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Pope Leo XIV calls for peace and dialogue as Trump criticism continues

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Pope Leo XIV calls for peace and dialogue as Trump criticism continues

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) — Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday doubled down as U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism showed no sign of letting up, insisting that the message “the world needs to hear today” is one of peace and dialogue.

Leo spoke to journalists en route to Cameroon as he continued his Africa visit.

He made no mention of Trump’s latest social media post or the suggestion by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, that he should “be careful” when speaking about theology.

Leo took no questions. Rather, he focused on his first stop in Algeria and the teachings of St. Augustine of Hippo, the inspiration of his religious order and his own spirituality.

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But Leo spoke in terms that suggested the Trump administration’s criticism of the pope’s calls for peace in the Iran war hadn’t gone unnoticed. He spoke exclusively in English.

Trump has issued repeated broadsides this week against history’s first U.S.-born pope, accusing him of being weak on crime and a captive to the left, and asserting that Leo owed his papacy to Trump. Trump also posted, then took down, an artificial intelligence-generated, Christ-like image of himself that drew widespread condemnation, even from many supporters.

Trump’s attacks on Leo began after the pope amplified criticism of war and asserted that God doesn’t bless those who drop bombs. Leo also called Trump’s threat to annihilate Iranian civilization “truly unacceptable.”

Overnight, Trump posted “Not good!!!” in response to a post citing social media posts by Leo before he was pope that were critical of Trump. And he wrote: “Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a Nuclear Bomb is absolutely unacceptable.”

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Leo points to St. Augustine and ‘search for truth’

Leo drew attention to his visit Tuesday to Annaba, the ancient city of Hippo where St. Augustine, the theological and philosophical giant of the early church, lived as a bishop for more than 30 years.

“His writings, his teaching, his spirituality, his invitation to search for God and to search for truth is something that is very much needed today, a message that is very real for all of us today as believers in Jesus Christ, but for all people,” Leo said.

By going to Hippo, Leo said that he wanted to offer the church and the world a vision that St. Augustine offers in terms of seeking “unity among all peoples and respect for all people in spite of the differences.”

He recalled that the vast majority of Algerians are Muslim, but that they respect and honor St. Augustine as “one of the great sons of their land.” Such an attitude, he said, helps to build bridges between Christians and Muslims and promote dialogue.

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And he recalled his visit to the Great Mosque of Algiers, where he stood in silent prayer.

“I think the visit to the mosque was significant to say that although we have different beliefs, we have different ways of worshiping, we have different ways of living, we can live together in peace,” he said.

“And so I think that to promote that kind of image is something which the world needs to hear today.”

While being on the receiving end of Trump’s criticisms online, Leo pointed to the respectful way that the Algerian government had received him on the first-ever papal visit — with a full military airborne escort through Algeria’s airspace.

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“It’s a sign of the goodness, of the generosity, of the respect that the Algerian people and the Algerian government have wished to show to the Holy See and to myself,” Leo said.

A debate about ‘just war’

The Vatican’s editorial director, Andrea Tornielli, was more pointed than Leo in his rebuttal of Vance, who had argued that the Catholic Church had a long tradition of endorsing so-called “just wars,” when war can be morally justified.

Tornielli noted that the “just war” theory was developed centuries ago, when wars were fought with swords, not machine-guided drones.

“This teaching has gradually been enriched and deepened, to the point of recognizing how increasingly difficult it is to claim that a ‘just war’ exists,” Tornielli wrote on Vatican Media. Modern warfare poses a “reality that raises moral questions of dramatic intensity.”

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“There has been a growing awareness that war is not a path to be followed,” he wrote.

U.S. Cardinal Robert McElroy, the archbishop of Washington, has said the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran failed to meet the minimum criteria for the war to be considered morally just. Such criteria would have included that it was a response to an imminent threat, that the U.S. and Israel had clearly articulated their intentions or that the benefits would outweigh the harm.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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Wolves are relegated after an inexcusable and avoidable mess of their own making

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Daily Mirror

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ relegation from the Premier League has been officially confirmed, with the club’s eight-year spell in the top flight coming to a miserable conclusion

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been relegated back to the Championship. An entirely avoidable, but utterly predictable conclusion to this part of the club’s story.

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A story which started with promises to challenge Manchester City ended with a season-long battle challenging Derby County.

