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My man was 44 & healthy but collapsed & died – I was pregnant with our 6th baby & am begging strangers for help

A SINGLE mum of six fears losing her home after her ‘healthy’ partner died suddenly from a stroke while gardening.

Amanda Conlon, 40, is hoping to raise £200,000 to pay off her mortgage after her partner Clint Robinson, 44, died from a stroke in July 2024.

A mother and father holding their newborn baby in a hospital bed.
SWNS
Amanda Conlon was left heartbroken after partner Clint Robinson died from a stroke in July 2024[/caption]
Photo of a family of six sitting together outdoors.
SWNS
Amanda is now a single mum of six and fears losing her home[/caption]
A man kissing a young girl's forehead while holding a baby.
SWNS
Clint died suddenly from a stroke while gardening[/caption]

Clint was out tending to his vegetable patch on a sunny Thursday morning when he came stumbling inside asking his pregnant partner for help.

Amanda said: “While I rang 999 he was still able to talk a little bit – they were asking what happened and he said he’d got a headache and went dizzy.

“He went to call our two year old, and he said her name wouldn’t come out of his mouth.”

Clint was rushed by ambulance to Scunthorpe General Hospital‘s stroke unit where he complained that he was unable to feel the left side of his body.

Amanda, who rushed to the hospital in pursuit of her partner, says a nurse told her she should return home to allow Clint to rest, and had assured her he’d be back to normal by the following day.

When she tried to return to the hospital at 8pm, however, she was told she wasn’t allowed to visit her partner of 24 years – but she was assured he was fine.

The following morning, however, her worst nightmares came true – doctors said Clint was only responding to touch and that a bleed on his brain had continued overnight.

He was taken to intensive care, but Amanda had to make the difficult decision to turn off his life support after 10 days when she was told there was ‘no activity’ in his brain.

Amanda feels like her last hours with her partner, whom she was planning to marry next year, were taken away from her due to the hospital’s decision to bar her from visiting.

She said: “I called at midnight and they said ‘he’s fine, he’s been asking for you quite a lot but he’s gone to sleep now’, I said ‘please can I come and sit with him then’.

“I just feel like they took that away from me – any time I could have had left with him, they took it away because they told me he was going to be fine.”

MORTGAGE WORRIES

To make matters worse, the mortgage on the couple’s home was entirely in Clint’s name, and the qualified joiner was without life insurance after cancelling it over financial difficulties during the Covid pandemic.

The distraught mum was told her home could face repossession if she is unable to remortgage or pay the home off in full.

Man carrying his young daughter on his shoulders.
SWNS
Clint with one of his daughters[/caption]
A father and his young daughter.
SWNS
Clint was taken to intensive care, but Amanda had to make the difficult decision to turn off his life support after 10 days when she was told there was ‘no activity’ in his brain[/caption]
Toddler holding a sheep-shaped cookie.
SWNS
Amanda has little help raising her kids[/caption]

Orphaned at nine years old, Amanda, who works as a teacher trainer, doesn’t have any parents she can rely on for financial help.

Now, the single mum, whose children are aged 20, 15, eight, three, one, and five months, has set up an online fundraiser to pay off Clint’s mortgage and ensure her children have somewhere to live – something she knows is a tall order.

Writing on the GoFundMe page, she said: “I still can’t find the words for what it felt like to stand there holding my children while telling them their daddy was never coming home. I still hear their cries at night. I still can’t believe this is real life.

Amanda Conlon and her daughter with her late partner, Clint Robinson.
SWNS
The distraught mum was told her home could face repossession if she is unable to remortgage or pay the home off in full[/caption]
A young girl walks a balance beam while her father watches.
SWNS
Amanda has been left to raise their six kids alone[/caption]

“Now I’m here, I’ve given birth to our youngest daughter without him by my side. A single mum with six children — three of them under the age of 3.

“I have a newborn baby in my arms, and I’m trying to hold everyone together with no partner, no parents, no grandparents for my children.

“I can’t work right now — I’m home with three babies under three, doing every feed, every bath, every sleepless night alone. And at the same time, I’m trying to grieve a man I can’t even begin to live without.”

