Need to know

Michael Davies has admitted to strangling his wife, Tracey Davies, to death but denies murder

A murder trial has heard details from a forensics expert on the scene which was left behind after a man killed his wife at their home near Bridgend. Michael Davies, 57, is currently standing trial at Newport Crown Court for the killing of Tracey Davies, 48. He denies murdering her.

Here’s everything you need to know about the sixth day of the trial, including how Ms Davies raised alarm bells about her husband’s mental health.

• Davies, 57, has admitted killing his wife, Tracey Davies, 48, by strangulation but denies murdering her. Tracey’s body was discovered at a property on Bryn Terrace, Cefn Cribwr, near Bridgend on April 18, 2025.
• The defendant was arrested at the scene and later charged with murder. Davies entered a guilty plea to a count of manslaughter but denied murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility, citing mental health struggles.
• The couple’s neighbour, Jackie James, recalled having seen Davies the Sunday before Tracey’s death and thinking he looked different and unkempt, which she said was unusual. On the day Ms Davies was killed, she said she’d heard a loud “double thud” coming from the house at about 3pm but no other disturbances.
• Forensic scientist Suzanne Winter talked the court through the blood found at the scene. Ms Winter said that alongside flakes of blood elsewhere in the bedroom, there was heavy blood staining at the top of the right-hand side of the mattress which extended to a pillow at the head of the bed. There was also a blood-stained knife in that area and the DNA profile matched that of Michael Davies.
• Ms Winter said it was her opinion that Davies had been present on the right side of the bed while bleeding heavily and actions that caused the blood to become airborne had likely taken place.
• The court also heard messages between Davies’ friend Glen Clatworthy and Tracey Davies where Ms Davies asked him to contact her husband because she was worried about him. Mr Clatworthy had hoped to arrange to meet Davies but he didn’t admit he was home from Abu Dhabi.
• Subscribers can read the latest details from the trial in our live updates from court here.

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) — The naval mission for the Strait of Hormuz that U.S. allies are proposing as a follow-up to a deal to end the Iran war would aim to reassure crews and shipping insurers that vessels can safely navigate the narrow waterway again, by removing any explosive mines and potentially providing military escorts.

France and Britain have been working on the plans for months. French President Emmanuel Macron floated the idea back in March when the war was raging, saying warships could escort tankers and container ships through the maritime chokepoint when the conflict dies down.

U.S. President Donald Trump told Macron on Monday at the Group of Seven summit that he doesn’t see a need for “much help” because the strait is “going to be open” thanks to the tentative deal with Iran.

“But I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have a ship or two up here from a few countries. You’d be a great country to do it,” Trump told the French leader.

Here’s a closer look at the envisioned mission that U.S. allies are pitching to speed the return of oil and gas supplies:

US allies float it as a next step to the Iran deal

In a statement welcoming the framework deal that would extend the U.S.-Iran tentative ceasefire and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. allies said they “are committed to playing our part” to urgently reopen the waterway “with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation.”

The statement was issued by France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and Italy, later joined by Canada — all members, with the United States, of the G7 club of nations.

They proposed “a strictly defensive and independent mission to reassure commercial shipping and conduct mine clearance operations.”

How they say it could work

France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, is already in the region. Macron dispatched it first to the eastern Mediterranean in early March and then onward through the Suez Canal to the Arabian Sea.

Other nations deployed in the region that could quickly help include the Netherlands, Italy and the U.K., Macron said.

The French leader told Trump that French fighter aircraft could take part in observation missions over the vital waterway as soon as Tuesday, followed “within 48 hours” by frigates “and within two to three days, the aircraft carrier.”

“Of course, all this supposes that it is desired and requested,” Macron said. “Perhaps it will not be wanted and perhaps it will not be necessary. But in any case, it reflects our willingness to help.”

Mine-clearing vessels would aim to rid the waterway of those underwater dangers for shipping that can be rocket-propelled, cabled or sit on the seabed and be triggered by sound, movement or light.

The U.K.’s Royal Navy has made a point of showing off the specialist expertise it could offer, welcoming reporters aboard a vessel, the RFA Lyme Bay, as it waited off the coast of Gibraltar last month to be deployed.

