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Simple car check parents often forget that leads to instant MOT failure

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Daily Mirror

Parents are being warned that six simple mistakes in their vehicle could see an instant fail on their MOT – here are the things people should check before dropping a car off at the garage

Parents are being reminded to do a number of simple checks before sending their car for an MOT or risk failing. With heading back to school for the first time in six weeks, parents will have even more things to juggle such as school drop-off, after school activities and endless washing.

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However, a motoring expert has said that everyday clutter inside a family vehicle could result in an immediate MOT failure. With roughly 1 in 5 cars failing their MOT across the UK and over 5 million parents admitting to driving messy, cluttered cars, an overlooked item on the dashboard or in the backseat could turn a routine inspection into an expensive inconvenience.

DVSA guidelines allow test centres to refuse or automatically fail vehicles if simple safety, cleanliness, or access conditions aren’t met while cars are being inspected.

James Harding, an expert from Blackcircles with over 16 years of industry experience, said: “MOT failures aren’t just costly and inconvenient; they can show a car to be unsafe. You must book your car in for an MOT yearly, and ensure that your car is prepared to be tested.

“MOT test centres can legally refuse to test your car under official DVSA guidelines. If specific safety, cleanliness or administrative conditions are not met, you are at risk of being turned away or automatically failed.

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“Before arriving at your MOT appointment, it is important to check that your car is clean and accessible. It is also a good idea to check lights, tyres, fluid and oil levels as well as your dashboard for any warning lights. Sorting any issues that appear ahead of an MOT appointment can help your car to pass.”

What do parents need to check before an MOT?

According to Blackcircles there are six common reasons why a family vehicle might fail its MOT.

  • Teddies or toys: Leaving teddies and toys on the top of your dashboard can cause a failure if they block your view of the road. They also pose a major hazard if they interfere with the deployment of your passenger airbags.
  • Child seat not secured properly: An MOT has to test the integrity of seatbelts; therefore, if the child seat is loosely fitted, this suggests the restraint system is insufficient. A loosely fitted seat can also pose a significant risk to the child and passengers in an accident; therefore, an insecure seat is a “major defect” in an MOT exam.
  • Child seat obscuring seat belt: An MOT requires every seatbelt to be tested. If a seatbelt is trapped behind a permanent child car seat and cannot be inspected, the car will fail.
  • Shopping bags or prams in the boot: Every door, including the boot, must open and close smoothly from both the inside and out. If overpacking the boot stops a smooth closure, the vehicle will fail. If your boot is full and the tester cannot access the spare wheel well or suspension mounts, they will fail the vehicle.
  • Baby on board stickers: If the baby on board stickers are stuck to the windscreen or front side windows, this could result in a failed MOT. This is because these positions can block your view of the road. Instead, make sure this sticker is on the rear window, and ensure it’s not in the way of the wipers.
  • Clutter and dirt: If your car is excessively dirty (inside or out), the tester can legally refuse to examine it. If rubbish, loose bottles or clutter is rolling around near the pedals, this is classed as a safety hazard, and a direct fail. If a number plate is so dirty it becomes unreadable to Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, your car will automatically fail its MOT.

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George Clooney living in fear he’ll be used for tampon advert after death

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George Clooney living in fear he’ll be used for tampon advert after death
George Clooney was getting deep with his concerns about the future of AI (Picture: Getty/ Metro)

A-lister George Clooney has one… very specific fear when it comes to his legacy after death.

Hollywood is currently at the centre of a raging debate about the ethical use of AI to recreate the likeness of famous people, especially post-mortem.

On the one hand, you have stars like the late Val Kilmer who was ‘brought back to life’ via the medium of AI. On the other you have Robin Williams, whose family has returned to social media after a decade to ‘protect his legacy from rampant AI abuse’.

Meanwhile, high profile actors from across the industry such as stars like Sandra Bullock and Reese Witherspoon are being grilled about their stance on the rapidly-advancing techonology.

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Essentially, it’s a hot-button topic which has inevitably made its way to the shores of the Venice Film Festival, where the 65-year-old actor Clooney is accepting a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.

Discussing how AI could impact him personally, he was quick to quip: ‘Well, I would like to avoid being in a tampon commercial 20 years after I’m dead. I would like to avoid that.’

