WARNING: Distressing content Claire Alex took her own life just four days after she told police about the 11 months of abuse she endured from Kathryn White

A jealous, controlling woman waged a campaign of psychological and physical abuse on her girlfriend, leading her to take her own life just days after she told police.

Kathryn White. and Claire Alex met on Tinder in August 2021 but the troubled relationship came to an end in July 2022, when an argument resulted in White grabbing Ms Alex by the neck and pinning her to a wall. She threatened to kill herself, took the victim’s phone so she could not call for help, and threw her to the floor.

Claire finally gathered the courage to to tell police she had “completely lost herself” and felt “broken” after 11 months of torment from White. Four days later, she killed herself.

White, 41, of Mayfield Mews in Crewe, denied controlling and coercive behaviour, but was found guilty following a trial. She appeared back in court today, Friday July 31, for sentence.

The judge White’s behaviour amounted to “a prolonged and persistent campaign of psychological and physical abuse.” On one occasion the court heard White threatened to stab Ms Alex. On another occasion, she slapped her outside her workplace after a colleague hugged her, Liverpool Echo reports.

Rosemary Proctor, defending White, said the former army officer had depression, anxiety and ADHD, and had suffered sexual trauma in the past. She said: “It’s clear from the character references she can be compassionate, she can be generous, she can be a good friend, a good sister, a good daughter, even a good girlfriend. There are many who can say she had made a positive impact on their lives.”

While Prosecutor Ember Jade Wong said: “She would control what she did, who she spoke to, and would monitor her in various different ways. Perhaps the most significant form of isolation in this case was from friends and family, including her own children.”

The judge concluded: “I have watched your behaviour throughout the trial. I’m satisfied, even allowing for your mental health difficulties, you demonstrated a cold, collected attitude with absolutely no remorse, shame or empathy.

“Your behaviour demonstrated attempts by you to control the way evidence was given. You made flippant and jokey remarks which could not have been more inappropriate, which shows a complete lack of understanding of the impact of your offending.”

He sentenced White to three years and six months in prison.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk.

A forest fire in the south of France has revealed a cache of 400 historic shells and munitions in the village of Le Porge, according to local authorities.

Blasts, initially thought to be exploding gas cylinders, may have been World War Two explosives detonated by the heat of the fires, the local fire commander told local media.

More than 100 explosions were heard on the second night of the fire, Mayor Martial Zaninetti told French news outlet France Info, likening it to “the sound of war”.

Demining operations have now seen most residents return to their homes, however the mayor has said certain areas are still off-limits. More than 180 houses in the area were destroyed by the wildfire.

“There were ammunition depots buried in land within our municipality, but we didn’t know it, and they exploded”, Zaninetti told France Info.

He described them going “to the right, to the left” and that there was “even one that went through a house”.

Alan Miller took to streets on march to “Protect Our Women and Kids”. We can now reveal that he was convicted of assaulting his own mum at her home

A far right protester who took to the streets to “defend women and kids” battered his own mum, the Daily Record can reveal.

Coward Alan Miller has already been exposed for abusing ex-partners – who were left black and blue after his assaults.

The Daily Record can now reveal that the scumbag turned on his own mother, which resulted in police being called.

Miller was ordered to do community service and also given a non-harassment order to stop him from terrorising his mum at her Glasgow address.

The court appearance for Miller came in December, 2023, when he turned up at his mum’s home in Easterhouse and shouted at her, swearing and threatening her with violence.

As the attack went on, Miller struck Kirsty Miller, 53, on the head, which sickened family and friends.

The latest revelations come after Miller featured prominently at a demo titled “Save Our Women and Kids” at Glasgow Green, which has gone down as one of the low spots in race relations in the city.

The event was marred by pitched battles involving masked hooligans, several of whom made Nazi salutes to antagonise police and counter demonstrators.

The Daily Record previously told how Caitlyn Scullion, 26, branded ex-partner Miller a violent brute who terrorised her as they brought up a child together.

Caitlyn posted shocking photos that show bleeding and bruising to her face and body.