Allies have escort-mission experience

French, American, British and other naval crews already have experience of escorting civilian ships through hostile fire in the region. They previously defended cargo vessels through attacks in the Red Sea carried out by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

French frigates used machine guns, cannons and sophisticated air-defense missiles to fend off Houthi strikes. The French frigate Alsace downed three ballistic missiles in the Red Sea in 2024 as it was escorting a container ship. The ship’s commander at the time, Capt. Jérôme Henry, told the AP that being on the receiving end of the potentially deadly strikes was unnerving and exhausting. The sea battles also took a toll on U.S. Navy ships and personnel.

If deployed in the Strait of Hormuz, naval crews would be hoping for fewer dangers if the ceasefire holds. But with Iran still believed to be armed with stocks of missiles, drones and other weaponry, warships’ defensive systems could be used to fend off any attacks if the ceasefire breaks down.

“Once there is a ceasefire, the need for a naval mission is significantly reduced,” said Max Bergmann, an analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington, D.C., think tank.

“A U.K.-French naval presence will no doubt have some security benefits. It might raise the stakes for Iran to rekindle the war; it demonstrates European commitment to Gulf states; and it might reassure shipping and insurance companies,” he said. “But we should not overstate its utility.”

Joint French-British planning for the mission has involved nations as far afield as Australia, South Korea and Japan, Bahrain and Qatar in the Gulf, Canada, and more than a dozen in Europe.

A meeting of defense ministers and other representatives that France and Britain convened last month about the plans brought together 38 countries.

___

Associated Press writer Sylvie Corbet in Evian-Les-Bains contributed.

Our planet does not spin on a perfectly vertical axis — it is tilted.

This tilt causes the amount of sunlight that reaches different regions of Earth to change throughout the year as it orbits the Sun.

For half the year the northern half of the Earth is tilted toward the Sun.

On the summer solstice the northern hemisphere is tilted most directly toward the Sun, and the Sun appears directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer.

Without this tilt we would still experience weather but not distinct seasons, as the amount of daylight would remain nearly constant throughout the year.

The word solstice comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), referring to the apparent pause in the Sun’s movement across the sky.

Despite being the longest day of the year, the summer solstice does not have the latest sunset or the earliest sunrise.

The earliest sunrises happen before the summer solstice and the latest sunsets happen after.

You can check sunrise and sunset times where you are on the BBC Weather app and website.

A gripping Victorian thriller starring Luke Evans has been called a “hidden gem” by fans

Fans of period dramas will love this thriller that can be consumed in a single sitting.

Viewers are being urged to watch a cherished series adapted from a 1994 novel, featuring an impressive ensemble cast.

The Alienist is an American period crime drama based on Caleb Carr’s 1994 novel. The series stars Daniel Brühl, Luke Evans, and Dakota Fanning as an improvised investigative unit formed in 1890s New York City to track down a serial killer targeting street children.

The show blends historical fact with fiction by incorporating real-life figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, who served as police commissioner between 1895 and 1897.

The ten-episode limited series premiered on TNT in early 2018, with a second season arriving in 2020, reports the Mirror.

“The Alienist opens when a series of haunting, gruesome murders of boy prostitutes grips New York City. Newly appointed police commissioner Theodore Roosevelt calls upon criminal psychologist (aka alienist) Dr. Laszlo Kreizler and newspaper illustrator John Moore to conduct the investigation in secret,” states the official synopsis.

“They are joined by Sara Howard, a headstrong secretary determined to become the city’s first female police detective.

“Using the emerging disciplines of psychology and early forensic investigation techniques, this band of social outsiders set out to find and apprehend one of New York City’s first serial killers.”

The cast also features Brian Geraghty as Theodore Roosevelt, alongside Robert Ray Wisdom, Douglas Smith, Matthew Shear, Q’orianka Kilcher, Matt Lintz, Rosy McEwen, and Melanie Field.

All 18 episodes of The Alienist are currently available to stream for free on U, with certain viewers even managing to watch the complete series in a single sitting.

One IMDb reviewer commented: “Hidden gem. People romanticize the Victorian period and our history and this show shines a light on the realities of that time, the seedy underbelly, the corruption, ignorance and greed.”

Another remarked: “Peaky Blinders meets True Detective, with a bit of the Exorcist mixed in! A must-watch. Compelling to the end,” while a third simply stated: “Chilling masterpiece.”

A fourth enthusiast echoed this view, noting: “I actually think this is better than Peaky Blinders. Better writing than Ripper Street with all the flair of a horror film.”

Someone else commented: “The story is dark and twisting. One of the greatest TV shows, definitely top shelf viewing!” with another adding: “One of the best crime series. Outstanding.”