George Clooney
The star is currently at the Venice Film Festival to accept a Golden Lion (Picture: Cifalà/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)

He also took a step back to give a wider perspective on his fears around its use in the creative industry; he posed that the ‘revolution in the industry’ was ‘going to hurt us in a lot of ways’.

The Oscar winner warned: ‘If you’re a visual effects supervisor, you’re going to have trouble coming up because that’s going to be a lot of jobs taken away.

‘Probably about 30 per cent of the jobs. I don’t know what the real number is, but there’s going to be a big number of jobs that are going to be taken away, and we’re kind of on our back foot on it. We’re not taking the lead on it.’

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His worries about his likeness being out of his control under the thumb of AI after his death are echoed by Williams’ family, as mentioned.

In their statement explaining their return to social media, they wrote: ‘Making that space [online] into one where people can find authentic clips and photos of him is one of the best ways we’ve now found to fight back against rampant AI abuse of his voice and likeness on here.’

Jay Kelly. (L-R) George Clooney as Jay Kelly and Adam Sandler as Ron Sukenick in Jay Kelly
Among a whole range of topics, the actor was also asked about the state of US politics (Picture: Peter Mountain/Netflix)

As for the Ocean’s 11 star, the threat of AI, and his existential concerns over popping up in a tampon advert in two decades, aren’t the only pressing issues he was quizzed on.

When asked about the current state of US politics, which is well into its second Trump administration, he said: ‘Look, I’m always very optimistic about things, and we’re at a moment in time that’s unfortunate – I think that’s an understatement.

‘I do believe that we’re going to get through all of this,’ adding he hopes the 2028 election will mark a ‘restoration into some normalcy’.

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Surprising new plan for historic Stockport library that’s been shut for a year

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Manchester Evening News

A Reform councillor said the public ‘deserve to know what is happening to one of our most important public buildings’.

A major update has revealed a surprising new plan for a historic Stockport library that’s been shut for more than a year.

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Stockport Central Library has been closed since May 2025 after maintenance works and repairs had to be carried out in the building. It has remained shut ever since despite petitions and calls for it to reopen.

Library services in Stockport town centre have since been operating out of the massively popular Stockroom in the Merseyway Shopping Centre. This has had more than one million visitors in a year.

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However the library’s likely future has been revealed after Reform councillor Shaun Regan put in a Freedom of Information request to the local authority.

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He said he had ‘been pressing the council for clear answers’ in a Facebook post because the public ‘deserve to know what is happening to one of our most important public buildings’.

He said the request revealed the council plans to renovate the Grade II-listed library as the new home of the Stockport Music Service which is currently based in Bedbury. The service works with schools, families and wider partners to provide opportunities in all areas of music education across the borough.

Coun Regan said: “I welcome the news that Central Library will be brought back into public use. Moving the Music Service into the town centre could give young musicians a fantastic new home while protecting an important part of Stockport’s heritage.

“However, I will continue pushing for the details. Residents need a clear timeline, the expected cost, an opening date and confirmation of how much public access will remain.

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“We also need to know what will happen to the existing Bredbury site. Will it remain part of the service, be repurposed for another community use, be sold or left empty?

“The council must communicate better and be more transparent about its public buildings. Residents should not have to rely on Freedom of Information requests to discover whether valued community assets will be protected, converted or left to deteriorate.”

In response, a Stockport Council spokesperson said: “Central Library is expected to become the future home of Stockport Music Service. We look forward to sharing more information with residents as plans progress.”

It’s understood the move has been delayed due to the need to carefully relocate Stockport’s archive collections into a purpose-built facility in Stockroom. This is because the archives require specialist handling and have to be moved with the utmost care to protect historical records about Stockport.

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Previously the Liberal Democrats who run the council said the central Library ‘will remain open, publicly-owned and run as a library service’ after they took control of the council. The promise was that after Stockroom was finished, the central library would be refurbished and retain a library of 2,500 books.

Previous costs for the project was touted as being in the region of £4.3m with £2.1m being spent on repairs to the building. In June 2026, Labour MP Navendu Mishra pressed for an update on what was happening with the library.

