If you’ve missed work as a result you may be eligible for financial support

Being a victim of crime is traumatic enough anyway but for some people the effects are worsened by the fact they may be left temporarily unable to work and end up out of pocket.

It’s possible to apply for financial help in the event you need to take time away from low-paid work if you’ve been subject to a violent crime.

Those with severe injuries, as well as victims of sexual assaults or those left to cover funeral costs of someone who died or who lost a close relative, can claim payments of between £1,000 and £250,000 if they’re eligible – all the criteria can be found here. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

If your injuries were not severe enough to be eligible for that level of compensation you may still be able to receive up to 25 days of support from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) hardship fund if you meet the relevant requirements.

The fund is only for people injured in England and Wales – separate support rules apply for victims of crime in Scotland and in Northern Ireland.

Who is eligible?

In England and Wales you can apply if all of the following are true:

• you were the victim of a violent crime and were mentally or physically injured by your attacker
• the injuries were sustained in England or Wales
• you were injured on or after November 27, 2012
• your injuries are not severe enough to qualify for compensation as the victim of a violent crime (as per the above link)
• you earn less than £120 a week on average
• you do not get statutory sick pay (SSP) or equivalent sick pay scheme run by your employer
• you could not work for at least seven consecutive days as a result of the crime
• you do not have any unspent convictions that resulted in a custodial sentence or community order

If you have other unspent convictions you might not get financial help or the amount you get might be reduced. It’s also essential that you report your injuries to the police as soon as you can and normally within 48 hours.

CICA must receive your application within eight weeks of the crime.

How to apply

To make an application you’ll need to contact Victim Support. To do so you’ll have to provide:

• the unique police crime reference number
• a doctor’s certificate (fit note) showing you’ve been unable to work for at least seven consecutive days as a result of the crime
• a pay slip or letter from your employer showing your average weekly earnings
• a copy of your most recent tax return if you’re self-employed

To contact Victim Support call 0808 1689 111. The line is open 24 hours a day all year round.

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Illegal TV Fire Sticks and/or ‘dodgy boxes’ are streaming devices that have third-party software installed in them, allowing users to watch premium content from providers such as TNT Sport, Sky, Disney+ and Netflix for free.

The use of these devices is a “serious crime”, and police forces across the UK and Ireland, as well as organisations including Crimestoppers and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), have been attempting to stamp them out.

People who access illegal TV streaming services are potentially liable to prosecution for criminal offences, including under Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Is it acceptable to use illegal streaming devices?

Despite the risks of using ‘dodgy boxes’ and other illegal streaming devices, the Sports Industry Report 2026  recently revealed that 58% of fans and 66% of professionals think it is socially acceptable to use pirate streaming channels to watch live sports content. 

Subscription costs are to blame, according to 60% of fans and 90% of industry professionals, for the use of illegal streaming devices.

Despite these findings, piracy levels in the UK have declined by 3% (down from 32% to 29%), according to the Intellectual Property Office’s most recent online copyright infringement tracker survey.

Following the release of these results, we ran our own poll to see what readers thought about the use of illegal streaming devices.

We asked: “Do you think it is socially acceptable to use illegal streaming devices?”

At the time of writing, around 65% of people said yes, it is socially acceptable to use illegal streaming devices, while 24% said it wasn’t.

A further 12% replied saying they’d prefer not to comment.

What do you think?

The dangers of using illegal streaming devices

“Illegal streaming services are increasingly operated by sophisticated criminal networks, often involved in other types of crime,” BeSteamWise explained.

Meaning those who use illegal streaming devices run the risk of “letting criminals in”, resulting in:

• Viruses and malware
• ID theft, scams, and fraud
• Inappropriate content

Around 39% of illegal streamers in the UK have suffered financial losses due to cybercrime linked to piracy, according to BeStreamWise.

The average amount stolen through illegal streaming is £1,680, while one in ten have lost more than £5,000.

What is the penalty if caught with a ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Stick?

Not only can the use of illegal streaming devices leave users open to ID theft, fraud, and viruses, but it can also result in fines and jail time.

Those caught using or selling a ‘dodgy’ fire stick/box and streaming premium content without paying are in breach of Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.

It says a person will be in breach if they obtain services “without any payment having been made for or in respect of them or without payment having been made in full”.

A person found guilty of this kind of offence could be fined or face a jail sentence of up to five years.

The likes of Sky and Amazon are working to crack down on the use of ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks. (Image: Getty Images)

More than 1,000 people across the UK were recently contacted via email or text, requesting that they stop using illegal streaming devices or face criminal prosecution.