MONEY PLEA

A man and young child walking down a street in the rain, the child carrying a clear umbrella.
SWNS
Amanda has launched a GoFundMe page to help with her mortgage[/caption]

Amanda has currently raised over £15,000 – a large sum, but under 10 per cent of the target.

She said: “The amount I’m trying to raise is a substantial amount – I don’t want anyone to think ‘oh, wouldn’t we all like our mortgage to be paid’.

“The reason why I’ve done it is because I think if I died tomorrow then my children have got a home – it would be my oldest daughter who would need to look after them.

“If anything were to happen to me, they would have that security.

I can’t work right now — I’m home with three babies under three, doing every feed, every bath, every sleepless night alone. And at the same time, I’m trying to grieve a man I can’t even begin to live without

Amanda Conlon

“If everybody just put in £1, if 200,000 people put in £1 that would make all the difference.

“I’m not asking anybody for a large amount, I don’t even like asking anybody for anything, but I’ve always helped people and Clint has always helped people. He always told the children that if anybody needs help, it’s really important to help.”

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust has been contacted for comment.

What are the symptoms of stroke?

The FAST method – which stands for Face, Arms, Speech, Time – is the easiest way to remember the most common symptoms of stroke:

F = Face drooping – if one side of a person’s face is dropped or numb then ask them to smile, if it’s uneven then you should seek help.

A = Arm weakness – if one arm is weak or numb then you should ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts downwards then you might need to get help

S = Speech difficulty – if a person’s speech is slurred then this could be a sign of a stroke

T = Time to call 999 – if a person has the signs above then you need to call 999 in the UK or 911 in the US for emergency care.

Other symptoms include:

  • sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
  • difficulty finding words
  • sudden blurred vision or loss of sight
  • sudden confusion, dizziness or unsteadiness
  • a sudden and severe headache
  • difficulty understanding what others are saying
  • difficulty swallowing

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Man makes ‘no reply’ & appears in court charged with murder of dad-of-two, 34, found fatally stabbed in Dublin

A MAN made no reply after he was charged with the murder of a 34-year-old dad-of-two.

Christopher Kelly, also 34, was brought before Judge David McHugh at Dublin District Court this afternoon over the killing of Joseph McEvoy.

Photo of Joseph McEvoy.
Joseph McEvoy was fatally stabbed in Dublin on Monday

Mr McEvoy died after he was fatally stabbed in the Shancastle Close area in Clondalkin, west Dublin in the early hours of Monday.

In court, Detective Sergeant Sean Cosgrove gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He said the accused was arrested at Ronanstown Garda Station after 3pm today.

Kelly was charged at 3.58pm with the murder of Mr McEvoy and made “no reply”.

Kelly, who has an address in Shancastle Park, was handed a true copy of the charge sheet.

He was remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court via video link on Friday at 10am.

An application for legal aid was granted after the court heard that Kelly was not in receipt of social welfare.

A murder investigation was launched on Monday after Mr McEvoy was fatally injured before 5.50am on Monday following a series of incidents.

McEvoy, who was a talented footballer and had no involvement in crime, died from his injuries in hospital.

Locals in Clondalkin have told of their shock at the death.

TRIBUTES

Dozens of tributes have also been left on various social media platforms.

His relative Mia McEvoy said: “Our Joey – you’ll be truly missed – we love you lots.”

Family pal Roisin Nolan added: “RIP Joey. Thinking of Emma and your children.

“You are a true gentleman. Thinking of your family.

“May you get the best bed in heaven.”

DEVASTATED

Another pal said: “Rest in peace Joey. God love his poor family. This is heartbreaking news.”

His football club Quarryvale FC also remembered him and added: “We are devastated to hear of the loss of our club captain Joey.

“The nicest man you’d ever meet and an absolute warrior on the pitch.

“Big Joe Mac was the life of every party and nothing will feel the same with him gone.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this horrible time. Rest in peace Joe.”

Following the killing, a garda liaison officer has been appointed to work directly with his family.

His family were last night finalising details for his funeral.

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Our first date was watched by the whole country on RTE – what happened next was life-changing, we never expected it

LIGHTS, cameras, microphones and a full television crew aren’t usually what you’d have in mind for a romantic blind date – but for one Irish couple it was the perfect combination for a first encounter.