He previously said: “A clear timeline for the building’s reopening is urgently needed. I recall when Labour ran Stockport council, the Stockport Liberal Democrats were openly critical of the council when plans were floated around Stockport Central Library.”

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Investigation underway after ‘deliberate’ fire in Hartlepool

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Investigation underway after 'deliberate' fire in Hartlepool

Cleveland Fire Brigade was called to Cornwall Street in Hartlepool at 10.42pm on Sunday, August 30.

Everyone was accounted for, and firefighters used one hose reel and two sets of breathing apparatus to put out the blaze.

The entrance was completely destroyed by fire, while the rest suffered light smoke damage affecting 10 per cent of the property.

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The fire is believed to have been started deliberately and Cleveland Police are investigating.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: “Cleveland Fire Brigade were called on 30/08/2026 at 22:42 to an incident at Cornwall Street, Hartlepool.

“Three fire appliances in attendance from Hartlepool and Billingham. Property fire. All persons accounted for.

“One hose reel and two breathing apparatus were used to extinguish the fire. The property sustained 100 per cent fire damage to its entrance and 10 per cent light smoke damage to the rest of property.

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“The cause is believed to be deliberate and has been left with Cleveland Police for further investigation.

“The stop call was received at 23:23.”

The Northern Echo has contacted Cleveland Police for a statement on this incident.

Cleveland recorded the highest rate of criminal damage and arson in England and Wales, at 15.0 offences per 1,000 people, in the year to March 2026.

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Woman who was deformed in acid attack by her husband pleads to be euthanised years after the Pope talked her out of ending her own life but the help she hoped for never came

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Maria Consuelo Cordoba (pictured) was left disfigured after her husband hurled acid at her is seeking euthanasia

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A Colombian woman who was left disfigured and in need of countless medical treatments after her husband hurled acid at her is seeking euthanasia. 

Maria Consuelo Cordoba’s plea comes nearly a decade after Pope Francis reportedly talked her out of ending her life during a visit to Colombia. 

The 58-year-old, who lives in the capital city of Bogota, became the victim of an acid attack in 2000 after an argument with her then-husband. 

She was left with life-changing injuries, and in the last 26 years, Ms Cordoba has undergone over 80 surgeries, spent long periods in hospital, and continues to receive never-ending medical treatment. 

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Now, physically and financially exhausted, Ms Cordoba says she doesn’t want to keep on living. 

In an interview with Colombian news outlet CityTV this week, Ms Cordoba appeared wearing a mask over her scarred face, with two plastic tubes poking out of her nose, which she says she needs to help her breathe. 

She only has a small hole for a mouth and struggles to eat. She says she is still waiting to have facial reconstructive surgery and is unable to work due to the severity of her condition. 

Ms Cordoba says she spends her days walking around Bogota begging for money so that she can pay for the small room she rents. 

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Maria Consuelo Cordoba (pictured) was left disfigured after her husband hurled acid at her is seeking euthanasia

Pictured: Maria Consuelo Cordoba before the attack

Pictured: Maria Consuelo Cordoba before the attack

According to Ms Cordoba, she met Pope Francis during his visit to Colombia in 2017. 

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After telling him about her emotional and physical struggles, she says he made her promise that she would not seek euthanasia. 

‘He told me…’Colombia will help you get the surgeries you need’…but you know what? No one has helped me…I’m worse.’

Ms Cordoba, originally from the department of Choco, moved to Bogota with her ex-husband nearly three decades ago in search of work. 

She says her husband threw acid at her after she refused to return to Choco with him. 

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‘When I opened the door he threw the acid at me…I did’t know it was acid because he had it in a bottle of liquor…I just thought he was drinking…When I went out he threw that liquid in my face,’ she recalled.

‘He ran away and I felt like it was burning, so I went home to throw water on it,’ she said.  

Ms Cordoba quickly went viral after her interview with the Colombian broadcaster, with scores of viewers condemning authorities for not having done more to help her. 

Colombia’s health entity, Capital Salud, has since issued a statement saying Ms Cordoba has been approved for euthanasia, but said it would guarantee her the medical care she needs. 

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Capital Salud added that it will support whatever decision Ms Cordoba decides to make. 

‘María Consuelo will continue to be supported with respect, humanity and dignity… we will be available to attend to all her health needs,’ it said.

