“We have decided that we do need to change your sentence.” With those words, Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr delivered the Court of Appeal’s ruling on two teenagers convicted of multiple rapes, overturning the non-custodial sentences the trial court had originally imposed. After hearing arguments from the crown and the defence advocates, the court concluded the original sentences were unduly lenient, and increased them to four years’ detention in a young offender institution.

Courts of all levels can err when determining sentence. The appeal process exists to prevent excessively harsh or lenient sentences from being imposed. All common law jurisdictions (where law is derived from the English system of judge-made law, such as the US and Canada) allow defendants and the prosecution to appeal a sentence.

Trial courts, also known as “first instance” courts, can make mistakes – even when they follow detailed sentencing guidelines as is the case in England and Wales and Scotland. Miscarriages of justice can arise from excessively severe or excessively lenient sentences.

The Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme in England and Wales accords the attorney general the opportunity to appeal sentences on the grounds that they were manifestly too lenient.

Originally enacted in 1989, the scheme is restricted to certain serious offences, including murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery and some child sex and child cruelty offences. Certain serious fraud, drug and terrorism-related offences are also included. If a sentence is imposed for a crime included in the scheme, the attorney general may ask the Court of Appeal for a sentence review. The court must first give leave to appeal. If leave is granted, the court will hear submissions on behalf of the attorney general, and also the offenders on whom the sentence was imposed.

In considering whether to amend the sentence, the court applies a high standard. If the court simply has the view that the sentence was somewhat lenient, this is insufficient to interfere with the trial court’s decision. The court must distinguish between a sentence that is less than the appeal court would have imposed, and one which is likely to be “unduly lenient”.

In referring the Fordingbridge case, Attorney General Richard Hermer said: “There has understandably been a huge amount of public interest, and concern, at this horrific case.”

Involving the public

The ULS scheme in England and Wales has a unique aspect not found in other countries. Crime victims or many members of the public can ask the attorney general’s office to examine sentences handed down by crown courts within six months of sentencing under the scheme (recently increased from 28 days), as long as the offence falls within the remit of the scheme. No other common law country allows members of the public to request a sentence review.

If a victim or other member of public requests a review, this does not guarantee the court of appeal will conduct a review. The decision to refer a sentence rests wholly with the attorney general – few referrals from victims or the public ultimately result in a review by the court of appeal.

Legal scholars are divided on the merits of allowing members of the public to request a sentence review.

Critics argue that the public seldom has sufficient knowledge of the case to reach an informed decision as to whether a given sentence is too lenient. News accounts of a sentence are often inaccurate, omitting important details of the case that may justify what appears to be a very lenient sentence.

There is also the risk of raising expectations that may not be fulfilled. How do victims feel when they seek a review of a sentence, only to learn that the attorney general has declined to refer the case to the Court of Appeal?

Defenders of public input argue that this feature permits greater democratic engagement with the sentencing process and encourages victim participation in the court system. As such, it may enhance public and victim satisfaction with sentencing overall. Advocates note that the decision to refer a sentence lies ultimately with the attorney general, so there is no danger of “victim-driven” justice.

Every year, several thousand defendants appeal their sentence. The number of attorney general references under the ULS is, by comparison, still relatively low – only a few hundred applications. But of these, almost all are granted leave (proceed to a review) – suggesting the court usually agrees that a review was appropriate.

In terms of outcomes, the court of appeal increased the sentence in approximately two-thirds of all cases referred by the attorney general that it agrees to review.

The ULS scheme has yet to be the subject of any formal review, and there is very little research on the issue. Many questions remain. For example, should the range of offences covered by the scheme be expanded? And most importantly, are victims – or the sentencing process more generally – better off by allowing this engagement with the appeal process?

La Liga president Javier Tebas has criticised the “complicit silence” which surrounds Fifa after United States striker Folarin Balogun was controversially spared from suspension at the 2026 World Cup.

Balogun was able to play in the 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the last 16 after Fifa’s disciplinary committee opted to suspend his one-game ban for 12 months.

Uefa, which has been at loggerheads with Fifa over a number of issues, strongly criticised the decision on Monday, calling it “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable”.

But outside of Europe there has been little noise about Fifa’s decision from football officials.

Conmebol, the South American football confederation, issued a statement to back its referee, Raphael Claus, after US president Donald Trump called the Brazilian “a bit suspect”.

But it did not criticise Fifa or Trump, who revealed he asked for the ban to be reviewed.

Claus was the referee who showed Balogun the red card against Bosnia-Herzegovia following a video assistant referee review.

Tebas said that the Balogun decision was the “tip of the iceberg” following a series of events which had been “eroding the credibility of Fifa and football in general for many years”.