Wolves won’t have the tag of ‘worst ever Premier League team’ around their necks…but their fight against the drop… well you’d scarcely call it a fight. The feeble and meek 3-0 defeat at Leeds United, twinned with West Ham’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace, confirmed the inevitable, but the dye had been cast well before that.

Rob Edwards has inspired better results than his predecessor Vitor Pereira, who left Wolves close to the point of no return by the time he was sacked, at least. But the problems at Molineux go beyond the man in the dugout, even if they are the ones forced to front up.

From ambitious upstarts after their promotion in 2018, Fosun have overseen a period of managed decline.

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READ MORE: Premier League relegation play-off scenario where one-off game would be neededREAD MORE: Harry Winks in angry confrontation with fans with Leicester City on brink of relegation

From back-to-back finishes in seventh, Wolves have slowly moved down the Premier League table, relying on three worse teams to bail them out in previous years.

The playing squad has been ripped apart summer after summer, with the quality going out of the door never replaced by those coming in, even if they’ve spent heavily on replacements. And after years of circling the drain, they have finally – and deservedly – dropped down it.

Nuno Espirito Santo, the man who engineered the club’s rise from Championship strugglers to European quarter finalists, was the first to go public with his need for more players. He felt that he had taken the players at his disposal as far as he could. The soundbites from those above hinted their ambition was similar, but actions spoke louder than words.

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Nuno, ultimately paid the price, before the cycle was repeated with his successor Bruno Lage. The Portuguese actually had Wolves in a position to return to Europe in his first season in charge when he called for reinforcements to get over the line. He was given Hayao Kawabe, Chiquinho and Jeong-Sang bin. And that was before Adama Traore was inexplicably allowed to join Barcelona on a loan deal which had no obligation to become permanent.

Wanderers limped over the finish line, ending the 21/22 campaign in 10th, but with no momentum whatsoever. Lage lasted just two months of the following season, before a managerial search which exposed the naivety at the boardroom level.

Julen Lopetegui was the top target, but initially decided to stay in Spain after his father became unwell. Wolves had no Plan B, so stood still for more than a month, before Lopetegui eventually agreed to join.

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The Spaniard’s arrival should have marked the distinct second part of the club’s stay in the Premier League. He masterminded an escape which at one point looked well beyond them and breathed new life into an increasingly frustrated Molineux.

But little did those on the terraces know that the frustration from Lopetegui himself was bubbling over. He felt promises were broken, ambitions curbed and plans changed.

Lopetegui went public, such was his desperation to get himself off a wheel that was going in just one direction.

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Gary O’Neil arrived, but only after Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Conor Coady, Nathan Collins and Raul Jimenez left. Within days, Matheus Nunes followed.

O’Neil had an impact, and his first season was a positive one. His reward? Captain Max KIlman, Player of the Season Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence all leaving.

It is almost incomprehensible to list the amount of talent that has departed the club in the last eight years. Particularly when looking at the squad tasked with keeping Wolves up this time around.

Pereira played his part in that with haphazard recruitment, control given to a manager who has never spent an extended period of time at a club – even to the extent that he brought in his own sporting director to work with. That decision in itself shows the kind of upside down thinking that has led Wolves to relegation.

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Edwards was hired with fans already knowing their destiny at the end of the season. It took until January 3, for their first win of the season…with only two more following since.

Wolves have managed 24 league goals in 33 games. And just 17 in 16 matches in front of their home fans.

Supporters who have been told their season ticket prices are ‘benchmarked’ against rivals that may be in the same division, but operate on a completely different level as they push for Europe.

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The relegation may have been officially confirmed in April, but it’s been pencilled in since well before Christmas…this comes as no shock. But that doesn’t alleviate the trepidation of what could come next.

Take a look at Stoke City, a club who spent 10 years in the top flight before their relegation in 2018. They were relegated with the idea of a quick return. Eight seasons later they have yet to achieve a top-half finish.

Wolves decision makers are adamant that won’t be the case at Molineux. Changes at boardroom level hint that lessons have been learned, but there is understandably a lack of trust.

This must be a reset for Wolves. A chapter in a longer story, rather than the definitive end. But for now, the plot moves to the Championship, they better be ready.