A video she posted showed Miller screaming at her as a traumatised child cried, in clear distress.

A source said the latest revelations on Miller reveal what a coward he is.

The source said: “He is a classic misogynistic bully, who is a clear danger to any woman who enters his orbit.

“To have Alan Miller marching in the supposed defence of women and children is nothing more than a sick joke.

“It is a scandal that he hasn’t been jailed for his crimes, which follow a very clear pattern.”

A separate post by Kerry Sweeney – a previous partner of the racist – brands him a hypocrite and the kind of “monster” that women need to be protected from.

Both women condemned Miller after video emerged of him acting disgracefully as far-right activists rioted at Glasgow Green last month.

Miller, 26, was filmed while shouting threats to anti-racism campaigners.

He shouts to one person: “I’ll kick your c*** in.”

Sharing a clip of Miller at the demo, Caitlyn said: “He’s protesting about getting ‘immigrants out’ to protect women and children, when this is what he did to me.”

Kerry Sweeney added: “This is who we need to protect our women and children from. Treat him like the monster he is.

“He enjoys hitting women, even whilst pregnant and has absolutely no care or remorse.”

Miller pled guilty to a charge of domestic abuse, in relation to Kerry, at Glasgow Sheriff Court in October 2017.

He was given 40 hours of community payback. Pleas of not guilty to two separate assault charges were accepted.

In 2023 he faced the same court for the altercation at his mother’s home.

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And in August 2025, the court made a Community Payback Order and Non-Harassment Order after his treatment of Caitlyn Scullion.

The event in Glasgow was organised by the Aberdeen-based Unite the Clans group.

The Daily Record has also revealed that another “protestor” who whipped up hatred at the event was Ryan Marshall, 37, who was brazenly making Nazi “sieg heil” salutes as he championed the cause of protecting women and children from immigrants.

Our investigation found that Marshall has a monstrous list of convictions that include several for attacking and stalking women.

We told how the brute has abused women for most of his adult life.

Alan Miller has been asked to comment.

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Firefighters spent almost six weeks battling the blaze on Tintwistle Moor after it broke out on June 24. Due to its size and the heatwave a major incident was declared on July 12.

Analysis by the BBC revealed almost 1,500 acres of moorland – the equivalent of 900 football pitches – had been burned. But Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service announced that as of 2pm on Monday the major incident was stood down.

Woodhead Pass, which had been closed for almost a fortnight after the fire broke out, was opened.

Part of the road is now closed for the ‘serious’ crash.

Japanese maples are a stunning addition to any garden, but they can be tricky to care for in summer.

Japanese maples, also known as Acer, are highly valued for their brilliant foliage, which transforms into a stunning deep crimson when properly maintained.

This tree gives any garden a more dramatic appearance from summer into autumn. However, while many gardeners attempt to nourish their trees during warmer months, doing so at the wrong time can leave Japanese maples under strain and severely compromised.

The issue is that Japanese maples are especially susceptible to heat. Their root systems lie near the surface, rendering them more prone to desiccation and more liable to respond adversely if fertiliser is applied during hot periods.

Numerous all-purpose feeds contain salts and chemicals which can singe roots and leaves when the ground is already warm, and the plant is experiencing stress.

Specialists at Mendocino Maples Nursery state that the final safe period to fertilise a Japanese maple is early May; beyond that, it’s preferable to concentrate on keeping the root zone cool and damp rather than encouraging fresh growth.

Instead, they advise adding one simple natural material to the ground: mulch. They explained: “Mulch is a good friend of your maple. Mulch protects the roots from the heat in summer, the cold in winter and reduces the frequency of watering.”

Why mulch helps Japanese maples in summer

Japanese maples naturally flourish in woodland environments where the earth is blanketed with fallen leaves. That covering functions as a protective layer, helping the soil retain moisture and safeguarding shallow roots from direct sunlight.

Mulching replicates those conditions within UK gardens. A layer of organic material helps the soil retain moisture, reduces temperature fluctuations around the root zone, and diminishes the risk of the tree becoming stressed during prolonged periods of warm weather.

