term jail sentences will be sought!’ Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The White House has denied the clash ever took place, however, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying: ‘This is 100% fake news. Literally never happened. And President Trump has the utmost confidence in Secretary Hegseth.’
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Donald Trump is demanding jail for the ‘leakers’ who exposed his furious clash with Pete Hegseth over hidden munitions shortages
Shortages of long-range guided missiles and air defense interceptors are among the reasons Trump has held back from launching further large-scale strikes against Iran in recent days
The showdown unfolded at Camp David last Friday, where Hegseth insisted he was blameless and accused his number two, Stephen Feinberg
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‘The “leakers” of these treasonous statements are being hunted down. Long term jail sentences will be sought!’ Trump wrote on Truth Social
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell joined the pushback, insisting Hegseth ‘did not mislead anyone’ about weapons stocks and never pointed the finger at Feinberg
Despite the denials, NBC News reported that Feinberg received a furious phone call from Trump himself on Friday evening, during which the President is said to have threatened to fire him.
The rattled deputy then hastily summoned top Pentagon brass to a late-night crisis meeting just hours after hanging up.
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Feinberg, 66, is a billionaire who chaired Trump’s Intelligence Advisory Board in his first term before being handed the Pentagon’s number two job.
The interceptor crunch is reportedly now so severe that it is changing how the military decides which incoming threats to shoot down.
Commanders are forced to weigh where a missile is headed before committing precious defenses.
Far from the quick victory Trump was promised, the Iran conflict has ground into a near six-month stalemate, with 18 American troops dead.
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Tehran has responded to these attacks by raining missiles on American bases and allies across the region and strangling shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz.
A fragile truce brokered by Pakistan collapsed last month after Iranian attacks on tankers
A fragile truce brokered by Pakistan collapsed last month after Iranian attacks on tankers.
Trump declared US forces ‘locked and loaded’ for fresh strikes at the weekend, only to back down after appeals from Gulf allies, and he now claims talks with Tehran are restarting, something Iran denies.
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Enraged Trump vows to HUNT down ‘treasonous leakers’ after exposing his furious private clash with Pete Hegseth over munition fears
A US Senate committee has voted to hold former top health official Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he refused to answer questions during a hearing focused on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The vote – which fell along party lines – means that the committee will refer the case to the justice department for potential prosecution for failing to comply with a congressional subpoena.
It is unclear if the department will do so.
Fauci invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination more than 100 times during his testimony last week, drawing the ire of Republican lawmakers.
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Former President Joe Biden gave Fauci a pre-emptive pardon on his last day in office in 2025, protecting him from federal prosecution for his actions between 2014 and 2025.
Fauci could, however, still face charges for anything after that date, including contempt of Congress.
Additionally, he could still be subject to state or local charges that are not covered by the pardon.
“The chair directed Anthony Fauci to answer. He refused,” Kentucky Republican Rand Paul said ahead of the vote. “That is what we are voting on today — not his opinions, not his policies, not anything he said from the podium six years ago. “
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“We are voting on whether a witness who has received the benefit of a federal pardon can be ordered by this committee to answer questions and then defy that order without consequence,” he added.
Olivia Attwood poses in a sheer bodysuit and a bikini as she opens up on ‘sham’ marriage to Bradley Dack and relationship with Pete Wicks in Cosmopolitan shoot
Olivia Attwood turned up the heat as she wowed in a sheer bodysuit and posed in a bikini for her latest Cosmopolitan shoot.
In her first interview since her split from Bradley Dack, the presenter, 35, doubled down on the couple’s ‘sham’ wedding and she made sure to look her best as she wowed in a collection of racy looks.
The former Love Islander went braless in a sheer black bodysuit which was adorned with embroidered black hearts.
In another look she relaxed by the pool in a multi-coloured bikini and shades, before covering up in a white fur coat for the cover snap.
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For her final look she slipped into a lace pink bra and silver sparkly miniskirt as she perused the drinks aisle of a supermarket for a summer tipple.
During the interview Olivia addressed her decision to not make her marriage to Bradley legally binding.
Olivia Attwood posed in a bikini and a sheer bodysuit as she opened up on her ‘sham’ marriage to Bradley Dack and relationship with Pete Wicks for her latest Cosmopolitan shoot
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The former Love Islander went braless in a sheer black body suit which was adorned with embroidered black hearts
The presenter and footballer, who split in January, never legally tied the knot despite marrying in a lavish ceremony that was broadcast by ITV.