Gabrielle O’Connor and John Creegan, both aged in their 60s, felt the spark instantly when they met on RTE’s First Dates Ireland, and are still going strong five years on.

Happy senior couple sitting on a park bench.
Gabrielle and John had a magical first date and ‘clicked’ from the get go
Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
A couple holding hands and walking in a park.
The happy couple are still together almost five years later
Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
Portrait of a senior couple embracing outdoors.
The pair opened up on their expectations and nerves before their on-screen date
Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
Portrait of a woman holding a rose and a man, against a yellow background.
RTE
The happy couple told others to ‘go for it’[/caption]

Though their relationship started on screen, it quickly turned into a real connection that has lasted long after the cameras stopped rolling.

Signing up to the reality show, which pairs couples up for blind dates and films the experience, was certainly a daunting feat, with John admitting he thought: “God knows what’s going to happen.”

While Gabrielle knew it was time to take the leap back onto the dating scene after her daughter told her: “Mam, you need to find someone for you now.”

John told The Irish Sun: “I suppose I was at an age where I needed a bit of female company, rather than be on my own.

“Everybody needs a bit of love and all that, so I said I’d put myself out there sure, God knows what’s going to happen.”

Gabrielle admitted that it was originally her daughters who nudged her to apply and later helped her fill out the forms.

She said: “My youngest was starting college and my eldest daughter said, ‘Mam, you need to find someone for you now’.

“And I said, ‘I’m happy on my own, I’m grand’, but she said, ‘No you need someone that you can go on holidays with, go for weekends away, because you’re going to be here on your own’.”

John added: “It was a big leap for me because I’m normally very reserved and I didn’t know what to expect. But then I said, ‘Look I’ll go for something different’, and I did.”

Despite their reservations before walking into Dublin’s Gibson Hotel, where the hit show is filmed by COCO Content for RTE, the spark was clear from the get go.

Gabrielle said: “I was nervous as anything, but when I went in there and had the interviews and went for the actual day of the thing, I was a bit nervous.

“But as soon as I walked in and we met each other at the bar it was just like naturally meeting someone, it was like, this is meant to be. It just went so smoothly and we just connected.”

She continued: “There was so much connection there from the word go, it was amazing.

“It was a big leap, scary at the time, but once you got in and started chatting you didn’t feel all the cameras around and you didn’t feel anyone else was in the room.”

SHOW SECRETS

What surprised Gabrielle the most was how relaxed it all felt once the cameras started rolling.

She said: “I was thinking there would be someone standing behind you with a camera and the big microphone coming across the room over your head.

“I had all these visions of what it would be like behind the scenes – but when you actually go in and you’re there in the restaurant, it is like you’re in a normal restaurant.

“So you can just be yourself and when you start chatting and the conversation is flowing – you’re giving yourself because that’s what you’re there for.

“So being open and being honest was the easiest part of it because we clicked so well.

“It just makes you feel so comfortable, it doesn’t feel like a television show at all – that was the biggest surprise for me.”

John admitted he felt the same and revealed he didn’t feel like he had to put on an act.

He said: “I just felt very comfortable and I didn’t have to put on a show or anything like that, I just was myself.

“If you go on something like that, you have to give 100 per cent of yourself because you’ll be found out later on if you’re spoofing.

“Just be natural, just let it flow and see what happens, and that’s what we did.”

TAKE THE LEAP

The pair agree it’s a great opportunity to meet someone no matter what age you are and encouraged others to take the First Dates plunge.

John said: “It’s like everything else, the older you get the more mature you are, so you realise what you want.

“With all our life experiences, we know what type of person you want to meet and you know quickly whether they’re your type.

You want someone to go on holiday with, you want someone to have a weekend away with. You want something else in your life, to fill that gap”

“It’s great to be on a programme like that, normally programmes like that are for young people but it’s great to see a mature person, and it being older people than us.”

He added: “It’s a good start because at our age, where do you go dating now? It’s not like years ago where you could go to dance halls, whereas nowadays it’s all online and you don’t know who you’re talking to.”

Gabrielle said she would tell anyone in a similar position to take the leap and apply for the show.

