2 days agoBlogsComments Off on Man, 28, remanded after appearing in court charged with murder of pregnant Co Down mum-of-two & child destruction
A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of pregnant mother-of-two Sarah Montgomery in Co Down.
Zak Hughes, 28, from Ardglen Place in Belfast, was also charged with child destruction during a brief appearance at Newtownards Magistrates’ Court today.
Zak Hughes appeared in court charged with the murder of pregnant mother-of-two Sarah MontgomeryPacemakerSarah, 27, died at her home in Donaghadee.PSNI
Dressed in a grey tracksuit, he stood in the dock and nodded when asked if he understood the charges.
A PSNI detective chief inspector told the court he could connect Hughes to the offences.
No facts of the case were laid out and there was no application for bail.
The date of the offences given on court papers was June 27.
District Judge Conor Heaney remanded Hughes in custody until July 30.
Ms Montgomery, 27, died at her home in Donaghadee.
Floral tributes have been left outside her house in Elmfield Walk.
A 42-year-old woman, who was arrested in Belfast on suspicion of assisting an offender, was released unconditionally on Tuesday.
The death of Ms Montgomery has led to renewed focus on the rate of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland.
She was the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020.
TRIBUTES PAID
Dozens of tributes have been paid to Ms Montgomery since her death.
Donaghadee Primary School described their former pupil as “the most supportive and loving mum to her two wonderful daughters”.
The school said she was “a much-loved past pupil” and offered its “heartfelt thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences to Sarah’s family at this very sad time”.
A number of MLAs at Stormont also expressed their condolences.
UNIMAGINABLE TRAGEDY
Answering questions at the Northern Ireland Assembly, Northern Ireland, First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said: “I can’t even imagine what her family are going through.
“A young mummy expecting her next child, her whole life ahead of her and taken from her family in the most devastating way.
“Sarah Montgomery had her whole life ahead of her, a beautiful woman, two children and one on the way.
“That tragedy is just unimaginable for so many people.
2 days agoBlogsComments Off on Romeo Beckham’s ex Kim Turnbull shows him what he’s missing as she strips down for sizzling bikini snap
ROMEO Beckham’s ex girlfriend Kim Turnbull has shared a jaw-dropping bikini photo in the wake of their split.
The raven-haired beauty can be seen on holiday looking toned and tanned in a red two-piece costume.
Kim showed off her enviable figure in the dark red bikiniInstagraminstagramRomeo’s romance with Kim came 20 months after his split from his ex of five years[/caption]
Perched on the edge of a yacht, the DJ made her own waves in front of the idyllic Egyptian setting.
With the wind in her hair, the natural beauty displayed her curves in the dark red swim set.
The model accessorised with simple gold jewellery as she posed in front of the camera.
Kim and Romeo went public last November – but have split up after seven months together.
It comes after reports that Kim has been made the “scapegoat” in the Brooklyn feud.
Kim was said to be involved in the Beckham family feud in which eldest child Brooklyn and wife Nicola Peltz, 30, have become estranged.
Brooklyn is thought to have previously dated Kim as a teenager and was said to be unhappy she was on the guestlist for David’s birthday celebrations.
However, the model and DJ said she was ‘never been romantically involved’ with Brooklyn.
Kim wrote: “I’ve avoided speaking on this topic to prevent adding fuel to the fire, however it’s come to a point where I feel the need to address it so I can move on.”
The model and DJ said she was being unfairly targeted by trolls and abuse since the famous family fell out.
She continued: “I will not continue to receive harassment or be embarrassed on the basis of lies, to fit a certain narrative.”
Kim then clarified: “I have never been romantically involved in ANY capacity at ANY point with the person in question.
“Nothing between us has occurred further than a school friendship at age 16.
“I would like to remove myself from the ongoing conversation and set the record straight for the sake of everyone involved.”
Kim began her modelling career in 2017, working with major brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu and Rimmel London.
Kim comes from a creative family — her father Alex is a DJ and the founder of influential hip-hop label Ronin Records and her grandfather, William Turnbull, was a renowned Scottish sculptor whose work was displayed at London’s Tate Gallery.