The messages, sent as part of FACT’s latest campaign, warned users they are not anonymous and watching unauthorised content carries “serious risks”.

This came off the back of a high-profile case involving Jonathan Edge, from Liverpool, who was jailed for his role in running and personally using an illegal streaming service. 

Edge was sentenced to three years and four months in prison, in a prosecution supported by FACT and Merseyside Police.

An individual who had been loading illicit streaming services on to so-called “Firesticks” has today been sentenced to three years and four months in prison.

➡️ https://t.co/tlf6ycnptr pic.twitter.com/yr093FtQQe

— Premier League Communications (@PLComms) November 12, 2024

Edge’s own use of the unauthorised service was treated as a distinct crime, leading to a separate concurrent sentence of two years and three months.

FACT said this highlights that it’s not just suppliers of illegal streaming devices that can face criminal prosecution, but users as well.

Sky taking “significant” action to stop the use of illegal streaming devices

Piracy is a “serious” issue for Sky, Amazon, and others, with people using the devices to access paid content for free.

But Sky has warned users that it is taking “significant” action to ensure its content remains protected.

A spokesperson said: “At Sky, we invest significantly in protecting our content, which can include taking action against those who watch Sky without paying the proper subscription fee. 

“We of course ensure that any action we take is compliant with all applicable laws.”

Sky is taking action against those using illegal streaming devices to watch its content for free. (Image: Sky)

Amazon blocking ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Stick apps

Amazon is also cracking down on the use of ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks by blocking apps that are identified as helping users gain illegal access to pirated content.

An Amazon spokesperson said: “Piracy is illegal, and we’ve always worked to block it from our Appstore.

“Through an expanded program led by the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), a global coalition fighting digital piracy, we’ll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content, including those downloaded from outside our Appstore.

“This builds on our ongoing efforts to support creators and protect customers, as piracy can also expose users to malware, viruses, and fraud.”

Under the new change, users trying to download ‘dodgy’ apps are now met with a message reading: “App installation blocked.

“This app has been blocked because it uses or provides access to unlicensed content.”

RECOMMENDED READING:

This latest update comes after Amazon released its new Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which runs on a new Vega operating system.

This operating system makes it much more difficult to turn the device into a dodgy stick.

Do you think it is socially acceptable to use an illegal streaming device? Let us know in our poll above or in the comments below.

Several national chains with outlets in Belfast have moved to cashless payments as the trend grows across the high street — but the shift has sparked some backlash from consumers.

Belfast Live has investigated which well-known businesses in the city are refusing to accept cash and contacted the companies involved for comment.

Those confirmed as operating cashless policies are largely concentrated in the hospitality sector, including restaurants, cafés and hotels, though the approach has also spread to other industries such as telecommunications.

Japanese food restaurant chain YO! Sushi displays prominent signage at the entrance of its Victoria Square location stating that it does not accept cash. The company was approached for comment but did not respond.

Malmaison, the boutique hotel chain with a location on Victoria Street, also operates a predominantly cashless model. However, the company said staff are permitted to accept cash in certain circumstances.

READ MORE: Watch: Belfast Golf club shows extent of vandalism damage caused by e-bikesREAD MORE: Top events happening at NI Science Festival

A spokesperson told Belfast Live: “Malmaison operates a predominantly cashless model across our hotels, reflecting guest preferences and supporting safe, efficient service. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all and recognise that on occasion, a guest may not have access to a cashless payment method. In these circumstances our teams are empowered to accept cash.”

While some chains have publicly confirmed cashless policies, this does not necessarily mean every outlet under the same brand follows the same approach.

Domino’s Pizza, for example, moved towards cashless payments during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, a spokesperson said decisions are made by individual franchise owners. Belfast Live contacted several Domino’s outlets across the city, with a number confirming they still accept cash.

The company is not alone in this franchise-led approach, and customers are advised to check with individual stores before assuming a location is cashless.

Pizza Hut is another chain that operates cashless policies in some locations, though this may not apply universally. Customers are advised to check payment options when placing orders. Belfast Live contacted Pizza Hut for comment but did not receive a response.

Italian restaurant chain Zizzi, which has two Belfast locations, advertises itself as cashless. The company was contacted for comment but did not respond.

Its website states: “To provide the smoothest and fastest payment experience, and to keep our teams safe, we are cashless and we encourage card, Apple Pay or Google Pay transactions.”