Over time, organic mulch decomposes, enriching the soil and encouraging healthier growth without the need for additional fertiliser.

How to apply mulch to a Japanese maple properly

To mulch effectively, concentrate on protecting the roots while preventing moisture from accumulating against the trunk. Begin by clearing away any weeds, grass or debris from around the base so the mulch can sit directly on the soil.

Next, apply the mulch in a wide ring across the root area, leaving a gap around the trunk so that none of the material comes into contact with the bark, as trapped moisture can cause rot.

A layer approximately 5–8cm deep is generally sufficient to insulate the soil and help it retain water, and it should be watered thoroughly afterwards to help it settle and hydrate the ground beneath.

With the roots insulated and the soil remaining cooler and moister, Japanese maples are considerably more likely to maintain their foliage at its finest through late summer and into autumn — without the risks that feeding during hot weather can pose.

What else should you do?

The technique you use when watering is every bit as crucial as mulching. According to Japanese Maples and Conifers, when watering Japanese maples, it’s advisable to provide them with a thorough watering, which means several minutes with a hose or an extended period with a sprinkler for trees planted in the ground.

Thorough watering encourages roots to penetrate deeper into the soil, which can help render the tree more resistant to drought. For Japanese maples grown in containers, water until it flows from the drainage holes at the base, ensuring the complete root system receives adequate hydration.

The plant specialists added: “The time of day you water can also be important. Watering your Japanese maples early in the morning is ideal.

“This allows the trees to absorb moisture before the heat of the day sets in, reducing the risk of evaporation. Early morning watering also helps prevent fungal diseases, which can thrive in moist conditions during the cooler evening hours.

“When watering Japanese Maples, avoid using overhead sprinklers that wet the leaves if you can help it. Wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases and leaf scorch in the hot sun.

“Instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system that delivers water directly to the root zone, ensuring efficient water use. Japanese maples are only going to drink water from the roots, so there is no benefit from watering the leaves.”

Engineers are currently on their way to the village

Nearly 400 properties have lost power in a Cambridgeshire village. A power cut affected around 390 homes in Stilton on Monday (August 3).

UK Power Networks believes there is an issue with an overhead network and engineers are on their way to the village. A UKPN spokesperson said: “We believe the issue is an overhead network fault that initially interrupted power to 808 properties.

“However, we have managed to divert power back to some properties, so 390 properties are still affected. Specialist engineers from our control room will continue to divert power remotely, so your power may come back on at any point.

“Sometimes we can’t restore everyone this way, so we’re also sending staff to check our equipment.” The problem is expected to be fixed between 1pm and 2pm.

Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in.

TOKYO (AP) — Japan needs to adapt to the new methods of warfare like drones and artificial intelligence used in Ukraine and the Middle East and strengthen its defense industry, the government said Tuesday.

Japan has bolstered its military capability and spending in recent years and has started deploying long-range cruise missiles as a deterrence to China’s military activity.

The 598-page defense paper adopted by the Cabinet on Tuesday reiterated that China is Japan’s biggest strategic challenge. Japan is alarmed by the growing presence and frequency of Chinese warships in the Pacific Ocean.

Combat drones for new warfare

Inspired by the use of drones by Ukraine, Japan considers it is essential to adapt to “new ways of warfare,” the paper said.

With many countries racing to develop combat drones, Japan’s government prioritizes development of its own for a coastal defense, in combination with long-range missiles.

“Speed is key,” Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said in early July.

The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency recently selected four drone makers out of 38 applicants for a rapid development program and that they will advance to testing by Japan’s navy in early August before a final selection.

A number of companies are developing similar drones. Toshiba announced Friday plans to jointly develop combat drones with startup Pro Drone.

Uncrewed weapons could help Japan make up for its decreasing number of service members in a country with a shrinking population.

Experts say developing fully homemade drones while Japan’s commercial drone market is dominated by Chinese imports would be a challenge.

