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THE Brit who axed a pensioner to death has learnt his fate after claiming he “accidentally” killed his victim who was “trying to rape him”.

Garo Jlitakryan, 32, admitted to attacking the 75-year-old inside the OAP’s own home in Finland but claimed it was an act of self defence in court.

He has been sentenced to 12 years in prison by a court in Finland.

The deadly fight took place in a flat in Seinajoki, western Finland, on July 29, last year, reports Finnish newspaper Iltalehti.

A court heard how the elderly victim invited the cyclist back to his home after the pair met at a spa a day earlier.

The Brit was bought a phone by his new friend as they made their way back to the flat, according to local reports.

He later told investigators the pensioner said he “owed him a favour” after opening up the present.

The cyclist refused but claimed he believed the man was referring to sexual acts.

South Ostrobothnia District Court was then told the Brit took a short nap but when he woke up he “was tied up with bandages” and “couldn’t move properly”.

The Brit alleged he was raped on the bed after waking up.

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REVENUE has seized contraband worth over €688,200 following numerous operations across the country last week.

Revenue officers made the discovery when examining parcels at a premises in Dublin and the Midlands.

Officers seized approximately 17.79kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of almost €356,000.

The find was made over the course of numerous operations in Dublin, the Midlands, Kilkenny, Waterford and Rosslare Europort, with other quantities of drugs also discovered

The seizures took place over the course of a week, beginning on June 16, 2025.

Various quantities of illicit drugs, alcohol, butane honey oil, cigarettes and counterfeit items were also seized.

This included nearly 20,000 litres of alcohol with an estimated value of €80,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €37,500.

Also seized were 3.8kg of butane honey oil with an estimated value of €76,000 and over 440g of MDMA over €26,500.

Revenue officers also discovered various other illicit drugs with an estimated value over €10,000 and 467 counterfeit items with an estimated value of over €117,000.

And 25,180 cigarettes with an estimated value of over €22,700 were also seized during the course of the operation, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of almost €18,000.

The detections were made as a result of risk profiling and intelligence led operations.

The herbal cannabis was discovered, with the assistance of detector dogs Enzo and Ciara, whilst Revenue officers were examining parcels at premises in Dublin and the Midlands.

The parcels originated from the USA, Belgium, Spain and Canada, and were destined for various addresses nationwide.

The cigarettes and alcohol products were seized in various operations in the Midlands, Kilkenny, Waterford and Rosslare.

Three weapons were also seized in the Midlands.

The counterfeit goods were seized as they were confirmed by the Rights Holder to have infringed on Intellectual Property Rights.

Revenue has confirmed investigations into all seizures are ongoing.

The various seizures were made as part of Revenue’s ongoing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity.

Revenue has urged businesses or members of the public who have any information regarding smuggling to contact them on 1800 295 295.

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Revenue seize contraband worth €688,200 in various operations across the country last week[/caption]

THE UK’s first Universal theme park has taken a huge step closer to opening.

Online forms for people to register interest in working at the new Universal theme park have been distributed online.

PA

The park is set to open its doors in 2031[/caption]

Universal

It is being built on a 476 acre site in Bedfordshire[/caption]

The new park will create 28,000 jobs

An estimated 28,000 jobs will be created by the theme park bringing in £50 billion for the economy.

The park will create roughly 20,000 jobs during construction and a further 8,000 when open.

The park is expected to open its doors in 2031 but no formal planning application for its construction has been submitted yet, it has been slated for a site in Bedfordshire.

The news that the government was backing plans to build the park broke in April.

People can already register interest in jobs

Now in a major step towards opening Universal has launched online forms for people to fill out and register interest in taking on a job at the new park.

Businesses can also now register interest in becoming suppliers for the theme park.

The forms state that there is expected to be a “significant” number of opportunities for businesses across various sectors.

If planning permission is granted construction at the massive 476-acre site will begin in 2026.

The park is to be built on a former brickworks in Bedfordshire with a preliminary opening date of 2031.

The online forms for people who want to work at the new theme park read: “Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, intends to build and operate the company’s first-ever entertainment resort complex in the United Kingdom, located in Bedford, pending planning consent approvals.

