Richard Bradley claimed to be a 15-year-old schoolboy and befriended a person he thought was a girl aged 13. He asked to be sent naked photos.

A Bellshill man has been put on the sex offenders’ register after being duped in a police online paedophile sting.

Richard Bradley claimed to be a 15-year-old schoolboy and befriended a person he thought was a girl aged 13. He asked to be sent naked photos.

But Hamilton Sheriff Court heard ‘Becki’ was actually an undercover police officer posing as a child.

Bradley, 28, of Victoria Place, admitted communicating indecently with a person he believed to be a child between November 4 and 21, 2024.

Aga Mathieson, prosecuting, said the undercover police officer set up the profile of a girl aged 13 on a social media site and soon received a message from Bradley.

The conversation moved to Snapchat where Bradley’s friend request was accepted.

Ms Mathieson told the court: “He said he was from Glasgow, was 15 years old and had a day off school. The girl made it clear she was 13.

“The conversation was general in nature to begin with.

“It continued over a number of days and turned sexual in nature when the accused asked ‘Can I see you not wearing any clothes? It’s cool and fun’.”

Bradley sent the officer a suggestive photo but received nothing in return.

The online chat ended on November 21, 2024 and police enquiries led to a search warrant being issued for Bradley’s home.

When officers arrived they seized his phone and he admitted sexual communications with someone he believed to be a young girl.

Bradley, who appeared in court with no previous convictions, was placed under supervision for two years and ordered to attend addiction services.

He was also given an eight-month electronic tagging order as an alternative to a prison sentence and placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years.

Sheriff John Hamilton KC ordered destruction of his mobile phone.

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The crash involved a car and motorbike

A woman has been arrested after a man was left seriously injured in a crash. Emergency services were called to a crash on the A1307 near Swavesey at around 8.30pm on Monday (August 10).

The crash involved a car and motorbike. A man, who was riding the motorbike, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

A police spokesperson said: “A woman, aged in her 30s, from Dublin, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving. She has been bailed until November 10.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are husband and wife.

They married Tuesday in a civil ceremony described by the public relations team that represents the Portuguese soccer star as “a private and intimate moment attended by their five children.”

The ceremony took place in Cascais, a coastal town in western Portugal near the capital Lisbon, the Brunswick Group said in the announcement.

The couple posted a picture on their Instagram accounts showing their rings.

They have been together for the past decade after meeting in Madrid.

The 41-year-old Ronaldo, a five-time world player of the year and one of the most high-profile sports stars, is coming off playing in his record-tying sixth World Cup for Portugal.

His Saudi team, Al Nassr, starts its domestic season on Saturday.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Natasha Denman, 23, was one of two people in their 20s who died following the crash last week

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The relatives of a young woman who died in a crash in Gorton last week have expressed their devastation over her ‘sudden’ death.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that Natasha Denman, 23, was amongst two individuals in their 20s who tragically lost their lives at the scene of a collision on Hyde Road in Gorton on Wednesday evening (August 5).

Emergency crews raced to the location after a car smashed into a stationary digger close to the junction with Clumber Road at approximately 9:30pm.

Four individuals were travelling in the vehicle, GMP revealed, with a young man and woman, aged 23 and 24, sadly dying at the scene. They have subsequently been identified as Jack Cartwright and Natasha Denman, reports the Manchester Evening News.

In a touching tribute today (August 11), Ms Denman’s relatives described her as ‘much loved’ and want her to be remembered as ‘naturally funny, loving and caring’.

Her family stated: “Tasha was a much-loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin. We, as a family, will never recover from her sudden and unexpected passing at such a young age.

“Our hearts are forever broken. We would like her to be remembered as the naturally funny, loving and caring person she was.

“She can rest peacefully knowing she will always be cherished. We would politely ask people to accept our request for privacy at this time.”

Apollo Simms, 26, from Tealby Road, Manchester, faces charges including two counts of death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a sample for analysis in relation to the incident. He was due to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today (August 11).

A second man who was arrested has been granted bail, officers confirmed.

