NEW. The woman who was strangled, beaten and raped by Paul Quinn in Salford in 2003 is a "hero", said Mr Justice Bright.
His remarks at the start of the sentencing hearing at Manchester Crown Court must be read. I don't think I've read anything like them before from a judge in a Crown Court:
John Eric Bartholomew, AKA Eric Morecambe, was born 100 years ago today.
Few people in history have made as many people laugh as Eric, and as someone whose life was dedicated to that purpose, I am sure it is an accolade he would have been incredibly proud of.
For me, Eric’s brilliance lay not just in the laughter he created, but in the anticipation of the laughter to come. That gift was omnipresent, following him like a comedic halo. To see him was to smile instinctively, followed quickly by genuine laughter. His friend Tommy Cooper possessed that same rare quality, and I have many treasured memories of watching them both when I was young.
Thanks to social media, Eric’s work continues to be enjoyed by millions worldwide every day, and appreciation for his immense talent only grows. Long may that continue.
Here he is, with Ernie and Mr Preview, creating some 22 karat TV comedy gold.
God bless Eric Morecambe x
@LouiseW_psych@IrishTimes I gave up paying for the IT 3 & a half years ago. I was tempted back with a cheap offer. After that puff piece I've once again ended my subscription. Persistently promulgating a single point of view without any opposing thoughts, editorial or right of reply - no thanks.
NEW: Standards commissioner finds Nigel Farage committed seventeen breaches of MPs code of conduct.
He failed to declare around £380,000 in outside interests (approx 4x MPs annual salary) incl payments for promoting gold, presenting on GB News and from his friend George Cottrell, within 28 days.
Reform UK leader apologised for what he described as administrative errors by his team.
@Gavia2020@Rainmaker1973 50+ years ago my pet terrier was torn to pieces by two hounds who slipped the leash of their wanker owner. They were bred for hare coursing. When we train dogs to seek defenceless prey, it's the ultimate expression of bullying and blood lust. Those who do so are cowards.
A wall of crypto money is waiting to flood UK politics, as it did America's in 2024.
It now has a vehicle: Reform UK. And Nigel Farage, who took a £5m "personal donation" from a crypto king.
This isn't an insurgency: it’s a counter-elite.
My column:- https://t.co/MKPSwt4VDu