“This development will have a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy. It will be a major contributor to the creative arts and tourism industries, generating nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the UK and creating thousands of new, high-quality jobs.

“We’re committed to advertising these jobs to local people and will engage with the community at the appropriate time. While it may be some time before these opportunities become available, you can register your interest by completing this form.”

Information for businesses that want to register their interest as suppliers for the park was also given.

It reads: ““Should the project receive planning consent, it is expected there will be a significant number of opportunities for businesses created across a range of different sectors.

Universal

The site was once home to a brickworks[/caption]

“We’re committed to advertising these to local businesses and will engage with the community at the appropriate time.”

Universal is set to offer a huge range of attractions

The planned theme park is said to offer cutting-edge immersive experiences, high-speed roller coasters, innovative attractions, and world-class hospitality.

The resort will also feature a 500-room hotel and is expected to bring in 8.5 million visitors in its first year alone.

It is reportedly expected to include its own train station, an entertainment zone, and dozens of attractions.

FORMER Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has won his battle with neighbours to axe seven “nuisance” trees at his Cheshire mansion – despite fears for magpies.

The Liverpool legend, 74, and his next door neighbours were left stumped after half a dozen locals living opposite objected to the “wholesale” cull.

Getty

Retired football player Kevin Keegan[/caption]

Matthew Pover

The sycamore trees near his home (not pictured) are all in poor condition. Similar trees are pictured on a public road[/caption]

One protestor even sent a sound recording to the local council of birds in the trees including blackbirds, blue tits, parakeets, robins and Magpies, in a desperate bid to save the 60ft-high sycamores.

Newcastle are called the Magpies because of their black and white striped kit, like the bird’s plumage, and Keegan bossed them back in the 1990s.

The 50-year-old trees were slapped with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) before the row of four houses, including Keegan’s, were built.

But Keegan and his neighbours have now successfully applied to the local council to have the “dead and decaying” trees completely felled to the ground.

In a letter, one objector wrote: “The protected trees have always provided a welcome and quite natural habitat for the wide diversity of animals, especially birds.

“For many years, our property and those of our neighbours have overlooked an empty field. Now our view, especially during the winter months, is of four detached houses.

“During the summer months, a time when most people enjoy being out in their gardens, the protected trees have provided a level of privacy, shade from the sun and good noise reduction (for all parties).

“Over the last 40 years I can honestly say the protected trees have caused no real problems at all. To destroy live trees would be a tragedy.”

Another objector, whose house backs on to Keegan’s, paid towards the cost of previous tree works in a gesture of good will.

They said: “I am in total agreement that tree maintenance and action is required to the trees. My objection is with some of the proposed action.”

A third objector said: “The face the trees are now considered a nuisance shouldn’t necessitate their wanton removal, after all the trees were there long before the houses were built.”

Keegan won three Division One Championships, two UEFA Cups, one FA Cup and a European Cup in his playing career at Liverpool, and also won the Ballon d’Or twice.

As a manager, he is famous for his “I would love it if we beat them” rant at Sir Alex Ferguson as his Newcastle side threw away a 13-point lead and lost the Premier League title to Man Utd in 1996.

The former England boss moved to his five-bedroom Cheshire pad in 2002 and has since added a loft conversion, two dormer windows and a rear conservatory.

Officials at Trafford Council gave the go-ahead for the tree felling by April 2027, but ordered that new trees should be planted.

They said: “The sycamore trees proposed for removal are all in poor condition, most have areas of dead bark on the lower stem, structural weaknesses in the crown and poor leaf budding rates.

“Decay is evident in several previous pruning points and these trees are likely to become hazardous in the near future if they remain.”

Jon Bond - The Sun

The former England boss moved to his five-bedroom Cheshire pad in 2002[/caption]

A NEW ‘Learn to Cycle Track’ has opened earlier this week in Meath in a step towards “safer road use” among young people.

Meath‘s first children’s cycle track is located at Blackwater Park, Navan.

Facebook/Meath County Council

The new project was launched earlier this week[/caption]

Facebook/Meath County Council

Mayor of Navan Cllr. Padraig Fitzsimons was joined by Meath County Council Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe at Blackwater Park for the opening[/caption]

The new project was launched earlier this week by the Mayor of Navan Cllr. Padraig Fitzsimons, who was joined by Meath County Council Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe at Blackwater Park.