Ms Cordoba can't work due to her injuries so she says she is forced to beg for money

Ms Cordoba can’t work due to her injuries so she says she is forced to beg for money

Colombia was the first Latin American country to decriminalise euthanasia and remains one of the most progressive nations when it comes to assisted dying. 

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Ms Cordoba’s tragic ordeal comes just months after Spanish chef Ainhoa Caballero Medina requested she be euthanised after an attempted murder by her ex-boyfriend left her in chronic pain.

The 28-year-old says she has faced a relentless battle with life-changing injuries, including brain damage and the loss of her sense of taste and smell.

At the same time, she says her local council repeatedly failed her, refusing to recognise her as a victim of domestic abuse, even as her ex-partner continued to threaten her from prison, where he is under provisional detention and subject to a restraining order.

Unable to escape her physical agony and having lost all hope that the authorities would ever help her, she ultimately sought an assisted death under Spain’s euthanasia law.

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Moment brazen fly-tippers dump sofas, armchairs and huge piles of rubbish at Welsh beauty spot – before leaving Good Samaritan bystander ‘trembling with fear’

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A trio of fly-tippers were caught dumping sofas, armchairs and bin bags on a Welsh road in the countryside near Maesycwmmer last week

This is the shocking moment three serial fly-tippers are spotted dumping sofas, bin bags and chairs at a beauty spot before speeding away in a white van. 

The eye-opening clip was filmed on a scenic hillside popular with dog walkers on the outskirts of the quaint village of Maesycwmmer in south Wales last week. 

It shows a trio of men hopping out of an allegedly unlicensed vehicle and unloading two leather armchairs, more than one desk chair and a huge pile of litter onto the middle of a road.

Incredibly, pictures shared with the Daily Mail revealed that the men also left behind unopened letters including names and addresses.

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The footage was captured by a local man in his 20s who had been enjoying a walk through the countryside when he stumbled across the incident. 

As the fly-tippers zoom away from the scene into the distance, he is heard shouting: ‘I’m calling the police and I’ve got your number plate!’ 

The trio are then said to have turned around and chased after him in a desperate bid to have the footage deleted. The brave walker, however, managed to evade the fly-tippers by dashing to a nearby farm. 

‘I had to pick the boy up basically trembling out of his socks on the floor,’ a farmer, who discovered the Good Samaritan while out on a stroll, tells the Mail.

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‘He saw them dumping their rubbish from afar, ran towards them and then the guys chased him. It frightened him to death. I happened to be coming over 30 or so seconds after.

A trio of fly-tippers were caught dumping sofas, armchairs and bin bags on a Welsh road in the countryside near Maesycwmmer last week

In footage posted to Facebook, the men are seen hopping out of a van before quickly unloading their rubbish

In footage posted to Facebook, the men are seen hopping out of a van before quickly unloading their rubbish

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They then drive off, leaving their waste strewn across the floor while a good Samaritan films

They then drive off, leaving their waste strewn across the floor while a good Samaritan films

‘The lad was really shaken up, he’s quite a nervous boy who doesn’t like confrontation. He hadn’t experienced something like that before. For me, it happens a lot.’ 

Indeed, last year alone there is thought to have been more than 40 cases of fly-tipping at the very same spot – and the trio responsible for last week’s dumping are allegedly serial offenders. 

Only a couple of weeks ago they were spotted disposing of bin bags on the rural road during the early hours of the morning. 

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The farmer, who preferred not to give his name, added: ‘Fly-tipping is a real problem around here. I’ve been trying to combat it for years but it’s probably got worse since lockdown. 

‘In the last month or so the same group of boys have come up here three times. We’ve got cameras and I spotted them literally two weeks ago. 

‘Usually we’d be able to pick the vehicle up using its registration plate, which we’ve got, but the van was off the road, not taxed and not insured. 

‘I must have about 200 crime reference numbers from Gwent Police. It’s amazing seeing what happens up here at night. Well, I say amazing, but it’s highly dangerous. 

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‘It doesn’t just stop at fly-tipping. You get the boy racers up here, kids taking drugs and drinking. You wouldn’t believe what goes on in a rural environment when you can see it.’ 

The video was posted to Facebook by a local woman who frequents the hills to ride her horse. So far the clip has racked up almost 1,000 likes and close to 100,000 views. 