Popular Mexican restaurant chain Boojum, which has four Belfast locations, also operates a cashless policy.

A statement on its website reads: “Every Boojum store has been operating as card and contactless only since March 2020. This reflects changes in consumer behaviour post-pandemic and allows for faster service and shorter queues.”

The chain did not respond to a request for comment.

The Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre, located on Talbot Street, is another cashless venue. Belfast Live confirmed this directly with the hotel, which also applies the policy to its SQ restaurant and bar. The venue did not respond to an email request for comment.

Chocolate café chain Knoops, which has a store in Victoria Square, states on its website that all locations are cashless. The company’s media department did not respond to Belfast Live’s enquiry.

Telecommunications retailer VodafoneThree, which operates two stores in Belfast, confirmed both locations are cashless.

A spokesperson said: “Following the creation of VodafoneThree, we are aligning our processes across all our stores in the UK, including moving to cashless. We have already seen benefits, including a reduction in fraud, and we are supporting customers with the change.”

Latin-inspired bar and restaurant Revolución de Cuba, which has a Belfast location, currently operates a cashless policy. However, a spokesperson told Belfast Live the approach is under review.

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They said the policy was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to support safety and efficiency but acknowledged that payment preferences vary and a spokesman said the company is reconsidering its position.

A significant portion of UK adults now live largely cashless lives, relying on contactless cards and mobile payments for everyday purchases. But as digital payments become the default for many, questions are being raised about accessibility, consumer choice and whether some people risk being left behind as cash continues to disappear from the high street.

The ongoing closure of bank branches on high streets is also playing a role in a move away from cash. With fewer physical banks available, both customers and businesses are increasingly reliant on digital payment systems. For some businesses, security concerns are another factor, as holding large amounts of cash on-site can pose risks — something contactless payments help to reduce.

In the weeks ahead, Belfast Live will continue exploring this issue in more detail as we seek answers from businesses, campaigners and others to determine whether the move towards cashless payments across the board is inevitable.

What do you think about the decline of cash in Belfast? Are you a business or a consumer that wants to add to the series? Email Rob.Currell@reachplc.com

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

Jo Coles was speaking after Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake called for a review of a North Yorkshire Police officer’s decision to file a safeguarding report on a farming family when attending a reported burglary at their home.

The MP said he did not believe the force’s response was “proportionate or appropriate” after the family complained to him.

Speaking at this week’s North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel meeting in the wake of the MP’s comments, City of York councillor, Michael Pavlovic, asked what instructions police officers received in respect of child protection and safeguarding.

In response, the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said she had spoken to the force’s safeguarding teams to seek assurances following the incident.

She added: “My understanding is that safeguarding should be everyone’s responsibility.

“Certainly, all the lessons from all the public inquiries that I’ve been aware of are that actually the mistakes, the errors and the failures that have taken place historically have taken place when institutions and agencies weren’t talking and were ignoring warning signs.

“If there is any agency who may feel that there is any reason why they shouldn’t be raising a concern that would be a concern to me.

“If we had people thinking in our community that they shouldn’t be raising safeguarding concerns because a political figure might come down and criticise them for it, I think that is a deeply, deeply dangerous place to be.”

The Deputy Mayor said public servants should feel they could report safeguarding concerns if they have them, and that they would be investigated in the proper way by professionals.

“We should be ensuring that our public services, our police officers, our social workers, our firefighters or whoever it might be, who might be making one of those safeguarding referrals, can do so without fear of comeback from either a political figure or anybody else for that matter.”

Mr Hollinrake wrote to the force after receiving a complaint from a constituent that a police officer was called to a report of an attempted burglary at an unnamed farm on November 17, last year.

But while at the home, police say the officer noticed a “strong odour” and that the home appeared unclean, with sticky and dirty surfaces and floors.

The officer decided to submit a public protection notice (PPN) following the visit due to children being in the house, an action which can trigger a multi-agency safeguarding response.

North Yorkshire Police has defended the officer’s actions, saying they “did the right thing” and that the incident was an example of “the safeguarding system working as intended”.

He tried to claim he had no idea what was secreted within the bath panel but he finally changed his tune

A drug dealer was found in possession of more than 60 wraps of crack cocaine hidden underneath a bath panel when police raided his home. Examination of his mobile phone revealed he was involved in supplying both crack cocaine and cannabis.

