Must Reads
Muslim convert left his pregnant wife to try and join Islamic State
A "meek and mild" Muslim convert who tried to reach Syria to fight for Islamic State after being radicalised online was convicted today on Tuesday in just 35 minutes. Ismael Watson, 27, formerly known as Jack, left his pregnant wife to travel to the war-torn country last year. But he was snared by two undercover agents he discussed his plans with. When he tried to cross the Turkish border last July he was detained, and was eventually deported back to...
GUESS WHO?: ‘Horrendous’ celebrity tribute blasted by critics on social media
Can you guess who this artistic collage is meant to be? It's a tribute to a deceased celebrity in Chesterfield town centre that has been causing a right royal kerfuffle. Is that enough of a clue? It's a face that has graced the front cover of the Daily Express more times than the weather has? The artist - it could be said doesn't hold a candle to other famous artists that captured this face - from Lord Snowdon to Mario...
Queen Victoria’s Last Love – the true story of the servant who introduced the monarch to curry and the Koran
A descendant of an Indian servant who inspired the new Stephen Frears movie with Judi Dench 'Victoria and Abdul' has told how his great-uncle introduced the monarch to curry and the Koran. Abdul Karim was an Indian Muslim who was handpicked to help Queen Victoria learn about her Asian territories in the late 19th century. He served her for 15 years and their extraordinary friendship is the subject of a new film, 'Victoria and Abdul', starring Dame Judi Dench as...
Child prodigy earns First Class Honours degree in Maths at age of only 13
One of Britain's youngest graduates has earned a first class honours degree in Maths after studying in his free time - at the age of only 13. Wang Pok Lo is already studying for his Master's degree after achieving the remarkable feat by completing an Open University course. The child prodigy was doing sums when he was two-years-old and passed his Advanced Higher Maths exams when he was only 11. Known as Pok to his friends at Queensferry High School,...
Shocking photos show awful mistreatment of Shar-Pei dogs
These shocking photos show the awful mistreatment of Shar-Pei dogs - but also their heartwarming rehabilitation at the hands of a small British charity. With their wrinkly skin, large nose and blue tongue, the Shar-Pei is one of the cutest and more unusual breeds of dog. But unscrupulous breeders have caused a number of them to suffer from health issues affecting their skin, eyes and ears. As a result, neglected dogs quickly find themselves in an appalling condition. However, the...
Pensioner receives letter from local council saying she died four years ago
A pensioner was shocked when she received a letter from her local council - saying she had been DEAD for four years. Ena King couldn't believe her eyes when she opened the letter addressed to the executors of her will, offering condolences and asking for their details. And the 78-year-old was so surprised that she said that she just began to laugh. "It was unbelievable. I opened it up and I thought, 'My goodness, it says I'm dead'," said Mrs...
Americans asked not to shoot at Hurricane Irma
Americans have been strongly advised not to shoot at Hurricane Irma after Facebook groups were set up inviting fellow patriots to take aim at the megastorm. More than 26,000 Facebook users have pledged to "gun down Irma" as of 10am today, prompting the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office to respond. The Sheriff’s Office yesterday tweeted "To clarify, DO NOT shoot weapons @ #Irma. You won't make it turn around & it will have very dangerous side effects". The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence...
MEPs hear how cross border spycops can “move into your home, your family”
To bug your phone the state at the very least needs the permission of a judge or Home Secretary. But as the bereaved family of murdered black teenager Stephen Lawrence found out, to send an undercover police officer to spy on you and your family, all that is needed is the permission of the police chief handling them. This week campaigners whose lives have been affected by “spycops” addressed the European Parliament as it is not only this nation’s undercover...
Jury laughs at pathetic excuses of child abuser before returning guilty verdict
A jury laughed at the lies of a child rapist before returning a unanimous guilty verdict which saw him jailed for 18 years. Alan Dart, 30, was homeless when he was offered an attic room by the ten-year-old girl's mother but he soon began to groom her daughter for sex. He started a three-year sexual relationship with her when she was just 11. A court heard he manipulated the victim so successfully she became convinced she was in love with...