Meath County Council took to social media to share the update with the local community.

They wrote on Facebook: “We are delighted to announce that we have officially opened our new Learn to Cycle Track at Blackwater Park.

“This innovative facility, which is the first of its kind in Meath, aims to provide an essential platform for young children to learn cycling in a safe and structured environment.

“Building stronger communities, one space at a time.”

The new cycle track features a realistic road layout, complete with lines, road signs, a roundabout, and pedestrian crossings, all without the interference of traffic.

A spokesperson for Meath County Council added: “This initiative is designed to promote the safe use of cycling among children, teaching them vital skills while encouraging sustainable transport methods.

“By fostering a culture of cycling, Meath County Council hopes to reduce reliance on cars and contribute positively to the climate and environment for future generations.”

The upgraded Blackwater Park now includes plenty of seating areas for parents and instructors to oversee and support children as they practice the rules of the road.

And a new toddler ramp has also been added, allowing younger children to improve their balance in a safe setting.

Meath Sports Partnership has also introduced an Olympic-sized 3×3 half basketball court at Blackwater Park as part of the commitment to enhancing sport within the local community.

Meath County Council added the addition complements the existing sports facilities.

And it is expected to further engage the local community in physical activities.

Padraig Fitzsimons, Mayor of Navan, said: “The opening of the Learn to Cycle Track is a significant milestone for our community as it not only empowers our children with a crucial life skill but also promotes a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

“We are excited to offer this facility, which we believe will enhance the safety and enjoyment of cycling for our young citizens.”

Facebook/Meath County Council

Meath’s first children’s cycle track is located at Blackwater Park, Navan.[/caption]

PROSECUTORS in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal case have pulled key testimony during the trial that was critical to the racketeering charge the disgraced music executive is facing.

The stunning move by federal prosecutors comes a day before closing arguments in Combs’ trial are set to begin on Thursday following six weeks of graphic testimony.

REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg

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IRELAND AM star Muireann O’Connell has left fans divided after she stepped out on air in a quirky look.

The Limerick native was back on air this week wearing another selection of trendy TV outfits – but her latest look has turned some heads.

Muireann is renowned for sharing snippets of herself getting ready backstage before the show begins.

The 41-year-old gives a behind-the-scenes look inside her stylish TV wardrobe as she chooses an outfit for the day.

However, in a recent fashion video posted to her Instagram, Muireann had her fans dispersed about her look.

The Irish host sported a a bright blue chunky knit jumper with a pair of bold red trousers.

The Fine Knit jumper currently retails for a whopping €650 on the Tara Garvey website.

Muireann styled the radiant outfit with a matching set of red stiletto heels and a pair of gold hoop earrings.

The popular presenter tucked the sweater up and styled it into a cropped silhouette.

She then rounded off the look with a bronze make-up look and styled her hair in beach waves.

The breakfast show host penned in her caption: “Good morning! Ok. This look is not gonna be for everyone!

“Talented Irish designer @taragarveytg sent me a beautiful jumper- the feel – so I hooshed it up and stuck it in my bra. Thanks Tara!”

But, Muireann’s fans were split down the middle when it came to their opinion of the outfit.

Yvonne wrote: “You wear it well, but not for me.”

‘A BIT MUCH’

While Kellie gushed: “Wow, I love this!”

Alexandra remarked: “Too much colour for me.”

Michelle said: “Your colour combos are always spot on.”

Eva commented: “I adore these colours together.”

And Simon added: “The pants are a bit much, but love the jumper!”

PORTO manager Martin Anselmi is reportedly set to be sacked after the club’s dismal Club World Cup form.

Porto failed to win a single game in the competition as they were dumped out in the group stages – sparking angry reaction from fans.

Reuters

Martin Anselmi is reportedly set to be sacked by Porto[/caption]

Anselmi, 39, was only appointed in January, but Portuguese outlet CMTV have reported that he is now set to be dismissed.

The manager is said to already be aware he will be sacked, despite his current deal running until 2027.

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A FASHION fan has revealed a stunning new outfit that’s perfect for summer – and it costs just €55.

Dunnes Stores has an all-new summer range with must-have holiday staples.