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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NEUVIOR Pharmaceuticals new sustainable drug trials

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NEUVIOR Pharmaceuticals new sustainable drug trials

NEUVIOR Pharmaceuticals started feasibility testing at the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) in York on April 17, supported by a recent funding award from Innovate UK, which will last until April 21.

Varun Cruz, founder of NEUVIOR, said: “ZYLON is about turning early-stage ideas into real, testable data.

“This feasibility work allows us to validate core assumptions in a live lab environment and define a credible path toward more circular pharmaceutical manufacturing.”

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The ZYLO programme is focused on recovering material from pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and developing smarter, bio-based packaging materials that could replace harder-to-recycle formats.

It forms part of a wider project, VIONIX ZERO, which aims to reduce waste and lower carbon emissions in pharmaceutical production.

The current trials are exploring bio-derived inputs and de-risking potential approaches that could underpin more circular pharmaceutical manufacturing systems.

Mark Gronnow, Process Development Team Lead at the Biorenewables Development Centre, said: “The BDC is happy to support NEUVIOR on their development journey of an exciting biobased product range.

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“Being able to rapidly and flexibly support innovators with facilities and resources is one of our specialisms.”

The work at the BDC will provide the early-stage data needed to inform future development and scale-up plans.

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15 bungalows to be built near Strait Lane, Stainton

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15 bungalows to be built near Strait Lane, Stainton

The 15-home development has been given the green light on land next to Montpelier Manor Care Home, off Strait Lane in Stainton, after Middlesbrough Council signed off the revised proposals.

Officer approval of these plans, a year after they were submitted, follows the formal refusal of 22 homes, which was confirmed in the last month – although it was reported a year ago that this affordable housing scheme had been ditched.

Of the 15 bungalows, five will have two beds, eight will be three bed properties and the remaining two will host four beds each.

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The proposals will see nine detached properties and six semi-detached properties, which will be linked by their garages. The associated works proposed include the construction of highways, landscaping and drainage works, the officer report details.

The applicant, Eaglescliffe-based Wilson Homes, was evidently confident of approval, as JCBs were already on site, hoardings were up and initial works were undertaken prior to approval being granted.

Along with fencing around some of the site, advertisement on hoardings promises ‘a bespoke development of 15 luxury bungalows, built to an exceptionally high standard’.

Approval of these bungalow plans is contingent on 16 conditions – one of these explains that the development cannot be brought into use until the areas for vehicle parking have been constructed.

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On top of these many conditions, approval is also subject to a section 106 agreement – still under negotiation – seeking a financial contribution from the developer of £150,000 towards the provision of affordable homes in an “offsite location” within the town.

Lesser financial requirements as part of the section 106 agreement will see contributions towards the beck improvement scheme, local environmental improvement and a strategic highways contribution. 

In the officer report, the reason for approval describes the proposals as a ‘sustainable development which will assist economic growth in the town’, and planning officers believe that none of the material objections raised during the consultation process will result in a “significantly detrimental impact” on the character of the area, nearby residents, or the community as a whole.

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Suspect faces more than 500 counts of human robbery for stealing remains from graves

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Suspect faces more than 500 counts of human robbery for stealing remains from graves

A 34-year-old man accused of stealing more than 100 sets of human remains from a historic Philadelphia-area cemetery appeared in court Friday, where he waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Jonathan Gerlach, of Ephrata, faces nearly 500 charges related to the desecration of Mount Moriah Cemetery. Appearing in a lime green prison jumpsuit with his hair in a bun, Gerlach remained largely silent during the proceedings, FOX 29 reported.

Although two burglary charges were dropped, Gerlach now faces additional counts linked to cemetery burglaries in Lancaster and Luzerne counties.

The investigation into Gerlach began in January after members of the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery alerted authorities to widespread grave desecration, NBC News reported.

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Prosecutors said detectives conducting surveillance observed Gerlach’s vehicle near the cemetery with bones and skulls visible in the back seat. Gerlach was later seen exiting the grounds carrying a burlap bag and a crowbar, according to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office.

Beyond the nearly 500 counts in Delaware County, Gerlach is now being investigated for similar cemetery burglaries in Lancaster and Luzerne counties
Beyond the nearly 500 counts in Delaware County, Gerlach is now being investigated for similar cemetery burglaries in Lancaster and Luzerne counties (Delaware County District Attorney’s Office)

Following his arrest, investigators searched Gerlach’s home and a storage unit, where they discovered a vast collection of remains, including approximately 100 human skulls, mummified hands, feet and two decomposing torsos.