The Alienist is currently streaming for free on U

The county’s force said a car was broken into in Hambleton Terrace, Clifton, on Thursday, April 30, and shortly after, one of the bank cards taken from it was used at Tesco Express in Piccadilly.

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The force issued an appeal to the public in identifying a woman who may have information which could support its officers’ investigation.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We are appealing for any help that would lead to the identification of the female shown in the two still images taken from CCTV at Tesco.

“If you can help, please email david.fulford@northyorkshire.police.uk, or contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Constable 1222 David Fulford.

“Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number: 12260079554”

The Government’s misgivings over the deal comes as Ofwat is said to have been close to accepting the offer from bidding consortium London & Valley Water, which has proposed injecting £10 billion into debt-laden Thames Water in return for any new fines over sewage leaks being waived for four years.

“We consider it as one of her most significant statements on the waste smell and unsustainable waste import issue to date.”

A “last-minute” drop out of a council chairperson and a change of theme to a first-ever Newry recycling conference has raised questions over Sinn Féin’s absence.

Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade held its inaugural ‘Sustainability Conference & Expo’ last month (May 28) with one of its sponsors being Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Recycling company Re-Gen’s chief executive was a key panellist at the event. His company has been involved in a long-running defence of its position over allegations of a bad smell in Warrenpoint, with contested claims it is linked to its waste bales being exported from the harbour port, a matter which Sinn Féin has “publicly opposed”.

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Campaigners RARE (Rostrevor Action Respecting the Environment) spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), saying: “The last-minute changes to the conference programme included the removal of the event’s number one theme, ‘The Future of Recycling in Northern Ireland’, and the withdrawal of the council chairman from opening or even attending the event.

“A response letter from MLA Sinéad Ennis on the day of the re-jigged conference explains how Sinn Féin’s position regarding Re-Gen remains unchanged since last summer.

“We consider it as one of her most significant statements on the waste smell and unsustainable waste import issue to date.

“With reports coming in to us recently of people on Warrenpoint’s splendid seafront covering their mouths from the waste stench floating into the town, there is no better time for Sinn Féin to show that the voice of Sinéad Ennis is not a lone one.”

At the time of the Newry Chamber event, Sinn Féin’s Philip Campbell held the chairperson’s position at the council.

The deputy chairperson can be put forward when the chairperson is not available.

At the time, that position was also held by Sinn Féin’s Geraldine Kearns. Neither attended.

The LDRS has seen the emailed letter from South Down MLA Sinéad Ennis regarding the non-attendance at the Newry Chamber event.

In it she stated: “I can confirm that Councillor Philip Campbell did not attend the Newry Chamber Sustainability conference and therefore did not open the event.

“Sinn Féin’s opposition to the Re-Gen facility at Warrenpoint Port is long-standing and a matter of public record.”

The LDRS contacted Sinn Féin on the absence of the party’s council chairperson and why the deputy council chairperson did not take his place to provide a “welcome” speech as listed on the event programme.

Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA) generated a community forum in 2024 after facing heavy local criticism over a perceived bad odour from its port since 2023.

In 2025, Sinn Féin withdrew from the WHA board amid concerns over the bad smell in the seaside town.

It has been claimed that tonnes of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) from Newry waste management company Re-Gen awaiting shipment for incineration has caused a “disgusting stench”.

In September last year, WHA stated that it had extensive engagement with Re-Gen, with the Newry company agreeing to remove all RDF from the port with a proposal to no longer store the waste there, but instead transport it directly to ships for export.

Only Solid Recovered Fuel was to be stored in the future on the site, which the WHA was told should be non-odorous.

The LDRS contacted Re-Gen, with a spokesperson referring to the company’s public comments on the event, which read: “We’re proud to have supported the conference as sponsors and to be part of the conversation around sustainability, innovation and the future of business in the Greater Newry area.”

As well as the council chairperson’s non-attendance, one of the programme’s themes was changed from ‘The Future of Recycling in Northern Ireland’ to the new theme ‘Recycling & Waste Reduction’.

Chief executive of Newry Chamber, Michael Savage, said: “We were informed the day before the event that the council chairperson was unavailable for the event, and we did not ask for a replacement from the council.

“We regularly have last-minute withdrawals for the many events we host throughout the year and adapt the agenda to facilitate this.

“The programmes and themes for all elements of our events are subject to change and are frequently updated in the run-up to the event.

“This was Newry Chamber’s Inaugural Sustainability Conference & Expo and we are delighted to say it was a fantastic success, with excellent speakers and exhibitors and a large attendance.

