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I talked dozens out of boarding doomed Titan sub over catastrophic safety risks – Brit victims were deceived, says diver

3 weeks ago Blogs Comments Off on I talked dozens out of boarding doomed Titan sub over catastrophic safety risks – Brit victims were deceived, says diver

A LEADING deep sea diver who warned Stockton Rush over Titan sub’s catastrophic safety risks says victims were “deceived”.

Titanic expedition leader Rob McCallum talked almost 40 people out of going on the doomed sub – which claimed five lives when it imploded two years ago.

Stockton Rush, CEO of OceanGate, sitting inside a submersible. — Stockton Rush, CEO of OceanGate, had been warned over safety concerns

Debris from the Titan submersible being unloaded from a ship.

Debris from the sub is unloaded from a ship[/caption]

two men posing for a picture with one wearing a red hoodie with the letter m on it — Businessman Shahzada Dawood and his 19-year-old son Suleman were killed

Illustration of sub safety blunders: carbon fiber construction, safety lawsuit, controller steering, lack of distress beacon, lack of regulation, and accounts from former passengers.

McCallum, who has led seven dives to the Titanic, implored OceanGate boss Rush to let an independent agency test his vessel.

But his warnings over the sub’s critical safety failings fell on deaf ears and “intolerant” Rush simply brushed aside cautions from experts.

The world was put in a chokehold when the unclassed sub vanished from radar during a 12,500ft dive down to the Titanic wreckage.

Five days after it disappeared on June 18, 2023, a piece of debris was found on the ocean floor – confirming fears it had imploded.

All five on board – Rush, British billionaire Hamish Harding, 58, French Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and son Suleman, 19 – were killed.

Harrowing emails show McCallum tried to warn Rush over Titan’s danger – but the OceanGate CEO replied he was “tired of industry players who try to use a safety argument to stop innovation”.

Rush wrote: “We have heard the baseless cries of ‘you are going to kill someone’ way too often. I take this as a serious personal insult.”

McCallum said their tense email exchange ended after OceanGate’s lawyers threatened legal action, and so he focussed on limiting the number of people who boarded Titan.

He told The Sun: “I’d written to him three or four times, and he wasn’t going to change.

“I’d run out of options. I thought the sub would not survive sea trials and so I just focused on trying to limit the number of people that got into that thing.

“I probably talked three dozen people out of going on Titan, and I wouldn’t get melodramatic about it, because I didn’t want to over dramatise it.

“Both because I wanted them to keep listening to what I was saying, but also I didn’t want to become a drama queen and sort of written off as hysterical.

“And so my simple answer was always, I would never get in an unclassed vehicle and nor should you.”

McCallum said he spoke to both Harding and Nargeolet, who both decided to take the risk.

But he said Dawood and his son Suleman would have had “no idea” about the danger they were putting themselves in on the £195,000 dive as OceanGate downplayed the risk.

McCallum said: “Hamish and Paul-Henri knew it was risky, but not the level of risk that they were taking.

“The other two had no idea at all. And the reason that there’s that uncertainty is because I think there was a concerted effort of deception.

a man wearing a headset with the word bose on it

British billionaire Hamish Harding was among those on the sub[/caption]

a man stands in front of a model of the titanic

French Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, also died[/caption] a poster explaining the titan tragedy with a map of canada

“If you look at the culture of OceanGate, they weren’t willing to take outside commentary, and anyone inside the camp that spoke out got fired or worse.

“And so you’ve got this diminishing group of people that are only listening to themselves and they just tuned out the talk of the risk.

“The risk was still there. But they just weren’t talking about it anymore.”

McCallum, who founded expedition company EYOS, said all of those who he successfully advised not to board Titan realise they had a “close call”.

He added: “Within 48 hours of the implosion one rang up in tears and said, ‘I owe you my life. I was going to get into that sub, and I couldn’t get your voice out of my head, and so I turned around and came home’.

“He lost his deposit but he said ‘I just couldn’t get your voice out of my head’, and he was in tears.

“People are very conscious that they had a close call.”

McCallum said on the fateful day of the sub’s disappearance from radar he “just felt sick”.

After the sub lost contact with its support ship Polar Prince rescue crews worked around the clock in what was thought to be a race against time to save the crew.

But McCallum said it was clear the sub had imploded.

a poster explaining the doomed descent of the oceangate titan

“I knew immediately what had happened,” he said.

“There were two or three days when everyone was going through the search and rescue.

“I didn’t understand that because we knew it had imploded.

“I was sad to lose some friends and shipmates. But I was grateful for small mercies that it would have been instantaneous.”

Engineer Rush, who co-founded OceanGate in 2009, created Titan with an experimental design made up of a carbon-fiber pod with titanium rings bolted on.

McCallum said carbon fiber material is not fit for submerging so deep underwater.

But McCallum’s warning that carbon fiber would not withstand such pressure, Rush informed him he was “going to carry on regardless”.

In 2018, OceanGate’s then chief pilot David Lochridge was fired after his inspection report laid bare a series of safety risks.

A report from the Marine Board of Investigation is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

McCallum said: “The report will be comprehensive and should cover all of the attributing elements that led to the disaster.

“It will also indicate who is responsible and who might be subject to prosecution.”

Portrait of Rob McCallum, FRGS, Founding Partner and Expedition Leader of Eyos Expeditions.

Rob McCallum urged Rush to get the sub certified[/caption]

How the Titan tragedy unfolded

By Katie Davis, Chief Foreign Reporter (Digital)

FIVE men plunged beneath the surface of the North Atlantic in a homemade sub in a bid to explore the Titanic wreckage.

Four passengers paid £195,000 each to go on the sub, with the fifth member of the trip being a crew member.

But what was supposed to be a short trip spiralled into days of agony as the doomed Titan vanished without a trace on June 18, 2023.

The daring mission had been months in the making – and almost didn’t happen at the hands of harsh weather conditions in Newfoundland, Canada.

