5 days agoBlogsComments Off on M60 traffic: Warning for anyone heading to major UK airport as EIGHT lorries & cars crash with motorway completely shut
PASSENGERS have been issued an urgent warning if they’re heading to a major UK airport today.
It comes as the M60 in Greater Manchester has been closed in both directions following a multi-vehicle crash involving four lorries and four cars.
The smash saw beer barrels strewn across the road and sparked traffic chaos earlier today.
National Highways posted the warning on X, which read: “#M60 both directions between J25 and J1 near Stockport#Bredbury#GreaterManchester ROAD CLOSED Due to a multi-vehicle collision, spillage, shed load and infrastructure damage. Be aware if heading to/from @manairport.”
Passengers have been warned there could be delays to and from Manchester Airport
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
5 days agoBlogsComments Off on I was abused by my childminder’s son from 3-years-old – I now realised he manipulated my mum into defending him in court
SCANNING the words on the paper, Rachael Smith felt sick to her stomach.
She’d stumbled across a character witness statement, written by her mother, defending the man who’d sexually abused her as a child.
Rachael Smith was abused by her childminder’s sonHotspot mediaRachael was three-years-old when the abuse beganHotspot media
Yet, manipulated by the seemingly loving family, her mum, Steph, 43, had no idea prolific sex offender, Steven Freitas, had raped Rachael, 23, from the age of three, while in his mother’s care.
Rachael was preyed upon by evil predator, Freitas, 34, until the age of six in his family home, where she was cared for by her childminder, who her mother once considered a good friend.
Under the guise of taking her to the toilet, Freitas coaxed her into the downstairs bathroom to assault her.
Unbeknownst to Rachael, when she was six, Freitas was arrested and convicted of sexually abusing two other girls under 13 in his mother’s care.
Not knowing of her own daughter’s abuse, Rachael’s mother, Steph, wrote a statement in Freitas’ favour, declaring that he’d ‘never do something like that’, that she believed the victims’ claims were ‘untrue’.
It wasn’t until over a decade later that Rachael discovered the statement and confessed her own abuse to her mother, who was justly horrified.
In June this year, Freitas was jailed for five years for rape and sexual assault by penetration.
Rachael, from Hertfordshire, has bravely waived her right to anonymity to encourage other survivors to speak out against their abusers.
The recovery worker says: “For so long I kept this terrible secret.
“When I found Mum’s statement I felt sick to my stomach he’d had other victims.
“Steven had managed to manipulate my own mother into thinking he was innocent.
“When she found out about what he’d done to me, she was beside herself with guilt.
“I’m just glad he’s finally behind bars where he belongs.”
Rachael was just four months old when she started being cared for by her childminder, Freitas’ mother, who was a close family friend.
Rachael remembers: “I saw Steven’s mother like a second mum.
“I loved going to her house and playing with the other children.”
Only, everything changed when Rachael turned three.
One day, in 2004, Freitas, then aged 11, coaxed her into the downstairs toilet, in the guise of taking her for a wee.
She says: “While inside, he took off my underwear and started touching my privates.
“He told me it was ‘our secret’.
“I was only young so thought it was normal and agreed.”
The abuse escalated and Freitas began making Rachael sit on his lap, naked and touch him too.
Months later, he raped her for the first time.
Rachael’s predator, Freitas, 34, abused her in his family homeHotspot mediaThe abuse lasted until she was six-years-oldHotspot MediaYears later, Rachael realised he’d manipulated her mum into defending him in courtHotspot media
She recalls: “I just remember how painful it felt.
“I wanted to get it over and done with and go back to playing.”
Most weeks, while she was being looked after, Freitas took her into the toilet multiple times to abuse her, including orally raping her.
Offering to plait her hair or play games with her afterwards.
For three years he used her as his play thing.
“If I ever tried to tell I’m ‘no’, he threatened me – said he’d make my younger sister, Katie, then two, do it instead.
Rachael Smith
“Desperate to protect her, I kept quiet.
“Another time I tried to resist, he told me he’d tell my mum to hate me, It was awful.”
Once, aged six, Rachael refused to go with Freitas to the bathroom.
But he forced her inside and raped her again.
Soon after, Rachael stopped going to her childminder’s house.
