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Birmingham coroner says lax security at mental health hospital allowed Matthew Caseby, 23, to escape while left unsupervisedThe death of a 23-year-old man who ran away from a Priory mental health hospital and was killed by a train was “contributed to by neglect” on the part of the institution, an inquest has concluded.After a two-week inquest at Birmingham coroner’s court, the jury found it was not safe for Matthew Caseby to be left unattended in the courtyard where he jumped over a low fence, and staff had “missed an opportunity” to improve the area’s security after previous patients had absconded. Continue reading...

Christian charity ignored for years complaints of ‘unforgivable’ hazards in rental properties in Hadleigh, Essex

Watson convicted after DNA showed he had been in physical contact with six-year-old on day he disappearedA 41-year-old man described as a “fantasist” and a “monster” has been found guilty of the murder of the schoolboy Rikki Neave, who was found strangled in woods near Peterborough nearly 28 years ago.James Watson, of no fixed abode, was convicted by a jury’s majority verdict at the Old Bailey in London of the 1994 murder after a DNA breakthrough in 2016 revealed that, as a 13-year-old, he had been in physical contact with the six-year-old boy on the day of his disappearance. Continue reading...

Other Tories have also demanded he resign, but later said the Ukraine war means it is not the right time

Angharad Williamson, John Cole and teenager murdered five-year-old boy after months of abuse, jury findsA five-year-old boy was murdered by his mother, stepfather and a 14-year-old youth after months of abuse and imprisonment in the “dungeon” of his small, dark bedroom, a jury has found.After Logan Mwangi died of the sort of injuries usually found in people who have been involved in a road accident or a fall from a height, Angharad Williamson, John Cole and the teenage boy tried to escape justice by dumping the boy’s body in a river and calling police to report they feared he had been kidnapped. Continue reading...

Observers criticise optics of PM at factory while bulldozers seen in TV coverage of razing of settlementsBoris Johnson’s attempt to use his India visit to hail the success of JCB, the digger firm owned by a Tory donor, was met with a backlash on Thursday over the use of its machinery in the mass demolition of homes.The prime minister arrived in India as a fierce row rages in Delhi over the demolition of mainly Muslim settlements in an area of the capital hit by communal violence – an issue that is being considered by India’s supreme court. Continue reading...

Like many young victims before him, it seems the clues to what was happening were not put togetherEverybody who knew him agreed Logan Mwangi was a delightful child – cheerful, polite and vibrant. Relatives and friends describe a zest for life, sense of fun and affectionate nature.His final months must have been a terrifying, painful ordeal. When Logan’s body was examined after he was found lifeless in the River Ogmore, close to the family home in Sarn, south Wales, it was bruised, grazed and scratched from head to toe. More than 50 injury sites – and many more individual injuries – were found. Continue reading...

Detective who led reinvestigation recalls learning decision not to charge suspect had been reversedJames Watson nearly got away with the murder of six-year-old Rikki Neave, a retired detective who led the reinvestigation of the 1994 killing has revealed.Paul Fullwood, a former head of the major crime unit for Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, said prosecutors initially told Watson that no further action would be taken against him as they did not think there was enough evidence, after his arrest in 2016. Continue reading...

Analysis: 20 years on from Jean-Marie Le Pen’s advance to second round, his daughter’s ‘detoxification’ bears fruitThroughout his forensic, if at times patronising, dismantling of Marine Le Pen’s arguments during their nearly three-hour live TV debate on Wednesday night, there was one term that Emmanuel Macron never employed: “far right”.In the opinion of most French commentators – and voters, 59% of whom found the incumbent a convincing presidential candidate, against 39% who said the same for the Rassemblement National (National Rally) leader – Macron won the clash. Continue reading...

James Watson found guilty at Old Bailey, ending suspicion that six-year-old victim’s abusive mother was killerIn October 1996, Ruth Neave collapsed in tears in the dock of Northampton crown court when a jury acquitted her of the murder of her six-year-old son, Rikki Neave.Afterwards, many found the verdict hard to accept when it emerged she had pleaded guilty to series of child cruelty offences against the schoolboy and two of his siblings. Continue reading...

Research into 12- to 17-year-olds adds to concerns that Covid has left them more vulnerable in their countryOne in five children aged between 12 and 17 were subjected to grave instances of online sexual abuse while using the internet in the Philippines in 2020, research suggests.The study adds to concerns that the pandemic has heightened the vulnerability of children in the country, which was already considered a global centre of such abuse.In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support for rape and sexual abuse on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, or 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html Continue reading...

Analysis: Deal is seen by some as single most important UK negotiation, but agreement will take timeOf all the deals that Boris Johnson could sign with countries outside the EU to lift UK trade, one with India is the among the biggest prizes.After landing in the country on Thursday morning, the prime minister must be hoping his two-day trip – taking in his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujurat and then New Delhi – will add impetus to talks already under way to reach a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries. Continue reading...