Detectives are urging any witnesses who may have observed the moments preceding this incident, or anyone possessing mobile phone, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage, to come forward and support the investigation.

Those with information can reach police on 0161 856 4741, referencing log number 3717 of 05/08/2026. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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The camera, which is located on the A64 Sherburn High Street, was put up in July 2025 as part of a three-month trial to see if it helps slow down motorists and reduces the number of serious and fatal collisions on the route.

However, it was knocked down – just over an hour after being activated.

The camera has now been reinstated with North Yorkshire Police hoping it will encourage safer driving, reduce collision risk and improve safety for all road users.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “As North Yorkshire Police is responsible for policing more than 6,000 miles of road, improving road safety and reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured remains a key priority.

“North Yorkshire is one of the few areas in the country without a fixed speed camera. Last year, a trial was launched on the A64 at a site identified through collision and speed-offence data.

“The aim was to encourage safer driving, reduce collision risk and improve safety for all road users. Unfortunately, the camera and the lamp post it was mounted on were unlawfully damaged, preventing the trial from continuing as planned.

“The camera has now been reinstated because reducing casualties and keeping people safe on our roads remains a priority. Fixed speed cameras are a proven road safety measure that help encourage safer driving behaviours and reduce the risk of serious and fatal collisions.”

Donald Trump told the press there were ‘no issues’ despite being secretly smuggled off the older Air Force One inside a catering truck in a covert operation to foil potential Iranian assassins, reports claim.

Returning from a NATO summit in Turkey, the President was bundled off the jet in Ankara and loaded onto a separate military plane bound for the UK, according to The Washington Post. The truck was seen in one video being lifted to the level of the jumbo aircraft for a few minutes.

Trump had originally flown to Turkey on the $400 million Qatari–donated 747–8. But as the summit ended, he publicly announced he was ditching the new jet to board an older Air Force One model for ‘old times’ sake’.

After being filmed boarding the jumbo in Ankara, the secret swap was executed, where he transferred to the military plane. 

Moments later, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth casually strolled up the regular stairs to board the C–32A aircraft on his own – a move designed to make the decoy flight look routine to any watching eyes.

The intricate scheme hoodwinked those on board, leaving unsuspecting journalists and even some senior White House staffers in the dark as they flew on the ‘decoy’ Air Force One flight.

Yet after being snuck back onto the main jet, surrounded by unsuspecting press at 11.31pm, at a UK base, Trump completely dismissed any threat.

Asked if a security concern forced the move to the older AF1 model, the President delivered a simple two–word response: ‘No issues.’ 

Insisting ‘no, no’ there were ‘no issues’ whatsoever, Trump claimed the elaborate maneuvering was simply a PR gesture to give service members a better view of the presidential jet.

The President boarding the old Air Force One plane set to transport him to a US military base in the UK as cameras rolled at an airport in Ankara

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Journalists who got on the old Air Force One plane believed the President was also on board

‘We sent this one in so that the Air Force Base here was in the same exact line, so you saw, did you see the picture? … There are hundreds of people out there,’ Trump explained, referencing a picture that White House staff had shown earlier in the day from his Truth Social showing service members with the plane.

‘So they came a little bit earlier. We switched planes.’

When asked why reporters on the jet were asked to lower their window shades, Trump said it was ‘because you’re probably on a dangerous flight because of the sleaze bags that we have to deal with’.

He followed up by saying he is ‘number one’ on Iran’s ‘list’.

‘But if I go, you go. Right? Perhaps someday you want to change professions,’ Trump told reporters.

The White House rushed to defend the controversial Qatari–donated jet after reports came about the plane’s lack of security, issuing a firm statement insisting the aircraft is fully ‘secure and equipped with the most advanced technologies necessary to meet requirements of the presidential mission.’

Trump conceded the luxury plane needs major defensive upgrades, confirming it has been temporarily grounded for about a month to be ‘maxed out’ with enhanced protection – though he refused to disclose the exact military specs.

The security nightmare erupted after The New York Times revealed the new Qatari jet was defenseless – lacking crucial antimissile countermeasures found on older models.