Olivia admitted she didn’t sign any papers to protect her fortune because the relationship began experiencing ‘teething issues’ right after their wedding in 2023.
She told Cosmopolitan: ‘My sister said to me, “If it was a man who was skeptical about their partner’s honesty, and they didn’t legally bind themselves to a person, everyone would be like, “Good for you, because she would’ve taken half your money.”
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‘I did the same thing and they wanted to burn me at the f****** stake. Where would I be now [if we had signed?] It’s been hard enough untangling our lives.’
Olivia said she was ‘living in a grey area’ with Brad for years as she was blinded by the love she had for him, until one day she realised ‘everything suddenly lined up’.
She detailed the gut-wrenching moment a woman exposed her cheating ex and told her he had ‘gone back with a random girl’ on a night out.
It was the turning point that made Olivia end her 12-year relationship in January after discovering his infidelities.
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She said: ‘There was nowhere left for him to hide. As soon as I knew it had happened to me, I couldn’t stay. The only person I would be cheating is myself.’
In her first interview since her split from Bradley Dack, the presenter, 35, doubled down on the couple’s ‘sham’ wedding and she made sure to look her best in a collection of racy looks
During the interview Olivia addressed her decision to not make her marriage to Bradley legally binding (pictured during her wedding reality show with Bradley)
For her final look she slipped into a lace pink bra and silver sparkly miniskirt as she perused the drinks aisle of a supermarket for a summer tipple
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Olivia wrapped up in a white fur coat which she wore over a grey mini dress and black boots
Olivia accused Bradley of ‘cheating on her multiple times over 10 years’ at the time they split.
Olivia wrote previously: ‘I have stood by Brad for the last ten years during which he lied and cheated on me multiple times. The breakdown of our relationship is because of this.
‘I was in love with him and the potential I saw in him and wanted always to help him try to be the best version of himself – as I did for 10 years – covering up. Lying to my family and friends. Arranging therapy. Believing the grovelling apologies.
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‘I of course now feel like a f*****g idiot. (Especially as more things come to the surface) I never wanted to say any of this. I find the whole situation utterly humiliating.’
Olivia went on to speak about the moment she decided to walk away from the relationship, as well as confirming her relationship with ITV is strong following reports the broadcaster was ‘furious’ over the fake wedding scandal.
She continued: ‘This January when I was confronted at the screening of one of my shows by someone reporting to me yet another night he had gone back with a random girl – I decided it was time to finally leave.
‘I’m not losing my job, I’m not pulling the wool over anyone’s eyes. Yes I’m dating.
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‘Yes I’m getting up every single day even when I have cried all night to film the shows I love filming, record my podcast, record my radio show, shoot campaigns and somewhere in there TRY to move on.’
Olivia is with new boyfriend and long-time friend Pete Wicks and gushed about their relationship in the interview.
Olivia made repeated digs at his new love interest Emily Molony, as she admitted she was enraged and accused Bradley, 32, of ‘lying’ about his relationship with Emily, also 32.
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Pictures emerged showing Bradley and Emily on an outing, after which Olivia branded the influencer ‘a bench warmer’ and ‘side piece’.
Earlier this week, Olivia promised to release ‘messy screenshots’ that she claimed confirmed she had been lied to by Bradley.
However, her management apparently instructed her to be the ‘bigger person’ and not release the information about the situation.
A bomb disposal team were deployed to a Cambridgeshire service station after a suspicious package was found. Cambridgeshire Police were called to reports of a suspicious package inside the Brampton Services just before 5pm on Wednesday (August 5).
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Police put a 100m cordon in place and an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called.
An EOD spokesperson said: “We can confirm that an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) from Colchester Troop 621 Sqn, 11 EOD&S Regiment RLC, responded to Brampton Services on August 5, following a request from Cambridgeshire Police. The EOD operator identified the item as a hoax.”
A police spokesperson added: “We were called at 4.55pm yesterday to Brampton Services with reports of a suspicious package inside. A 100m cordon was put in place and the EOD were called. The cordon was removed by 9pm.”