The 63-year-old accused Fifa of being a closed shop in which decisions have been made before any vote takes place and without consultation with domestic leagues.

“And the worst of all is that much of the football world is aware of it, but too many prefer to maintain a complicit silence,” Tebas said on X.

“Because staying quiet is more comfortable than defending independence, transparency, and good governance.

“World football deserves institutions that are accountable, respect the rules, and govern with transparency – not through unilateral, discretionary, arbitrary decisions that erode the trust of fans, clubs, leagues, and players.”

The Mirror’s Deputy Political Editor Ashley Cowburn writes in…

Nigel Farage teased on social media that he will make an announcement about his “future in public life”.

There were no further details and the void is being filed with speculation over whether the under-fire Reform boss will throw in the towel.

It wouldn’t be the first time. He quit as Ukip leader in 2016 saying: “I want my life back.”

And in 2021 he quit as chief of Reform – the rebranded Brexit Party – stepping back from frontline politics.

Today he faces immense pressure over financial support allegedly given to him by a convicted fraudster, and a £5 million gift he received from the Thai-based crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne.

But Farage is no stranger to a bit of political theatre and could use today’s statement – at 2pm – to launch another attack on the media and the “establishment” to get him.

Yesterday he whined: “It’s now clear the establishment will stop at nothing to hurt Reform – we want to smash their cosy consensus.” So, we could be in for more of this sentiment.

Farage is also facing a probe by the parliamentary commissioner for standards over the £5million gift.

If found to have broken the MPs’ code of conduct he could face a penalty, with one of the most severe outcomes being a suspension from Parliament of more than 10 days. In this scenario a by-election would likely be triggered in his Clacton constituency.

This has led to speculation the Reform boss could also use the 2pm statement to get ahead of the process and quit as MP – triggering a by-election in Clacton in an attempt to challenge his critics.

But even if he is returned as an MP, the standards probe would likely be revived.

At 2pm, we’ll find out.

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Police are currently responding to an incident on a main road in Bury.

A stretch of Brandlesholme Road is currently closed off amid the incident. Police have cordoned off a stretch of the road near the junction with Woodhill Road.

Pictures shared on social media show a large police presence, as well as an ambulance on the scene. A cordon has been put in place at the busy junction.

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Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for details.

Follow our live blog below for the latest updates on this incident as we get them.

The Longlands Bar received a £1,760 Shopfront Improvement Grant from Middlesbrough Council, which was used to fit new security shutters.

The grant scheme, introduced by Mayor Chris Cooke, aims to help businesses invest in their premises, improve the appearance of commercial areas and encourage more people to visit local businesses.

Chris Cooke, mayor of Middlesbrough, said: “We introduced these grants to help businesses make improvements that strengthen their premises and boost confidence in our town centres.

“It’s great to see another project completed, improving the look of a well-known local business while helping create places people want to visit.”

A popular meeting place for Boro supporters before and after home matches, The Longlands now has a brighter, smarter appearance while also benefiting from improved security.

Its building is freshly painted in Boro’s iconic red colours.

The improvements also mark the pub’s first anniversary under its current ownership—Shaun Crinnion, Nicola Crinnion, Jack McDonald, and Paul MacDonald.

A was held on Saturday, July 4.

Paul MacDonald, co-owner of The Longlands Bar, said: “We’ve worked hard over the last year to make The Longlands a welcoming place for our customers, so this funding has helped us take another big step forward.

“The feedback has been fantastic, especially from our regulars and football supporters, and the improvements have really freshened up the building while making it more secure.

Since launching last year, the scheme has supported a range of independent businesses including hospitality venues, cafés, florists and hair and beauty salons.

It will impact around 105,000 customers

Northern Ireland’s third largest electricity supplier has announced a 9.5% increase to their electricity tariffs.

Budget Energy’s price rise will come into effect on August 4, and will add around £122 a year to the annual bill of a typical credit customer and around £121 a year to the average standard-rate keypad customer.

This will impact around 105,000 customers across Northern Ireland, bringing the annual electricity bill for a typical credit customer on a standard tariff to around £1,403 and a typical keypad customer on a standard tariff to around £1,390.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, said: “From 4 August, approximately 105,000 Budget Energy BillPay and keypad domestic customers on variable tariffs in Northern Ireland will see their annual electricity costs increase, bringing the average annual electricity bill for a typical credit customer on a standard tariff to around £1,403 and a typical keypad customer on a standard tariff to around £1,390.

“While this is disappointing for households, the rise reflects the recent increase in energy wholesale costs. Those Budget Energy customers on a fixed price deal will not be impacted and will continue to pay their existing agreed rates for the duration of their contract.