The reported subterfuge came as Trump was leaving the NATO summit in Turkey last month

 Sources told The New York Times that Trump covertly entered the food cart that had been fitted to the belly of the plane amid threats from Iranian officials

A catering truck was visibly parked on the opposite side of Air Force One after Trump boarded the plane in Ankara, Turkey, on July 8

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Exclusive images obtained by the Daily Mail show a massive banner of a caricature of Trump dominating Tajrish Square in the Iranian capital of Tehran, which was installed late last week

In retaliation, FBI agents swooped on Times reporters’ homes, slapping them with federal grand jury subpoenas just 24 hours after the story broke.

Trump is said to have been so terrified of being targeted by Iranian hit squads during the election campaign that he routinely used a decoy aircraft to dodge potential assassination attempts while traveling between events.

In September, a second attempt on Trump’s life was foiled when a gunman was spotted in the brush while Trump was on his Florida golf course.

The security scare prompted his team to adopt a different deception: traveling on a decoy aircraft dubbed Ghost Flight.

The plane was provided by his envoy Steve Witkoff, who was on the links with Trump that day.

Meantime, Tehran has been vocal in its threats and last week a massive, custom-made banner featuring a caricature of Trump centered under a large, blood–red painted ‘bullseye’ scope was seen dominating Tajrish Square in the capital, according to photos exclusively obtained by the Daily Mail.

Below the image of the targeted President, in large crimson English capital letters, is the chilling phrase: ‘There will be blood.’

Iranian media has also threatened to go after First Lady Melania Trump and Barron Trump, with a recent AI–generated video highlighting the locations the First Lady likes to shop and how would–be assassins could target her.

Durham County Council will renovate Baths Bridge in Durham City by creating a new structure across the River Wear.

Built in 1898, the bridge connects Pelaw Leazes Lane and Elvet Waterside, and is used by pedestrians daily. 

But it has been beset by safety issues for several years, causing the council to erect barriers along the bridge several years ago after identifying a deck and abutment failure. 

Last year, the local authority received £7.5 million funding from the North East Strategic Authority to support the scheme. 

North East mayor Kim McGuinness said the funding will ensure Baths Bridge can remain open for generations. 

She added: “Without our support, one of Durham’s key footbridges might have to close without anything in its place. It’s a vital link across the Wear, a perfect spot for watching all of the action at the Durham Regatta and used by so many.” 

Now, the local authority has confirmed work at the site is due to start soon. 

Mark Readman, head of highways services, said: “We are currently planning to undertake ground investigation works for the Baths Bridge replacement project, including assessing the condition of the existing bridge’s supporting structures. 

“This will inform the final design of the new structure, and we anticipate being onsite and beginning works later this year.” 

Land at Elvet Green will be used for construction access throughout the restoration. However, volunteers have criticised the council’s request for a local community group to leave the area after transforming the neglected space into a community park. 

Hemp Garden Community Association (HGCA), which has cared for the former bowling green since 2017, said it had spent thousands of hours restoring the site, which had previously been associated with litter, drug use and anti-social behaviour. 

Last year, the local authority put the former toilet block and adjoining land at Elvet Green up for sale. HGCA volunteers said they hoped to attract investors to buy into its plan to open a community cafe at the site.  

But, for now, the site is required for the bridge rebuild. 

A council spokesperson added: “We have, therefore, asked the group to vacate the land to enable these essential works to proceed and to allow for the wider regeneration of the riverside area.”

Every police chief in the country has urged Andy Burnham to prevent the early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers.

In an unprecedented intervention, 50 police leaders – representing every force in the UK – united to condemn Labour‘s soft justice reforms, calling on the Prime Minister to scrap plans to set free Jessie Cole, Albert Bowers and thousands of other dangerous prisoners.

The National Police Chiefs Council released an extraordinary joint letter from heads of 48 UK police forces, the National Crime Agency and Jersey Police, condemning the plans, warning it ‘risks undermining public safety, victim confidence and wider confidence in the criminal justice system’.