Tiktok.com

The Alba Scarf Print Top retailing for €30, features a white paisley pattern[/caption]

Tiktok.com

The new branded looks are perfect for summer[/caption]

Tiktok.com

Get the perfect item for layering with the new Gallery square neck vest[/caption]

The Irish retailer has the perfect items to keep you stylish on your holiday this season.

One fashion fan flaunted the new looks on their TikTok in a post captioned: “Come with me for a lunchtime look at Dunnes Stores.”

The influencer, who uploads under the tag @Js.journey0, shared the stunning new branded range from fabulous co-ords to stunning dresses.

Get the newest Gallery matching set for just €55.

The Alba Scarf Print Top retailing for €30, features a white paisley pattern, covered buttons down the front, and flap pockets.

Complete the look with the matching wide leg pants for just €25 online.

Or get the perfect layering item this summer with the Gallery Square Neck Vest for just €15.

Choose from ivory, light blue & pink or the navy in this classy style.

Gallery wasn’t the only brand serving looks for fans as the video showed the new dress from Savida.

The new Savida Corset Look Top Denim Midi is €40 – perfect for guests this wedding season.

Fans will be happy to know sizes range from XXS – XXL.

All these stunning new items are available online and in stores with many more to choose from.

Pair all these new suitcase must haves with the latest leather slider in stores.

The H-front slider from Dunnes is a whopping €595 cheaper than luxury brands.

Costing just €15, these sandal dupes come in three different colours: brown, white and gold – one for every event.

With sleek slip-on style crossover straps, these gently squared toe sandals give an effortless summer look.

These cushion-insoled shoes come in sizes 36–42.

The black and brown offer a more casual vibe paired with white capri pants and an oversized tee; these are perfect for everyday wear.

All colours are available online and in stores across Ireland.

Garrett White

KATIE Price recently revealed exactly how much she weighs following fan concerns over her skinny frame.

The former glamour model, 47, who first sparked worry over her shrinking appearance at the start of the year, hit out at critics on Snapchat as she zoomed in on a set of scales.

Instagram

Katie Price recently sparked concern amongst fans as she revealed very slim frame in a new video[/caption]

Snapchat

Supplied

The TV personality, believed to be around 5ft 4in tall, showed her weight as 7st 12lb.

In an attempt to put fears to rest Katie, said in the video: “Everyone is so obsessed with my weight. This is what I weigh. That. That is what I weigh.”

But with the combined weight of her mega 2120cc breast implants removed – which are thought to weigh around 4.87lb each – her implant-free body is closer to a mere 7st 2lb… or that of a young teenage girl.

That puts her BMI at 17.2 which is below the healthy range and in the underweight category (18.5 and under).

However, while the number on the scale might seem okay to the mum-of-five, in my eyes, the weight reveal is possibly Katie’s most disgusting act to date – and it’s a huge trigger for those already struggling with their body image.

As a young teenager, I used to idolise stars and celebs like Katie, and anything that revealed how they attained their figure and weight was ”skinny porn” that fed my eating disorder.

Just like the thousands of young girls and women hiding in her 2.7million followers on Instagram, I was once a healthy and active young girl.

But my life, for years, was dominated by orthorexia nervosa. It started during my first years of university.

Deriving from the Greek words ortho, meaning ”correct”, and orexis, meaning ”appetite”, this relatively new form of eating disorder viciously had me in its grip in my early 20s.

I was never fat or even chunky – but having a naturally more athletic frame meant I was always on the bigger side next to my peers at school.

Then, in 2009, when I had reached the unripe yet vulnerable and impressionable age of 13, Kate Moss shocked the world with her now-infamous mantra: ” Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.”

Although the legendary model, now 51, has since expressed her regret over the phrase, it was already too late for me and millions of people around the world.

There was also Paris Hilton – someone I had seen on the TV screen for years – Lana del Rey and Lady Gaga.

My eating disorder wasn’t an immediate effect – but being exposed to skinny stars started to alter my perception of what I was seeing in the mirror and in one yer alone I shrunk from 10st to just over 7st.