She said: “You get to an age where when you are on your own and your kids are grown up and you are thinking, ‘I wish I could go out and do that’.

“Like my daughter said, you want someone to go on holiday with, you want someone to have a weekend away with. You want something else in your life, to fill that gap.”

She added: “I think it’s brilliant that they’re doing it for the older generation and for more mature people because they do know what life they’ve had and what they want and what they don’t want.

“When they’re young, they want to go out and they want tall, dark and handsome, they want a man with a good job, they look for an awful lot of things, the younger generation want that perfect man or perfect girl on their arm.

“As you get older, you just know what means more to you in a personality, in a companionship and in relationships.”

GO FOR IT

John revealed that he almost didn’t take the opportunity because he was “a bit shy” but knew he genuinely wanted to meet someone and said he was “lucky”.

He added: “Go for it, go for it. Be open and honest. Life is an experience so it’s just another chapter in your life.”

Gabrielle also advised that applicants should be “open and honest” about what they want and to trust that show bosses will do their best to match you with the right person.

As for what’s next, the couple told how they’re simply just enjoying life together at their own pace.

John said: “We enjoy each other’s company. It works for us, we don’t put each other under pressure, we go out and have good times and that’s all you can ask for.”

Gabrielle added: “We have great time for each other. We have our own lives separately and we have our lives together.”

First Dates Ireland airs on RTE 2 and is also available to stream on RTE Player.

And the tables are set, the champagne is on ice and the First Dates restaurant is now ready to welcome its next batch of blind daters.

So if you fancy your own shot at finding love, no matter what age you are, you can apply here to take part in the new series.

Older couple sitting on a park bench, looking at each other affectionately.
John and Gabrielle enjoy their lives both together and separately after meeting on First Dates
Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin

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Major warning for thousands of Irish Rail commuters as ‘engineering works’ to take place at major train station

AN urgent warning has been issued to thousands of Irish Rail commuters as “engineering works” are set to take place at a major train station this weekend.

There will be no train services between Dun Laoghaire and Bray on Saturday, July 12.

Irish Rail has taken to their website to warn passengers of the service disruptions.

They said: “Engineering works will take place between Dun Laoghaire and Bray on Saturday 12th July.  

“There will be no train service between Dun Laoghaire and Bray. 

“DART services will operate between Malahide / Howth and Dun Laoghaire stations only.”

There will be no train service between Dun Laoghaire and Bray this Saturday.

And the following stations will be closed for train services: Sandycove and Glasthule, Glenageary, Dalkey, Killiney, and Shankill.

Dublin Bus/Go-Ahead Ireland will accept valid rail tickets on services between closed stations and city centre.

Passengers are now being advised to check Irish Rail’s JourneyPlanner before travelling.

Additional engineering works will also take place this Saturday between Mallow and Cork.

And some service alterations and amendments will take place on Saturday, July 12.

The 9pm Heuston to Cork service will operate to Mallow only – as a result, bus transfers from Mallow to Cork will operate instead.

The 10pm and the 11pm Cork to Mallow services will be substituted by bus transfers.

And the 10:30pm Mallow to Cork will also be substituted by bus transfers.

Meanwhile, an urgent warning has been issued to Irish drivers as a major tunnel used by thousands is set to close for hours tonight.

The Jack Lynch Tunnel will be closed from 10pm on Tuesday, July 8, to 4am on Wednesday, July 9.

The planned full tunnel closure is set to take place tonight.

The busy tunnel will also be fully closed from 9pm to 4am on July 9 and July 10.

And Irish motorists have been advised to plan their journeys ahead due to the closure as major events are set to take place in Cork city.

The Cork Super Cup match between Cork city and Celtic is taking place at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh this evening from 6pm.

And an Evening with Roy Keane in conversation with Roddy Doyle is also set to take place at Live At Marquee tonight and also tomorrow starting at 8pm.

Irish Rail Class 22000 train at Connolly Station, Dublin.
Irish Rail has taken to their website to warn passengers of the service disruptions
Alamy

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The 2 Johnnies announced as headliners for ‘spooky’ Irish festival as full line-up revealed & exact ticket sale time

THE 2 Johnnies have been revealed as a headline act at a huge Irish festival this October – and tickets go on sale this Friday.