The signatories want Mr Burnham to explore ‘every lawful option’ to stop PC Harper’s killers being freed, suggesting Government’s plans to early release offenders are a betrayal of a law brought in his memory.

The 28-year-old newlywed was killed in the line of duty in 2019 when he was dragged behind a car for more than a mile as he tried to stop three teenagers from stealing a quad bike in Sulhamstead, Berkshire.

His widow, Lissie, fought for Harper’s Law – a mandatory life sentence for anyone who kills an emergency worker in the line of duty following outrage over the sentencing of his killers.

Cole and Bowers, who were 17-year-old passengers in the getaway car at the time, were sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter in 2020.

The two thugs are among a wave of killers, rapists and violent criminals set to go free from September under Labour’s soft justice prisoner release scheme.

Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, pictured in 2020, are set to be freed from prison under Labour’s early release scheme

Fifty top officers have now pleaded with Burnham, pictured, to stop the release  

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The driver, Henry Long, was handed an extended sentence of 16 years for manslaughter and so is not eligible for early release.

In the letter, police chiefs said: ‘When someone is sentenced for an exceptionally serious offence, how much confidence can victims, bereaved families and the public place in that sentence if subsequent changes to release arrangements result in an offender being released significantly earlier than originally anticipated?

‘We do not suggest that the grief of a police family is greater than that of any other bereaved family, nor that the life of an emergency worker has greater value.

‘Our concern is for all victims and families affected by serious offending sentencing changes.’

Chief constables fear that the early release scheme will endanger the public, warning: ‘This is not simply a question of punishment. It is a question of ensuring that public protection, victim confidence and community safety remain central to decisions that may substantially reduce the time an offender spends in custody.’

Now they want release decisions to consider ‘the impact that significant changes to release policy may have on victims, public protection, policing and confidence in the justice system’.

In the excoriating missive, chief constables warned the release of the two killers would undermine policing, saying: ‘Officers and staff understand that the law must be applied as it stands. But they will question what message this sends about the value placed on their service and sacrifice when they put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.’

The letter to the Prime Minister concludes by saying: ‘We make this request in memory of PC Andrew Harper, in support of his family, friends, colleagues and the communities he served and on behalf of all victims of serious offending.

‘The public should be able to trust that when a court passes sentence for the most serious crimes, victims, public protection and confidence in the justice system remain at the heart of any subsequent decisions about release.’

It comes as the Government is considering an extraordinary plan to empty women’s jails to free up cell space for male inmates as Mr Burnham faces a mounting backlash over the early release of the two killers.

Hundreds of female inmates would be allowed out or moved elsewhere as an alternative to letting dangerous male offenders out early.

Also on the table are proposals to deport more foreign criminals and release inmates given open-ended sentences long ago.

Mr Burnham has ordered Justice Secretary Alex Norris to ‘fast-track’ a plan for when Parliament returns next month, overriding the Ministry of Justice’s claims that nothing more could be done.

However, there were growing suggestions of a rift between No10 and the MoJ on Tuesday, with Downing Street officials said to see their opposite numbers as ‘weak’ after weeks of conflicting messages on the crisis.

Meanwhile, it was reported that allies of Mr Norris felt the PM was making ‘promises that aren’t possible’.

Mr Burnham insisted on Tuesday: ‘I am increasingly confident that a more focused approach along these lines will allow us to reduce the number of people released early and, in the case of the most serious offenders like those convicted of the killing of PC Harper, prevent their early release altogether.

‘I’ve not accepted it’s impossible to do more.’

There are doubts, however, over the feasibility of his latest suggestions.

Mark Fairhurst, National Chairman of the Prison Officers Association, said: ‘Repurposing women’s prisons to accommodate male prisoners is not something that can simply be achieved by changing the sign above the door.

‘There would inevitably be additional staffing, training, security and operational requirements. The physical design and facilities of women’s prisons are not necessarily suitable for a male population, and those differences would need to be properly assessed before any decision was taken.

‘You cannot create safe prison places simply by finding additional buildings. You need the staff, training, infrastructure and resources to operate them safely.’

