Neville Jones later told officers investigating the incident that it was something he wanted to do, “in a Benny Hill way”, referring to the bawdy slapstick humour of the late comedian.

He conceded the officer did not consent and did not know what he was about to do as she had her back to him at the time, but he claimed there was no sexual intent in the slap and added it was “just a bit of fun”.

The incident was said to have taken place during an event in Newton Aycliffe in September 2024, which he was attending in his capacity as a councillor.

Jones, who was the Durham County Council member for Aycliffe East ward at the time, was attending the event with his wife, Jo, who was involved with him in the Community Spirit group in the town. At the time, she was the deputy mayor for Newton Aycliffe.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that the officer was talking to someone else when the incident took place.

“He didn’t tap me on the bottom, he slapped me hard on the bottom,” she told the jury.

She agreed Jones then said words to the effect that he, “always wanted to do that” and added: “He definitely made some comment about it being a police officer.”

Asked if she thought it was “a joke”, she replied: “No, I didn’t think it was a joke.”

She said she made a nervous laugh as she was talking to someone she hardly knew, but was “in shock and upset” as she had not expected it to happen.

“I was embarrassed at the time and humiliated because it was a public arena.”

She said she reported it to colleagues and Jones was arrested later in the day.

At a police interview that evening he said he was surprised he had been arrested, but was now “sorry” he did it, the jury heard.

In details of the interview read to the court he agreed he had not asked the officer and said he probably made a remark afterwards along the lines of having wanted to do it.

“Just what I said: ‘I’ve always wanted to do that’, in a Benny Hill way,” he said.

Ex-Durham county councillor Neville Jones pictured leaving an earlier court hearing in the case, (Image: The Northern Echo)

Jones told police, “her bum was there to be slapped,” but he said he had not slapped anyone else’s bottom.

Asked if at any time he thought it was all right to slap a police officer’s bottom, he told the officer: “I wish she was here, I would apologise to her.”

He claimed there was “no sexual intent” to what he did.

“I don’t know. I just did it”, he said.

Asked about the reaction to it, he said he did not expect to end up in police custody.

When asked if he found the officer attractive, he told the police interviewer she was “bonny”, but denied finding her sexually attractive, replying: “No, no absolutely not.

“It’s just a thing to do, and I regret it.”

Jones, 60, of Van Mildert Road, Newton Aycliffe, who was a Durham County Council and Great Aycliffe Council member, from 2021 to 2025, denies sexual assault by touching.

He also denies a similar charge arising from a subsequent separate allegation, relating to an incident involving another woman some years earlier.

The trial continues tomorrow.

Wes Streeting is poised to resign as health secretary to force a leadership election against Sir Keir Starmer as the crisis within the Labour Party deepens.

The Independent first revealed on Monday that Mr Streeting was expected to launch a leadership bid as his supporters led the way in declaring no confidence in the prime minister.

A defiant Sir Keir has told his remaining supporters he will fight any challenge, but it is now understood that as many as five other ministers, all allies of Mr Streeting, are on a resignation watchlist to deliver a further blow to their embattled leader, joining the four who quit on Tuesday.

One Starmer loyalist minister told The Independent: “They [Mr Streeting and his supporters] will want to hit as hard as possible. There will definitely be other ministers resigning with him.”

Supporters of defence minister Al Carns, who is thought to be eyeing his own leadership bid, suggested he may quit if the health secretary goes and declares for the contest.

Along with Mr Streeting, supporters of energy secretary Ed Miliband, who was defeated as Labour leader in 2015, say he now has the numbers to launch a bid, while former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner could also challenge, despite facing questions over her tax affairs.

There were also fresh reports that Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham may have found a seat to run in with the hope he could return as a potential leadership candidate.

With fevered speculation across Westminster overshadowing the King’s Speech and State Opening of Parliament, there were also suggestions, denied by Downing Street, that Mr Streeting had been pulled from the morning broadcast round. According to his office over the weekend, he was due to do some interviews regarding NHS data being published on Thursday.

But despite the continued undermining of Sir Keir’s government, Downing Street insisted that the prime minister has “full confidence” in his health secretary. It came after the two had a Wednesday morning meeting at No 10, where Mr Streeting was expected to demand the PM explain how he would get Labour “out of this mess”, but it ended after just 16 minutes.

Mr Streeting, meanwhile, did not dampen speculation of a leadership bid, with a post on X (formerly Twitter), failing to deny briefings that he was about to quit the government.

He said: “Under Labour, NHS waiting lists are falling, ambulances are arriving faster, there are more GPs, and higher patient satisfaction.