“They were in various states,” Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse told reporters. “Some of them were hanging, as it were. Some of them were pieced together, some were just skulls on a shelf.”

Investigators also recovered jewelry and a pacemaker believed to have been taken from the graves.

“Detectives walked into a horror movie come to life in that home,” Rouse said during a January press conference. “It is truly, in the most literal sense of the word, horrific. I grieve for those who are upset by this, who are going through this, who are trying to figure out if it is in fact one of their loved ones.”

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Family members of those buried at the cemetery, which spans Philadelphia and Delaware counties, attended the hearing on Friday, according to FOX 29.

Judy Prichard McCleary, whose ancestors’ mausoleum was among the 26 sites targeted, expressed her shock at the allegations.

“It just made me sick to my stomach to think anyone would want to do that,” she said. “To be able to sell body parts on the internet just appalls me and I just think it should be stopped.”

Authorities found an additional 100 remains during a search of Gerlach’s home and storage unit in Lancaster County. Among the sites targeted was the Prichard family mausoleum, built in 1915, where five of the nine crypts were tampered with and the remains of a great-great aunt were taken.

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“I believe in the afterlife. I don’t believe my relatives were there, I believe their souls are in heaven,” McCleary said, “but I still think it’s disruptive and when you die and buried you should be left alone.”

The investigation into Gerlach began in January after members of the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery reportedly alerted authorities to widespread grave desecration
The investigation into Gerlach began in January after members of the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery reportedly alerted authorities to widespread grave desecration (Google Maps)

Following the thefts, Mount Moriah Cemetery officials announced significant security upgrades.

John R. Schmehl Jr., president of the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery, said the nonprofit was fast-tracking the expansion of its surveillance camera system and repairing several sections of fencing. As of mid-January, the organization had already spent $20,000 on mausoleum repairs and was seeking donations to cover further costs.

A day-long cleanup of the grounds is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, to help restore the site.

Gerlach remains held in Delaware County jail unable to post $1 million bail.

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Authorities said the investigation was ongoing as they continued to identify the recovered remains and notify affected families.

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Carney urges changes to Canada’s economic ties with US

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Carney urges changes to Canada's economic ties with US

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a video address released Sunday that Canada’s strong economic ties to the United States were once a strength but are now a weakness that must be corrected.

In the 10-minute address, Carney spoke about his government’s efforts to strengthen the Canadian economy by attracting new investments and signing trade deals with other countries.

“The world is more dangerous and divided,” Carney said. “The U.S. has fundamentally changed its approach to trade, raising its tariffs to levels last seen during the Great Depression.

“Many of our former strengths, based on our close ties to America, have become weaknesses. Weaknesses that we must correct.”

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Carney said tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump have affected workers in the auto and steel industries. He added that businesses are holding back investments “restrained by the pall of uncertainty that’s hanging over all of us.”

Many Canadians have also been angered by Trumps comments suggesting Canada become the 51st state.

Carney said he plans to give Canadians regular updates on his government’s efforts to diversify away from the U.S.

“Security can’t be achieved by ignoring the obvious or downplaying the very real threats that we Canadians face,” he said. “I promise you I will never sugarcoat our challenges.”

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It’s not the first time Carney, who served as a central bank governor, first at the Bank of Canada and later with the Bank of England, has spoken about a shift in world power.

During a speech in January at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he received widespread praise for condemning economic coercion by great powers against small countries.

His remarks brought a rebuke from Trump.

“Canada lives because of the United States,” Trump said after the speech. “Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”

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There was no immediate White House reaction Sunday to the address.

Carney’s comments came days after securing a majority government following special election wins and as the opposition Conservatives push him to deliver a U.S. trade deal, which was among his promises in last year’s election.

A review of the current version of the North American Free Trade Agreement between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico is scheduled for July.

In his address, Carney said he wants to attract new investments into Canada, double the size of clean energy capacity and reduce trade barriers within the country. He also emphasized Canada’s increased defense spending, reduction in taxes and efforts to make housing more affordable.