Kim was previously linked to Rocco Ritchie, the son of Madonna and Guy Ritchie, who is one of Becks’ closest pals.
kim_turnbull / InstagramThe brunette beauty posted snaps of her trip to Egypt and wowed followers[/caption]
kim_turnbull / InstagramKim was thought to have been part of the feud concerning David’s 50th birthday[/caption]
GettyThe couple have parted ways after getting together last November[/caption]
GettyRomeo and Kim were together for seven months but have recently split[/caption]
What do David Beckham’s tattoos mean?
Hands
Starting with the hands, and David Beckham has the word “Love” inked across the top of his left hand, with a swallow on either side.
This is joined by the numbers 723, a combination of the shirts he famously wore for Manchester United and later Real Madrid.
On his little finger, he has the year he was married.
Becks also has a small female-stick figure designed by his daughter Harper.
The devoted husband has “Posh” tattooed on a finger as a nod to wife Victoria Beckham’s Spice Girls nickname.
Arms
Becks has two sleeve tattoos on both his arms with the centrepieces paying tribute to his marriage to Victoria.
The most famous of his body art comes in the shape of her name along the inside of his forearm, which is inked in Sanskrit.
Both Posh and Becks have Hebrew tattoos, which they got to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.
The matching tatts translate to, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”.
Meanwhile, Becks also has a separate rose inking on his left arm to mark the couple’s tenth anniversary.
Neck
One of Beckham’s most famous tattoos is on his neck, which is a gothic style cross and wings.
It is symbolic of to his religion and acts as a protective guardian of his son Romeo, whose name is tattooed just below the angel wings.
Beckham also has the name of his daughter, Harper, on the side of his neck.
This was later updated to include the words “Pretty Lady”, to mark her fourth birthday.
Back
Beckham’s back tattoos serve as tribute to his sons.
He has angel wings at the top as a sign of protection for them.
Becks has both his eldest on Brooklyn, and his youngest son Cruz’s names inked across his back.
Body
Beckham has a large chest tattoo that is an image of himself as Jesus, with three cherubs representing his sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz.
The footy ace also has a vertical tattoo down his left side in Chinese symbols – this translates as “Death and life have determined appointments”.
Paying homage to his father, he has an inking of a ship at full mast – which is identical to the same one his dad has.
2 days agoBlogsComments Off on Queensland Reds 12 British & Irish Lions 52: Maro Itoje leads by example as tourist make it two from two in Australia
MARO ITOJE led from the front as his Lions made it two from two on Australian soil with his tourists hit the Reds for an eight-try half century.
But Andy Farrell’s men had a late injury worry when Elliot Daly, himself a late call-up to the starting XV, went off with an arm injury after 66 minutes.
AFPMaro Itoje celebrates with a team-mate Luke Cowan-Dickie[/caption]
And Itoje went down after a blow on the shoulder late on but carried on to ensure his side got over the line safely.
Daly was attempting a tackle on home full-back Jock Campbell when he pulled up holding his left arm and was replaced then later seen with blood coming from a bandage on the limb.
Itoje was everywhere for the Lions, dominating the line outs, bossing the breakdown and scoring a try in the second half.
There were other pluses for boss Andy Farrell with fly-half Finn Russell conducting the backs and England wing Tommy Freeman scoring twice in another powerful display and Jac Morgan won the battle on the deck.
The Lions were hit by the late withdrawal of Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan, who was listed as sick, and Daly was parachuted in from outside the 23 to start.
Keenan has not played on the tour so far, after a calf injury, but is expected to be fit to face the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday with time running out to make a claim for a Test spot.
That means the versatile Saracen has been named in a Lions 23 for the last 11 games stretching back to the tourists’ opening game in South Africa in 2021.
The Lions led 21-21 at the break but had been given the hurry-up by a Reds side who drew first blood through former Wasps prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen on seven minutes.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
But Freeman, with a neat finish, got the Lions back in it, but Queensland centre Josh Flook made the most of a bounce that bamboozled Duhan van der Merwe to get the hosts in front.
