3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on ‘This week will be fairly mixed’ – Met Eireann issue ‘heavy’ rain forecast amid ‘cooler’ temps & ‘uncertain’ conditions
IRELAND is set for a “fairly mixed” bag this week with plenty of cloud and rain as high temperatures will collide with unsettled conditions.
According to Met Eireann, there is a chance of “heavy” falls” as temperatures remaining in the low 2Os.
MeteologixIt is set to bucket down over the next few days[/caption]
MeteologixWinds are also set to pick up[/caption]
Today will see a wet and cloudy start with patchy rain and drizzle for most of the country.
Rain will move eastwards across the country tonight, turning heavy at times, and will be followed by clear spells and scattered showers.
And most areas will be dry by morning with lows of 9 to 13C with light to moderate southerly winds.
Weighing in on today’s weather outlook Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather issued the same cloudy and rainy forecast.
He said: “Cloudy but mainly dry Wednesday morning, a few patchy light showers before rain moves in from the west this evening.”
Met Eireann’s Linda Hughes continued: “Tomorrow will be breezy with sunny spells and scattered showers during the morning.
“Clouds will increase through the afternoon and outbreaks of rain will move eastwards across the country, turning more persistent in the west and northwest during the evening.
“Highest temperatures of 14C to 19C, again coolest in the northwest with moderate to fresh and gusty southwesterly winds.”
Friday will be quite windy with rain and drizzle across most of the country.
Linda added: “Some heavy falls are possible during the morning and afternoon, particularly in the north and west.
“But the rain will become lighter and patchier towards evening.
“Highest temperatures of 16C to 20C with fresh to strong and gusty southwesterly winds.
Saturday will be mostly dry apart from a few showers in the west and northwest.
Weather bosses predicted: “Sunny spells at first, but becoming cloudier as the day goes on. Highest temperatures of 15C to 22C.”
And there are no guarantees improved conditions will get us back to a dry and scorching heatwave.
They added: “There’s some uncertainty in the forecast for Sunday.
“It’ll potentially start cloudy with rain, mainly over the north of the country, before becoming drier and brighter later.
“Highest temperatures of 17C to 22C with a moderate to fresh to southwest breeze.”
Summer conditions are a distant memoryBrian Lawless/PA Wire
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Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul rejected accusations that his party mishandled the cannabis policy, particularly its medical use, and distanced himself from proposals to legalise casinos. Speaking out on the issue, Anutin dismissed the government’s recent plan to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, allowing only medical use, as a reversal of Bhumjaithai’s earlier work, claiming …
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MANILA, Philippines — Fewer Filipinos experience text scams, but more “task scams” are emerging on online messaging platforms. This was according to observations by internet security watchdog Scam Watch Pilipinas at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday. “Bumaba. Halos wala na tayong natatanggap na text scam mula sa unknown prepaid number,” Scam Watch
The 37-year-old former England star announced his decision to retire on Instagram.
He wrote: “Since making my professional debut in 2006, I realise I’ve been blessed to live the dream that millions of people share.
“Southampton… the place where it all started, and fittingly where it ends.
“It’s the club I ultimately owe everything to.
“[To] England… every single cap meant the world to me.
“Representing my country was the greatest honour. I’m proud of the playing career I’ve had and have no regrets about any of it.
“I embrace all the highs and all the lows as they’ve shaped me into who I am.
“To everyone who made the journey so special, the staff at each club and organisation, the managers and coaches, my teammates, and of course the supporters – thank you.
“But most of all, to my own team… my family. My wife Emily, our amazing sons, my mum, dad and sister, thank you for putting up with me and being in my corner through it all.
“I’m excited for whatever the future brings.”
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
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3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Abante: House prosecutors aren’t giving impeachment court ‘hard time’
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives’ prosecution team is not giving anyone a “hard time.” This is the statement of the chamber’s spokesperson, Atty. Princess Abante, as she refutes the impression of Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on how the House is moving in connection with its impeachment bid against Vice President Sara Duterte.
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on My neighbour chopped all our trees down without our permission – our garden’s now a mess & I’m fuming
A WOMAN has been left fuming after claiming her ‘psycho’ neighbour chopped down her garden’s trees without permission.
In a video, she shared the before and after of her outdoor space, with her garden looking like a mess after the massacre.
A woman shared her garden before her neighbour took actionTikTok TikTok She claims her ‘psycho’ neighbour chopped her trees down[/caption]
On her account, she shared the entire story – and people are split in the comments.
She claimed: “About two months ago, our neighbor asked us to remove our trees because flowers were falling into his yard.
“Of course I felt terrible but we said no, because I loved those trees for many reasons. “However, we immediately had them professionally cut back (which we do every other year, per our landscaper’s recommendation). He lost it.