He said that extra capacity should be found instead by reducing the remand population of people locked up awaiting trial, as well as the early release of those in open prisons at the end of their sentences.

Sources also pointed out that one of the country’s few purpose-built women’s jails, HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, which houses the likes of convicted baby killer Lucy Letby and St Paul’s bomb plotter Safiyya Amira Shaikh, is used for remand prisoners so its removal would make it difficult for defendants to be brought to courts in London on time.

Tom Wheatley, President of the Prison Governors’ Association, told the Daily Mail: ‘Carrying out the kind of detailed work required to make these changes increases the risk that mistakes will be made. But we are assured that the Ministry of Justice has briefed ministers as to this increased probability.’

Downing Street finally contacted PC Harper’s grieving mother after she said she had been kept in the dark over the planned early release of Cole and Bowers.

Debbie Adlam said No 10 had been in touch just hours after she told ITV News she was ‘really angry’ about having ‘heard nothing from the Government’.

She told Sky News on Tuesday night: ‘I’m hopeful, but I’ve got to be careful with how much hope I have, really.’

Fifty police chiefs call on Prime Minister to prevent PC Harper killers’ release – full letter below

Dear Prime Minister,

We welcome your intervention regarding the potential earlier release of those responsible for the death of PC Andrew Harper, and your instruction to the Justice Secretary to examine what can lawfully be done.

When the state asks people to run towards danger on behalf of the public, they should be able to trust that the justice system will stand behind them when the worst happens.

PC Andrew Harper’s case also raises a wider question.

When someone is sentenced for an exceptionally serious offence, how much confidence can victims, bereaved families and the public place in that sentence if subsequent changes to release arrangements result in an offender being released significantly earlier than originally anticipated?

This question extends far beyond policing.

Families across the country are now facing the distress of learning that offenders may be released earlier than they understood when sentence was passed. We do not suggest that the grief of a police family is greater than that of any other bereaved family, nor that the life of an emergency worker has greater value.

Our concern is for all victims and families affected by serious offending sentencing changes.

PC Andrew Harper lost his life while protecting the public and serving his community. Following his death, Lissie Harper campaigned for a change in the law, leading Parliament to establish Harper’s Law, recognising the exceptional risks emergency workers take while protecting others.

While Harper’s Law cannot retrospectively alter the sentences imposed following PC Andrew Harper’s death, the principle behind it remains important. Those who serve and protect the public should know that the justice system recognises the risks they take on society’s behalf. Victims and bereaved families should be confident that sentences imposed for the most serious offences retain meaning and that public protection remains a central consideration when release decisions are made.

There is a profound strength of feeling across policing about those responsible for PC Andrew Harper’s death benefiting from arrangements that could see them released substantially earlier than expected.

Officers and staff understand that the law must be applied as it stands. But they will question what message this sends about the value placed on their service and sacrifice when they put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

Police officers and staff see first-hand the impact serious crime has on victims and their families. They support people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives and ask them to place their trust in the justice system. That trust is vital and should not be weakened. We are also collectively concerned that an approach to early release which does not sufficiently distinguish the most serious offending risks undermining public safety, victim confidence and wider confidence in the criminal justice system.

We therefore ask Government to consider three measures.

First, we ask that every lawful option is examined to determine whether the earlier release of those responsible for PC Andrew Harper’s death can be prevented.

We recognise that Government must act within the law. Nevertheless, given the significance of this case, it is right that every available lawful avenue is explored.

Second, we ask Government to establish an additional public protection safeguard in cases involving the most serious offenders whenever future changes to sentencing on release arrangements are considered.

Where an offender has caused a death, committed exceptionally serious violence, or presents an ongoing risk to individuals or communities, there should be explicit consideration of public protection, victim impact and community safety before release arrangements are amended.

This principle should also apply to serious offences where there is a continuing risk of harm to victims or the public, including serious violence against women and girls, stalking and harassment.

This is not simply a question of punishment. It is a question of ensuring that public protection, victim confidence and community safety remain central to decisions that may substantially reduce the time an offender spends in custody.