Hundreds of residents flocked to the spot where the fly-tipping occurred to watch the solar eclipse only a matter of weeks ago. Dogs are also regularly walked along the path, sparking fears that shards of glass left behind by fly-tippers could cause injuries. 

Fly-tipping is common in the rural area near the south Wales valleys. Only a matter of weeks ago a huge pile of rubbish was disposed of on the road

Fly-tipping is common in the rural area near the south Wales valleys. Only a matter of weeks ago a huge pile of rubbish was disposed of on the road

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In another case, desks, chairs and planks of wood were left behind in the countryside

In another case, desks, chairs and planks of wood were left behind in the countryside

The three men who were filmed fly-tipping last week were brazen enough to leave behind letters containing addresses and names

The three men who were filmed fly-tipping last week were brazen enough to leave behind letters containing addresses and names

One woman, who lives just a couple of miles away, accused the men – and other culprits – of ‘ruining’ an area offering sprawling views over the Welsh valley. 

She fumed: ‘The video was just so frustrating to see. People walk their dogs around that area and it could have been glass which they’d left on the road. It’s really dangerous. 

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‘For the eclipse, the amount of cars up there was amazing to see – but then somebody has got to do that. 

‘There was practically nothing there that couldn’t have gone to the tip though. They’re ruining our countryside for quite literally the sake of a few quid. It’s horrible. 

‘We’re fed up. It’s the mentality of it, you know, they’ve done it in broad daylight and expected not to be seen. They don’t care about anybody else.’

Statistics released earlier in February revealed that incidents of fly-tipping reached record levels last year. 

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More than 1.26million cases were recorded by authorities between 2024 and 2025, marking a nine per cent increase on the 1.15million confirmed the year before, according to data published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

However, the number of court fines handed out for fly-tipping during the period decreased from 1,378 to 1,250. That meant that only 0.2 per cent of cases resulted in court action. 

Speaking at the time the statistics were released, John Read – the founder of charity Clean Up Britain – described the country’s fly-tipping crisis as an epidemic. 

‘The fly-tipping stats are further evidence of the national pandemic we’re facing in England, and indeed the whole of the UK,’ he said.

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‘To be effective, we have to create real jeopardy and fear in the minds of fly-tippers. The cost – and risk – of ‘doing business’ has to become too exorbitant for them.’ 

The Mail approached Gwent Police for comment.  

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Newborn baby girl found dead in Sheffield with 33 stab wounds as four appear in court

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Manchester Evening News

Four appeared in court on Wednesday, September 2

Four people have appeared in court charged with murder after a newborn baby girl, named as Baby S, was found dead with 33 wounds from 15 separate stabbings.

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At Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, September 2, prosecutors told a district judge that the baby’s body was found on top of a washing machine in an outhouse at an address in the Wincobank area of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, on Sunday, August 29.

Andrea Skopova, 20, Peter Horvath Jnr, 19, Peter Horvath Snr, 38, and Nina Horvathova, 37, appeared before the court on Wednesday morning charged with the murder of Baby S.

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They were remanded in custody and will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday.

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Horvath Jnr, Horvath Snr and Horvathova, all of Holywell Heights, and Skopova, of Robey Street, Grimesthorpe, Sheffield, are also charged with causing or allowing the death of a child, and perverting the course of justice by cleaning the scene of the alleged crime.

All the defendants are Slovakian nationals, the court heard.

A 15-year-old girl, who cannot be named, appeared at the court later in a separate hearing, charged with the same perverting the course of justice offence. The girl sobbed in the dock as representations were made about whether she should be released on bail.

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District Judge Tim Spruce decided she should be remanded in youth custody until Thursday, when she will appear at crown court with the other defendants.

Prosecutor Luke Hopkinson told Mr Spruce that the baby’s mother is the defendant Andrea Skopova. The father is unknown, Mr Hopkinson said.

Skopova is the girlfriend of the defendant Horvath Jnr, who is the son of the other two adult defendants. Mr Hopkinson said Horvath Jnr is not believed to be the father.

Baby S was found wrapped in a towel and in a blue bag in an outbuilding at an address in Holywell Heights. Mr Hopkinson said she had suffered 33 wounds from 15 “separate stabbings”.