Itoje’s side then returned fire with a double salvo from prop Andrew Porter and Van der Merwe before the skipper stormed over off a short pass from Jamison Gibson-Park on 44 minutes.
Morgan, now the only Welsh player left on tour, finished it as a contest when he hit a strong line off Alex Mitchell’s pass to cap a great evening for the Osprey.
Freeman grabbed a second and Huw Jones ran in from 50 metres before Daly was forced off but the Lions were home and hosed.
AFPBritish and Irish Lions’ made in two for two[/caption]
2 days agoBlogsComments Off on Major PS5 and Xbox game sequel ‘cancelled’ without warning as fans call axing ‘criminal’ and blast ‘brutal cliffhanger’
A LONG-awaited sequel to a hit PS5 and Xbox game has been axed without warning — leaving fans gutted.
Outriders 2, the follow-up to the 2021 sci-fi shooter, was reportedly deep in development before publisher Square Enix pulled the plug.
Reports claim the decision came from Square Enix and was beyond the developer’s control
The game was being made by Polish developer People Can Fly and had the working title Project Gemini.
Reports claim the decision came from Square Enix and was beyond the developer’s control.
It’s not clear why the game was cancelled, but it’s another blow to an already struggling games industry.
Outriders launched in 2021 and got off to a strong start thanks to its day-one release on Xbox Game Pass.
The looter-shooter picked up a loyal fanbase and Square Enix even said it could become their “next big franchise”.
Despite that, the game failed to make a profit in its first year.
That may have raised doubts about the future of the series — and now it seems those fears were justified.
According to sources, Outriders 2 had already reached the motion capture stage, suggesting it was well underway.
Motion capture is used to bring characters and cutscenes to life, and often takes place in the later stages of production.
However, some insiders say the sequel wasn’t quite as far along as others claim.
Either way, the cancellation came as a shock — and has sparked backlash from fans.
Gamers have taken to Reddit to vent their frustration.
One said: “Still maintain that this game had the best crafting system for a looter shooter. Had some really fun builds when we played this.”
Another added: “That’s a bummer. I had fun with the first one but 3-person co-op is just such a weird number.”
A third said: “I hope it gets resurrected somehow as I really, really loved the first one.”
Many fans are also angry that the first game ended on a massive cliffhanger — one that may now never be resolved.
Some even called the decision “criminal” and accused the publisher of giving up on a story they were heavily invested in.
This is the second known game to be cancelled at People Can Fly, who are now focused on other projects.
The studio is currently working on several titles, including helping out on Gears of War: E-Day.
They previously developed Gears of War: Judgement for Xbox 360, so they’re no strangers to the franchise.
As for Outriders, its future looks uncertain. With the sequel shelved and no official word from Square Enix, fans are bracing themselves for the worst.
It’s not the first time a big-name game has been scrapped — and likely won’t be the last.
SEGA shocked fans in 2023 when it cancelled Hyenas, a flashy team-based shooter from Total War devs Creative Assembly.
The game had already been through public testing, but was axed just before release, alongside a wave of job cuts.
Over at PlayStation, The Last of Us Online was quietly shelved by Naughty Dog.
The multiplayer spin-off was meant to expand the world of the hit franchise, but after years in development limbo, the studio admitted in late 2023 it had decided to pull the plug and focus on single-player titles instead.
Xbox gamers were left disappointed years earlier when Scalebound, a dragon-riding action adventure, was cancelled by Microsoft.
Despite early gameplay footage and a growing fanbase, the 2017 cancellation blamed development struggles and high ambitions that proved too difficult to deliver.
Sony PlayStationAccording to sources, Outriders 2 had already reached the motion capture stage, suggesting it was well underway[/caption]
2 days agoBlogsComments Off on Wimbledon 2025 LIVE RESULTS: Play underway after TWO-HOUR rain delay with Raducanu later, Alcaraz vs Tarvet, Fritz on
WIMBLEDON is well underway at the All England Club – with play finally BACK ON after a TWO-HOUR delay because of rain on Wednesday morning!