Unbeknownst to Rachael, Freitas had been arrested for sexually abusing two children in his mother’s care.
In September 2008 then aged 17, he was convicted at St Alban’s Crown Court of seven counts of sexual assault of a female child under 13 in respect of two victims, aged 7 and 9.
He was sentenced to an 18-month Detention and Training Order.
His mum’s business subsequently shut down.
Over the following years, Rachael blocked out the abuse and buried it inside.
At school, aged ten, she learnt about sex education.
She says: “Everything came flooding back and I realised what had happened was wrong.
“I asked my teacher questions like, ‘how long does sperm live inside you’? and ‘can kids get pregnant’? as I was terrified I was.
“They should’ve picked up on those signs, as they’re not normal questions for kids to ask.”
Steps to Keep Your Child Safe From Grooming
By Emma Kenny, true crime psychologist and parenting expert
Encourage your child to share their day-to-day experiences. Ask who they talked to on the way home, what happened at the bus stop, and if anything made them feel uncomfortable. The more openly you talk, the more confident they’ll be to speak up if something feels off.
If possible, arrange for your child to walk or travel with friends. Identify safe spaces along the route, trusted neighbours or shops where they can go if they feel threatened.
Groomers often switch to online contact once they’ve made initial in-person connections. Monitor your child’s digital devices in a respectful but proactive way. Agree on ground rules for social media use, and encourage them to show you anything that makes them feel uneasy.
If your parental alarm bells are going off, do not dismiss those feelings. Challenge unusual behaviour or new relationships gently but firmly. Seek professional advice if you suspect your child is at risk.
If you have any evidence or strong suspicions that someone is grooming your child, contact the police immediately. Support and guidance from organisations like the NSPCC or Barnardo’s can also be invaluable in helping you navigate this distressing situation.
Then, in March 2013, Freitas pleaded guilty to another two offences of sexual activity (penetrative) with a female child under 16.
He was sentenced to five years custody with an extended license period of eight years.
As she grew into her teens, Rachael experienced further problems.
She entered toxic relationships and found intimacy painful.
Rachael says: “I knew it was all down to the abuse.”
Then, in November 2020, when she was 17, she stumbled across her mum’s character witness statement while looking for some documents for a job application.
She says: “I was horrified reading what she’d said about Steven.
“He’d convinced her he was innocent.
“The fact that she’d defended him made me feel sick.
Rachael Smith
“Knowing he’d had other victims, I felt guilty I’d let him hurt others.”
For the next year, Rachael stewed on her findings.
Until one day, she plucked up the courage to report Steven to the police.
She says: “I gave my statement and they were so supportive.
“The detective in charge was on the original case involving Steven so she believed me straight away.
“Two weeks later, I confessed to Mum via text.
“She felt so guilty she’d defended him, unknowingly.
“Was horrified at how monstrous he actually was.”
At his trial this month, Rachael bravely gave her evidence.
She explains: “His defence were awful.
“Said I was crazy and making it all up.
“They even asked me what I was wearing.
“As a three-year-old?
“It was disgusting and so draining.”
This time, Rachael’s mother was called to the stand to give evidence for the prosecution.
Steph, 43, says: “Steven’s mother was a registered childminder and good friend of my family.
“She lived opposite my parents.
“I always thought Steven was immature for his age and behind developmentally and socially.
I had no idea the monstrousness he was capable of.
Steph, Rachael's mother
“When Steven was arrested for the first abuse case, I didn’t think the allegations were true.
“I couldn’t imagine such a thing happening in a seemingly loving home.
“His mum was in tears and I felt sorry for her.”
Steph wrote a character witness statement for court, after Steven’s mother asked for her help and she fully supported the family during the trial.
She explains: “I will always regret doing that now.
“Receiving Rachel’s text made me feel numb.
“I couldn’t cope knowing how much he hurt and traumatised her.
“It breaks my heart I couldn’t protect her.
“I hate him for what he’s done.”
This June, Steven, 34, was found guilty of sexual offences against Rachael at St Alban’s Crown Court.
Rachael, who is now calling for parents to educate their children on their anatomy, boundaries and consent, says: “Knowing he’s been taken off the streets gives me some comfort.