Third, victims and bereaved families must be properly considered whenever significant changes are made to sentencing or release arrangements.

There should also be consideration of the impact that significant changes to release policy may have on victims, public protection, policing and confidence in the justice system.

Prime Minister, we welcome your intervention and the direction you have given to the Justice Secretary. This provides an opportunity not only to examine every lawful avenue in PC Andrew Harper’s case, but to ensure similar concerns do not arise again.

We make this request in memory of PC Andrew Harper, in support of his family, friends, colleagues and the communities he served and on behalf of all victims of serious offending.

The public should be able to trust that when a court passes sentence for the most serious crimes, victims, public protection and confidence in the justice system remain at the heart of any subsequent decisions about release.

We stand ready to continue working with Government on safeguards needed to protect victims, the public and confidence in the justice system.

We look forward to further conversations.

Yours sincerely,

With the collective agreement and support of Chief Constables and Commissioners across the United Kingdom

Signatories:

Chief Constable Sarah Crew – Avon and Somerset Police

Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst – Bedfordshire Police

Chief Constable Simon Megicks – Cambridgeshire Constabulary

Chief Constable Mark Roberts – Cheshire Constabulary

Commissioner Pete O’Doherty – City of London Police

Chief Constable Victoria Fuller – Cleveland Police

Chief Constable Darren Martland – Cumbria Constabulary

Acting Chief Constable Simon Blatchly – Derbyshire Constabulary

Chief Constable James Vaughan – Devon & Cornwall Police

Chief Constable Rachel Farrell – Dorset Police

Chief Constable Rachel Bacon – Durham Constabulary

Chief Constable Ifan Charles – Dyfed-Powys Police

Chief Constable Rachel Nolan – Essex Police

Temporary Chief Constable Maggie Blyth – Gloucestershire Constabulary

Chief Constable Stephen Watson – Greater Manchester Police

Chief Constable Mark Hobrough – Gwent Police

Chief Constable Alexis Boon – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary

Chief Constable Andy Prophet – Hertfordshire Constabulary

Chief Constable Chris Todd – Humberside Police

Chief Constable Tim Smith – Kent Police

Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett – Lancashire Constabulary

Chief Constable David Sandall – Leicestershire Police

Chief Constable Paul Gibson – Lincolnshire Police

Chief Constable Rob Carden – Merseyside Police

Commissioner Mark Rowley – Metropolitan Police Service

Chief Constable Paul Sanford – Norfolk Constabulary

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman – North Wales Police

Chief Constable Tim Forber – North Yorkshire Police

Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet – Northamptonshire Police

Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine – Northumbria Police

Temporary Chief Constable Steven Cooper – Nottinghamshire Police

Chief Constable Jo Farrell – Police Scotland

Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan – South Wales Police

Chief Constable Lauren Poultney – South Yorkshire Police

Acting Chief Constable Rebecca Riggs – Staffordshire Police

Chief Constable Rachel Kearton – Suffolk Constabulary

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer – Surrey Police

Chief Constable Jo Shiner – Sussex Police

Chief Constable Jason Hogg – Thames Valley Police

Acting Chief Constable David Gardner – Warwickshire Police

Chief Constable Richard Cooper – West Mercia Police

Acting Chief Constable Scott Green – West Midlands Police

Chief Constable John Robins – West Yorkshire Police

Chief Constable Catherine Roper – Wiltshire Police

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher – Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)

Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi – British Transport Police

Chief Constable Simon Chesterman – Civil Nuclear Constabulary

Acting Chief Constable Keir Pritchard – Ministry of Defence Police

Director General Graeme Biggar – National Crime Agency

Chief Officer Robin Smith – State of Jersey Police

James McHugh (62) was driving the car and fatally injured in the collision, involving a car and a van

Tributes have continued to be paid to former Donegal All-Ireland winning footballer James McHugh, who died following a road traffic collision.

The collision, involving a car and a van, occurred on the N3 at Drummallaght in Co Cavan shortly before 2pm on Monday afternoon.