The iconic Puca Festival will take place for a second year in a row in Co Meath in a spook-tacular Halloween extravaganza.

two men sitting on a couch with one holding a guitar
The 2 Johnnies have been named as headliners for Puca Festival
Puca Festival lineup.
Puca Festival has announced its full line-up
Woman in tree costume.
Puca Festival will take place this October 30 to November 2

Working in partnership with Irish artists, seanchai storytellers, and the local community, Puca Festival 2025 will offer four unforgettable days and nights of music, myth, food and folklore.

And Ireland‘s favourite funny lads will be fronting the festival alongside a lineup of impressive acts.

The 2 Johnnies will take to the stage at the festival for a special set, as well as Blindboy, Emma Doran, Dublin comedian Jason Byrne and podcast favourites Young Hot Guys.

Festival goers will also be treated to a stunning performance from The Dublin Gospel Choir in their Moonlight: The Philip Lynott Enigma show.

As the sun sets and the ceremonial fire is lit on Friday, October 31 visitors will gather at the Fair Green in Athboy to join the Lighting of the Samhain Fire to honour their ancestors.

The heritage town of Trim will host four nights of supernatural spectacle, music, and comedy, set against the stunning backdrop of Trim Castle, including the The Púca Procession: The Gathering of the Spirits on Saturday, November 1.

And as Halloween historically marked the end of the harvest season, the Puca Festival embraces the quality of the local produce on its doorstep in Boyne Valley.

Visitors can expect to indulge in traditional barmbrack, colcannon and baked apples as they immerse themselves in the local offerings at the Harvest Market.

New for 2025, on Halloween night, the Puca Festival Samhain Banquet will also take place at the Darnley Lodge. 

This year’s festival theme is Connecting with Our Roots which draws on the physical and emotional ties to Ireland and our ancestral past during Samhain.

While Trim and Athboy are serviced by a strong public transport network, there are plans to add a number of Puca Bus services to bring visitors from Dublin, Drogheda and Kildare.

In addition, there will be regular shuttle buses running between Trim and Athboy throughout the festival.

Many more acts will be added to the line up over the coming weeks, and festivalgoers are advised to keep an eye on www.pucafestival.com for news.

Tickets for the Halloween spectacular event are set to go on sale this Friday, July 11 at 10am on the Puca website.

So if you’re looking to celebrate Halloween in a truly ghoulish style, make sure to nab tickets before they’re gone.

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Diddy’s twin girls Jessie & D’Lila, 18, make major career announcement after verdict in music mogul dad’s sex crime case

SEAN “Diddy” Combs’ twin girls Jessie and D’Lila have released a clothing line just days after their father was convicted.

Their music mogul father, 55, was acquitted of the most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking this week after a weeks-long trial in Manhattan, New York.

Black and white photo of Diddy's twin daughters, Jessie and D'Lila.
instagram
Combs’ twin girls Jessie & D’Lila have launched a clothing line[/caption]
Black and white photo of twin sisters announcing their new clothing line.
instagram
The pair announced it in an Instagram post[/caption]
Black and white photo of Diddy's twin daughters, Jessie and D'Lila, announcing their new project, 12TWINTY1.
instagram
They announced the name was 12Twinty1[/caption]
Sean Combs' twin daughters leaving a bail hearing.
The Mega Agency
Jessie and D’Lila outside court at their father’s trial[/caption]

But he was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and remains behind bars ahead of his sentencing hearing.

His family are now trying to move on with their lives as Combs faces sentencing which could leave him imprisoned for years.

Twin 18-year-olds Jessie and D’Lila have now announced the launch of their clothing line – with the bizarre name 12Twinty1 – in a post to Instagram.

They said: “We’ve been waiting our entire lives for this moment – and it’s surreal to finally share it with you.

“This isn’t just a brand. It’s our story. Our bond. Our roots.

“@12twinty1 was created with purpose, built from who we are, not just what we wear.

“The name reflects our birthday, December 21st, but it means so much more:

  • “[The number] One is bold, fearless, and marks the beginning of something powerful.
  • “[The number] Two speaks to love, connection, and harmony, the essence of our twinhood.