“Lots done, lots to do. The Health Bill will boost the impact of our investment and modernisation: cutting bureaucracy to invest in patient care.”

However, another minister loyal to Sir Keir speculated that if Mr Streeting “bottles out again” and fails to resign, “it will be the end of his political career”.

In a sign of the problems that Mr Streeting could face in any leadership race, former shadow chancellor John McDonnell posted on X a reminder that the health secretary was an ally of the disgraced former peer Peter Mandelson, Sir Keir’s sacked ex-chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and the controversial thinktank Labour Together, which has been accused of smearing Labour politicians and journalists.

He said: “Just a thought. Wes Streeting owes his political status to the support he’s received over [the] years from Peter Mandelson and Morgan McSweeney at Labour Together. He wouldn’t make a move against Keir Starmer without Mandelson’s say-so. So look on this as Mandelson’s and Morgan’s revenge.”

In exchanges in the Commons after the King’s Speech, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch mocked Sir Keir for being “in office but not in power”.

Turning to Mr Streeting, she questioned if he had “been a bit distracted lately” over his failure to scrap NHS England, 14 months after the PM announced the move.

She added: “He’s chuntering now. Why don’t you just do your job? …There’s no point in him giving me dirty looks. We all know what he has been up to.”

The row completely overshadowed the second King’s Speech of Sir Keir’s premiership, where he laid out 35 bills for a new programme for government, 22 months after Labour won the 2024 general election.

But even the King’s Speech had hints of Sir Keir’s weakened authority with no legislation listed for welfare reform after he suffered a humiliating rebellion last summer, which forced him to retreat on plans to cut benefits.

There was also nothing to back up his plans to increase defence spending, suggesting that the “welfare over defence” argument was being won in Labour against his desire to bring it to above 3 per cent.

As the Commons sat for the start of the King’s Speech debate, Labour MPs were noticeably stony-faced.

Sir Keir tried to make light of the situation with a joke as he responded to the King’s Speech. As he took to the podium, he referred to backbencher MP Naz Shah’s opening address: “Members across the House will have read her remarkable new book. Her list of endorsements is truly impressive, reaching well over 100 members – at last, a list that we could all get behind.”

More than 90 Labour MPs have publicly demanded that he quit, while another 100 have signed a letter asking him to stay as the party splits over his future.

The prime minister defended his government’s record with Labour MPs still smarting from last week’s humiliating election results, which saw the party almost wiped out in Wales, suffer its worst defeat in Scotland and lose around 1,500 council seats in England.

But looking ahead, Sir Keir told the Commons the government was proposing “bills to increase the pace of change in our NHS, in law enforcement, in controlling our borders and more”.

He added: “Whilst immigration is down, we need to do more. Whilst violent crime is down, it needs to be lower.

“Whilst NHS waiting lists are down, we must go further – a rewiring of the state so the working people of this country feel that it serves their interests.”

Sir Keir later told MPs: “We will, as a defining act of this government, rebuild our relationship with Europe – Britain back at the heart of a stronger Europe.

“That is good for growth. It will reduce the cost of living and strengthen our security. There is no good reason to oppose it. So, for our economic security, for our Labour values, this government will act.”

But in a sign of the troubles Sir Keir faces, Labour MP Barry Gardiner could be seen sitting behind the prime minister in the Commons holding a copy of The Fraud by Owen Jones, a book highly critical of Sir Keir’s leadership of the Labour Party.

Everything you need to know as Man City take on Crystal Palace

Manchester City welcome Crystal Palace to the Etihad Stadium tonight in a massive clash that could define the Premier League title race.

Pep Guardiola’s side find themselves five points behind league leaders Arsenal and simply cannot afford a slip-up in this game in hand.

Palace, meanwhile, arrive in Manchester looking to play the role of spoilers as the season enters its final stretch.

Here is everything you need to know about the fixture.

What time is Man City v Crystal Palace kick-off?

The game kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday, May 13, at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.

Is Man City v Crystal Palace on TV?

Yes, the match is being broadcast live in the UK. ^{Coverage will be split across Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.}

Coverage begins at 7pm.

What about a live stream?

Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live via the Sky Go app on supported mobile devices, tablets, and PCs.

Alternatively, you can watch the game through NOW TV by purchasing a Sports Day Membership for £14.99 or a Monthly Membership.

What is the latest team news?

Manchester City are sweating on the fitness of midfield lynchpin Rodri, who has been sidelined with a muscular issue.

Defender Abdukodir Khusanov is also a doubt after picking up a knock against Everton, which could see Nathan Ake continue in the heart of the defence alongside former Palace man Marc Guéhi.