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“We have to take care of ourselves because we can’t rely on one foreign partner,” he said. “We can’t control the disruption coming from our neighbors. We can’t control our future on the hope it will suddenly stop.

“We can control what happens here. We can build a stronger country that can withstand disruptions from aboard.”

Carney said simply hoping the “United States will return to normal” is not a feasible strategy.

“Hope isn’t a plan and nostalgia is not a strategy,” he said.

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Carney said Canada has “been a great neighbor” standing with the U.S. in conflicts including Afghanistan, plus two World Wars.

“The U.S. has changed and we must respond,” he said. “It’s about taking back control of our security, our borders and our future.”

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I’m A Celebrity’s Gemma Collins and David Haye out in double eviction as campmates stunned

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David Haye and Gemma Collins have been booted out of I’m A Celebrity in a shock double exit, leaving their fellow campmates reeling – and closer to being named King or Queen of the jungle

David Haye and Gemma Collins have been booted out of I’m A Celebrity in a shock double exit.

Fans were stunned to see two of the camp’s biggest personalities leave the ITV jungle show. The pair have both hit the headlines during their time on the show – but for very different reasons.

They were booted out of camp tonight, decided by their fellow campmates and their departure will no doubt change camp considerably. Speaking after his exit, David said: “I’m ok. I’m happy. I’ve had an amazing time, great new friends and lots of experiences. You’ve cranked up the trials and the challenges. Ten days it was fun, I enjoyed it.

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“Today and yesterday people started cracking, there was a bit more beef between people. Me and Adam had a bit of back and forth, but the banter, he didn’t really like the banter, he kind of got to the limit he was willing to receive.”

Asked if he pushed it too far, he added: “Probably… I’m an extremist and I can’t help myself. It’s all love, I love him really. He’s a cool guy. It’s all perfect now.”

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Gemma had previously described her time on All Stars as “redemption” after she quit days into the first series.

“Going on All Stars is a real moment for me in my career – it’s redemption. To be able to do this again is the greatest honour ever. I am going to be the best campmate and get those stars. None of us will be starving under my watch,” she said.

“I am dreading the whole lot, I don’t think anyone goes into the jungle going ‘woohoo’. It’s not normal to be faced with animals, but I am going in as Gemma Collins. Gemma Collins is a self-made woman. I have been to hell and back to get to where I am today. I am just looking forward to proving to people I can do it.”

David, meanwhile, has caused quite a stir during his time on the show, firstly for comments about calling his girlfriend the “personality of a proper ugly bird”.

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In a rant, he said: “Most ugly girls realise they don’t they’re not pretty enough to… they gotta have a personality to banter and to tell jokes and s**t, so people overlook the fact that they’re not aesthetically amazing, straight away. Which is what’s called Ugly Duckling syndrome, where girls are ugly, when they start off, and then they and then they kind of they, they get pretty as they get older. But they still got the personality of when they’re ugly. Does that make sense?”

David also recently came under fire for his comments to Adam Thomas, which exploded even more this evening.

With two of the biggest personalities now go, how will it change the camp for the remainder of the show?

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Grimsargh man sexually assaulted and smothered baby, court told

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Grimsargh man sexually assaulted and smothered baby, court told

Jamie Varley, 37, is accused of killing 13-month-old Preston Davey, along with 25 other charges relating to his sexual and physical mistreatment.

Stood alongside him in the dock at Preston Crown Court was his partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, who is accused of causing or allowing the death of the child and four other offences.

Both men, of Chandlers Way, Grimsargh, deny all charges.

In the final months of his brief life, the child had been routinely ill-treated, sexually abused and physically assaulted, suffering 40 traumatic injuries, the court heard.

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His short life had “more than its share of misfortune”, being put in emergency foster care after his birth, but Preston had been a “perfectly healthy boy” before he was adopted by the defendants in April of 2023.

But he was admitted to hospital with injuries three times in just under four months after being adopted, before his death on July 27, 2023.

Preston Davey (Image: Lancashire Police)

Peter Wright KC, opening the case for the prosecution, told the jury of six women and six men: “This is inevitably a highly emotionally charged case. It’s a terrible case because it involves the death of a very, very young child.

“It is inevitable that it will provoke strong feelings in anyone who hears the details of this case.”