Emma Raducanu features on Centre Court this evening as she faces Marketa Vondrousova in round two.
Before that, reigning men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz takes on British star Oliver Tarvet, while the likes of Cameron Norrie, Katie Boutler and Taylor Fritz are also in action on a star-studded Day Three.
On Tuesday, Jack Draper and Novak Djokovic made it into round two but top seeds Coco Gauff and Alexander Zverev both crashed out
2 days agoBlogsComments Off on Aldi Ireland drop Boho Hanging Chair in middle aisle bargain for just €29.99 – and it will transform any garden space
ALDI Ireland has dropped a Boho Hanging Chair in middle aisle bargain for just €29.99 – and it will add an instant boost to your garden.
The budget supermarket has the perfect garden staple in store just in time for summer.
Aldi IrelandThe bargain buy will improve your living space in just seconds[/caption]
Aldi IrelandBuyers can hang it inside or in the garden[/caption]
Landing on the shelves tomorrow, this hand-woven seat is designed to bring a bit of laid-back style to your home or garden.
And it’s part of Aldi’s BELAVI range, which often sells out quickly.
Aldi chiefs said: “Decorate your space while providing special and stylish seating using a Boho Hanging Chair.
“Hand woven design, functional and stylish.”
Measuring around 81 by 40 centimetres, the hanging chair is compact enough to fit most spaces without feeling cramped.
You can hang it indoors for a cosy reading space or set it up outside to catch some summer breeze.
And it’s far cheaper than hanging chairs in B&Q stores that are going for more than double the price – with one going for €155.
Mounting hardware comes in the box, so you will be able to get it up and transform your living space in just minutes.
The chair’s neutral look fits a range of decor styles, making it the perfect addition to your garden or home.
At only €29.99 it offers an affordable way to update a space without major investment.
The hanging chair is set to be a big hit, so savvy shoppers must act fast.
This comes after Aldi Ireland fans are rushing to buy a “super stylish” garden bargain that’s perfect for parties.
The Rattan Effect Garden Bar is in stores now for €100.
A garden bar is an outdoor furniture setup designed for relaxation and entertainment.
It includes features like a tempered glass top for serving drinks, a stainless-steel ice bucket to keep beverages chilled and storage options such as bottle storage and wine racks.
It’s a stylish addition to your outdoor space, making it a perfect spot for gatherings, especially during summer BBQs.
The retailer said: “Set up the perfect place to unwind outdoors.
“This super stylish garden furniture will be the talk of those summer BBQs.
“Perfect addition to your outdoor space.
“Includes a tempered glass top which is perfect for serving, a stainless-steel ice bucket, bottle storage and 2 wine racks to keep glassware safe.”
The item has a powder-coated steel frame and comes in a rattan effect.
What’s more, the garden bar features lockable wheels that makes it easy to move around and stabilise.
THE HISTORY OF ALDI
The German discount supermarket chain came to Ireland in 1999.
Aldi’s first few shops opened in November 1999, with locations in Sandyford, Dublin, and Ballincollig, Cork.
By the mid-2000s, Aldi bosses had opened numerous stores, focusing on providing high-quality products at low prices.
As the recession hit 2008-2012, Aldi’s popularity grew as consumers became more price-conscious.
The supermarket giant continued it’s expansion in Ireland between 2013-2018, while refurbishing existing stores.
By 2018, Aldi had over 130 shops throughout the country.
The chain began to focus on expanding its range of Irish-made products and supporting local producers.
In 2023, Aldi had over 140 stores in Ireland.
The store invested in sustainability initiatives, such as reducing plastic packaging and increasing the availability of organic and eco-friendly products.
Aldi chiefs said: “At Aldi we are committed to supporting Irish suppliers. Developed in partnership with Bord Bia, Grow with Aldi is designed to help the very best Irish suppliers develop their brand.
“To date, we’ve invested €10 million in our Grow with Aldi development programme in a bid to find the very best Irish suppliers.
“As a result, for a limited time only there are over 47 new products, from 27 Irish suppliers available in store.”