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A forensic post-mortem has confirmed that the baby’s cause of death as resulting from stab wounds.

A number of family members packed into the court for the nine-minute long adult defendants’ hearing, many in tears. The four adults stood wearing identical grey t-shirts and flanked by four security guards.

Two women, aged 26 and 37, who were arrested on suspicion of murder remain on bail.

Lauren Costello, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor at CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute four individuals with murder following a police investigation into the death of a newborn baby girl in the Wincobank area. A fifth individual has been charged with perverting the course of justice.

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“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.

“We have worked carefully with South Yorkshire Police as they carried out their investigation. We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendants are active and they have the right to a fair trial.

“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.”

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VAT differential on island of Ireland ‘putting NI businesses under pressure’

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Belfast Live

A Hospitality Ulster survey recently found 45% of all hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland were not sure if they would survive the next 12 months

The VAT differential across the island of Ireland is putting hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland under pressure, a Westminster committee has heard.

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Businesses told the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee of shrinking margins during a probe into the taxation of the hospitality and tourism sectors in Northern Ireland.

Figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) suggest that over the course of 2025 the number of jobs in the hospitality sector fell by 2,000, from around 57,000 to 55,000.

Meanwhile, a Hospitality Ulster survey recently found 45% of all hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland were not sure if they would survive the next 12 months.

Selina Horshi, managing director of the White Horse Hotel in Campsie, Co Derry, told MPs said the sector is in “survival mode”.

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“The reality here is pretty stark. If there isn’t some action taken, we’re all going to be watching an industry erode,” she told MPs.

“It’s a big industry, and it’s very important to Northern Ireland. It’s the fourth biggest employer. It spreads out wealth across rural and urban areas.

“It employs a lot of women. It employs a lot of young people. You can come into it whether you’re skilled. You can upskill through it. It’s got high-paid jobs. It’s got short-term jobs. It’s so hugely important to our area, and what we’re seeing already is the decline in jobs.

“What we’re seeing already is the closure of businesses, and we just can’t keep clinging on.

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“Our reserves have been eaten away by Brexit, by coronavirus by cost of living, by cost-of-doing business crisis. It has just got to an unsustainable point.”

Ms Horshi also highlighted the challenge of competing against hospitality organisations in the Republic of Ireland.

“We’re marketed alongside them, and yet a customer is looking at a price in my hotel, three and a half miles from the border, and the price in Donegal, and what they’re seeing is that the price is lower in Donegal.

“Our costs are roughly equivalent, but our VAT, for example, is significantly different. So for every £100 that I take into my business on accommodation, the equivalent hotel in the Republic taking £100 would retain £4.78 more on the VAT alone. Per room that doesn’t sound like a lot, but we are a high volume, low margin industry, and that quickly adds up to hundreds of thousands of pounds within a business each year.

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“The margins have been so squeezed on all sides of the border and all parts of the UK by the cost of living and the cost of doing business, but that VAT differential is really putting pressure on our businesses at the moment.”

She added: “It’s not only VAT.

“In other parts of the UK, there has been rates relief for hospitality, and those haven’t been implemented in Northern Ireland. So that is also a challenge.

“But the one that is the biggest lever is quite simply the VAT differential when you’re looking at food at 9% in the Republic versus 20% in Northern Ireland, and you’re looking at accommodation at 20% in Northern Ireland versus 13% in the Republic.”

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Michael Cadden, chairman of Hospitality Ulster and managing director of Lusty Beg Island Resort in Co Fermanagh, said he has been in the business for 25 years, and it has “never been more difficult”.

He gave an example of last year attending a major wedding show in Dublin, and leaving having sold just two weddings, whereas previously he would have have sold up to 25 weddings at the same event.

“The difference has become price. We’re no longer seen as a value proposition, and we’re no longer seen as a value proposition because we simply can’t afford to compete with the prices because our cost base and our tax base is so very, very different,” he told MPs.

He explained that there are multiplying pressures which are leaving it “unsustainable”.

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These include a 1 or 2% additional food cost as a result of Brexit, the impact of the national insurance increase on their wage bill, and reaching a “ceiling” in terms of what they can charge for products due to the “relatively low income level in the province”.