Lindsay Clancy jury to hear grueling testimony as medical examiner takes stand in kids’ murder trial – after family nanny’s bombshell revelations: Live updates
The jury who will decide Lindsay Clancy’s fate will hear from the medical examiner involved in the murder case on Thursday.
Clancy is standing trial for killing her three children Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, eight months, using exercise bands in the basement of her Duxbury home in January 2023.
The Massachusetts mom then tried to end her own life after slashing her wrists and neck before jumping from a second-story window.
Clancy has pleaded not guilty in her case citing postpartum psychosis, a rare but serious medical emergency characterized by a rapid onset psychiatric episode.
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The prosecution maintains that the former nurse’s actions were premeditated and deliberate.
Follow the Daily Mail for more updates…
Lindsay Clancy sobs as medical examiner talks about Callan’s autopsy
Lindsay Clancy is sobbing at the defense table as Dr Springer testifies about performing Callan’s autopsy on January 29, 2023.
Her head is bowed, with her long dark hair covering her face.and her shoulders shuddering. She has grabbed some tissues to wipe her eyes.
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First witness: Dr Kimberley Springer, the medical examiner who performed Clancy children’s autopsies
The first witness of the day is Dr Kimberley Springer.
Springer is the medical examiner who performed the autopsies on Lindsay Clancy’s children – Cora, five, Dawson, three, and Callan, eight months.
Jury who will decide Lindsay Clancy’s fate enters courtroom
The jury who will decide Lindsay Clancy’s fate has now entered the courtroom.
Clancy is sitting in her wheelchair at the defense table dressed in a rose-colored blouse.
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Her parents Mike and Paula Musgrove are also here. They have attended every day of their daughter’s trial so far in a show of support. They are joined by a defense expert and a family friend.
In the public gallery, there are fewer people here than yesterday – about 10 members of public and 20 members of the media.
Day 8 of Lindsay Clancy trial about to get underway
Day eight of Lindsay Clancy’s trial is about to get underway in Plymouth County Superior Court, Massachusetts.
Today, jurors are expected to hear testimony from the medical examiner who performed the autopsies on Cora, Dawson and Callan.
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The autopsy photos have been banned from public release at the request of the children’s father Patrick Clancy.
Inside new life of Lindsay Clancy’s husband and fertility doctor wife
As a Massachusetts courtroom grappled this week with one of America’s most heartbreaking family tragedies, the father at the center of the case has quietly built a new life hundreds of miles away.
At the murder trial of former nurse Lindsay Clancy, jurors heard evidence about the deaths of her three young children, in a case that has sparked fierce debate over postpartum mental illness and criminal responsibility.
But while Lindsay, 35, fights for her freedom on an insanity defense, the Daily Mail can exclusively reveal that her former husband, Patrick Clancy, 38, has found love again and started over in New York City.
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Expert says the drugs found in Clancy’s system were at therapeutic levels on Wednesday
Forensic toxicologist Justin Brower said that all four drugs in Clancy’s body were at therapeutic levels and did not show levels that he would expect to see in a suicide case.
‘Usually people take handfuls of pills if they’re trying to kill themselves,’ Brower told the court.
When asked by prosecutors about the benzodiazepines found in her system, he found that they were also at therapeutic levels – meaning at levels they would be prescribed.
Some were even below therapeutic levels, he testified.
However, he pointed out that ‘you can’t do toxicology in a vacuum… you need other information.’
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Clancy spoke for the first time on Tuesday
During day six of her murder trial, Clancy spoke for the very first time.
She agreed to a series of stipulated facts, including toxicology evidence and chain-of-custody matters.
The judge confirmed that she understood that the agreement waived her right to confront certain witnesses. The decision also allows the jury to accept those facts without additional testimony.
I listened to the Lindsay Clancy 911 call so horrific the public will never hear it
The primal, unearthly scream reverberated all around the packed courtroom.
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It was a tortured, guttural wail unlike any sound I have ever heard before.
Over several excruciating seconds, Patrick Clancy continued to scream inaudibly. The only words discernible were cries of ‘Oh my god!’
Then came the four horrifying words that laid bare the unspeakable scene that the father-of-three had just walked into.
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Lindsay Clancy jury to hear grueling testimony as medical examiner takes stand in kids’ murder trial – after family nanny’s bombshell revelations: Live updates
The university said that the inquiry into Mr Arday came “following new information” about his “academic qualifications and honorary appointments”.