In a now chilling Facebook post, passenger Hamish Harding wrote: “Due to the worst winter in Newfoundland in 40 years, this mission is likely to be the first and only manned mission to the Titanic in 2023.

“A weather window has just opened up and we are going to attempt a dive tomorrow.”

It would be his final Facebook post.

The following morning, he and four others – led by Stockton Rush – began the 12,5000ft descent towards the bottom of the Atlantic.

But as it made its way down into the depths, the vessel lost all contact with its mother ship on the surface, the Polar Prince.

It sparked a frantic four-day search for signs of life, with the hunt gripping the entire world.

There was hope that by some miracle, the crew was alive and desperately waiting to be saved.

But that sparked fears rescue teams faced a race against time as the passengers only had a 96-hour oxygen supply when they set out, which would be quickly dwindling.

Then, when audio of banging sounds was detected under the water, it inspired hope that the victims were trapped and signalling to be rescued.

It heartbreakingly turned out that the banging noises were likely either ocean noises or from other search ships, the US Navy determined.

Countries around the world deployed their resources to aid the search, and within days the Odysseus remote-operated vehicle (ROV) was sent down to where the ghostly wreck of the Titanic sits.

The plan was for the ROV to hook onto the sub and bring it up 10,000ft, where it would meet another ROV before heading to the surface.

But any hopes of a phenomenal rescue were dashed when Odysseus came across a piece of debris from the sub around 1,600ft from the Titanic.

The rescue mission tragically turned into a salvage task, and the heartbroken families of those on board were told the devastating news.

It was confirmed by the US Coast Guard that the sub had suffered a “catastrophic implosion”.

I worked at Broadmoor for 20yrs & hosted Ronnie Kray’s wedding…one killer with eyes ‘black like death’ still haunts me

3 weeks ago Blogs Comments Off on I worked at Broadmoor for 20yrs & hosted Ronnie Kray’s wedding…one killer with eyes ‘black like death’ still haunts me

THE imposing Victorian walls have held some of Britain’s worst murderers, rapists, and criminals – including Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe and Ronnie Kray.

But tales about what life is really like inside Broadmoor are almost as rare as successful escapes.

Black and white photo of Reggie and Ronnie Kray drinking tea at home.

The Kray brothers were reunited in Broadmoor for Ronnie’s wedding in 1989[/caption]

Black and white mugshot of Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper. — Serial killer Peter Sutcliffe held dinner parties in his ward

The notorious institution is home to some of Britain’s most dangerous criminals[/caption]

But now, one man who worked inside the heart of the hospital for over two decades has revealed to The Sun just what it was like to come face to face with those who committed unspeakable crimes, day in, day out.

Neil Wheatcroft, now aged 73, worked at Broadmoor between 1987 and 2009, first as the hospital’s head chef, and then as a nursing assistant.

“You became cold to the things that happen. Gratuitous violence was nothing,” told Neil.

“The things we’ve seen and witnessed, the patients that arrive, you read their notes and about what they’ve done.

“You had, for example, a patient that cut off a policeman’s arm, took his head off, put it in a Tesco’s bag, and cooked the arm just to see what it would taste like.

“One minute you read about it – the next minute you’re standing opposite them.”

First opened in 1863 as Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, to this day it remains the most well-known high security psychiatric hospital in England.

Other notable patients include serial killer Robert Maudsley, nicknamed “Hannibal the Cannibal”, Charles Bronson, dubbed Britain’s “most violent prisoner”, and Kenneth Erskine – a.k.a. the Stockwell Strangler.

Paedophile entertainer Jimmy Savile was a regular visitor, and bosses even gave him his own set of keys – yet we now know he abused dozens of patients.

But to Neil, crossing paths with evil was just another day on the job.

“My family could never understand how I could work there and come home like nothing had happened,” he said.

“There was another one – I can’t remember his name – who ate somebody. They used to call him Peckish. He would have eaten anybody.

“Others would have slit their throats with anything they could find.”

Ripper’s ‘dinner parties’

The Yorkshire Ripper brutally murdered at least 13 women between 1975 and 1980 and was sent to Broadmoor in 1985, after being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

But, as Neil recounts, his life in Broadmoor wasn’t as stark as many might imagine – despite face the occasional attack from other inmates.

Sutcliffe would often hold “after hours” evening dinner specials on his ward, along with others in his crew.

It made a welcome change from the usual food they were given, with treats like barbecued smoked chicken, steak ribs, and chips on offer – paid for out of their own pocket.

Photo of Peter Sutcliffe. — Yorkshire ripper Peter Sutcliffe held ‘dinner parties’ in his cell

Photo of Jimmy Savile at his residence in Broadmoor Psychiatric Hospital. — Jimmy Savile frequently abused patients at Broadmoor

Portrait of Neil Wheatcroft, a former Broadmore prison worker, sitting on a bench in a garden.

Neil Wheatcroft worked in Broadmoor from 1987 and 2009[/caption]

Even here, at the dinner table, he was able to strike fear into the heart of seasoned staff at Broadmoor.

“From the very first meal I did with my colleague, you would look across the room and see him sitting round the dinner table – and he’s looking back at you,” recounted Neil.

“There’s absolutely nothing behind his eyes. They were black like death, and not one bit of emotion.

“There are a lot of prisoners in there who have done bad things – but he stood out.

“The others at that table were more affable and appreciative.”

Bizarrely, despite his horrendous crimes, the serial killer had a legion of female fans who would regularly write him letters.

And sometimes, they’d even come to Broadmoor to meet him in the flesh.

We always used to liken it to the scene in the Italian Job, when Mr Bridger comes down the stairs – that was the aura he had
Neal Wheatcroft

“He had visits, and used to get women truck drivers coming onto the ward,” recalled Neil.

“He just sat and talked. It was strange – why would an ordinary woman want to go out with a murderer?”