“So we’re being squeezed from both sides, and the VAT lever we believe is the one that will relieve that across the board,” he added.

“We have reached a point where the levers that that we’re talking about, we believe it’s now time to start pulling those, or we will start to lose a significant portion of the industry.”

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England cricket team: Brydon Carse omitted from squad for third Test against Pakistan

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Brydon Carse bowling for England

England have omitted Brydon Carse from their squad for the third and final Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston.

The Durham seamer was dropped for the second Test at Lord’s after he was briefly arrested following an incident outside a Derby nightclub on 22 August.

The 31-year-old remains under investigation by Derbyshire police, who say they are looking into allegations of assault.

Carse’s replacement, 23-year-old Sonny Baker, has retained his place in England’s 15-man party.

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Surrey’s Matthew Fisher has been dropped from an otherwise unchanged England squad as they seek to complete a series clean-sweep over Pakistan.

The third Test in Birmingham starts on Wednesday, 9 September at 11:00 BST.

With six white-ball matches against Sri Lanka to follow the Test series, England may consider resting seamers Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue, all of whom feature in the limited-overs set-up.

While the trio have been named in the Test squad, they may be rotated in favour of Baker, Essex pace bowler Sam Cook and Derbyshire spinner Shoaib Bashir.

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Cook, 29, played his one Test against Zimbabwe last summer while 22-year-old Bashir is yet to feature in this series, with England preferring an all-pace attack.

Baker made his only Test appearance to date in a much-changed line-up against New Zealand at The Oval in June.

Carse remains available for selection for Durham and finished with match figures of 4-95 in their win over Gloucestershire last week.

However, he has not been picked in the XI for their match against Northamptonshire, which started on Wednesday.

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Pakistan made the extraordinary move of dropping seven players, calling up five uncapped players and releasing their head coach prior to the Edgbaston Test.

Sarfaraz Ahmed has replaced by Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson, while Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad, all of whom have featured in the series, are among the players dropped.

England beat Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley and sealed series victory with a win by 194 runs at Lord’s last week.

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Pictured: Mother accused of murdering her newborn with boyfriend’s family as court hears baby girl was ‘stabbed 15 times’ at Sheffield home and dumped in outhouse

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Andrea Skopova, 20, is the mother of Baby S. She has been charged with her murder and remanded in custody

A newborn baby suffered 15 stab wounds before being hidden in an outhouse in Sheffield, a court has heard.  

The child, named only as Baby S, was discovered fatally injured in a house in the Wincobank area of the city at around 6am on Sunday morning.

She had allegedly been stabbed in a bathroom, wrapped in a towel and blue bag and then dumped on a washing machine in an outhouse. 

Today, her mother, Andrea Skopova, 20, appeared in court charged with her daughter’s murder at the property in Holywell Heights, Sheffield, South Yorkshire. 

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Her boyfriend Peter Horvath Jnr, 19, and his parents Nina Horvathova, 37, and Peter Horvath Snr, 38, also appeared beside her in the dock wearing grey prison-issue tracksuits at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court charged with Baby S’s murder.

All four are also charged with caused or allowed the death of a child and also perverting the course of justice by cleaning a crime scene.

A 15-year-old girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has also appeared charged with perverting the course of justice.

The defendants – who are all Slovakian nationals and required an interpreter – were remanded in custody after appearing today at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court.

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The court heard the baby suffered 33 injuries including 15 stab wounds.

Andrea Skopova, 20, is the mother of Baby S. She has been charged with her murder and remanded in custody

Her boyfriend, Peter Horvath Jr, has also been charged with murder. He is not believed to be the baby's father

Her boyfriend, Peter Horvath Jr, has also been charged with murder. He is not believed to be the baby’s father

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A police forensics team could be seen entering the property on Monday where a newborn baby was found the day before

A police forensics team could be seen entering the property on Monday where a newborn baby was found the day before 

It is believed the smart property in the Wincobank area of Sheffield was being rented

It is believed the smart property in the Wincobank area of Sheffield was being rented 

Prosecutor Luke Hopkinson said the mother of Baby S is Skopova, but the father is not known.

‘A female baby known as S was born in the early hours of Sunday 30 August at an address in Holywell Heights,’ Mr Hopkinson said. 