It comes following a series of reports regarding his achievements and allegations of plagiarism in his PhD thesis.
Mr Arday has admitted errors in his work, but said he was not a liar, amid “an unrelenting level of public scrutiny and personal attack”.
In his statement, he said that he had resigned as the “relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love”.
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So, who is Jason Arday, and what are the claims against him?
Jason Arday was appointed as professor of sociology at Cambridge in 2023, becoming the establishment’s youngest black professor at the age of 37.
Mr Arday was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, being unable to speak until he was 11, and he could not read or write until the age of 18.
Jason Arday carried the Olympic Flame in 2012
PA
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Mr Arday overcame these factors, attending university and climbing the academic ladder, receiving his PhD in 2015.
He later held academic posts at Leeds Beckett, Roehampton and Durham universities, and was appointed professor of sociology of education at Glasgow University in 2021, before his move to Cambridge in 2023.
What are the allegations against him?
Allegations that he plagiarised his PhD thesis and other research
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There have been a number of reports that Mr Arday plagiarised his PhD thesis and other research.
These accusations were first voiced by Nathan Cofnas, a US researcher whose own role at Cambridge was terminated after he said that, in a true meritocracy, black people would “disappear from almost all high-profile positions outside of sports and entertainment”.
Mr Cofnas claimed that he had put Mr Arday’s work through plagiarism detection software and found that “many passages are lifted with minimal editing, sometimes retaining copy-editing mistakes from the original source”.
A subsequent investigation by Liverpool John Moores University, which awarded his PhD in 2015, did not uphold the plagiarism charges but said they were probably caused by “honest and reasonable error”.
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Jason Arday
ES
More recently, The Telegraph reported that analysis had found more than 100 passages in Mr Arday’s PhD were similar to a thesis by Brunel student Paula Zwozdiak-Myers, which was published six years earlier.
John Preston, an emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Essex, told The Guardian: “Having seen the evidence, it triangulates and there is, in my judgment, a case to answer here.”
Mr Arday has denied all accusations of plagiarism, saying: “There have been multiple thorough investigations across several institutions as a result of the allegations, and immense scrutiny, including with an academic misconduct panel who concluded that there was no plagiarism or academic misconduct.”
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Running and fundraising feats
Mr Arday has claimed to have completed 30 marathons in 35 days, and 600 miles in six days, as well as raising £5.5 million for charity.
He has since revised some of those claims – including telling the Guardian that the money was raised with the help of others over a two-decade period, who he cannot name due to the signing of non-disclosure agreements.
He also said that the 600 mile challenge, completed on a treadmill, was actually completed over 12 days to allow for rest days due to “cumulative wear and tear”.
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Regarding his other records, Mr Arday told the Times: “I can’t make people believe me. Nobody lives their life having a receipt for every single thing they say or they’ve done.”
Fellowships at other institutions
Mr Arday has claimed that he has held a number of visiting fellowships and professorships at other universities.
These include statements dating back to 2018 that he was a visiting fellow or visiting professor at Ohio State University in the US – who have denied that Mr Arday was ever employed in any role.
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Mr Arday told the Guardian that, since his appointment at Cambridge, he has received multiple threats, including being targeted by knife-wielding masked intruders.
He said that he was confronted at his faculty building on two occasions by a masked man threatening to harm him if he did not resign, who evaded detection on both occasions.
Mr Arday said that on the second occasion the intruder produced a knife and threatened him with it. He did not inform colleagues that a masked man with a knife was in the faculty building.
Subsequent investigations found no evidence to support his claims.
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Pig’s head delivered to his parents’ home
Mr Arday has also claimed that a severed pig’s head was delivered in a large cardboard box to his parents’ home address in south London.
He claimed to have intercepted the package and immediately thrown it away, only telling the police several months later.
He said that the police investigated, checking with butchers in south London if they had sold a pig, but when the Guardian checked those details with the local butchers Mr Arday named, they said no police officer had come in to ask them about a pig.
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When details Mr Arday gave about the pig’s head investigation were checked, the Met told the Guardian that they were “categorically” incorrect and no investigation had taken place.
What did Jason Arday say in his resignation letter?
In his resignation letter, Mr Arday said: “While criticism is an inevitable part of academic life, what I have experienced has gone far beyond scholarly disagreement.