Wedding feast

Sutcliffe is far from the only long term resident of Broadmoor to have entertained romance while living behind bars.

Ronnie Kray, the notorious East End gangster, was convicted along with his twin Reggie for the murders of George Cornell and Jack ‘The Hat’ McVitie in 1969, and sentenced to life with a minimum of 30 years.

A decade later, Ronnie was diagnosed with schizophrenia and transferred to Broadmoor where he lived until his death in 1995 from a heart attack, aged 61.

Being who he was, he had quite the reputation among both patients and staff – and never let standards slack, recalled Neil.

“We always used to liken it to the scene in the Italian Job, when Mr Bridger comes down the stairs,” Neil said.

“That was the aura he had.

“The others would slob about in tracksuit bottoms, but he was always dressed in pristine suits and really smart.”

Black and white photo of Ronnie Kray holding a cup.

London gangster Ronnie Kray was sent to Broadmoor after being diagnosed with schizophrenia[/caption]

Still from *The Italian Job* (1969), showing Noel Coward. — Ronnie Kray’s ‘aura’ was compared to that of Mr Bridger in the classic film, The Italian Job

Neil Wheatcroft, former Broadmore prison worker, seated in a chair.

The former head chef and nursing assistant has opened up about his time working in the institution[/caption]

But Ronnie’s mind wasn’t always as put together as his outfits.

“He would be lucid one day, and then black in the next.

“He had a very, very quick fuse, but it would be equally quick going.”

Despite these outbursts, Ronnie ended up marrying twice while locked up.

His first, in 1985, was to Elaine Mildener, though the couple divorced in 1989.

The second was to Kate Howard, who was 23 years his junior.

He sent me a list – on it was quail’s eggs, dressed ham, and jellied eels

They wed the same year as his divorce from his first wife, tying the knot in a romantic ceremony in the hospital’s chapel.

But it was down to Neil to look after the celebrations that followed.

“He said, what can you give me? And I just said, well, it’s your day – what do you want?,” said Neil as he recalled organising his wedding feat.

“He sent me a list – on it was quails’ eggs, dressed ham and jellied eels. We also did a whole salmon dressed on a blue aspic base.”

Broadmoor boyfriends

He added: “There were about 14 or 15 people there, and a lot of staff. His brothers came in from various establishments.

“They came under escort, would be escorted onto the chapel, and then the reception was up in one of the rooms.

“The wedding was paid upfront – he wasn’t short of money.”

Charlie Kray and Kate Howard at their wedding.

Kate and Ronnie were married in the presence of the other family members, including the twin’s older brother Charlie, pictured here with her[/caption]

Jellied eels in a bowl with lemon and peppercorns.

East End staple jellied eels were ordered for the wedding feast[/caption]

Patient's bedroom at Broadmoor Hospital.

The typical Broadmoor room is stark and functional[/caption]

Broadmoor staff even discovered a business card in 1985 which revealed that the twins, from separate institutions, were operating a “bodyguard and protection” business for Hollywood stars while locked up.

Ronnie’s second marriage also ended in divorce five years later, and he passed away in 1995.

Being such a character and having lived in Broadmoor for so long, his death hit hard for a lot of the other patients.

They were losing a friend – and in some cases, a boyfriend, remembered Neil.

Ronnie Kray, who was bisexual, enjoyed same-sex relationships with others in Broadmoor even while married, though all visits were supervised by staff.

“There was only one that was sort of special, though,” said Neil.

“And I’m almost sure his bride knew as well.”

Daring escape

While Ronnie became accustomed to life on the inside, others had their mind focussed on escape.

Broadmoor, famously, was surrounded by air-raid sirens that were installed to warn locals if someone had made it out

Their frightening howl became a weekly staple for residents living in towns nearby, as the klaxons would be tested every Monday morning.

He was actually planning his escape – right down to the finest details
Neil Wheatcroft

But when the sirens sounded one day in 1991, it wasn’t a routine test – a child rapist was on the loose.

James Saunders was sentenced to life in 1985 after being convicted for the rape of two girls aged 11 and 15.

But he was clever – and devised a complicated plan to ensure others were distracted while he made his way to the outside.

“The one that went over the wall wanted to organise a pizza making event in the central hall, on Saturday night,” said Neil.

Mugshot of convicted child rapist James Saunders.

James Saunders was sent to Broadmoor in 1985[/caption]

Black and white photo of a convicted rapist being transported in a police car.

The child rapist created a distraction to launch his daring escape – before he was found by police in Dorset and escorted back to Broadmoor[/caption]

The ‘Wolfman’ managed to get over two 20ft walls to get to the outside[/caption]

“All the time this was happening, he was actually planning his escape – right down to the finest details.

“So, on the Saturday night when we’d put staff members in the hall to dish out the dough so they could have this competition, he was on his way getting ready to go over the wall.

“He’d arranged it purely for the fact that it would mean most people were in the central hall.”

Saunders – who was given the nickname “Wolfman” after living in the wild for three weeks after his escape – then managed to run across the courtyard and over two 20ft high walls to make his getaway.

“When the alarms go off at four o’clock in the morning, and then you realise it’s not Monday morning, you just think – oh bugger,” said Neil.

“Everybody had to go up to Broadmoor to sign in and be told where you had to go.

“I was on shift from half past four until half past two the next morning.”

Notorious inmates past and present

BROADMOOR is has housed hundreds of dangerous criminals over the years. Here are some of the other notorious inmates who've spent time inside its walls.