Palace, meanwhile, are likely to be without Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucouré. ^{However, Jean-Philippe Mateta is pushing for a start after his goal-scoring cameo against Everton at the weekend.}

Match Odds

• Man City win: 2/11
• Draw: 7/1
• Crystal Palace win: 10/1

(Odds courtesy of SkyBet and correct at time of publishing. 18+ please gamble responsibly)

‘Their busy social lives unravelled their deception’

A man who spent years feigning a severe disability to avoid trial for child sex offences has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

John Siddell, 41, and his brother, James Siddell, 44, were exposed for leading a “double life” that included faking paralysis while secretly attending social clubs and Elvis Presley tribute nights.

A trial at Leicester Crown Court heard that John Siddell presented himself as a mute, wheelchair-bound individual who was physically unable to hold up his own head. This charade was supported by his brother, James, who spoke for him during psychiatric evaluations to convince experts he was unfit for trial.

Click here to hear the latest from Manchester’s courts in our newsletter

Their “scheming and devious” act was ultimately dismantled by digital and physical evidence.

Images showed John walking unaided, smiling for selfies, and drinking at a social club, while video footage captured John pushing his wheelchair like a “trolley” to move household items over a mile. Hospital staff described John as “the most verbal non-verbal person” they had encountered.

Earlier this week, Judge Keith Raynor condemned the brothers for a “not-so-covert double life” that wasted precious NHS resources and “entirely corrupted” the course of justice. Prosecutor Claudia James said the brothers’ “busy social lives in part unravelled their deception”.

John Siddell was handed a 15-year custodial sentence with an additional two-year extended license. He previously pleaded guilty to 15 counts of sexual assault and inciting sexual activity involving three boys under the age of 14.

James Siddell was sentenced to two years and nine months for his role in the cover-up.

While the defence argued the family was “generationally dysfunctional” and that John suffered from genuine conditions like autism and epilepsy, the prosecution emphasised the cruelty of the deception.

Nicola Potts of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) noted that while the public may focus on the brothers’ “lies and antics,” the heart of the case remains the three victims.

“His cynical lies and the support he received from James was a further insult to these victims,” she stated.

The victims, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, provided a statement to the court confirming they are still dealing with the profound effects of the abuse.

The brothers, of Ashington, Northumberland, did not attend their sentencing hearing on Tuesday (12 May).

The BBC has confirmed that a brand new full series of Two Doors Down is in the works.

In 2025, a Christmas special was released, two years after the death of the show’s co-creator Simon Carlyle at the age of 48.

The episode was penned solely by Gregor Sharp, who said at the time: ‘I think we all felt we wanted to make sure that Simon would have approved, adding: ‘The togetherness that everyone’s shown has really helped us all just get through it and it’s made this quite a happy and joyous experience to be back together again.’

Now, it has been announced that series eight is officially on the way, with Sharp saying in a new statement: ‘It was a lot of fun putting the band back together for the Christmas episode last year, so I’m really excited to be coming back with some new tunes, which we hope will turn out just as special.

‘The cast are the most talented group of performers you could wish for, and I can’t wait to get started.’

More to follow.

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We’ve looked at some of the lowest‑priced listings on Rightmove to highlight five of the cheapest homes currently for sale in the town.

All prices and details were correct at the time of writing, but homes can sell or be withdrawn at short notice.

This is not a definitive list of the very lowest asking prices, but a snapshot of some of the cheapest options available right now based on advertised prices.

Five of the cheapest homes for sale in Darlington right now

1. £40,000 semi-detached house with garden and garage – Carnaby Road, Darlington (DL1)

A three-bedroom semi-detached house on Carnaby Road is on the market with a guide price of £40,000. You can see the full listing here.

The freehold property has two reception rooms, a separate kitchen, front and rear gardens and a driveway leading to a garage, but it needs full modernisation inside.

It is being sold with vacant possession ahead of an auction, which could appeal to investors or buyers looking for a project.

Listing from Rightmove/McHugh & Co – price and availability correct at time of writing.

2. £50,000 three-bedroom terrace close to town centre – Borough Road, Darlington (DL1)

A three-bedroom mid-terraced house on Borough Road has a guide price of £50,000 and is due to go under the hammer at an auction later this month. The full details are available here.

The property, close to Darlington town centre, includes a living room, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms and a bathroom, with a yard to the rear.

It is being offered with vacant possession, making it a potential option for buyers who want to move quickly or landlords looking for a rental investment.

Listing from Rightmove/Auction House – price, auction date and details correct at time of writing.