“He’s now known as a sex offender so people know what a danger he is.
“Finally, he’s been exposed for the vile creature he is.
“I’m certain he’s got more victims out there.
“I want to let other survivors know, it’s never their fault and they should never feel ashamed.
“I’ve finally spoken my truth and no longer feel any guilt or shame.”
Rachel’s mother, Steph, wishes she could have protected her daughterHotspot mediaRachael is now calling for parents to educate their children on their anatomy, boundaries and consentHotspot media
Paedo sentences are too leniant, says crime boss
National Crime Agency boss Graeme Biggar joined The Sun in pushing for tougher punishments for paedophiles.
His crackdown call comes as yet another soft-justice case emerged.
Trainee teacher Jacob Chouffot, 26, was spared prison despite sharing vile videos of newborn babies being abused.
The Sun’s Keep Our Kids Safe campaign calls for the jailing of those with the most serious images.
The Government launched a sentencing review earlier this month and Mr Biggar stressed: “It is not just the viewing of images that is causing harm.
“This is creating a market for and sometimes directly encouraging people to sexually abuse and rape children and video themselves doing it. So it does need to be taken really seriously.
“We are obviously conscious of the fact that prisons are pretty full and recognise that not everyone needs to be sent to prison.
“The NCA will not be arguing that every sentence needs to go up, and every crime needs to end in jail. That’s not practical in terms of prison population and not necessary in terms of the evidence in terms of keeping the public safe.
“But there are some crimes that do require prison sentences and I don’t think the balance at the moment is right.
“I hope that’s something that the Government will be looking at in the review.”
5 days agoBlogsComments Off on Still no winners in Monday’s 6/55, 6/45 draws – PCSO
MANILA, Philippines — No winners took home the jackpot prizes for the Grand Lotto 6/55 and Mega Lotto 6/45 draws on Monday, July 7, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) announced. In its 9 p.m. draw, the PCSO said no one guessed the winning combination of 25-35-19-12-05-45 for the Grand 6/55 draw. It carried a
5 days agoBlogsComments Off on Love Island’s Casa Amor bombshell Ty has secret connection to ex Islanders as he makes villa entrance tonight
CASA Amor bombshell Ty will make his Love Island debut tonight – and it’s been revealed he’s got a secret connection to two ex-Islanders.
Ty, 23, is one of six hunky boys hoping to turn the girls’ heads as the Love Island villa is split into two for the iconic Casa Amor twist.
Ty is one of this year’s Love Island Casa Amor boysShutterstockHis pal and former Islander Trey wished him good luck ahead of his debutShutterstockAnd fellow ex show star Cheyanne has liked a string of his Instagram postsShutterstock
But he’s no stranger to show stars, with Trey Norman – who appeared on the show last year – taking to Instagram to wish him luck.
Trey, 25, shared Ty’s official Love Island promo photo and added: “Bit mad. Well in @tyishi98. Your turn now lad, enjoy!”
And Ty also appears to be chummy with 2022 star Cheyanne Kerr, who has liked a string of his posts on Instagram.
Ahead of his debut, the site engineer from Barnsley revealed he’s got his eye on Shakira Khan and insisted he’ll do whatever it takes to win her over.
Ty said: “I have no loyalties to anyone, I don’t know anyone really on a personal level. It’s not my problem!
“I’ve got my eyes on Shakira – she needs a Northern lad in there, our personalities would be the most matched I think.
HomebaseHomebase’s egg chair has been slashed by £100[/caption]
HomebaseThe chair is perfect for relaxing with a book or a glass of wine[/caption]
And what better way to enjoy the sunshine than by treating yourself to some brand new garden furniture.
And although you may think that purchasing a new outdoor sofa set will be pricey, many retailers are currently reducing their garden tables and chairs.
The stylish outdoor chair has been slashed by £100, down from £199.99 to just £99.99.
It comes with a soft plush cushion, to maximise comfort, and sways gently, helping to make you feel nice and relaxed.
The sleek design will immediately elevate your outdoor space, and make you the envy of friends and neighbours.
Plus, its rust, UV and water resistant, meaning it will last through the winter too.
Homebase said: “Experience the epitome of comfort and relaxation with the Marisa Hanging Chair with Cushion.