“We are looking forward to building on the success of this year’s event and delivering Newry Chamber’s Sustainability Conference and Expo 2027.”

A council spokesperson added: “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council places a high value on opportunities to engage with stakeholders and to contribute to important sector conversations.

“It is regrettable that we were unable to do so on this occasion.

“We fully recognise the inconvenience and disappointment this may cause to organisers, delegates and partners and we sincerely apologise.

“We remain supportive of the conference’s objectives and we thank the organisers for their understanding on this matter.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali has become one of the most sought-after Premier League midfielders with Tottenham the latest team keen on signing him in the summer transfer window

Tottenham have emerged as the latest Premier League team with designs on landing Sandro Tonali, with the midfielder seemingly poised to become the second Newcastle player to be sold for big money in the summer transfer window.

Interest in Tonali from Newcastle’s domestic rivals has been making headlines as far back as the winter transfer window when the Italy international was linked with move to Arsenal out of left field, though the player’s agent initially attempted to play down such talk.

Since then, Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the 26-year-old, who is one option being considered as part of their plans to revamp their midfield.

Newcastle are vulnerable to losing Tonali and other top stars after a chastening 2025-26 campaign and it would appear that Tottenham are also preparing a move for the playmaker.

Reports in Italy on Monday night claimed that Spurs are now very much in the race for Tonali, who is admired by his compatriot, Roberto De Zerbi.

While it remains to be seen if Tonali would fancy a move to Tottenham after they too endured a disappointing season, the appointment of De Zerbi has been well received as he bids to return them to the upper echelons of the Premier League.

The former Brighton boss saved Tottenham from relegation but their unwanted brush with the Championship has not dampened the club’s ambition — and landing a player of Tonali’s calibre ahead of some of the Premier League’s top clubs would be a real statement of intent.

Spurs have wasted no time in bolstering their squad since the end of the season, adding Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively. They are also trying to pull off an ambitious swoop for the Brighton defender, Jan Paul van Hecke.

Any deal for Tonali would likely exceed the £70million package that Newcastle banked when agreeing to sell Anthony Gordon to Barcelona last month.

The England winger wrapped up a dream switch to the Nou Camp before flying off to the World Cup with his country and is unlikely to be the only high-profile star to leave St James’ Park this summer.

As well as speculation over Tonali, the likes of Lewis Hall, Bruno Guimaraes and Tino Livramento have all been linked with moves away in recent weeks.

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Lanarkshire CID said: “This was a particularly distressing incident for the victim and we can only be thankful that she was not seriously injured.”

Detectives in Lanarkshire are appealing for information after three men broke into a property and robbed the householder.

The incident took place in the Coalburn area, near the B7078 road, around 10.20pm on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

The 63-year-old woman within the property suffered a minor injury and was treated by paramedics. She was also left extremely shaken as a result.

Police say that the three suspects are described as wearing face coverings – one was wearing a black hat and black clothing, the second was wearing grey jogging bottoms and it is unknown what the third was wearing.

Cash, jewellery and two cars – a blue VW Tiguan and a blue Ford Fiesta – were also taken.

Police are carrying out high-visibility patrols in the local area, alongside extensive enquiries to establish who is responsible for this attack.

Detective Inspector Vicki Douglas, from Lanarkshire CID, said: “This was a particularly distressing incident for the victim and we can only be thankful that she was not seriously injured.

“We are appealing for any witnesses, local residents with private CCTV or possible dashcam footage from the local area to please come forward. We are also keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen any suspicious vehicles prior to the incident.

“Anyone with information which may assist our investigation, no matter how small, should call police on 101, quoting incident 3460 of 14 June. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

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Four scheduled departures from Terminal 2 are cancelled, including KLM flight KL1036 to Amsterdam, SunExpress flight XQ535 to Antalya, Etihad Airways flight EY074 to Abu Dhabi and Turkish Airlines flight TK1992 to Istanbul.

Live departure boards also show a number of flights running more than 20 minutes behind schedule, affecting routes across Europe and the Middle East.

Services operated by easyJet, Jet2 and Qatar Airways are among those experiencing delays.

Live flight-tracking information shows easyJet flight U22104 to Nice running around 37 minutes late, while Qatar Airways flight QR27 to Doha is delayed by around 30 minutes.

Jet2 services to Menorca and Palma de Mallorca are also showing delays of more than 20 minutes.

Passengers due to travel on affected flights are being advised to monitor their airline’s website and Manchester Airport’s live departure information for the latest updates.