Tomiwa Salami, 18, was arrested on October 22 last year at his flat in Newport after a search warrant was executed by police. The address in Capel Crescent, Pill, was searched and 62 wraps of crack cocaine were seized from underneath the bathtub.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court heard police also recovered cannabis, mobile phones, and other electronic devices from the address. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here.

When arrested the defendant claimed the cannabis was for his own personal use and denied knowing about the crack cocaine.

Salami later pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs, and possession of Class B drugs.

The defendant was sentenced to a total of 26 months imprisonment.

Following the hearing Pc Kieron Gibbs, of Gwent Police, said: “During our investigation the evidence we gathered from a mobile phone seized showed clearly that the defendant was involved in the sale and supply of crack cocaine and cannabis.

“Salami claimed that the cannabis was for personal use and that he had no knowledge of the crack cocaine recovered from the bathroom.

“However, when confronted with the evidence, the defendant admitted the charges he faced in court.

“We’re grateful to the continued support from our communities whose valuable information helps us bring people who only seek to profit from the vulnerable by selling and supplying drugs to justice.”

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Pure protection products help people deal with financial shocks. They typically include life insurance, which pays out in the event of death or a terminal illness; critical illness cover, which pays a lump sum if the policyholder is diagnosed with a specified serious illness; and income protection insurance, which provides regular payments if someone is unable to work due to illness or injury.

It is packed full of treats and community

A pink box full of sweet treats has been causing a bit of a stir on social media, and there’s more to it than meets the eye.

The Cake Shed in Donaghadee is absolutely packed full of delicious baked goods. It ranges from cookie pies and cheesecakes to cupcakes and school cakes.

The idea came to Lyndsay Smyth, an experienced baker, when her friends asked her to make various baked treats. With a background in baking birthday and wedding cakes, she wanted to offer everyone the chance to get their hands on her sweet treats in the simplest way possible.

It all “fell into place” when her friend had a larder cupboard going spare, and she decided to turn it into The Cake Shed. All it took was a lick of paint and some enhancements, like the money box, to bring it to life.

However, there’s a little more to this pink cake shed than meets the eye because the team also use some of the money they make to support great causes. At the end of 2025, they made a donation of toys to Little Heroes, which is an independent Charity supporting the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

Lyndsay and the team, which is made up of friends and even her son, have been delighted about the recent attention their project has received. Saying that it “has blown them out of the water” because people are travelling from far and wide to sample the baked goods.

The Cake Shed runs on an honesty system, which means you can go along, pick what you’d like to buy, and leave the money in an envelope. There is also the option to send the money directly to the team running it if you have forgotten cash. The team behind it have said that the system is working really well and there have been no issues with it so far.

The Cake Shed is open Monday to Friday, so it is the perfect spot to pick up your weekend treat. It opens from 10 am to 8 pm each day. Although she has recommended being quick, as they have been known to sell out, especially with best sellers like the cookie pies.

The box has received a full 5-star food hygiene rating from the council and also clearly displays all allergens. It is like a small bakery with a twist.

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

LIVERPOOL and Manchester City collide in a mouth-watering Super Sunday clash from Anfield this weekend.

SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.

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Liverpool vs Man City preview

It’s been a title battle in recent seasons but with the Reds out the picture for that, City are the ones needing the win to keep within touching distance of Arsenal.

Both teams arrive at the game fresh off the back of thumping Newcastle, with Arne Slot’s side 4-1 winners last weekend in the league.

Having beaten Qarabag 6-0 in the midweek previously too, it’s been a great response having been beaten by Bournemouth in the league.

It’s eight unbeaten now at home for Liverpool but the three draws in there to Sunderland, Leeds and Burnley sort of epitomises their campaign.

For City, their win over the Toon came in midweek when securing their spot in next month’s Carabao Cup final.

Pep Guardiola’s men somehow managed to throw away a dominant, first half 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 and have again fallen six points behind Arsenal in the table heading into the weekend.

They’ve already beaten Liverpool comfortably this season and anything less than three points here could see them fall too far behind in their title pursuit.

Liverpool vs Man City betting odds

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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Liverpool vs Man City predictions

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Rayan Cherki isn’t quite getting the plaudits he deserves in this Man City side.

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Goals in three of his last four too and a starting spot here could see him take centre stage.

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US civil rights lawyer and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong says she was “disgusted” after the White House posted an image of her arrest which was edited to show her in tears.

She was detained for organising a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a Minnesota church last month.

BBC Verify’s Jake Horton spoke to Levy Armstrong about the manipulated image and the backlash she has faced.

Produced by Tom Joyner. Graphics by Mark Edwards.