“The relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love.”
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In the statement, which was posted by the Good Law Project, Mr Arday said he had “concluded that the only way to bring this chapter to an end is to step away”.
Mr Arday said that being appointed professor had been “without question, the greatest professional privilege of my life” but that there “comes a point when the personal cost becomes too great.”
“This decision should not be interpreted as a loss of faith in scholarship or in the values that first brought me to Cambridge. Nor should it be mistaken for an acceptance of the narratives that have surrounded me.
He said “this is not the end of my work” and that he needed “time to heal”.
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“When that time comes, I will return,” he added.
What has the University of Cambridge said?
Cambridge initially defended Prof Arday, saying that allegations made against him were a “vile campaign to undermine his credibility”.
However, on Wednesday, the university of Cambridge said it had begun an investigation into the professor “following new information”.
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The University of Cambridge
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A statement added: “Separately, there remains a number of ongoing complaints regarding academic misconduct, which are being handled in line with our Misconduct in Research policy.
“While we are fully aware of the public commentary and concerns around this matter, it remains vital that any process is thorough and adheres to both university policies and employment law.
“We also fully recognise that there is a person at the centre of this situation, and we continue to provide support to him.”
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A spokesperson for Jesus College, where Prof Arday is a fellow, said it was launching its own process “parallel” to the university’s investigation.
They said: “Prof Arday remains a fellow during this process. We recognise that this is a very difficult time for him and his family, and ask that they are treated with compassion and respect.”
Dianne Buswell gushing over one of her new Strictly Come Dancing co-stars following her return to work after the birth of her first child
Dianne Buswell has been seen gushing over one of her new Strictly Come Dancing co-stars following her return to work, which comes after the birth of her first child.
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The professional dancer and her YouTube star partner Joe Sugg welcomed their baby boy, named Bowden, into the world in March, having announced their pregnancy joy ahead of the BBC One dance show’s 2025 series, which she competed in with Neighbours legend, Stefan Dennis.
At the end of last month, Dianne shared a picture of herself with her son, Bowden, and appeared emotional as she prepared to head back to work on the popular programme, which is due to return in September for its 2026 series.
She penned alongside the image of her baby boy, who is nicknamed ‘Bowie’ by his doting parents, resting on her shoulder, posted to her Instagram Story: “First day back at work [face holding back tears emoji]. Mummy will miss you so much my boy [heart emoji].”
And the post seemingly got quite the response as she went on to follow up the post with another selfie, alongside which she wrote in view of her Instagram followers: “So many lovely positive msgs from other mummas. Thank you all. Means a lot.”
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Dianne returned to social media later and things appeared to go well, as she shared a photo of her alongside her Strictly co-stars, including the show’s five new professional dancers, and wrote: “What a team! Happy first day pros. And biggest welcome to our newbies. Can’t believe this is my 10th year on Strictly.”
Now, she has been showing her support for one of the five new pros, Aleksandra Isaeva, who is a multiple Ukrainian National Latin Champion and is ranked in the world’s top 21 Latin dancers. Sharing a video of them both smiling for the camera together, Dianne wrote on her Instagram Story: “What an amazing woman you are. So excited for you all to get to know this beautiful girl on Strictly @aleksa_isa_eva.”
The sweet tribute came before Dianne was given a reminder of her pregnancy. She joined in an Instagram trend in which people are asked to a share a photo of themselves from August last year.
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In her image, Dianne could be seen with mascara around on eye as she covered the other with her hand and looked towards the camera. “This time last year I was in my first trimester and nobody knew yet.”
It won’t be long until fans see Dianne back in the ballroom, after it was confirmed in May that she’ll be among the professional dancers returning for Strictly’s 2026 series, which will be hosted for the first time by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Josh Widdicombe.
Joining Dianne in the famous ballroom this year are Jowita Przystal, Alexis Warr, Amy Dowden, Aljaz Skorjanec, Dianne Buswell, Julian Caillon, Kai Widdrington, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, and Carlos Gu, who won last year’s series with former England footballer Karen Carney.
The nanny of Lindsay Clancy’s children has testified at her murder trial, giving an insight what the mum was really like before the tragic deaths.
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Elaine Rossi took to the stand on day seven of the high-profile trial, where Clancy — who faces life without parole — is charged with three counts of first-degree murder over the deaths of her three children.