Mr McHugh (62), from Bavin in Kilcar, Co Donegal was driving the car and was fatally injured in the incident and his body was removed to Cavan General Hospital. His wife Noreen, also aged in her 60s, was seriously injured and airlifted to Beaumont Hospital for treatment.

News of James McHugh’s death sent shockwaves through Donegal and the wider GAA community, with tributes pouring in for a man remembered not only for his achievements on the football field but also for his humility, integrity and devotion to his family and community.

Captain of the 1992 All Ireland winning Donegal team Anthony Molloy said he was struggling to find the words to describe the loss of his former teammate and close friend, the Irish Mirror reports.

“It’s hard to find words to say this morning. We are left in total shock and disbelief and there is a dark cloud hanging over Donegal since we heard about James’ death yesterday,” he told News at One on RTE Radio One.

Mr Molloy worked with James in the ESB for many years and later served alongside him when James was a selector with the Donegal county minor team in the mid-1990s.

He described him as a “wonderful footballer” who was both skilful and determined.

“He was a very proud Kilcar clubman along with his brother Martin and later then you had Mark, Ryan and Eoin, who are all synonymous with the success of Kilcar GAA club,” he said.

But for Mr Molloy, it was the friendship they shared away from football that made James’s death particularly difficult.

“A great, great friend of mine for many years, I was so fond of him and we have so many great memories and laughter and battles,” he said.

Mr Molloy said those battles formed part of a chapter in their lives that would never be forgotten.

“When I think back to ’92, I don’t see a cup or the celebrations,” he said. “I just see the faces of the men that shared that journey with me, and James will always be one of those faces for me.”

Former Donegal TD Pat the Cope Gallagher said a “dark cloud” had descended over the county following the news.

“When the news broke yesterday evening of his death, Donegal and the entire GAA community went into mourning, a dark cloud descended over Donegal,” he told RTE Radio One’s News at One.

Mr Gallagher said James remained hugely admired by generations of Donegal supporters, including people who were not even born when Donegal won the All-Ireland in 1992.

“Everybody both young and old, those that weren’t even around in 1992, they’ve watched it time and time again on YouTube and they speak so highly of him,” he said.

“He was a man of the highest integrity. He was above all a husband, father, son and brother, an uncle to all of those who are related to him.”

Mr Gallagher said the people of Donegal would share the grief of the McHugh family if they could.

“The people of Donegal, if they could share the pain of the McHugh family today, they would do that, but unfortunately you cannot share the pain,” he said.

He described James as a hugely respected figure within the GAA and a proud Gael who was fluent in Irish.

“People are devastated,” he said. “People loved James McHugh, they highly regarded him and he was a great Gael. He spoke Irish, he spoke it fluently, he did interviews, he analysed football matches, but above all he was a husband and a father.”

Mr Gallagher extended his condolences to James’s wife Noreen and their children Eoin and Emma.

“My condolences to his wife Noreen and hopefully she will recover fully and his son Eoin and daughter Emma,” he said. “Hopefully James will have joined his late father and mother, Jim and Kathleen.”

Mr McHugh’s funeral details have not yet been announced.

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Fenland District Council said the driver had failed to notify previous licensing authorities of his penalty points ‘on several occasions’

A taxi driver who gained nine penalty points in a “short period of time” has had his taxi licence refused. Fenland District Council’s licensing sub-committee said they were “naturally concerned” by this when considering the application for a new private hire licence.

The driver has not been named as the press and public were excluded from the meeting but the council have released minutes explaining their reasons behind their decision.

He told the sub-committee “that he had previously received penalty points, but these had fallen away”.

He admitted that “on several occasions” he had failed to let a different licensing authority know he had received penalty points, breaching the requirements of his private hire licence.

The sub-committee said they sympathised with his circumstances at the time, but “could not be sure” he would let Fenland Council know about penalty points, or other matters, in the future if they granted his application.

They said their own policy states a private hire licence can be given to a driver with penalty points – but it is left to the sub-committee’s discretion.

They concluded that he was “not fit and proper to hold a licence” and refused his request.