“We’ve spent so much time pouring our hearts into creating a brand that speaks to everyone.

“It’s more than fashion, it’s about identity, confidence, and being seen.

“This is just the beginning.

“Stay tuned. We cannot wait to grow this with you.”

The pair have a whopping 780,000 followers on Instagram and the post has quickly racked up tens of thousands of likes.

But they have not shared any pictures or drawings of their clothes yet.

Headshot of Sean "Diddy" Combs.
Shutterstock Editorial
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was found guilty on two of the five counts at his trial[/caption]
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs speaking at a press conference.
AP:Associated Press
Combs speaks to reporters after allegations of wrong labour practices in his company in 2003[/caption]

Their father Combs had his own clothing line called Sean John, which is still owned by the disgraced rapper.

But he won’t be making too many sales from the brand anytime soon after he was found guilty of two counts of transportation for purposes of prostitution.

Each charge has a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, but they have no minimum punishment.

That potential sentencing could have been a lot longer if he had been convicted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

Combs and his family appeared elated at the news, and the rapper said “I’ll be home soon” to his mom as he walked out of the courthouse.

However, legal experts have warned that he shouldn’t celebrate too soon, as they speculate that the rapper will likely have to spend some time behind bars.

BUSINESS EMPIRE

The star was running multiple businesses before his scandal, including Revolt TV, which he founded, and his fashion brand Sean John, which vanished from Macy’s.

Combs also reportedly lost a Hulu reality series deal. 

However, his music catalog remains intact for the time being.

Combs kept his label Bad Boy Records relevant before he was arrested and backed the likes of Machine Gun Kelly’s ‘Mainstream Sellout’ in 2022.

D'Lila and Jessie Combs, daughters of Sean "Diddy" Combs, walking outside a courthouse.
Reuters
D’Lila and Jessie hold hands outside the courthouse[/caption]
Courtroom sketch of Sean "Diddy" Combs reacting after a verdict.
AP
Combs reacts following the jury’s decision[/caption]

In 2023, he also dropped The Love Album: Off the Grid, his first solo album in nearly two decades.

The same year, singer Janelle Monae also released her celebrated record The Age of Pleasure through Bad Boy.

Asked if he thinks he could build his empire back up, Faddis said, “It’s not unheard of in America for folks who have, you know, been formerly disgraced to kind of make a comeback.

“I think he’s going to try [but] whether America has the stomach for that at this point is an open question.

“I think, legally speaking, it is certainly a victory for Diddy, but I think we [have] to be careful, because there are a lot of sensitive issues at play here, just because the jury found that he was not guilty. That’s not the same as finding that he was innocent.

“What the jury found was that the Government couldn’t meet its burden with respect to those charges. That’s not the same as saying those things didn’t happen.”

Combs was previously forced to apologize to fans after previously denying physically assaulting ex Ventura when CNN published an exclusive hotel surveillance video from 2016.

The footage showed Combs appearing to grab, shove, drag, and kick the singer in a hotel hallway.

“My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video,” he said in a video statement posted on Instagram.

“I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” he added. “I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”

Combs fell to his knees on Wednesday when the verdict was read out in a Manhattan courtroom, and he was acquitted of the most serious charges in his criminal case.

The U.S. Sun obtained a letter from the prosecution sent to Judge Arun Subramanian regarding the star’s sentence for two counts of engaging in prostitution, which is yet to be decided.

They say the guideline sentence for him is just 51 to 63 months [five and a half years maximum], and he has already been behind bars for nine months.

It reads, “The Government notes, however, that the Guidelines applicable at sentencing may be higher than this preliminary calculation.

“The Government has not had adequate time to carefully
consider all potentially applicable Guidelines provisions.”

Penelope Cruz modeling Sean John clothing.
Wenn
Penelope Cruz wearing Combs’ clothing line in 2005[/caption]

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Renters will pay thousands for ‘dark shoebox’ flats after housing minister’s new rules in bid to create more homes

RENTERS will be forced to pay €3,000 a month for “dark shoeboxes” following a rule change to shrink the minimum size of apartments, it has been claimed.

The Government has been accused of bending over backwards to entice developers to get back to building apartment blocks as the Housing Minister today dropped rules around the standards of homes that can be built in Ireland.