Ian Ball tried to kidnap Princess Anne in 1974 while her car was on route to Buckingham Palace. He wanted to hold her for ransom and planned to donate the £3million to the NHS, apparently, he felt mental health services were not good enough.
Robert Napper was convicted of murdering young mum Rachel Nickel on Wimbledon Common in July 1992 in front of her young son Alex. He was also previously convicted of the double murder of Samantha Bisset and her daughter Jazmine in 1993. Napper is thought to be the Green Chain Rapist who carried out at least 70 attacks over a four year period.
Charles Bronson, also known as Charles Salvador, is often dubbed as Britain’s “most violent prisoner”. Infamously, while at Broadmoor he staged a three day protest on the roof, causing £250,000 worth of damage.
Neo-nazi David Copeland, known as the “London nail bomber”, killed three and injured 79 in a series of attacks with homemade nail bombs in the capital across three successive weekends in April 1999. On his diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, he was committed to Broadmoor, although his plea of manslaughter by diminished responsibility was not accepted by the jury.
Daniel Gonzalez, then 25, murdered four people and injured two across two days in London and Sussex in September 2004. While at Broadmoor awaiting trial, he tried to bite himself to death and was so violent that he was accompanied by officers in riot gear everywhere. He was jailed for life in 2006 and then killed himself in Broadmoor Hospital the year after.

Peter Bryan from London killed three people while on release from various mental hospitals. Once detained at Broadmoor, Bryan killed fellow patient Richard Loudwell, 59, and planned to eat him. Bryan is still at Broadmoor and is unlikely to ever be released.

Hundreds of cops descended on the area, with some even coming from as far as Aylesbury.

But as it turned out, Saunders had in fact made it all the way to Dorset.

He was eventually spotted by a policeman walking along a road, with a fishing rod and blanket in hand.

Held in Broadmoor ever since, in 2010 a nurse was alleged to have had sexual relations with him in the laundry room.

Ireland star wakes up to ‘sunrise of dreams’ after getting engaged to girlfriend as teammates ‘so happy for you both’

3 weeks ago Blogs Comments Off on Ireland star wakes up to ‘sunrise of dreams’ after getting engaged to girlfriend as teammates ‘so happy for you both’

JAMIE FINN woke up to “a sunrise of dreams” after getting engaged to long-time girlfriend Sarah.

The Republic of Ireland international shared a heartwarming set of pics announcing their engagement to Instagram.

Two women lying in the grass, one showing off her engagement ring.

Jamie Finn is engaged to girlfriend Sarah[/caption]

She shared a host of pics from the engagement[/caption]

Two people hugging on a beach at sunset.

It took place during a romantic holiday in Greece[/caption]

Katie McCabe and several other Ireland stars wished them well[/caption]

The occasion took place during a romantic holiday to Greece, with the two reaching the landmark while sitting on the beach.

Finn said: “A sunrise of dreams Here’s to a lifetime together

“13.06.25 ”

The post was prompted by a deluge of comments from Finn’s fellow Ireland stars, who wished the brides-to-be well.

Lucy Quinn quipped: “Sarah’s off the market congrats girls ”

Louise Quinn commented: “Ooooooooh ma god! Congrats you two”

Hayley Nolan posted: “loveeee so happy for you both ”

Saoirse Noonan said: “Ahhhhhhhh so happy for you both ”

Lily Agg hailed: “Awwwwww my favourites what a couple you are! Soooo much love for you both”

Chloe Mustaki said: “Congratulations to you both” and Katie McCabe posted: “Congratulations!!”

And Kyra Carusa posted: “YEAAA!! Congrats”

Finn was the second Republic of Ireland international to announce their engagement on Saturday.

The other was men’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who also used Instagram to make the announcement.

The Corkman shared an adorable pic to his page of him down on one knee popping the question to partner Eimear Murphy.

In 2022, the Corkman opened up on his relationship with the accomplished Irish dancer.

The Ireland keeper has posted about his girlfriend on Instagram and even says she helped him learn how to Irish dance.

Both Kelleher and Murphy have been together after he courted her for years.

He told LFC.com website: “My girlfriend is very good at Irish dancing, so I’ve been trying to learn a bit of that.

“I used to do it at school back home, so I’ve been trying to pick it up because I want to learn it again.

“I’ve actually been getting on quite good at it, so one day I want to be able to do a full dance or something like that.

“You have to have your feet in great coordination and be able to move them so quickly, so it definitely helps in terms of goalkeeping. It does me no harm.

“I won’t be showing it to anybody!”

Motorola Moto G86 Full Specs, Features, Price In Philippines

3 weeks ago Blogs Comments Off on Motorola Moto G86 Full Specs, Features, Price In Philippines

Here’s The Complete List of Specifications, Features, & Price of the Motorola Moto G86 The Motorola Moto G86 was officially announced on May 29, 2025. The 5G-ready smartphone is fueled with a 5200 mAh battery + 30W wired charging. It is available in colors like Pantone: Spellbound, Golden Cypress, Cosmic Sky, and Chrysanthemum. Body & ... Read more

The post Motorola Moto G86 Full Specs, Features, Price In Philippines appeared first on PhilNews.

Love Island star reveals she’s QUIT the UK for new life 5000 miles away four years after leaving the villa

3 weeks ago Blogs Comments Off on Love Island star reveals she’s QUIT the UK for new life 5000 miles away four years after leaving the villa

LOVE Island alum Abigail Rawlings has opened up on the struggles she’s faced since moving to the US.

The tattoo artist and former reality TV star packed up her home in the UK and moved thousands of miles away to Los Angeles.

Abigail Rawlings has moved to Los Angeles[/caption]

Woman taking a selfie in a restroom mirror.

The former Love Island star updated fans on how the move was going[/caption]

Two women in swimsuits sitting by a pool.

Abi said the move had been a tough adgjustement[/caption]

Abi, 31, decided to move to La La Land and continue her tattooing career there in what she described as her “dream life.”

She had not posted much since arriving and admitted to her 351,000 that she’d been finding the move tough.

Alongside a series of photos, including one of her filling up her car at a petrol station, Abi revealed she felt like she was finally settling in.

“So today is officially my third week living in LA.. I’ll be dead honest and admit it’s been way more challenging than I ever expected it to be,” Abi wrote in the caption of the Instagram post.