Aldi have introduced technological advancements with self-checkout systems and contactless payment options.
AlamyAldi Ireland is releasing a fabulous Boho hanging chair[/caption]
2 days agoBlogsComments Off on Aidan O’Brien suddenly pulls Royal Ascot winner ‘who can really move’ from £500,000 Group 1 amid huge stable shuffle
AIDAN O’BRIEN has mysteriously pulled a Royal Ascot winner ‘who can really move’ from a £500,000 race.
The Ballydoyle boss pulled the plug on Hampton Court Stakes hero Trinity College’s planned run in the German Derby on Sunday.
The Mega AgencyHampton Court Stakes winner Trinity College was all set to run in the German Derby on Sunday but trainer Aidan O’Brien suddenly pulled the plug on his participation[/caption]
Trinity College’s French Derby fourth automatically got him an entry in the Group 1 won last year by former Nicky Henderson inmate and world’s most expensive jumps horse Palladium.
He had been installed favourite by bookies on the back of his Ascot heroics.
But just 48 hours after putting him in the race O’Brien scrapped Trinity College’s entry.
It came as word spread O’Brien was set to supplement The Lion In Winter into a blockbuster Prix Jean Prat on Sunday.
The former Derby favourite, who is 25-1 for the City Of York stakes having been given an entry over 7f there too, could line up against Juddmonte’s Cosmic Year and Godolphin’s Dewhurst winner Shadow Of Light.
More to follow.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
2 days agoBlogsComments Off on Cops want to KILL my 5-ft tall Tibetan Mastiff Simba after he ‘jumped’ on my pal – he looks vicious but he’s a softie
A DOG owner is battling to stop her beloved pet from being put down after it was seized by cops for “jumping at” one of her friends.
Zoe Snodin, 39, was left stunned when police seized her giant Tibetan Mastiff, Simba, after he leapt at a woman – catching its teeth on her jumper.
Distressed dog owner is battling to stop her dog from being put to sleepSWNSSimba is a giant Tibetan Mastiff, weighing 50kgSWNSSWNSZoe Snodin claims no one was injured in the incident and demands her dog to be returned home[/caption]
Police have since applied to have the 50kg hound put to sleep, labelling it a “dangerous dog.”
Zoe claims her friend was left uninjured from the incident, which occurred in her garden in Fishlake, Doncaster on May 16.
She also claims that her pal has not made a formal complaint to the police but it was referred to officers when the friend mentioned it to her GP.
The mum of five claims Simba was being “overprotective” when the woman walked into her front garden unannounced.
Now Zoe is raising funds to fight the destruction order and pay for another ‘dog behavioural test.’
She said: “Simba is just a protective dog.
“He was just standing his ground until I arrived.
“He has never hurt anybody and still hasn’t – he is a kind and compassionate dog.”
Zoe added: “He must have felt threatened by the woman that’s why he jumped up at her, though it was never malicious.”
She explained that he is a big animal, standing over five feet on his back legs, so can easily spook people.
Zoe said that as soon as she arrived back home, the canine was back to his relaxed, normal self.
In a desperate plea to keep her pet, she said: “Simba is not just a dog – he’s part of our family – we desperately want him back home.
“This situation has been heartbreaking but I remain hopeful that justice and compassion will prevail.”
South Yorkshire Police said they are aware of an “alleged dog attack” involving a Tibetan Mastiff in the area and seized the dog whilst “enquiries progressed”.
SWNSThe dog has been seized by police[/caption]
The mother-of-five said her children are really upset by the newsSWNSSWNSZoe is the proud owner of several larger dogs[/caption]
The incident took place earlier this year, after Zoe’s daughter returned home from a party nearby.
Isla, 11, was being dropped off by the friend who was also at the SATs party when the incident occurred.
Zoe explained that she had heard Isla walk through the front door and asked her if she had said “thank you” to the lady for dropping her off – that’s when she saw her walking down their driveway towards the house.
She said: “When I saw the woman walking towards my home I knew Simba may decide to stand his ground before I arrived to greet her.