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Varley, wearing a cream suit, open necked white shirt and shoulder length hair with blonde streaks, sat beside his co-accused, wearing a green top and jeans, in the dock, yards from Preston’s mother in the public gallery.

Preston had been born on June 16, 2022, and aged nine months in April 2023, placed with the defendants for them to adopt, living at their home on Staining Road, Blackpool.

Less than four months later, at about 6.30pm on July 27, 2023, he was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Blackpool Victoria Hospital by the defendants.

He was unconscious and in a state of cardiac arrest, Mr Wright told the court.

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Medics tried to revive him but he was pronounced dead less than an hour later.

READ MORE: Man suffers serious injuries following assault in bar

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A post-mortem gave the cause of his death to be acute upper airways obstruction, a result either of a smothering most likely with a hand or soft fabric or by the insertion of an object or objects into his mouth.

Mr Wright continued: “As terrible as it is, this tragedy was not the result of some dreadful yet unforeseen accident, or natural phenomenon.

“The evidence gathered during the investigation into his untimely death revealed a much more sinister pathology.

“We say the evidence demonstrates that he was murdered by one of the people entrusted with his wellbeing; one of his proposed adoptive parents.

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“We say the person responsible for killing Preston Davey was the defendant, Jamie Varley.”

“But that was not the only tragedy to befall him when in the care of these defendants,” the prosecutor continued.

“In the final months of his brief life, we say he was routinely ill-treated, sexually abused and physically assaulted.”

A post-mortem showed the child had suffered around 40 injuries over the course of the four months he was in their care, injuries including 30 external bruises, a fracture to his upper left arm and internal bruising to his mouth, throat and other parts of his body.

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Varley was mostly responsible, but evidence recovered by detectives implicates both men in sexual assault – and McGowan-Fazakerley, failing to protect him, Mr Wright said.

On the day he died at the time of or shortly before the final fatal assault, Varley had sexually assaulted the baby causing internal injuries, while home alone with the child and his co-accused out at work, it was alleged.

After Varley’s arrest and mobile phone was seized, footage was found that he had recorded earlier that day of the little boy lying on a bed with physical and obvious signs of respiratory arrest, but the defendant did not attempt recovery or seek medical help.

It was only later that both defendants took Preston to hospital, by which time it was too late to save him.

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While McGowan-Fazakerley was out at work when Varley fatally assaulted him, he had joint responsibility for caring for the child, had daily contact and should have been aware of what was going on and protected the youngster.

Preston Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss)

But not only was he aware of the abuse, he participated in it, Mr Wright said.

The prosecutor warned jurors to “steel themselves” as images of the child were shown on screen, the prosecution said, after he had been sexually assaulted.

Varley had also taken a number of images and videos of the abuse, but these were not “happy snaps of family life” – but indecent images, the jury was told.

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The defendants appeared to be a happy, stable couple, but that was far from the truth, Mr Wright said.

Varley denies murder, manslaughter, two counts of assault by penetration, five counts of cruelty to a child, grievous bodily harm, sexual assault of a child, 13 counts of taking indecent photos or videos of a child, one of distributing an indecent photo of a child, to his co-accused, and one of making an indecent photo.

McGowan-Fazakerley denies allowing the death of a child, three counts of child cruelty and one count of the sexual assault of a child.

The trial continues.

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Motability cuts mileage allowance in half as DWP responds to disabled drivers

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Cambridgeshire Live

The Motability scheme has been in place for more than 40 years and provides disabled people with the option to lease a car or other mobility aid, with costs covered by their mobility allowance.

The Department for Work and Pensions has issued a response after Motability’s decision to slash the mileage allowance for vehicle users by half. The charity has reduced the annual limit before motorists face extra charges.

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Motorists will now be allowed to drive 10,000 miles before incurring a 25p fee on every mile travelled above that limit. The former allowance was 20,000 miles with an additional charge of 5p per mile.

In a recent parliamentary question on the issue, Plaid Cymru MP Liz Saville Roberts challenged Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden: “What assessment has he made of the impact of the reduction in mileage allowance under the Mobility scheme from 1 July 2026 on disabled people living in rural areas.”

Conservative Andrew Snowden asked Mr McFadden: “What assessment he has made of the potential merits of exemptions and higher mileage allowances for Motability Scheme users with significant healthcare travel needs, including applying the previous average annual allowance of 12,000 miles per annum.”