Headshot of James Browne, Irish Housing Minister.
PA
Minister James Browne said he’s treating the housing situation as an emergency[/caption]
Construction site in Dublin, Ireland.
Getty
The new rules would see apartments built smaller with less communal space and more studio apartments[/caption]

Minister James Browne issued new guidelines which reduced the minimum size for a studio apartment from 37 square metres down to 32 square metres.

He also scrapped a rule where only 50 per cent of a development could be one bed or studio apartments.

The new rules also allow for apartment blocks to have fewer windows and elevators and end the need for community or communal spaces in developments.

Minister Browne said he was dropping the standards “to ensure apartments are viable to build” as international investment in Ireland’s housing market has dried up in recent years.

The move came under fire from across the Dail today as TDs accused the Minister of enabling developers to build shoebox apartments to boost their profits.

Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne said the measures will only serve to increase the profits for developers and won’t do anything to reduce the price of rents or buying a home.

He said: “There are a number of extremely concerning aspects to this in particular the reduction in size of studios that were already really, really small.

“We’re going to see young people in this country facing the option of moving out of their childhood box rooms into dark shoeboxes for €3,000 a month.

“This isn’t a future for our young people. This isn’t housing that will provide homes and futures for families or individuals.

“It is simply about increasing the profits of investors.”

EMERGENCY MOTION

Dublin City Councillors this week passed an emergency motion accusing the Government of “gutting” the provision of community and cultural spaces in apartment complexes.

Opposition parties also questioned the motivation behind the changes as they asked to see what evidence was available to prove that reducing the size of apartments would mean that more homes would be built or prices would fall.

Labour’s housing spokesman Conor Sheehan said: “This is another set of changes that have not been modelled by the Minister.

‘NO EVIDENCE’

“He has no evidence other than what developers have told him.”

Minister Browne claimed that the ability to squeeze more apartments into complexes will cut building costs by between €50,000 and €100,000 per apartment.

He said: “If you effect the viability you don’t get the apartments built at all and that’s simply not the way to address this.

“We’re in an housing crisis. I’m treating it as a housing emergency.”

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Mark Williams delays major surgery after making history as oldest World Snooker Championship finalist

Wales' Mark Williams reacts after his defeat to China's Zhao Xintong on day two of his World Championship Snooker final at The Crucible in Sheffield, northern England on May 5, 2025. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Wales’ Mark Williams reacts after his defeat to China’s Zhao Xintong on day two of his World Championship Snooker final at The Crucible in Sheffield, northern England on May 5, 2025. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

HALF-BLIND Mark Williams has delayed his eye lens replacement operation following his historic run to the Crucible final.

And the Welsh cueing veteran remains unsure if he will go through with the procedure.

Mark Williams of Wales reacts during a snooker match.
Getty
Mark Williams was supposed to undergo eye lens replacement surgery[/caption]
Mark Williams reacts during a snooker match.
But he’s decided to push back the procedure in the wake of his impressive Snooker World Championship run
REUTERS

That’s despite paying a deposit to his local Optical Express branch.

In March, after losing in the Players Championship in Telford, the 50-year-old revealed that “every single shot seems blurry” because his “eyes have gone”.

It was a surprising revelation from a top-class sportsman, but the three-time world champion has been struggling for a while with his vision.

Yet amazingly, he made it all the way to the Snooker World Championship final – he became the oldest finalist in history when he dumped Judd Trump out in the semi-finals.

Zhao Xintong proved too strong, winning 18-12 across four sessions, but Williams banked £200,000 for his troubles.

Eye surgery was booked in for June 12, but the world No.3 has now postponed that for the time being.

And sources close to the player say the father-of-three “will take more time to think about it”.

Anthony Hamilton, who retired this summer from professional sport, told Williams not to go through with the op, claiming it “ruined his career”.

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World Snooker Championship 2025

THE World Snooker Championship has concluded after a thrilling final!

Zhao Xintong beat Mark Williams 18-12 to become the first Chinese player to win the Crucible crown.

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Williams joked at the Crucible that he might ask for his deposit back as he was undecided about what to do.