“I ran outside whilst calling for Simba to let him know it was okay as I didn’t want him to do anything silly.
“He must have felt threatened by the lady and just jumped up at her and got his teeth caught on her jumper in the process.
“He is a big dog so he would spook a lot of people.”
Zoe has claimed that by the time Simba knew the lady was okay to be on the property, she had already left and driven away.
Zoe’s property is surrounded by an eight foot fence where several ‘beware of dogs’ warning signs hang.
She is also “wary” of people entering her property unannounced as she owns four other large breeds including two Cane Corsos, Kimba and Karma, a Mastiff cross Saint Bernard called Reeva, and a Rottweiler called Phoenix.
She says the dogs are “extremely friendly” having taken part in several local “fun” dog shows but understands people may feel “intimidated” by their size.
Which dog breeds are banned in the UK
THERE are specific regulations in place that prohibit certain dog breeds from being owned or bred in the UK.
People tend to think of large, vicious dogs when they imagine being bitten by one.
But the truth is that many types of dogs are known to bite humans, whether provoked or not.
However, it’s important to remember that just because a breed tends to bite humans, that doesn’t mean that they all do.
British law determines five breeds of dog are illegal to own, breed, sell or give away.
These breeds are:
XL Bullies
Pit Bull Terriers
Japanese Tosas
Dogo Argentinos
Fila Brasileiros
The stay-at-home mum explained she called the woman over the weekend to “apologise” for Simba’s behaviour and the woman agreed not to go to the police.
But it wasn’t until three days later that Zoe said she received a text from the lady saying she was feeling ill and developing a temperature and was to visit a GP.
Zoe said: “The woman told the GP about what happened and they have a duty to inform the police.
“Simba didn’t scratch or pierce the skin so I don’t understand how she could be feeling ill from the incident.”
Once police were informed, they visited the woman’s house for a statement and to take images of her arm – which according to Zoe, she refused.
They then investigated Zoe’s property and sized Simba under the grounds of the Dangerous Dogs Act on May 25.
The act prohibits or restricts certain types of dogs and makes it a criminal offence to allow a dog of any breed to be dangerously out of control.
Zoe said: “It has been five weeks and we still haven’t got Simba back.
“The kids are devastated.
“He did nothing wrong and I am stressed facing the prospect of losing him forever.”
She also said her five children Maddison, 16, Chase, 14, Isla, 11, Franky, 7, and Elijah, 4, are really “upset” Simba has been taken.
Isla competes in dog shows with the caninesSWNSSWNSThe family desperately want Simba “back where he belongs”[/caption]
Zoe understands that people can often be “spooked” by bigger breeds but insists her pets are harmlessSWNS
No criminal charges have been brought against Zoe but a civil hearing regarding the case is set to be brought to Doncaster Magistrates Court.
Zoe is still waiting for a date for the first hearing which can take up to six months.
The mum has also told that she had to pay £500 for Simba to have an independent behavioural assessment that was ordered by the police which she says he “smashed”.
Zoe said: “They have told me what a fantastic boy he is and he isn’t a danger to the public.
“I’m doing everything I can to prove I’m a responsible dog owner and Simba is a safe dog.”
Zoe is currently holding a crowdfund for a further dog behavioural test for Simba to aid his release.
Zoe said: “All I want is Simba back home where he belongs, not stuck, frightened in a kennel.
“I want to spread awareness to ensure this doesn’t happen to any other dog owner.”
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “We are aware of a report of a dog attack in which a Tibetan Mastiff is alleged to have attacked a woman in Kirk Lane in Doncaster.
“This incident was reported to us on 19 May and following enquiries the dog was seized while enquiries progressed.”
Zoe is currently holding a crowdfund for a further dog behavioural test for Simba to aid his release.
SWNSSimba spotted the neighbour walking down the driveway when the incident occurred[/caption]
Zoe claims he returned to his normal, relaxed self the minute she arrivedSWNSSWNSZoe has “beware of dog” warning signs around her property[/caption]
SWNSThe property is surrounded by a large fence and gates[/caption]