“Any Budget Energy customers who are struggling to pay their electricity bills or top up their keypad meter should contact their supplier without delay to get advice and support.”

Raymond added: “All five electricity suppliers have now either increased their tariffs or have announced that they are doing so. We would encourage consumers to think about the way they pay for their energy and see if they can reduce their energy costs.

“Being on a standard tariff and paying on receipt of a bill is the most expensive way to pay for your electricity. Switching payment methods, changing billing method or even switching supplier may save you money.”

The Consumer Council’s website has a free independent energy price comparison tool which empowers consumers to compare all electricity and gas tariffs across Northern Ireland in one place: Electricity Price Comparison Tool

For consumers who do not have internet access or would like additional support on checking energy tariffs, call the Consumer Council team on 0800 121 6022. You can also contact the team via email: contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.

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Fresh allegations have come to light over Nigel Farage’s finances after he failed to declare another financial benefit. Now, Labour are urging the Electoral commissioner to investigate

Nigel Farage found himself under further financial scrutiny as more questions were raised over his finances.

The Reform UK leader is already under investigation by Parliament’s standards commissioner over a mysterious £5million gift from a crypto billionaire. But recent reports have claimed he also failed to declare another financial benefit – this time from a convicted criminal – and has now been referred to the commissioner again.

The claims suggest he accepted staffing, security and housing from George Cottrell, known as “Posh George”, an aristocrat, in the year before he became an MP. Under the rules in place at the time of Farage’s election, all newly elected MPs were required to register any gifts or donations received in the 12 months before taking office, unless the gift “could not be reasonably thought by others” to relate to their political activities.

If it is found he breached the rules, he could face sanctions including a Commons suspension, which could trigger a recall petition and a by-election in his seat.

The growing scrutiny appeared to take its toll on the party leader, who has lashed out at interviewers on several occasions. Most recently, he warned a journalist there would be “serious consequences”.

Asked whether it was a mistake not to declare the financial support he received from Cottrell, he said: “You tell your bosses, you harass my family any more there will be serious consequences. That’s what your organisation has done this morning. Go away.”

He added: “Did you not hear me? You have broken all the rules, Leveson and everything else. Cut.”

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Labour has urged the Electoral Commission to investigate the donations and whether the support should have been declared, arguing Farage was already a prominent figure in Reform UK before returning to Parliament.

The party also questioned whether Montenegro-based Cottrell was a permissible donor, claiming it was unclear whether he was on the UK electoral register at the time.

Anna Turley MP, Chair of the Labour Party, said: “This scandal isn’t going away the more Nigel Farage tries to avoid scrutiny – it’s only getting worse. The time for him to be straight with the public is long overdue. The Reform Leader must put all the evidence on the table if he is to clear his name.

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“Serious allegations of rule breaking are already being assessed by the Parliamentary authorities. It is now abundantly clear that Mr Farage may have not only broken Parliamentary rules, he may have broken the law.

“Farage can’t brazenly brush this off as being ‘none of your business’ any longer. He needs to own his self-inflicted scandal and prove he’s not been secretly breaking the rules and taking the British public for fools.”

“What a brilliant win for this lucky player – just imagine the incredible summer this winner has ahead”

Northern Ireland’s ‘missing millionaire’ has been found as the Co Tyrone ticketholder has come forward.

EuroMillions UK Millionaire Maker guarantees to create a millionaire in every draw – but the winner from the draw on 24 April 2026, who bought their ticket in Co Tyrone, had not claimed their winnings for months.

The lucky player won their life-changing £1,000,000 prize after matching the millionaire maker code MBGT03608.

For every EuroMillions line played, UK players automatically receive a EuroMillions Millionaire Maker code printed on their ticket, and the lucky ticket-holder only had until 21 October 2026 to claim their prize.

Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, said, “We’re delighted to have been able to track down our missing winner.

“What a brilliant win for this lucky player – just imagine the incredible summer this winner has ahead.

“We’ll now support the ticket-holder through the process so they can begin to enjoy their life-changing win.”

A National Lottery spokesperson said that, as with all major prizes, the claim will now go through validation, which includes checks to ensure the Games Rules Terms and Conditions are adhered to and that the integrity of The National Lottery is protected.

Subject to validation, the prize will then be paid at an appointment with one of Allwyn’s Winners’ Advisers.

Once the ticket has been validated and paid, the ticket-holder will decide whether to go public and share their news.

There will be no information on whether the winner is an individual or a syndicate, or where the ticket was purchased, unless the ticket-holder decides to go public.