“Sturdy and reliable, this chair holds you securely- creating a cocooned comfort haven. Its soft cushions and gentle swaying motion provide optimal comfort whilst its stylish design adds a focal point to your outdoor space.
“Whether you’re reading a book or enjoying the scenic beauty, this chair offers a tranquil relaxation experience.”
You can purchase the chair online, and have it delivered straight to your door, or find it in The Range stores that have Homebase garden centres.
More garden furniture offers
The chic set comes with a small table, perfect for placing drinks and picky bits on, and a corner sofa and cushions.
The black and grey sofa comes in a either a two seater (135 x 71 x H64cm) or three seater (206 x 71 x 64cm) size, making it perfect for hosting small family gatherings.
B&M has slashed the price of its New York Corner Set by £75, a saving of 21%.
Top gardening trends of 2025
Gardening experts at Barnsdale Gardens has shared the top gardening trends of 2025.
Matrix planting
It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting.
In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed.
Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control.
Chrysanthemum comeback
I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as ‘Innocence’ and ‘Cottage Apricot’ would be spectacular within a matrix scheme.
The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border.
Blended borders
For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year.
The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing!
Must-have tool
My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else.
It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said!
The sofa set, which was originally priced at £350, has now been reduced to £275.
Tesco shoppers are currently rushing to stores to buy stunning “reduced to clear” garden furniture that’s up to 40% off.
Shoppers can get their hands on the Outsunny Foldable Sun Lounger that comes with a side pocket and headrest for £23.19.
Reduced from £28.99, this lounger is great for relaxing outdoors.
If you’re planning a garden bash this summer and need to give your gazebo frames a new lease of life, these Outsunny Gazebo Side Panels might just be for you.
The side panels have been reduced to £25.59 and come in two different sizes, both of which have windows to let in that natural light.
5 days agoBlogsComments Off on B&Q’s £10 gadget saves 70% of water & keeps your plants thriving while you’re on holiday – and it’s half price of Amazon
WHETHER you’re jet-setting to sunny destinations or planning a staycation this summer, this budget buy will look after your garden for you.
For just £10, B&Q has a gadget that conserves up to 70% of water and keeps your plants thriving while you’re on holiday.
B&QB&Q’s £10 gadget saves 70% of water & keeps your plants thriving while you’re on holiday[/caption]
It can be a challenge to keep on top of your gardening tasks but this gadget will keep your plants happy and it’s half the price of similar ones on Amazon.
The B&Q gadget
Reduced from £28 to just a tenner, The Verve Irrigation kit is a Micro-Drip-System drip that results in economical irrigation aligned to requirements and perfect for a medium garden.
Because of the pinpoint accuracy of the Micro-Drip-System and the even water delivery – the water will be there where the plant it needs, at the roots – no matter where you are.
It will also conserve up to 70% of water due to adjustable drip heads and drip watering.
One wrote: “This is a great kit. I have quite a large garden so I decided to install it in my father’s medium sized garden.
“He is an avid gardener and takes great pride in it. In recent years his mobility has greatly reduced and I thought this would give him peace of mind that on his bad days his garden was still being tended to.”
Another added: “Perfect kit for a medium sized garden like mine. It has everything that is needed and it’s easy and practical to use.
“I’ve used it for about 2 weeks and so far it seems very durable and efficient. Easy to fit and install, too.”
A third stated: “The Verve Irrigation Kit is a game changer for anyone who wants a beautiful well watered garden.
“The system is so easy to set up and you can water up to 40 plants whether they’re in the ground or in pots.
“It makes watering effortless and also great when you’re away.”
Best shops for garden bargains
WHILST garden centres offer a huge selection of garden bargains, if you're on a budget, here's where you need to head...
Facebook/BARGAIN LOVERS - Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & MoreShoppers are loving the £1 sale skirts in Primark[/caption]
Facebook/BARGAIN LOVERS - Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & MoreThe bubble hem skirts were part of Rita Ora’s spring 2025 collection[/caption]
It was originally priced at £14, and described by Primark bosses as bringing a “playful volume to your outfit with its statement silhouette”.
But with the Hot Right Now singer’s new summer arrivals now proving a hit in stores, some of the older pieces – including the puffball mini skirt – have been heavily reduced in the sale.