Alarmed by China’s activity in the Pacific, Russia and North Korea

Japan has strengthened its military forces on southwestern islands in recent years and has started deploying long-range cruise missiles, as it worries about a conflict in Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.

The paper noted the growing presence Chinese warships and frequency of their activity in the Pacific as a major concern. The Defense Ministry has established a unit dedicated to study Japan’s Pacific strategy and strengthen its defense against China.

China has consistently increased its military spending without transparency and strengthened nuclear and missile capability extensively and rapidly, the defense paper said.

It noted that in last December Chinese aircraft locked their radars, considered possible preparation for firing missiles, on Japanese planes during Chinese aircraft carrier drills near southwestern Japan.

Two Chinese aircraft carriers were spotted last June near the southern Japanese island of Iwo Jima for the first time. This triggered Tokyo’s worries about Beijing’s rapidly expanding military activity far beyond its borders and in disputed areas in the East China Sea.

Tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have escalated since Takaichi said in November that Chinese military action against Taiwan could justify Japan’s use of force.

China’s growing joint military operation with Russia around Japan, including joint bomber flights and warship operations, is also “a grave national security concern,” the paper said.

It says North Korea’s rapid development of missiles, including hypersonic arsenals, is an “increasingly serious and pressing threat” and that the North’s growing military ties with Russia and its backing for Moscow’s war in Ukraine are a grave concern.

Bolstering defense industry, weapons sale

Strengthening arms production and technology is essential to Japan’s military power, the paper said. The government has been expanding funding for startups and scientific research.

In a country that had maintained a pacifist pledge since the end of World War II, many established companies avoid ties to lethal weapons, but a growing number of startups are showing interest in converting dual-use technology for military use, officials say.

Japan’s recent scrapping of lethal weapons export ban could also help strengthen the country’s underdeveloped defense industry.

Weapons technology transfer and joint development and production strengthens both Japanese defense industry base and Japan’s ties with its defense partners, said Koizumi, whose travels to other countries have involved arms sales.

Japan recently made major deals, including the joint development and transfer of 11 upgraded Mogami-class frigates to Australia. It is discussing a similar deal with New Zealand and has struck a deal to sell retired destroyers to the Philippines.

Many autistic Britons may not in fact have the disorder, a leading expert in the condition has warned – amid an alarming surge diagnoses. 

The definition of the problem with learning and development has become ‘too broad’, ‘vague’ and influenced by ‘misleading’ ideas spread on social media, according to Professor Dame Uta Frith. 

Prof Frith, from the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London, authored pioneering research in 1960s and 70s that defined the medical establishment’s understanding of autism, and its impact on daily life.

In a strongly worded paper published today, the psychologist remarked on the dramatic change in criteria for diagnosis of the disorder over the last 80 years. 

‘When it was first identified in the 1940s, it referred to a small group of children with severe difficulties in social interaction, communication and behaviour,’ Prof Frith wrote in the journal Psychological Medicine.

‘Over time, the definition has widened to include people with milder traits and no language or learning problems.

‘Today, anyone of any age or intelligence level can be diagnosed with autism if they meet certain criteria.’

She added that the term has become a ‘catch all diagnosis’ for other psychological problems that require different treatment. 

Recent figures show the number of UK patients awaiting specialist help for autism has tripled since 2021.

More than 200,000 people are now awaiting an assesment, equivalent to the population of Luton or Portsmouth.

Over the last 20 years, meanwhile, diagnoses have surged by more than 700 per cent, according to studies.

Experts have previously blamed increased awareness of the signs of the condition, fuelled by videos posted to social media, for the increase.

Autism is a lifelong disability that influences how people experience and interact with the world.

It commonly causes problems with communicating, socialising and learning.

Some also have a learning disability, and those with the disorder are at higher risk of a range of physical and mental health conditions including epilepsy, eating disorders and anxiety.

Charities now describe autism as a ‘neurodivergence’, rather than developmental problem. But Prof Frith says this further fuels misunderstandings.