“I haven’t been posting much on the grid cause honestly it’s been mainly pretty boring life stuff, tryna get set up in a new country ain’t no joke.. I mean literally no one said it was gonna be easy.. but FECK America why you gotta make everything so dam tricky??”

Abi continued by saying she’d spent the majority of her time there “feeling overwhelmed and stressed.”

“But as of yesterday, I finally got my SSN (social security number) through (something I discovered you can’t do anything without it here) so now I can finally make a start on finding my own little apartment and create my own little safe space to start building my foundations for my new lil dream La life,” she wrote.

“Regardless of how hard it’s been to adjust so far, I’m still unbelievably grateful for this opportunity to start again and even more grateful for the beautiful souls I’m so lucky to have in my life that love and support me endlessly.”

Abi revealed in earlier posts that she had manifested the life she wanted in LA and could not believe it had finally come true.

She also told her fans that she would be working at the Sasha Tattooing Gallery and doing guest spots at the Be More You studio.

Abi shot to fame on series seven of Love Island in 2021.

She entered on day 24 and coupled up with Toby Aromolaran – but he dumped her during Casa Amor for Mary Bedford.

Abi later chose to couple up with Dale Mehmet and the pair were dumped from the villa on day 42.

Woman taking a selfie in a tattoo studio.

Abi is working as a tattoo artist in LA[/caption]

Abigail Rawlings and Toby Aromolaran from Love Island. — Abi was briefly coupled up with Toby Aromolaran on Love Island

Abi was voted off the villa after couple up with Dale

Teen girl sexually assaulted inside shower at UK public swimming pool as man, 46, jailed for 11 years

3 weeks ago Blogs Comments Off on Teen girl sexually assaulted inside shower at UK public swimming pool as man, 46, jailed for 11 years

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Mugshot of Tomasz Figura, convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl

A MAN has been jailed for 11 years after sexually assaulting a teen girl inside a shower at a UK public swimming pool.

The “dreadful impact” of the assault meant that the smell of chlorine makes her tense to this day.

Mugshot of Tomasz Figura, convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

A man has been jailed after sexually assaulting a teen girl at a public swimming pool[/caption]

A court heard the teen had been caused “severe psychological harm” and suffered “vivid nightmares” from the memories of what happened, according to MEN Media.

Tomasz Figura, 46, of Cave Street, off Beverley Road, Hull, denied offences of assault by penetration, sexual assault and voyeurism.

But he was convicted by a jury after a trial at Hull Crown Court on April 8.

He failed to attend for sentencing at Grimsby Crown court on May 9 as he admitted he was “drunk”.

Three days later he was was arrested for also failing to attend at Hull Crown Court and was remanded in custody.

Claire Holmes, prosecuting, told a delayed sentencing hearing at Doncaster Crown Court that Figura received sexual gratification by seeing the girl showering.

He intimately touched her while she was in the shower.

Figura, who appeared in court via a video link from Hull Prison, said: “It’s all a lie.”

Miss Holmes said that the girl suffered severe psychological harm from what happened.

The girl later said: “I was crying myself to sleep and walking to school with puffy eyes.

“I couldn’t cope with the thoughts that plagued my mind.

“I suffered vivid nightmares, those same scenes playing on repeat in my head. I had countless panic attacks. I was constantly battling my own thoughts.

“To this day, the smell of chlorine makes my muscles tense.”

The court heard that Figura was originally allowed bail and was due to be sentenced at Grimsby Crown Court on May 9 but he did not turn up.

Judge Alexander Menary told Figura: “I was told the reason you didn’t come to court was that you were drunk. Is that correct?”

Figura replied: “That’s correct.”

Judge Menary said: “Just because you were drunk is not a good reason not to come.”

Figura replied: “I understand.”

John Dunning, mitigating, said that there had been no further offences since.

Figura had no previous convictions but he had a caution in June last year for possessing an air weapon in his car.

He suffered health problems and was now in a wheelchair.

“That condition is likely to make any term of imprisonment much more arduous,” said Mr Dunning.

Figura was helped during the court hearing by a Polish interpreter.

Judge Menary said of the girl: “The dreadful impact on her was apparent at trial.

“There was severe psychological harm here.

She is still impacted by what happened to her.”

Figura was jailed for 11 years and was given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and will have to register as a sex offender for life.

How Sabrina Carpenter’s ex Barry Keoghan has reacted as she publicly shames him again with her most explicit song yet

3 weeks ago Blogs Comments Off on How Sabrina Carpenter’s ex Barry Keoghan has reacted as she publicly shames him again with her most explicit song yet

DRESSED in barely there hotpants and bareless with just a white shirt on, Sabrina Carpenter took aim at ex Barry Keoghan once again.

In a savage swipe she sings ‘Man-child / Why you always come a-running to me? / F**k my life / Won’t you let an innocent woman be?’ , clearly aimed at the actor, who she split with December of last year.

Woman in a white shirt and denim shorts hitchhiking in a desert.

Sabrina Carpenter has taken aim at ex Barry Keoghan once again[/caption]

An insider close to Barry Keoghan has confirmed the star is completely unphased[/caption]

But how does Barry, 32, feel about the latest public shaming?

Insiders close to the star have confirmed he is completely unphased, saying: “If anything Barry is very amused that he’s the centre of the song, but he’s got bigger things to concentrate on.”

While Sabrina is sparking outrage for latest album cover, Barry is in “Beatles bootcamp” as he prepares for the biggest role of his career.

He is playing Ringo Starr in a film series on the Fab Four and has spent the past three months getting stuck in.

He expects to be working on the four films for 15 months — with co-stars Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn and Harris Dickinson.

Barry explained: “We’ve been in full camp for like 16 or 17 weeks now.

“It’s just an absolute joy. The camp is like bootcamp and it’s a place where you have time and you try things.

“For Ringo, you get to approach the walk, the accent, play around with the face.

“It’s a place of failing, a place of learning and trying. That’s the process I’m in now. It’s a playground for me.”