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, disclosed that around 25 per cent of Motability users would be adversely impacted by the change. He stated: “Responsibility for the terms and administration of the Scheme sits with Motability Foundation and its Board of Governors.

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“The changes to the leasing package were announced on 26 March and include reducing the mileage allowance from 20,000 per year to 10,000 per year. Changes only apply to new leases and there are no changes to the mileage allowance of existing leases. Motability Foundation have advised that approximately 75% of customers on the Scheme already use less miles than the proposed new mileage allowance. They have acknowledged that there will be an impact on some customers and are considering if the impact can be mitigated in some limited circumstances.”, reports the Mirror.

The scheme has this week introduced new technology for all new drivers and anyone with a person aged under 30 named on the lease. Drivers are now required to fit black boxes to their vehicles and download an app to the mobile phone of every named driver.

Cars will be equipped with telematics systems that monitor driving behaviour, including speed and braking patterns, generating a weekly score of green, amber or red.

Drivers who receive four red ratings within a 12-month period face removal from the Motability scheme. A pilot programme in Northern Ireland last year led to vehicles being taken back from 300 customers. The scheme has now confirmed that if a motorist receives a ‘red’ week alert, followed by the same rating for two consecutive weeks, they risk having their vehicle taken away. Motability guidance states: “Where a driver records a red week, both the customer and the relevant driver will receive feedback. If the driver continues to drive dangerously, despite the feedback, for two consecutive weeks, or four over the course of 12 months, then they may be removed from the Scheme.”

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Motability has confirmed the system will record and transmit a driver’s exact location, direction and current speed; journey duration; braking and cornering; mobile phone usage, including phone model and ID and operating system, while driving; and device background location via network and GPS.

In a recent statement, Motability clarified that ‘high usage’ in a week can trigger a red alert but emphasised there are ‘no limits’ on the number of journeys. It added that if high usage alone triggers a red score, ‘it will not impact the lease’.

It explained the Drive Smart scheme, which launched on April 13, “will not impact a customer’s lease if they are driving safely regardless of how many journeys they take, how long they drive for or at what time they drive”. Drive Smart is a wedge-shaped device that fits into a car windscreen and pairs with a smartphone app, rather than being a black box location tracker.

A spokesperson for Motability Operations, which runs the Motability Scheme, explained: “The Motability Scheme was created to keep disabled people mobile. Those using Drive Smart do not have limits placed on how many journeys they make, for how long they travel or at what time they drive. However, from industry data we know that these factors do contribute to the likelihood of an accident.

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“While high usage can trigger a red week in a small number of cases, where it is the only reason for a red score, it will not impact the lease. Drive Smart does not penalise vehicle use but has been designed to use telemetry data to support and reward safer driving. We continue to listen to customer feedback about Drive Smart and are continually reviewing how it works to make sure it’s as effective as possible.”

Once the device arrives, users receive an email outlining how to register via a smartphone app. Motability has confirmed: “Just so you know, you’ve got 10 days to complete setup and start using the app.”

In addition to the black box technology, Motability has introduced guidance recommending that drivers take a break every hour and limit themselves to six journeys per day. Exceeding this threshold will result in a red score for the driver, although it will not affect their lease agreement.

The charity has also halved the annual mileage allowance before additional charges are applied. Drivers will now be permitted to travel up to 10,000 miles before facing a 25p charge for every mile beyond that point. The previous arrangement permitted 20,000 miles with an excess fee of 5p per mile.

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Motability reports that its typical driver covers approximately 7,500 miles annually, while Scotland’s equivalent scheme was continuing to review the mileage cap. A red week is triggered by persistently dangerous driving behaviour – such as excessive speeding. A single incident, such as emergency braking or one red journey, is not sufficient to prompt a red week on its own.

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Vicky McClure’s Day Fever disco coming to Newcastle

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Vicky McClure's Day Fever disco coming to Newcastle

Mr Waddle, a former Newcastle United and England star, will perform at the event in Times Square, Newcastle, on May 23.

Titled Day Fever, the event has a unique twist—it’s a 90s and 00s-inspired daytime party created by actress Vicky McClure, filmmaker Jonny Owen, and Jon McClure of indie pop band Reverend & The Makers.