3. £50,000 two-bedroom terrace with garden – Branksome Terrace, Darlington (DL3)

In the Branksome area of Darlington, a two-bedroom terraced house on Branksome Terrace is listed with a guide price of £50,000. The listing can be viewed here.

The home offers an open‑plan living space, fitted kitchen and a private garden, and is described as being in generally good condition but with scope for buyers to put their own stamp on it.

With amenities, schools and transport links nearby, the property could suit both first-time buyers and investors.

Listing from Rightmove/Holbrook & Co – price and availability correct at time of writing.

4. £60,000 two-bedroom terrace in North Road area – Cumberland Street, Darlington (DL3)

A two-bedroom terraced property on Cumberland Street, in the North Road area of Darlington, is on the market for £60,000. You can see the listing here.

Downstairs there are two reception rooms and a kitchen, with two bedrooms and a separate bathroom on the first floor, plus a yard at the back.

The agent describes it as a good opportunity for an investor or first-time buyer wanting a home within reach of local shops and transport links.

Listing from Rightmove/Bridgfords – price and availability correct at time of writing.

5. £65,000 two-bedroom terrace with potential to improve – Locomotive Street, Darlington

On Locomotive Street, a two-bedroom terraced house is being advertised with offers in the region of £65,000. The full listing is available here.

The property has a lounge, kitchen with space for a dining table, two bedrooms and a bathroom, and has been well maintained but offers scope for further improvement.

Located in a popular residential area with bus services, schools and shops within walking distance, it is available with no onward chain and has a courtyard to the rear with an up‑and‑over door, greenhouse and outside WC.

Listing from Rightmove/Ann Cordey – price and availability correct at time of writing.

How we chose these Darlington properties

These homes were selected by looking at Darlington listings on Rightmove sorted by lowest asking price and picking out a sample of lower‑priced properties across different parts of the town.

We focused on standard sales rather than shared‑ownership or retirement homes and included auction lots where the guide price reflects the lower end of the market.

Asking prices and availability can change quickly, and buyers should check the latest details directly with the agents and carry out their own independent checks.

Why homes in Darlington can be cheaper than elsewhere

Darlington and wider County Durham have long been among the more affordable housing markets in England, with average sale prices significantly below the national average.

Terraced streets close to the town centre and older estates on the outskirts often offer some of the lowest entry points for first-time buyers and investors.

However, prices can vary street by street, and modern estates, larger family homes and properties near top-performing schools or transport hubs command higher figures.

The event was cancelled in 2025 due to ‘rapidly rising costs’

A Cambridge festival that’s coming back after a year off is set to have an Area 51 space theme. The Strawberry Fair has been running in Cambridge for 50 years, providing audiences with free musical entertainment.

In 2025 it was cancelled due to “rapidly rising costs”. However, the fair will return to Midsummer Common on June 6 after great fundraising efforts from organisers were able to bring it back.

“We are coming back bigger and stronger,” said Mark Evans, chair of the Strawberry Fair committee. With this year’s fair being the 51st, its theme is based on Area 51. On the alien-inspired theme, Mark said: “Last time it ran it was for 50 years. The next is for 51 so it’s a play on words for Area 51.”

Mark added that people should “expect a lot of aliens and space themes across the site”. He said: “It gives people an excuse to dress up as their favourite sci-fi character.”

While last year was cancelled due to financial struggles, Mark said organisers have been raising money to keep the event going. He said: “There has been lots of fundraising going on with various events. We are looking at how we can sustain it for years to come.”

In the lead up to June 6, Mark added that it has been a “manic” time for volunteers. He said: “I can report that everyone is working flat out. We are working a lot smarter than we have before, and having a year off has given us time to refocus.”

Mark described the Strawberry Fair as a “unique” event. He added: “It’s free to access and it’s for the people of Cambridge. It’s what the people of Cambridge deserve. There’s nothing quite like it. Cambridge should be proud of it and people should enjoy themselves.”

The Strawberry Fair is a volunteer-run festival and is free to attend. Anyone who would like to volunteer or find out more information about the event can visit the fair website.

Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor will take on a groundbreaking role with the men’s national side after being appointed as fielding coach for next month’s Test series against New Zealand.

Taylor, a World Cup winner in 2017, has been part of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s coaching set-up for a couple of years and worked as an assistant coach for the Lions in Australia this winter under Andrew Flintoff.

But her new role with Ben Stokes’ side is a watershed moment, marking the 36-year-old out as the most senior female coaching appointment for a major England men’s team.