Billionaire oligarch steps down from Russia’s second-largest oil firm after being hit with EU and UK sanctions

Row over breaching of lockdown rules rumbles on as PM begins two-day visit to discuss trade and security

The move in Tibet, which has reported one Covid case since 2020, comes as 16 million people remain in lockdown in ShanghaiAuthorities in Tibet are building massive Covid isolation and care facilities in anticipation of further outbreaks in China even though the remote territory has reported only one case during the pandemic.Temporary hospitals – a key feature of China’s Covid response – with at least 1,000 beds each are being built in Lhasa and Shigatse by the Chinese firm Jiangsu Qi’an Construction Group. The firm said it had been tasked with building the hospitals in late March and given “less than half a month” to complete them. More than 400 personnel are working across three shifts to get the job done. Continue reading...

Verdict of public and pundits is that the current president was more convincing than his far-right rivalAfter the debate, the dissection: was Emmanuel Macron arrogant or courteous? Was Marine Le Pen dominated or passive?Hours after the marathon face-off between France’s two presidential contenders on Wednesday evening, the verdict was that Macron had emerged as the winner on the substance and Le Pen held it together on style. Continue reading...

Dave Sharma condemns comments of Warringah candidate Katherine Deves; Labor MP Terri Butler’s electorate office hit by car; nation records at least 50 Covid deaths. This blog is now closed

Six-hour totals of up to 200mm expected on parts of north tropical coast, Bureau of Meteorology says

Vanda Semyonovna Obiedkova died sheltering in freezing basement on 4 April, says daughter

Russian president tells forces that storming last Ukrainian stronghold in port city would be ‘impractical’

The network, owned by billionaire Kerry Stokes, has clarified the fees are being reimbursed by another arm of the media mogul’s empireDownload the free Guardian app; get our morning email briefingA former SAS soldier who is a witness in the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial has told the federal court his legal fees are being paid by the Seven Network.The retired soldier, who has been anonymised as Person 5, also revealed under questioning from the Roberts-Smith team on Thursday that he learned the Seven Network was footing the bill for his solicitors’ and barristers’ fees on Tuesday. Continue reading...

Queensland government hands over control of land at the foot of Gai-i, formerly Mount Wheeler

Amid claims of dirty tricks, Aleksandar Vučić has held on to the presidency, but activists are saying he is silencing opponentsDemocracy watchdogs and civil society activists in Serbia have warned that the country is sliding towards autocracy under President Aleksandar Vučić, who was elected for a second term this month with a large majority.After a campaign marred by reports of widespread bribery, intimidation and gerrymandering, Vučić won 60% of the presidential vote. The outcome of the parliamentary and Belgrade city elections, however, is still unclear. The opposition is waiting for courts to decide whether balloting will be repeated in areas where they have raised complaints of severe irregularities. As a result, a new government will not be formed for several months. Continue reading...

Each week we ask experts to break down a political advertisement: who are the candidates trying to reach, and are they succeeding?

Person Five told the court he sent Victoria Cross recipient a confidential document about evidence he gave to the Australian Defence Force

Comedians such as Nish Kumar say they have noticed a change since crowds have returned to clubsIt was halfway through a show in Shrewsbury when Nish Kumar noticed an audience member being disruptive. It became so bad that he asked the man to leave, and on his way out the man turned to the comedian.“He shouted: ‘To be completely honest with you, my friend bought these tickets, and I thought I had tickets to see Romesh [Ranganathan],” Kumar said. He responded by explaining to the audience why the comment could be construed as racist and moved on. Continue reading...

Morrison says he’s sorry for comments about autistic children – maybe he is just relieved he doesn’t have to rely on a system that’s failing those that need it most

Obamas’ media company Higher Ground reportedly seeking new partnerBarack and Michelle Obama are leaving Spotify amid reports of frustration over the terms of their multimillion dollar deal to exclusively make podcasts with the streaming giant, according to Bloomberg.The Obamas announced in 2019 they would partner exclusively with Spotify to release podcasts through their media company Higher Ground, in a deal rumoured to be worth $25m. Renegades: Born in the USA, Barack Obama’s show with musician Bruce Springsteen, and The Michelle Obama Podcast, have both been successes for Spotify. Continue reading...

Analysis: As Russian troops turn to Donbas, Ukraine’s pleas for munitions continue

Savings are worth the extra time, say some shoppers, though the increased carbon footprint does cause some uneaseTins of spaghetti, soap, pasta shells and raw almonds: purchases more commonly carted into New Zealand homes by shopping trolleys and car boots than jetted on international flights. But as prices hit new highs, shoppers are taking drastic measures – including ordering groceries for delivery from Australia.“It’s almost like Christmas,” said Belinda*, a Wellington woman who said she now regularly ordered groceries online from across the Tasman to supplement her local shopping. Browsing Australian groceries, she said, she was startled by the range of products and how much cheaper they were than those stocking New Zealand shelves. Continue reading...