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He said that Skopova gave birth to the baby at 37 weeks and shortly afterwards presented at hospital.

Hospital staff were ‘confident’ the baby was not in the womb but Skopova would not explain where the baby was, the court heard. 

He added: ‘It was apparent that she had recently given birth.’

It was said Skopova would not explain where the baby was.  

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Medical staff alerted the police at shortly after 5am.

Police attended her home address and could not find the child so later checked the address in Holywell Heights.

Mr Hopkinson said: ‘Peter Hovarth Junior is Andrea’s current boyfriend, but he is not the father.

‘When attending, police located a baby wrapped in towelling and in a blue bag on top of a washing machine in an outhouse. The baby was deceased.

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Slovakian national Peter Horvath has been charged with murder, causing or allowing the death of a child and also perverting the course of justice

Slovakian national Peter Horvath has been charged with murder, causing or allowing the death of a child and also perverting the course of justice 

‘The baby has catastrophically been injured by a knife.

‘She has 33 wounds from 15 separate stabbings. 

‘A doctor confirmed she would have been alive when the attack took place.’

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It is alleged that Horvathova and the 15-year-old girl cleaned up blood in the bathroom.

An eight-year-old child was also in the house at the time.

Mr Hopkinson said the defendants have not been clear in police interviews and have ‘contradicted one another’.

District Judge Tim Spruce remanded all five defendants into custody to appear before Sheffield Crown Court tomorrow.  

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Two women, aged 26 and 37, who were arrested on suspicion of murder remain on bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Woodward, of South Yorkshire Police, said: ‘I would like to thank our communities, who I know will have been deeply impacted by this traumatic incident, for supporting us as we work through this intricate investigation.’

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The real reason Mikel Arteta blocked Arsenal deal for Malick Fofana on transfer deadline day | Football

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The real reason Mikel Arteta blocked Arsenal deal for Malick Fofana on transfer deadline day | Football
Malick Fofana was offered to Arsenal late in the summer transfer window (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal did not pursue a deadline-day deal for Malick Fofana after Mikel Arteta raised concerns about the Lyon winger, according to reports.

The Belgium international emerged as a target late in the window as Arsenal considered strengthening their forward line following a number of high-profile snubs.

Deals for Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior failed to materialise, with Christos Tzolis the only arrival to replace Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

The Gunners had been holding out hope of a late deal for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, but the Argentine indicated he wasn’t keen on a Premier League return.

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However, Arsenal almost sprang into action on deadline day after they were offered the chance to sign Fofana as Lyon looked to raise funds after missing out on the Champions League.

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The 21-year-old has previously attracted interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, and was available for around £30million, a similar fee to that which Arsenal paid to bring Tzolis to the Emirates earlier in the summer.

However, The Athletic reports that Arsenal were only willing to pursue a loan deal to avoid the possibility of breaching UEFA’s spending limits.

LYON, FRANCE - AUGUST 26: Malick Fofana #11 of Lyon during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Play-Offs Second Leg football match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and Fenerbahce SK at Groupama Stadium on August 26, 2026 in Decines near Lyon, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Malick Fofana ultimately joined Sunderland (Picture: Getty)

It is also said that Arteta spoke with Fofana, but held concerns about the winger’s ability to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League.

Despite Arsenal’s decision, Fofana did ultimately end up in the English top-flight after a remarkable transfer tussle between Sunderland and Crystal Palace.

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The Black Cats struck a deal first for the winger before Palace looked to hijack the transfer after agreeing a similar deal with Lyon.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta at the final whistle after the Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Picture date: Monday August 31, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or
Mikel Arteta raised concerns about the Belgian winger (Picture: PA)

Ultimately, Sunderland rescued their deal by offering more commission to the Belgian’s agents, with a five-year deal agreed for the pacey winger.

‘Malick has all the attributes to thrive in the Premier League,’ Sunderland’s Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi said.
 
‘He is a player with huge potential and Sunderland AFC will provide him with the right environment to continue to develop and prosper.
 
‘He operates off the left and will complement the versatility of the other wide men we have at the club, who can play across both flanks.
 
‘We are delighted to welcome Malick to the Club and look forward to supporting him as he takes the next steps in his career.’

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