“He sent a bunch of unhinged messages to my husband but we thought it had blown over after we had the trees cut back and the flowers stopped blooming.
“Fast forward to this past weekend, while we weren’t home (which he knew), they were mysteriously chopped down. Every last one.
“They were cut aggressively and conveniently in a way that ensured nothing fell into his yard.”
She shared how she had asked neighbours if they had seen what happened – and word got back to the person they suspect did it.
The woman claims he then started sending her husband “threatening messages” filled with “profanity and intimidation.”
The social media user said she wasn’t sharing the story for sympathy but because she felt “heartbroken”.
She said she has filed a police report and is trying to get justice over the incident.
People were quick to tune in on the tree debacle, with one saying: “Huge trees are a pain in a garden but you cannot just go in neighbors garden and cut them down!”
Another also supported her saying: “What type of psycho goes to another person’s yard and cuts down their trees!!!!
“It’s truly insane. I’m sorry this was done to you.”
However, some people took the neighbour’s side.
One wrote: “Why do people plant their trees so close to the border?”
Another added: “understand your feelings but anything hanging over his yard I presume he can legally cut back?”
What are your rights if a neighbour’s tree hangs into your garden?
GettyOverhanging branches can lead to nasty neighbour disputes[/caption]
In order to prevent overhanging branches turning into furious rows between neighbours, Natalie Welsh, head of property at HCB Widdows Mason shared what your rights are in this tricky situation.
“It can be really frustrating when branches or plants from your neighbour’s garden start to spill over into your space”, she said. “In England and Wales, you’re allowed to cut back any branches that cross onto your property, but only up to the boundary line.
“Just make sure you don’t step onto your neighbour’s land or damage the tree itself.”
When trimming a tree back, you are not allowed to lean into your neighbour’s garden, since that can be considered trespassing.
Natalie advised that before taking any drastic action, it’s best to have a friendly chat with your neighbour first.
Rules on fences and trees
Fences:
Height Restrictions: In most areas, fences in front gardens should not exceed one metre in height without planning permission. For rear gardens, the limit is generally two metres.
Shared Fences: If a fence is shared with a neighbour, both parties are typically responsible for its maintenance and any costs associated with repairs or replacement.
Building Regulations: Ensure that any new fence complies with local building regulations and does not obstruct visibility for drivers or pedestrians.
Trees:
Ownership: Trees located on your property are your responsibility, including any damage they may cause. Conversely, trees on a neighbour’s property are their responsibility.
Overhanging Branches: You are entitled to trim branches that overhang into your property, but only up to the boundary line. The cut branches should be offered back to the tree owner.
Protected Trees: Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Check with your local council before undertaking any work on a tree, as unauthorised work can result in fines.
Roots: If tree roots from a neighbour’s tree cause damage to your property, you have the right to remove the roots. However, it is advisable to discuss this with your neighbour first to avoid disputes.
Always consult your local council or a legal adviser for specific regulations and advice.
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3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Flashy drug kingpin snared in hitman plot by OWN designer clothes & tats in supercar selfies he shared from Dubai hotels
A FLASHY crime lord was snared for a murder plot and major cocaine smuggling racket by his clothes and tattoos featured in selfies he posted from Dubai.
Drug baron James Harding, 34, masterminded a drug empire which made £5 million in profits during a 10-week period.
PAJames Harding, 34, was the mastermind behind a drug empire[/caption]
PAHarding boasted of the luxury life he was living abroad[/caption]
PAHe was arrested at Geneva airport and extradited to the UK[/caption]
But the vain villain took selfies of himself posing shirtless in front of the mirror flexing his muscles and sitting in supercars while living a life of luxury in the desert kingdom.
Harding sent the photos and messages about his opulent lifestyle to criminal cronies on the EncroChat encrypted mobile phone system believing it was totally secure.
But the swaggering poser’s boasts rebounded on him when the communication network was infiltrated by cyber cops in 2020.
Messages uncovered Harding’s cocaine empire – and his plan to rob and kill a rival drug courier.
Harding was yesterday convicted at the Old Bailey of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and of conspiracy to murder following a heavily-guarded eight-week trial.
His right hand man Jayes Kharouti, 39, earlier admitted the same drug offence and was also found guilty of the murder plot.
Jurors heard how Harding used the EncroChat handle ‘thetopsking,’ while Kharouti went under the tags ‘besttops’ and ‘topsybricks.’
They sent 9,136 messages to each other via EncroChat between March and June 2020, detailing their vast shipments of cocaine from the Netherlands into the UK, where it was distributed across the country.