It is not her first time smashing through glass ceilings. She was once called ‘the best wicketkeeper in the world’ by the great Adam Gilchrist, who made it clear he was speaking without reference to gender, joined the Sussex coaching staff in 2021 and was drafted by Hundred franchise Manchester Originals the following season. Back in 2015, she even earned the distinction of becoming the first woman to play first-grade cricket in Australia when she took the gloves for Northern Districts.

She will work with Jamie Smith and James Rew in the three-match series against the Black Caps, with previous fielding consultant Carl Hopkinson involved at the Indian Premier League with Mumbai Indians.

Rob Key, managing director of men’s cricket, said: “She’s done a lot of work in the Lions. We’ve been thoroughly, unbelievably impressed with her and the way that she goes about her business.

“I just think she’s one of the best in the business at what she does. She’s been outstanding, and she’s worked a lot with Andrew Flintoff and (performance director) Ed Barney. They can’t speak highly enough of her.

“So from what we can see, she’s one of the best in the business. She’s stepped up to come and do this and she’ll continue to work with the Lions when that’s required. She’ll be someone that we’ll definitely look at and continue to use.”

One of Taylor’s former international team-mates, Alex Hartley, has previously worked as spin coach for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League, with Ireland’s Cath Dalton also on staff as fast bowling coach.

In football, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has previously spoken encouragingly about the idea that Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman could one day take charge of the England men’s team.

Marie-Louise Eta was named as interim boss of Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin in April, while further down the English pyramid Hannah Dingley was briefly in charge of Forest Green on a caretaker basis in the summer of 2023.

Even further back, former British tennis number one Andy Murray became the first elite level male player to employ a female coach, working with Amelie Mauresmo from 2014-2016.

A large police operation is underway

A two‑year‑old British boy has reportedly been abducted in Cyprus as police launch a huge search operation after he was allegedly taken by his father from the family home in Limassol.

Officers say the 29‑year‑old Turkish Cypriot crossed illegally from the island’s north before entering the property, where he is accused of snatching the child from his British mother.

The man is believed to have stormed the property with an accomplice, forcing his way inside before fleeing in a small white car. A manhunt is under way, and investigators have already examined the suspected getaway vehicle as part of the operation.

Police believe the man returned to the island’s northern Turkish-occupied territories, with an island task force alerted to the incident.

Limassol deputy police chief Lefteris Kyriakou said an arrest warrant is set to be issued for the father, who is already subject to another arrest warrant relating to a domestic abuse incident in November 2025.

The British mum is part of the ‘Hope’ program which offers support to victims of domestic abuse, local outlet Protothema reports.

Channel 4 viewers have been left feeling ‘sick’ after the latest episode of Virgin Island ramped up the action.

The controversial reality series is back on our screens for a second season after the first became a hit with fans.

Taking place on a beautiful Croatian island, 12 adults who have never had sex attempt to overcome their intimacy issues with professional coaching and intimacy therapy.

Earlier this month, two sex therapists on the series insisted that they ‘were not lovers’ after a steamy scene between each other.

Now, however, viewers have been left ‘speechless’ after Bertie got his first proper tour of female genitalia thanks to his surrogate partner, Kat.

The 24-year-old, who is autistic, was encouraged to put his fingers inside of Kat’s vaginal opening.

After the pair stripped off their clothes and Kat offered an ‘anatomy lesson’, Bertie explained: ‘I obviously know what female genitals look like.

‘When it comes to dealing with one if I ever have sex, I wouldn’t know what to do. I’d know the different names of the different parts but I don’t know where’s where.

‘So, I wouldn’t know where to, you know… aim.’

Helping Bertie find different parts of the vagina, Bertie located the clitoris but ended up poking Kat, which led to her reassuring him that it’s ‘okay’ but saying it is ‘super sensitive’.

After laughing, Kat then said: ‘You can put your finger inside too to just feel what it feels like.’

Despite some hesistation, Bertie followed her instructions, giggling nervously, before he gave his finger a sniff afterwards.

He said: ‘I’m just curious. Okay, it doesn’t smell of anything.’

Reacting to the moment online, @bytesizedlaff wrote on TikTok: ‘I’m confused? Is this his partner or some random?’

Responding beneath, Catherine asked: ‘Is this broadcasted for all to see…on television?’

Meanwhile, Francesca said: ‘I’m gunna be sick,’ as Rachel similarly declared: ‘This is crazy honestly.’

Wendy also added: ‘I’m speechless, where did this come from?’

Previously, fans declared that Bertie delivered the ‘funniest TV moment of 2026’ after he learned how to position himself during sex with Kat and thrust.

The next episode of Virgin Island is available to watch at 9pm on Monday May 18 on Channel 4 and streaming.

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