The insider revealed: “Barry has given up booze and partying to get into the role.

“It could win him an Oscar and Barry has his sights on true greatness, so is making sure no distractions get in his way.”

The star has also removed himself from social media – avoiding the endless trolling from Sabrina fans.

The insider added: “It’s been the perfect way to get over a break up.”

Discussing his sober journey, Barry said: “I will always try and do better. I am always looking to elevate. My approach to The Beatles movie is entirely different to anything I have ever done.

“Being sober has now allowed me artistically to go down a constructive way and kind of bring back emotions and control. Rather than be erratic. There is a whole new approach to it. I am happy when I reach certain things. We are always looking to say more. I am proud of my work and my legacy but I think that is just starting.”

Barry Keoghan and Sabrina Carpenter at the Met Gala.

Barry was dumped by Sabrina for the first time after she grew tired of his party lifestyle[/caption]

Barry is playing Ringo Starr in a film series on The Beatles and has spent the past three months getting stuck in[/caption]

Barry split from dental nurse Alyson Kierans last July after also rowing about his partying and flirting with another woman.

The couple share two-year-old son Brando.

He then struck up a romance with Sabrina, but the Hollywood power couple split last year, with sources blaming their busy work schedules at the time.

Just a few months before The Sun on Sunday revealed Barry had been dumped by Sabrina for the first time after she grew tired of his party lifestyle.

A source said at the time: “Barry acts like an idiot when he is drunk and Sabrina was getting increasingly frustrated.

“He has always been a party animal and Sabrina was fed up with his antics. She is soaring in the charts and is putting herself first as she gears up for her tour next month.”

Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan in a music video scene. — Barry appeared in Sabrina’s video for Please Please Please

Sabrina Carpenter holding a golden retriever puppy.

Sabrina has become known for her racy photoshoots[/caption]

Sabrina previously released the single Please Please Please, which sees her sing about a boyfriend damaging her reputation.

And she once again took aim at him with her the track from her new album, which has sparked ferocious debate.

While the former Disney Channel star has been praised in the past for “owning” her sexuality in a feminist way, it seems this latest display has gone too far for many.

One fan on X labelled it “straight-up Pornhub fantasy”, while a domestic violence charity issued a statement saying: “Sabrina Carpenter’s album cover isn’t edgy, it’s regressive.”

Others have slammed her decision to once again sing about Barry and have compared her to Taylor Swift, who has made sure no past relationship is sacred.

It’s a stark difference from a few months ago when the Princess of pop could do no wrong and the fans were turning on Barry.

It seems Barry really has taken inspiration from The Beatles and in this case has decided to ‘let it be’.

Sabrina Carpenter in a pink fuzzy crop top and mini skirt on the set of her "Manchild" video.

Sabrina wears a range of daring looks in her Manchild video[/caption]

Sabrina Carpenter holding two Grammy Awards.

Others have slammed Sabrina for her decision to once again sing about Barry and have compared her to Taylor Swift[/caption]

Prince Harry ‘will invite King Charles & William to next Invictus Games’ – but it clashes with key royal event

3 weeks ago Blogs Comments Off on Prince Harry ‘will invite King Charles & William to next Invictus Games’ – but it clashes with key royal event

PRINCE Harry is set to invite King Charles and William to the next Invictus games, insiders claim.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, could extend the olive branch to his estranged family at the 2027 event, although it clashes with a key royal bash.

It is understood Prince Harry has extended Invictus Games invitations to King Charles and William[/caption]

a man in a suit talks to another man in a suit

It could mark the biggest steps towards reconciliation so far[/caption]

Prince William, Prince Charles, and Prince Harry looking at an iPhone.

The trio at the first ever Invictus Games in 2014[/caption]

As reported by the Mail on Sunday, Harry has drawn up the invitations three years in advance to give the King as much time as possible to fit it into his busy schedule.

A source claimed: “Harry has agreed that Invictus should extend an invitation to his family.

“Invictus hopes the Royal Family will come along to support the wounded veterans taking part. Harry is hopeful his father will set aside their differences to attend the Invictus Games and support veterans.

“The Royals have always been hugely supportive of Invictus and proud of what Harry has achieved in that arena. This is one olive branch from him which might be reciprocated.”

If the Monarch and his eldest son were to attend it could mark the biggest step towards reconciliation so far.

It comes after the Duke revealed in his bombshell BBC interview last month that “life is precious” and “I would like to get my father and brother back”.

Royal expert Ingrid Seward said: “The King might attend to show support for the Armed Forces and congratulate Harry on the most significant success in his life.

“The only reason the King is wary of associating with his son is that he no longer trusts him not to repeat their private conversations as he has done in the past.

“This goes for all the working members of the family.”

It is understood the invitations to Charles and Wills have already been approved by Harry and sent.

But, despite three years notice, the Invictus invite is still set to clash with a major royal event.

The ceremony will kick off at Birmingham’s NEC on July 12, 2027, and will conclude on July 17.

This falls on the same day as Queen Camilla’s 80th birthday, an occasion sure to be celebrated by the royals.

A spokesman for Invictus said: “No formal invitations have been issued as preparations are in the early stages.”

It is not known whether Harry’s wife Meghan Markle would also be in attendance after the Duke lost his security bid last month.

He begged “my life is stake” as he appealed against the withdrawal of his publicly-funded security while in the UK.

This comes after Harry said a reconciliation with his family lay in Charles’ hands.

Speaking to the BBC, the Duke said there is no reason to keep fighting – but that the King won’t speak to him over his security row.

Harry said Charles “won’t speak to me because of this security stuff”, after loosing an appeal battle to keep his privately-funded security.

“I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point continuing to fight any more, life is precious”, Harry continued.

Harry also sensationally blamed the King for his woes and claimed “this whole thing could be resolved through him”.

The Duke moaned it was “impossible” to bring his family to the UK and that it is “sad” that he won’t be able to show his children his homeland.