Years went by and physically, I was still healthy, constantly cycling to the nearby beach and going to the gym.

kate kulniece

I’ve since managed to escape the tight grip of my body image struggles – but it wasn’t an easy journey[/caption]

Getty

But mentally, the eating disorder seed had already been planted and I started to compare my figure to what I was seeing online and to what my friends – also in the same boat – looked like.

Katie’s recent post, without her even being aware, at the time would’ve triggered my eating disorder even more – and I wouldn’t be surprised if I tried looking up her diet.

In 2015, aged 19, after graduating from high school in my hometown Riga, Latvia, I moved to the UK to pursue studies in journalism.

The only thing I could control – food

I left everything behind – my lifelong friends, the home I grew up in and most importantly, my family.

Suddenly, I felt like an alien and nothing was no longer in my control.

Nothing – apart from the food I was consuming and in turn, the number the scales were showing.

I had already been following a vegan lifestyle for a year at this point and although the weight started to drop, I was continuously searching for ways to shed even more off my 5’9” and 10st frame.

The Google search led me to several fads, including high carb, low fat and protein diet, which became a staple for two or so years.

I’d become so petrified of consuming any kind of fats that I banned olive oil, avocado and nuts from my diet.

I wouldn’t consume salt or processed sugar at all – and wouldn’t buy tomato puree as it contained 0.4g/100g of sodium.

My mornings would consist of heading for a 30 minute run on the treadmill on an empty stomach – or an hour if I had been ”naughty” the evening before and devoured one Oreo cookie.

Later, I’d head home to whip up a delicious and chocolate-dense porridge for my now-ex – and a bowl of fruit for myself.

I distinctly recall standing by the stove and desperately wanting to have just one teaspoon of the porridge – but I never gave in the temptation.

”It’s not worth it, Kate,” I’d tell myself.

Going out for dates also became a huge challenge, as by then I had discovered intermittent fasting – which, put simply, is an eating plan where people switch between fasting and eating on a regular schedule, typically sticking to the 16:8 eating window.

If the pair of us were out and wanted to pop inside a cafe for a brunch at 11.55am, I’d make my partner wait five extra minutes when I’d break the fast.

For around two years, my diet consisted of plain rice, ridiculous amounts of veggies, oven-roasted spuds with no oil or seasoning, and fresh fruit for breakfast.

Everything else, in my mind, was a sin.

The vigorous running, HIIT classes (high intensity interval training) and nutritionally-limited diet eventually resulted in the inevitable – I weighed little over 7 stone and had lost nearly 3 stone in one year.

kate kulniece

My body was so deprived of the vital vitamins and fats that, ultimately, I also lost period for 12 months; something at the time I was convinced was normal.

I was sleeping more than ever – but I constantly woke up shattered. Starving my body led to being irritated by the smallest of things – and I’d have emotional breakdowns on what felt like a weekly basis.

But despite being at my frailest, having a longed for thigh gap and washboard abs – it wasn’t enough. I’d spend nights crying in front of my mirror, wanting to be even thinner.

Without the help of my former boyfriend – who had to witness me withering away – I’d probably still be stuck in the same detrimental mindset, almost a decade on.

After years of learning how to eat a balanced diet again, I’ve regained the weight back – currently at 11 stone 4lbs – and I’m the strongest I’ve ever been.

But while I no longer compare myself to celebs and influencers, millions of people, especially the next generation, do and will – and having famous faces like Katie plaster their tiny weight all over social media will only trigger a new tsunami of eating disorders.

Yes, it is possible to break free from their tight grip – and thankfully, there’s plenty of help and resources available out there.

But it’s not an easy journey or one that will take a week, a month or even a year – and those who don’t beat this mental health illness can suffer lifelong health implications and even die.

Right now, at least 1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder. That’s more than 1 in 50 people – but the real number could be even higher, according to Beat Eating Disorders.

Although there is not much data available about eating disorder-caused mortality rates in the UK, the picture overseas, in the US, is bleak.

According to data, every 62 minutes at least one person dies as a direct result from an eating disorder – and being exposed to skinny celebs like Katie could only make this number higher.

Nihal Candan, a Turkish TV personality and influencer, recently passed away after being diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.

The 30-year-old reportedly dropped to just 3st 6lbs after losing nearly 5st 8 lbs in the last two years.

So, as a survivor of a crippling illness, I’m begging you Katie – stop.