PM says sorry for remark during leaders’ debate after claiming that opponents ‘twisted’ his words

The attorney general said changes were not being considered, despite the issue now being front and centre in the Coalition’s campaign

Leigh James Pattinson was acquitted of seven counts of aggravated sexual assault but found guilty of intentionally choking the womanA Sydney man accused of ignoring a safe word during consensual sex has been cleared of rape but found guilty of choking with recklessness.Leigh James Pattinson faced a judge-alone trial in the New South Wales district court on nine charges relating to the 2019 incident. Continue reading...

Agency says mandate for public transportation ‘remains necessary for the public health’ after judge voided itThe Department of Justice is filing an appeal seeking to overturn a judge’s order that voided the federal mask mandate on planes and trains and in travel hubs, officials said Wednesday.The notice came minutes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asked the justice department to appeal the decision handed down by a federal judge in Florida earlier this week. Continue reading...

Australian Paramedics Association says demand dramatically outstripping availability as it announces month-long industrial action over staff shortages

Spawning event goes wrong near colossal coral bommie dubbed Ayers Rock

Police called by ambulance service to incident on Pollard Street in Ancoats area at about 6.30pm on WednesdayA man has died and another has been injured during a double stabbing in Manchester.Greater Manchester police said officers were called by the ambulance service to an incident on Pollard Street in the Ancoats area at about 6.30pm on Wednesday. Continue reading...

PM made comments on plane en route to India where he will seek to deepen trade tiesBoris Johnson has cast doubt on the prospects for a negotiated peace in Ukraine, comparing it to holding talks with a “crocodile”, as he flies to India to discuss the conflict with prime minister Narendra Modi.Speaking on a plane en route to India, where he will seek to deepen trade ties, as well as discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the prime minister suggested it would now be impossible for Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s government to trust Russia in any talks. Continue reading...

Government changes tack and attempts to delay investigation until after the full publication of Sue Gray reportBoris Johnson has been forced to abandon efforts to block an inquiry into whether he misled MPs over Partygate lockdown breaches, instead urging rebellious MPs to delay any investigation.Government whips scrambled on Wednesday night to derail a Labour motion designed to trigger a Commons inquiry into whether Johnson lied about rule-breaking in Downing Street – including the potential release of hundreds of damaging messages and photographs. Continue reading...

Only handful of rebels vote against government to support Lords amendmentsThe actor Juliet Stevenson has made an 11th-hour plea to Conservative MPs voting on the government’s controversial immigration bill on Wednesday to “be brave and vote with your heart, not with your party membership card”.Stevenson has urged MPs who are backing the nationality and borders bill to instead back Lords amendments in support of refugees. Continue reading...

Brexit opportunities minister raises possibility of dramatic intervention after Stormont assembly electionsThe UK will “reform” the Northern Ireland Brexit protocol if the EU will not, Jacob Rees-Mogg has warned, raising the possibility of a dramatic intervention after the assembly elections in a fortnight’s time.The Brexit opportunities minister said he could not reveal any more due to the sensitivities of the Stormont election in Northern Ireland, where tensions have flared over the protocol. Continue reading...

Former Labour leader does not blame Nato for Russian invasion but questions role of military alliancesThe former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he hoped military alliances like Nato could be ultimately disbanded, saying they could create “greater danger” in the world.In comments that are likely to inflame further tensions with Labour HQ, Corbyn said he did not blame Nato for the Russian invasion of Ukraine but that it had to be looked at in historical context. Continue reading...

Murder investigation launched after bodies of men and woman foundThree people have been found dead at a home in Buckinghamshire in what police believe to be a “targeted attack”.A murder investigation has been launched after the bodies of a man and woman in their 60s and another man in his 50s were discovered in Spring Gardens, Bourne End on Tuesday evening. All three victims were understood to be known to each other. Continue reading...

Prime minister refuses to apologise for reported comments about archbishop and denies criticising BBC’s Ukraine coverage

Downing Street refuses to deny PM told MPs archbishops were being unfairly critical as church figures defend Justin Welby

Marine commander appeals for help as another Russian ultimatum calling for remaining troops in city to surrender expires

Providers say they continue to face severe staffing challenges and ‘are not aware of any data that reflects this level of growth’

While business groups celebrate change to isolation rules, some experts remain cautious

English Heritage announce bid to stage world’s largest gathering of people dressed as a vampire at site that inspired Bram StokerYou will need black shoes, black trousers or skirt, a white shirt, waistcoat and a black cape. Fangs on the upper teeth are compulsory, pallid skin helpful and a murderous demeanour optional.English Heritage has announced plans to break a world record few knew needed breaking: it wants to stage the world’s largest gathering of people dressed as a vampire. Continue reading...