Clancy fatally strangled Cora, five, Dawson, three, and Callan, eight months, with exercise bands in the basement of their Duxbury, Massachusetts home on January 24, 2023.
However, Clancy is pleading not guilty to the charges, with her defence team arguing that she was not criminally responsible due to suffering from extreme postpartum psychosis.
Elaine Rossi (left) testified at Lindsay Clancy’s trial (Picture: David L. Ryan/Pool The Boston Gl)
Prosecutors say that Clancy planned the killings and deliberately sent her husband Patrick out of their home on the day of the deaths.
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They argue this gave her enough time to strangle the children to death before attempting to take her own life.
Now, Rossi has provided the jury with a positive character reference for Clancy — a former labour and delivery nurse — describing her as a ‘wonderful mother.’
The experienced nanny began working for the Clancy family in September 2022 after responding to a job advert.
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Her initial role was to look after Callan when Clancy returned to work, which was expected to be around Thanksgiving.
Lindsay Clancy is on trial for the deaths of her three children (Picture: via REUTERS)
Rossi called Clancy a ‘wonderful’ mother (Picture: David L. Ryan/Globe Staff)
According to the nanny, Clancy would leave a sleep schedule for Callan in a yellow notebook, as the mother was reportedly worried about his sleeping and feeding at the time.
Rossi testified that she was never concerned about Clancy’s treatment of her children, or worried about them being left alone with her.
When asked this question, Rossi replied: ‘Not at all. She was a wonderful mum.’
Rossi then gave an example of Clancy’s parenting style. She recalled a situation when Dawson, who she said was ‘full of energy,’ struck his younger brother.
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Clancy reportedly removed Dawson from the room and made sure her baby son was OK. Rossi said Clancy then spoke with Dawson about his unacceptable behaviour.
‘I observed a wonderful mom who loved her kids,’ Rossi said, adding: ‘I did love Lindsay, yes.’
Lindsay’s defence team say she was suffering from postpartum psychosis (Picture: Facebook)
Rossi also provided her perspective of Clancy’s mental health at the time.
She said that the mother of three had confided in her about her decision to stop breastfeeding Callan so that she could start taking medication.
Rossi recalled Clancy also talking to her about her ‘postpartum and insomnia’ struggles.
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What is postpartum psychosis?
According to the NHS, postpartum psychosis is a rare, severe mental illness that causes hallucinations, delusions, and extreme mood swings.
It affects about 1 in 1,000 mothers and is a medical emergency that needs quick hospital care.
Symptoms of postpartum psychosis include:
Hallucinations – hearing, seeing, smelling or feeling things that are not there.
Delusions – suspicions, fears, thoughts or beliefs that are unlikely to be true.
Mania – feeling very ‘high’ or overactive, for example, talking and thinking too much or too quickly, restlessness or losing normal inhibitions.
A low mood – showing signs of depression, being withdrawn or tearful, lacking energy, having a loss of appetite, anxiety, agitation or trouble sleeping.
Sometimes a mixture of both a manic mood and a low mood – or rapidly changing moods.
Feeling very confused.
On the day of the murders, Clancy attempted suicide by jumping from a second-story window.
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Clancy had asked her husband, Patrick, to collect medicine for their children and a takeaway after she said she’d had an exhausting day.
However, less than an hour later, at around 6pm, Patrick returned to find blood on the floor of the couple’s bedroom, a bloody knife on a bedside table and an open window.
Lindsay’s ex-husband, Patrick Clancy testified at the trial last week (Picture: David L. Ryan/Pool The Boston Gl)
He discovered Clancy on the frozen ground outside, having jumped around 20ft from the window. She had also cut her wrists and neck.
Clancy’s fall caused spinal injuries which left her paralysed. She now uses a wheelchair.
Upon finding his wife on the floor, Patrick said Clancy told him that she’d tried to kill herself and said that the children were in the basement.
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Cora and Dawson were pronounced dead at the scene, while Callan was airlifted to hospital and died several days later.
Patrick — who has publicly forgiven Clancy — was visibly emotional on the witness stand, recalling how she was a devoted, loving mother who suffered from severe mental health issues.
If Clancy is found not guilty, she will likely face an indefinite stay in a secure state mental health facility. The trial continues.
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