The pair spelled out how they were laundering their money – as every message was read by Scotland Yard detectives following the penetration of the EncroChat platform by French law enforcement.
Harding, originally from Alton, Hampshire, and his lieutenant Kharouti were making £70,000 every day during the period their phones were being hacked by cops, jurors heard.
Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson, KC, said the pair were responsible for “approximately 50 importations of cocaine into the UK with a total weight of approximately 1,000 kilograms.”
He went on: “The messages also show that once the cocaine was in the UK, it was broken into smaller parcels, of between 5kg and 10kg, and distributed across the UK to wholesale purchasers, who would then sell to end users.
“An analysis of the messages that discuss money and financial gain suggests that the conspirators made £60-70,000 per importation, and about £5m in profit overall in just 10 weeks.”
The messages also revealed how Harding and Kharouti tried to hire a hitman for £100,000 to rob and kill a drug mule.
They arranged a gun and ammunition for a hitman to carry out the “full M” – murder, jurors heard.
Cops moved in and arrested the alleged hitman before the contract murder could be carried out.
Harding claimed in court he was not the EncroChat user known as ‘thetopsking’ – and claimed the handle belonged to a mystery gay lover he identified in court only as ‘TK.’
But cops were able to prove Harding was the ‘thetopsking’ because of his love for selfies and boasts about his luxury lifestyle.
A phone seized from an associate had a video showing Harding in the driver’s seat of a £2.5 million Bugatti Chiron car with a tattoo on his leg clearly visible.
There were pictures of him living it up in his lavish villa at The Nest development in Dubai, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a swimming pool and rooms for maids and drivers.
Harding lived there with Liverpudlian girlfriend Charli Wylde, 33, and her daughter Milly-Mai, 15, who he treated as his own.
PAThere were photos Harding living it up in Dubai with his £2.5 million Bugatti[/caption]
PAThe vain villain sent messages of himself sitting in the supercar[/caption]
PAHarding sent messages to his criminal cronies via an encrypted mobile phone system[/caption]
The court heard that on May 6, 2020, EncroChat user ‘thetopsking’ boasted to pals how he was taking his “Mrs” out that evening to Zuma, an award-winning Japanese restaurant in Dubai.
Investigations found that two days earlier Harding made the booking from a personal email account.
And eight days later ‘thetopsking’ boasted in messages how he was staying at the five-star Waldorf hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, and sent an image of the hotel pool area via EncroChat.
Mr Atkinson said: “Enquiries with the Hilton Hotel Group showed that Harding stayed at the Waldorf Astoria in the United Arab Emirates and gave (his) mobile telephone number and produced a UAE identification card.
“During the stay, thetopsking had sent an image of James Harding relaxing on a sun lounger at, of all places, the Waldorf.”
One March 26 2020, thetopsking also wrote a message about how he had got back a Lamborghini Urus and sent an image of the dashboard.
Mr Atkinson said: “The person who took the image caught their leg in the photograph, and on that leg is a tattoo which matches the tattoo on James Harding’s leg.”
Kharouti’s home in Epsom, Surrey, was searched in 2020 after he was linked to the messages.
Police found a handset with the same number he gave to Harding.
He fled the country before being found in Turkey and extradited back to the UK.
Harding was arrested on 27 December 2021 at Geneva Airport, Switzerland, and from there Switzerland to the UK the following May.
The pair will be sentenced on Thursday.
Met Detective Chief Inspector Jim Casey, said: “This conviction sends a clear message – no matter how sophisticated the methods, criminals cannot hide behind encrypted software.
“This operation dismantled a major supply chain and is a testament to the relentless work of our officers.
“We monitored their drug-dealing activity but then we saw the group discussing the contract killing of a rival.
“We moved fast to protect those in danger.”
“Harding and Kharouti planned to kill, we stopped that and put them before the courts.”
Harding was previously jailed for nine years when he was aged 21 for running a drug racket.
Previously, Calvin Crump, 29, of Redhill, Surrey, was jailed for 13 years and six months while Khuram Ahmed, 38, of Slough, Berkshire, got 15-and-half-years after admitting conspiracy to smuggle cocaine.
Peter Thompson, 61, of South-West London, received 21 years after he pleaded guilty to the same drug charge and possessing a pistol.
A man alleged to have been the gang’s proposed hitman was cleared.
PAThe drug kingpin made £5 million in profits in a 10 week period[/caption]
PAPackages of drugs smuggled in 2020[/caption]
PAHarding’s right hand man, Jayes Kharouti. fled to Turkey before being returned to the UK[/caption]
3 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on ICONSIAM presents the spectacular Yuyuan Lantern Festival 2025 in collaboration with Shanghai Yuyuan Tourist Mart Group and Intersteps
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