And savvy shoppers have been racing to get their hands on the discounted buys.
Her buys should have set her back £28 but cost just £2, meaning she saved an incredible £26.
Alongside her post, she gushed: “My bargain of the days. Not for everyone but they’re cute!”
Other shoppers were left just as impressed by her sales haul, as one said: “Good bargain!! I should pop to my local Primark, I like them kind of bargains.”
“Not bad for £1 each probably look quite nice on”, chimed in someone else.
A third wrote: “I bought myself one other day and had it on when I went to visit [family] and told her how much I paid for it and she thought I bought it out charity shop.“
A fourth added: “They seem light for the summery days, enjoy.”
“Like we had in the 90’s”, insisted a fifth.
Meanwhile, a sixth chimed in: “Like you said not for everyone but with a nice little white vest top they will look amazing, also some things look better on than they do on a coat hanger.”
Rita, 34, has been a brand ambassador for Primark since 2023, allowing fashion fans to shop her “famous style for less”.
The star, often seen in designer clothing, said she was keen to honour her roots and love for the high street brand.
Her latest 84-piece collection starts from £5 with the most expensive item – a double-breasted blazer – priced at £40.
She said she was excited by the prospect of developing her own affordable fashion collection that offered quality and value. after signing a multi-season deal.
We told earlier how a “hidden gem” skirt in her latest summer 2025 collection left fashion fans in a frenzy.
Many have insisted the £16 buy is so pretty that it’s “giving Zara”.
But shoppers were convinced they’d spotted a spelling mistake on a baby tee from her spring 2025 collection – and you can’t unsee it.
Why Primark is great for looking expensive on a budget
By Clemmie Fieldsend, Fabulous Fashion Editor
AS someone who’s no stranger to grabbing a last-minute outfit from Primark for a night out, it’s about time that celebrities started catching on too.
For as long as I’ve been heading out, Primark has been my go-to for those “I have nothing to wear” moments, rushing in at the last minute to find something perfect.
And I’m definitely not alone – on any Friday or Saturday night, you’ll find plenty of shoppers doing the same thing, right before closing time.
But no matter what, Primark always delivers.
Now, Rita Ora is leading the charge, showing that you can snag a designer-worthy look without spending a fortune at high-end stores.
While Rita’s not rushing in last minute for a red carpet outfit, she’s proving you can achieve the same high-impact style for much less.
Looking stunning in her tailored suit alongside her mum Vera, Rita fit right in among the other A-listers dripping in Prada, Dior, and Victoria Beckham – if anything, she looked even better than some of the guests at The Fashion Awards.
With Myleene Klass and Roxy Horner already jumping on the Primark bandwagon, I’m sure more stars will be following suit soon enough.
Sargeant joined Sligo Rovers from Waterford in January of this yearThe 40-year-old manager has been impressed with his goalkeeper this season
The Essex lad, 27, kept a clean sheet in a June 14 win over his former side before following it up with a fine display away to Bohemians just over a week ago.
And he kept it going with another impressive showing against Shamrock Rovers on Saturday night as the Bit O’Red drew 2-2 to stretch their unbeaten run to three matches.
Sargeant conceded twice to Dan Cleary and Josh Honohan after Jad Hakiki gave his side a two-goal lead.
But he played his part in a well-earned point for Russell’s men by pulling off several stunning saves, the best of which was a double stop to deny Hoops livewires Danny Mandroiu and Danny Grant.
Russell said: “He was top-class for us again. I’ve spoken about this a good bit over the last couple of weeks but Sam is top-drawer.
“His distribution is second to none but he’s now making the big saves and that double save when it was 2-1 was phenomenal.
“He got down low and got up again to parry the second shot away.”
Sargeant has found form for Sligo ahead of a big few weeks.
They face Derry City at home on Saturday before they face Dundalk away in the FAI Cup on Friday week.
The Bit O’Red also have Waterford in their sights in eighth as they try to avoid a relegation play-off. And Russell is hoping that his keeper can continue his fine form.
The Sligo chief said: “We needed those moments and we needed Sam in those moments.
“He’s in really good form, so we need him to maintain those levels.”
Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More