‘While this helps reduce stigma, it also creates tension,’ she wrote. ‘If autism is not a disorder, why use a medical diagnosis?’

 The expert blamed social media for ‘spreading simplified ideas’ about autism. The diagnosis, she said, has ‘become part of popular culture’.

‘Social media, films, and online communities have helped people share experiences, but they have also spread simplified or misleading ideas.’

Prof Frith has called for medical professionals to identify other psychological problems that may be at play, and treat patients appropriately.

‘There are ways to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorder and depression,’ she said. ‘There are also ways to build resilience in the face of significant social stress.’ She added that these approaches would not be appropriate for autism that’s diagnosed in childhood.

Meanwhile, therapies are available for problems that are known to be specific to autism, such as feelings of burnout and sensory overload.

‘Such a reorientation would signpost a new route toward correct support…and counteract the tragic neglect of those with the most severe impairments,’ she said.

It’s estimated that around three per cent of UK children have autism. 

Early signs include avoiding eye contact, not responding to their name, repetitive movements and reduced engagement in play, according to the NHS.

 Reacting to the essay, Mel Merritt, head of policy and influencing at the National Autistic Society, said: ‘Autism is understood as a spectrum. As the article points out, in the past people thought the spectrum was a straight line between ‘more’ and ‘less’ autistic, but this isn’t right.

‘Today we understand the spectrum to mean each autistic person has a unique combination of characteristics.

‘Terms such as milder traits may be misleading or unhelpful in reflecting the difficulties and impact of navigating daily life for so many. Autistic people can be very different to one another, each with a unique set of strengths and challenges. This should not take away from or ‘neglect’ people with high levels of support needs.

‘Autistic people need better access to quality autism assessments and tailored support.

‘The real debate about autistic people is how to address the chronic inequalities they face. It is unhelpful and a false choice to pit autistic people against each other – getting the right support early and better understanding makes a big difference to all autistic people.’

The owners of the Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World have praised the firefighters who stopped the fire spreading any further

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Three animals died after a huge fire broke out at a popular zoo on Monday.

The owner of the family-run Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World near Telford, England, confirmed three animals died in the blaze.

In a video update shared on Monday evening, owner Will Dorrell said: “Sometime around 7 AM this morning, a fire broke out in the building just behind us. That is the zoo office.”

He said the blaze was discovered around 30 to 45 minutes later by the owners and a member of staff. Mr Dorrell said: “Fortunately, at that time the fire was contained to within the building, but sadly, three animals did lose their lives, reports the Express.

“We lost some stick insects, a hedgehog, and a snake, all of which were personal pets ourselves and not part of the zoo. We are absolutely devastated about it.”

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Mr Dorrell also revealed that two of the zoo’s owners – his wife and father – were taken to hospital as a precaution after suffering smoke inhalation but were later discharged.

During the video update, Mr Dorrell identified the two owners taken to hospital as his wife and father.

He said: “They both ended up in hospital, but I’m very, very pleased to say that they’re both back now. They were just taken to be checked over for smoke inhalation… they’re both absolutely fine.”

The cause of the fire has not yet been established.

Mr Dorrell also praised Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service for preventing the blaze from spreading to neighbouring buildings, many of which are made of wood.

He said the zoo office had been “completely gutted”, while the first aviary sustained only a small amount of damage, which he said was “hopefully rectifiable”.

He added: “Without Shropshire Fire and Rescue, that wouldn’t have been possible, and we probably would have lost significantly more, a lot more animals.”

The zoo is expected to reopen to visitors on Tuesday, with Mr Dorrell asking people to “bear with us” while repairs continue around the site.

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He also thanked those whose visits had been disrupted and said anyone with bookings would be contacted to rearrange them.

He said: “Those of you haven’t yet been in touch with us, we will be reaching out over this evening and into tomorrow… offering to rebook your tickets.”

The cause of the blaze has not yet been established.

Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World was recently named Tripadvisor users’ second-best zoo in the UK for the second consecutive year and was also voted the ninth-highest rated zoo in Europe earlier this year.

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