Harry’s row started after he stopped being a working royal in 2020, moved with wife Meghan to California, and wrote his bombshell book Spare.

He added in the interview: “Of course, some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book.

“Of course, they will never forgive me for lots of things.

“But you know, I would love reconciliation with my family.

“I’ve always, there’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.

“And I said, life is precious. I don’t know how much longer my father has he, he won’t speak to me because of this security stuff, but it would be nice to reconcile.”

There was hope for reconciliation last year when Harry travelled to the UK to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of his Invictus Games.

However, the King and Harry failed to meet due to the Monarch’s “full programme”.

And the Duke was offered to spend his time at one of the royal apartments – however he turned it down in what was branded a snub to his father.

Meanwhile, Princes William and Harry have not been in direct communication since the release of Harry’s controversial memoir, Spare, in January 2023.

Their last reported interaction was during the funeral of their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022, but conversations were said to be brief.

The feuding brothers reportedly did not speak to each other despite standing “virtually back to back” among mourners at their uncle’s memorial service last year.

The brothers have been at loggerheads since Harry and wife Meghan quit royal duty in 2020 for a new life in the US, where they have launched a succession of barbs at the Royal Family.

Growing up, Wills and Harry shared many of the same friends who were part of their close, tight-knit circle.

But their relationship took a sour turn after Harry lobbed vile allegations against the Prince of Wales in his memoir Spare.

In the book, he claimed William had physically attacked him and knocked him to the floor in 2019 and made insulting comments about Meghan.

The Sussexes had also targeted Princess Kate, when Meghan claimed the royal made her cry.

The bitter feud was ignited with full force when the Sussexes told Oprah, in their 2021 sit down interview, that certain members of the Royal Family had speculated about Prince Archie’s skin colour.

It was later claimed the royals were Princess Kate and King Charles, after Harry and Meghan’s former pal Omid Scobie published his hatchet-job book Endgame.

During the infamous Oprah interview, the duchess also made stinging comments about the Firm and how they handled her mental health struggles.

Prince William and Harry’s bond then worsened after the Sussexes made a number of accusations against the Royal Family in their 2022 Netflix docuseries.

The duke has given subsequent interviews, such as his most recent BBC chat, that have only propelled bad blood.

A timeline of Prince Harry's family feud

The first hints of friction reportedly came after William was introduced to Meghan when she was staying at Kensington Palace.

Once she’d returned home to Canada, William and Harry sat down for a brother-to-brother chat.

He knew Harry was already head-over-heels for her but it has been claimed he advised him to take it slowly.

The younger prince reportedly didn’t take too kindly to the advice, with one royal source saying he “went mental”.

Then in June 2019 Harry and Meghan officially split off from the charity they shared with William and Kate.

The Royal Foundation will be divided between the Sussexes and Cambridges as the couples focus on their own separate charitable endeavours.

Prince William and Prince Harry first established the Royal Foundation in 2009 before Kate joined two years later shortly after their engagement was announced.

The trio would often appear together at events and the Foundation had huge successes with projects like the Invictus Games for injured veterans and the mental health Heads Together campaign.

The Royal Foundation said the decision was made following the conclusion of a review into its structure – but added both couples will continue to work together in the future.

Harry and Meg were living in close proximity to Kate and Wills within the Kensington Palace estate, but they switched to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor before baby Archie was born.

The move further increased rumours of a fallout.

Harry also hinted in his ITV documentary “Harry and Meghan, An African Journey” that he and his brother had grown apart.

In 2021, Harry and Meghan give their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey where Harry accused his dad of cutting him off financially.

Harry then jetted back to UK to join William in unveiling a statue to their mother Princess Diana in the grounds of Kensington Palace. But sources claimed William didn’t want to attend the memorial amid their ongoing rift.

In 2022, just before their grandmother the Queen died, sources claimed Kate acts as a “peacemaker” between the brothers.

Harry claimed his brother “knocked him to the floor” during an argument about Meghan, in his memoir.

In Spare, Harry said William branded Meghan “rude” and “difficult” during a row.

Harry alleged William “grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and … knocked me to the floor”.

He said he was left with a visible injury to his back following the argument in 2019 at Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace, where he was living at the time.

In January 2024, Harry flew in to be with Charles after the monarch’s shock cancer diagnosis.

Harry flew back to the US the following day – without seeing Wills.

Meghan Markle and a man at a Beyoncé concert.

It is not known whether Meghan would be in attendance at the Invictus Games too[/caption]

Prince Charles smiling with Princes William and Harry on a skiing holiday. — The brothers used to share a close bond together, with their father

Prince William and Prince Harry at an event.

Harry and William have remained largely estranged since 2023[/caption]

Emma Raducanu sets fans’ tongues wagging as she turns up to see Carlos Alcaraz who after makes flattering admission

3 weeks ago Blogs Comments Off on Emma Raducanu sets fans’ tongues wagging as she turns up to see Carlos Alcaraz who after makes flattering admission

CARLOS ALCARAZ hailed the support of Emma Raducanu in the Queen’s stands as he booked a spot in the final.

British No1 Raducanu had tennis fans’ tongues wagging as she watched her US Open doubles partner cruise to a straight sets 6-4 6-4 win over Roberto Bautista Agut.

Emma Raducanu of Great Britain at a tennis match.

Emma Raducanu was in attendance as Carlos Alcaraz beat Roberto Bautista Agut[/caption]

Raducanu, 22, chatted to a pal as she took in the action[/caption]

Emma Raducanu laughs while watching Carlos Alcaraz play tennis.

Alcaraz was in fine form at the Queen’s Club with Raducanu watching on[/caption]

Alcaraz was cool as a cucumber throughout and hit an audacious volley to win the first set over the Spanish 37-year-old to set up the final clash with Jiri Lehecka.

The 22-year-old has not lost since April 20 in Barcelona and is enjoying the longest winning streak of his career with 17 successive victories.