There was nothing wrong with his eyesight as he hit a 147 in Shanghai this week in an exhibition.

Williams – who has dabbled in the past with contact lenses – opened up his 2025-26 season with a 5-0 thrashing of Thai cueist Chatchapong Nasa in Wuhan Open qualifying

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‘No, no, no – I didn’t say that’ – Wimbledon star forced to correct BBC presenter during awkward live interview on court

ARYNA SABALENKA corrected a BBC presenter during her on-court interview after booking a place in the Wimbledon semi-finals.

The world No1 overcame Laura Siegemund 4-6 6-2 6-4 in an awkward match on Centre Court.

Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon, being interviewed on court.
BBC
Aryna Sabalenka spoke to the BBC’s Lee McKenzie after the match[/caption]
Aryna Sabalenka speaking into a Wimbledon microphone.
BBC
The world No1 wagged her finger in response to a question[/caption]

After the contest, Sabalenka spoke to the BBC’s Lee McKenzie in front of the crowd.

Siegemund, 37, has a quirky game style that she has admitted to being “annoying” for opponents.

With this having been referenced in Sabalenka’s previous press conference, McKenzie brought it up on court, claiming that she had called Siegemund’s game “annoying”.

But the Belarusian, 27, quickly interjected, insisting: “I didn’t say that. No, no no – I didn’t say that.

“They asked the question… she said that she has an annoying game.”

Sabalenka then wagged her finger as she added: “I didn’t say that, just to make that clear.”

When McKenzie pointed out that it was in a “complimentary way” – Sabalenka went on: “It’s not like it’s an annoying game, it’s a smart game.

“She’s really making everyone work against her and going into the match against her you know that you have to work for every point.

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Laura Siegemund playing tennis.
Getty
Laura Siegemund’s game style has been described as ‘annoying’[/caption]

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a big server, a big hitter, you have to work, run and earn the win.”

In her previous press conference, after being asked about Siegemund’s self-proclaimed “annoying game” – Sabalenka had replied: “Well, it’s tricky. Especially on the grass when all of those shots, like, it just slows down and you have to stay really low and work with your legs a lot.

“Especially on the grass it can be really tricky, her game style.

“Yeah, it’s annoying. But I’ve been facing a lot of tricky players

” I think for me personally, the main thing is like not to over-rush and not to get frustrated by her game, and focus on myself.

“I know that if I’ll be there, if I’ll be focusing on myself and I’ll be fighting for every point, I know that I have enough of variety, I have strong game to handle that tricky shots.”

Having come through her battle with Siegemund, Sabalenka will face either Amanda Anisimova or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the semi-finals.

The No1 seed remains the favourite to win the title.

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Man Utd fans stunned at how much Lisandro Martinez benches as injured star nears return with impressive workout

LISANDRO MARTINEZ is flexing more than just his recovery — and Manchester United fans are loving it.

The Argentine hardman was sidelined for much of last season due to a cruciate ligament injury which he picked up during a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace back in February.

Lisandro Martinez receiving medical attention on the field.
Reuters
The United defender suffered a damaging injury back in February[/caption]
Man bench pressing weights with a spotter.
Lisandro Martinez was seen benching 130kg

The centre back hasn’t had the greatest of luck since joining Man Utd in 2022 as he’s always had injury problems.

But this is by far the worst as he was estimated to be out for eight months.

Martinez only managed to make 23 appearances for United last season and only 12 appearances the season prior.

However, fans have been encouraged due to a clip going viral of the United defender working out.

In the clip, the star nicknamed the Butcher is seen casually pushing up the kind of weight that would leave most of us in A&E.

Fans were quick to react, with one dubbing him “a beast”.

However other fans clearly thought his coach gave him too much help.

It’s the latest positive sign for United as Martinez nears full fitness ahead of the upcoming season.

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After another frustrating year plagued by an injury, the 27-year-old looks ready to return stronger — literally.

Insiders believe he could be back in action early in the new campaign, offering a major boost to Ruben Amorim’s defensive options.

For fans, the video isn’t just about the gym gains — it’s a glimpse of the warrior spirit Martinez brings to the pitch.

And if his strength is anything to go by, Premier League forwards better brace themselves.

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