The event will run from 12.30pm to 9.30pm, offering a full day of nostalgic indie, rock, and soul anthems, all mixed with high-energy festival production.

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A spokesman for Day Fever said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Day Fever to Newcastle for our first ever event at Times Square.

“If you’ve been to one of our festival sets, you already know how much fun this is.

“If you haven’t, this summer at Times Square is your moment.

“Come and experience Day Fever in full force.”

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Day Fever was launched in early 2024, with the aim of providing the excitement of a nightclub—without the late-night hours or hangovers.

The Newcastle event is organised by EVNT Live, the event arm of North East-based EVNT Inspirations.

Mike Hesketh, of EVNT Live, said: “We’re chuffed to bits to bring the Day Fever crew to Times Square for their biggest day party in the region and their first headline outdoor show in the North East.

“This forms part of an amazing line up of events at Times Square in May, providing an eclectic mix for everyone across the region to enjoy.”

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Day Fever is strictly for over-18s, with last entry at 4pm.

Tickets are priced between £10.13 and £13.50 plus booking fees and are available from www.evntlive.co.uk.

More information can be found on EVNT Live’s social media channels.

The event is one of several taking place in Times Square that week.

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Others include The Great British Tribute Fest on May 22, The Road to Nashville-Newcastle on May 24, and The Ultimate K-Pop Experience on May 25.

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Telegraph Fantasy Football tips: Game Week 32

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Telegraph Fantasy Football tips: Game Week 32

The Telegraph Fantasy Football season is now well into 2026. As always, the award-winning experts at Fantasy Football Hub continue to bring you the very best in fantasy football knowledge, tips and tools to help you rise up the ranks and win your mini-leagues.

Join the Hub and get access to all their great resources and expert tips.

Telegraph Fantasy Football: last week’s insights

Title race back on

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Arsenal’s lead at the league summit was cut by three points, with the leaders succumbing to a home defeat by in-form Bournemouth, while Manchester City won convincingly away at Stamford Bridge. City assets are on TFF managers’ minds, with Pep seemingly starting to pick a settled side, lesser-owned players like Khusanov (£3.3m) and Doku (£4.4m) could make the difference in mini-leagues.

 

Hammers emphatic win

Not too long ago, The Irons seemed destined for the Championship, but a string of strong team performances have seen them rise out of the relegation zone. There was a welcomed return to the starting XI for Summerville (£3.9m), but it was the ever-popular Bowen (£5.5m) and the unlikely hero Mavropanos (£2.8m) who stole the headlines with 12 and 17 points respectively.

 

Popular assets return

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With eyes on upcoming extra fixtures, it may be tempting to come off popular assets to make gains. However, some popular players gave owners a stark reminder why they are heavily owned. The 20.1% owned Jarrod Bowen has already been mentioned above, and Brentford’s 36.0% owned Thiago (£3.6m) matched the Hammers captain with a 12-point return.

 

Visit the Telegraph Fantasy Football Stats Centre for all player points  >

Telegraph Fantasy Football Tips: Game Week 32

The Telegraph Fantasy Football player list has been analysed ahead of the upcoming games, and these look like the best players to transfer in:

 

1. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£3.7m)

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The Leeds striker was unlucky not to haul against Manchester United on Monday night. He now has the opportunity to make amends with a home tie against Wolves, before a midweek trip to Bournemouth.

 

2. Morgan Gibbs-White (£3.8m)

Burnley continue to be a team to target, and the Forest no.10 has many different avenues for picking up attacking returns.

 

3. James Justin (£2.5m)

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The 28-year-old defender has started every league game since GW18, netting twice, assisting once and keeping three clean sheets in that period. Being one of the cheapest starting players in the game, Saturday’s entry point against Rob Edward’s table-propping side looks good if you need to free up your budget for further moves.

 

Telegraph Fantasy Football: Transfer stats

One of the most useful Telegraph Fantasy Football match facts to keep an eye on throughout the season is the average number of transfers used by managers in and around your league position. Ensuring you have a few extra transfers in hand is a sure-fire way to pull away from your closest rivals.

  • Top 100 – 3.55 average transfers remaining
  • Top 1,000 – 5.40
  • Top 10,000 – 7.48

     

You can follow the latest Telegraph Fantasy Football news and discussions throughout the year on Facebook, Twitter and Fantasy Football Content Hub

 

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