When asked about Raducanu, who he has previously been romantically linked with online, Alcaraz said: “I saw on social media she came up to watch my match,

“Just glad that she came to support, to watch my match. It was great having her in the stands.”

Further quizzed if he could return the favour by attending some of Raducanu’s matches prior to their US Open date, Alcaraz added: “Well, it depends on the schedule, obviously.

“I have practices. I have matches. Yeah, I would love to, yeah, if I have time, if, you know, if everything — if I’m at the club or I don’t have anything else to do, yeah, I would love to come and watch her.

“I’m watching her matches from the TV every time that I can. So watching her in real could be fun.”

Alcaraz is in red hot form with four titles to his name already this year and hunting down a third successive Wimbledon title later this month.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

Carlos Alcaraz celebrating a tennis victory.

Alcaraz celebrates his straight sets semi-final win[/caption]

The Spaniard was asked about Raducanu during his post-match press conference[/caption]

First, he will attempt to beat Lehecka to lift his second title in three years at the Queen’s Club.

Raducanu, meanwhile, will be in Eastbourne action tomorrow as she prepares for Wimbledon.

The 22-year-old lost to Zheng Qinwen in the quarter-finals at Queen’s last week.

Having received treatment on court, Raducanu subsequently pulled out of this week’s WTA 500 event in Berlin.

The former US Open champion is fit again and will take on America’s Ann Li at Devonshire Park on Monday.

Should Raducanu triumph, she could face two-time former Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur in round two.

Emma Raducanu warming up, with Carlos Alcaraz in the background.

Alcaraz and Raducanu will team up together at the US Open[/caption]

Ferne McCann enjoys glam day at the races as jailed acid attacker ex caught being injected with drugs

3 weeks ago Blogs Comments Off on Ferne McCann enjoys glam day at the races as jailed acid attacker ex caught being injected with drugs

FERNE McCann enjoyed a picture-perfect day at the races as her ex Arthur Collins was embroiled in a prison drug scandal.

The TOWIE alum gushed over her “gorgeous’ day at Royal Ascot as she posted a series of images showing her in a plunging mint green gown.

Ferne McCann at Royal Ascot wearing a light green dress and fascinator.

Ferne McCann brushed off the scandal surrounding her acid attacker ex Arthur Collins as she headed to Royal Ascot[/caption]

The TOWIE alum, 34, captured her prep for the major sporting event[/caption]

Arthur Collins, shirtless, putting on sweatpants in a prison bathroom.

It came as The Sun exclusively reported how her ex had got a suspected steroid injection in his cell[/caption]

Woman in a light green dress and hat, standing in a garden.

She paired her mint dress with a white fascinator and wedge shoes[/caption]

Yet, at the same time, The Sun exclusively reported how the father to her seven-year-old daughter Sunday, who was jailed for an acid attack, had been caught getting a suspected steroid injection in his cell.

Video of Arthur Collins, 32, taken on a smuggled phone, came as he was linked to drug drops by drone at jails in Herts and Greater Manchester.

Meanwhile, mum of two Ferne, 34, was letting her hair down at the iconic annual sporting event.

In her caption, she ignored the breaking scandal and wrote: “Royal Ascot you were gorgeous.

“One of my favourite days. No big wins sadly although I did pocket £14.50, better than nothing right.

“Thank you for having me @ascotracecourse @hunt_communications here’s to next year.”

Images showed her in a plunging silk slip dress with cap sleeve detail and a ruched design on the front which accentuated her toned figure.

Ferne paired the frock with white point-toe wedge shoes and a feathered fascinator.

She left her brunette locks in natural waves flowing over her shoulders and kept her make-up natural.

Ferne welcomed eldest daughter Sunday with acid attacker Arthur in 2017.

Earlier that year, Ferne’s then-boyfriend Arthur was charged with a London nightclub acid attack that happened in April.

Ferne announced her pregnancy shortly after his arrest, stating the relationship was over and that she planned to raise their baby alone.

Eight years ago, Arthur was found guilty of five counts of grievous bodily harm and nine of actual bodily harm, and sentenced to 20 years behind bars with an extra five on licence.

TOWIE STARS SPIN OFF

WITH the announcement TOWIE will return in 2025 for two new series, it's good news for some former ITVBE stars, too

TWO of the show’s best loved former stars will celebrate their own big life moments with a spin off series featuring Tommy Mallet and Georgia Kousoulou.

Their new show title is currently unconfirmed.

The pair, who first met and found love on TOWIE back in 2014, finally say ‘I Do’ in a three part special produced by Objective Entertainment.

The show will follow on from the success of their Baby Steps series.

JAIL JAB

This weekend, we reported how Arthur appeared to be seen being injected in his bum in his jail cell.

In the clip, he is asked, “Hey, bruv, what are you doing?”, by a fellow prisoner — before replying: “Injecting.”

The exchange was caught on our exclusive video, showing laughing Arthur apparently receiving a jab in his buttock from another lag.

He could face disciplinary action after the body-building drug was seemingly sneaked into the jail, along with a handset used to record footage in his cell.

Collins was recently switched from The Mount Prison — where the footage was taken — amid fears he was plotting to import drugs using drones.

And it comes after a jail anti-corruption team found illicit items at his new home — HMP Buckley Hall, near Rochdale.

A source said: “Collins has been in trouble constantly and doesn’t seem to care. He goes around like he is the big ‘I am’ and as if he rules the roost.”

His actions will sicken the 22 victims of his 2017 attack when he hurled acid across in an East London nightclub — leaving 16 people with serious burns.

A person receiving an injection in prison.

Video of Arthur came as he was linked to drug drops[/caption]

Selfie of Ferne McCann and Arthur Collins.

Ferne called off their relationship after his arrest[/caption]

Family portrait at Hamleys Christmas event.

She told how she would raise the pair’s eldest daughter Sunday on her own[/caption]

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