Lord Carey Attacks David Cameron On Religion

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister David Cameron.

In an article for the Daily Mail, Lord Carey says many Christians doubt the PM's "sincerity" when he pledges to protect their religious freedoms and accuses ministers of "aiding and abetting" discrimination against believers.

He points to Government plans to legalise gay marriage as evidence of an "aggressive secularist and relativist approach" and argues that Mr Cameron has fed Christian "anxieties" more than "any other recent political leader".

Lord Carey also says a new poll suggesting that more than two-thirds of Christians feel they are now part of a "persecuted minority" shows the Government must do more to demonstrate its commitment to stand up for faith.

The ComRes poll commissioned by the Coalition for Marriage also found more than half of Christians who backed the Conservatives in 2010 say they will "definitely not" vote for the party in 2015.

Lord Carey expresses alarm about Labour MP Chris Bryant's campaign to turn the 700-year-old Parliamentary chapel of St Mary Undercroft into a multi-faith prayer room so that gay couples can get married there.

Lord Carey slammed Chris Bryant's campaign for gay marriages in Parliament

But he also directly calls into question the Prime Minister's actions, saying: "I like David Cameron and believe he is genuinely sincere in his desire to make Britain a generous nation where we care for one another and where people of faith may exercise their beliefs fully.

"But it was a bit rich to hear that the Prime Minister has told religious leaders that they should 'stand up and oppose aggressive secularisation' when it seems that his Government is aiding and abetting this aggression every step of the way.

"At his pre-Easter Downing Street reception for faith leaders, he said that he supported Christians' right to practise their faith. Yet many Christians doubt his sincerity.

"According to a new ComRes poll more than two thirds of Christians feel that they are part of a 'persecuted minority'. Their fears may be exaggerated because few in the UK are actually persecuted, but the Prime Minister has done more than any other recent political leader to feed these anxieties.

"He seems to have forgotten in spite of his oft-repeated support for the right of Christians to wear the cross, that lawyers acting for the coalition argued only months ago in the Strasbourg court that those sacked for wearing a cross against their employer's wishes should simply get another job."

The new poll suggests continuing resentment over legalising same-sex unions, even though there is special protection for the Church of England in the law, and Lord Carey's successor Justin Welby has softened the Church's stance on the issue.

Two thirds of those polled said they believed allowing same sex unions was an attempt to make the Conservative Party look trendy.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has vowed to protect religion

The poll comes after a series of controversial cases between Christians and employers over their rights to express their faith in the workplace.

Recent cases include Adrian Smith, a Trafford housing manager who says he was demoted and had his pay docked 40% after questioning the Government's plans for same sex marriage and Reverend Brian Ross who was sacked as the Chaplain of Strathclyde Police, apparently because his support for traditional marriage did not fit with the force's equality and diversity policies.

In another case, graphic designer Jamie Haxby is suing a hotel after claiming he was turned down for a job because he is a Christian.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles insists that unlike New Labour 'we do do God' and has agreed freedom of religion has been undermined.

He has vowed to change the law if necessary to stop people being taken to task for wearing a cross or a rosary, and says council should not try to ban prayers before meetings.

But the march of secularism means Britain will no longer be a Christian country within just 20 years, according to official research by the House of Commons library.

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Post Office Staff On Strike Over Closures

Thousands of staff in the country's biggest post offices are striking in a row over jobs, pay and closures.

Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) in around 370 so-called Crown offices were mounting picket lines in protest at plans to close or franchise 70 branches.

The union said the walkout was "solidly" supported by thousands of its members, with picket lines set up outside post offices across the country.

The Post Office said scores of branches were open despite the strike.

The union organised the strike because it believes 800 jobs are at risk and also staff had not received a pay rise for two years.

The Post Office put forward the restructuring plan because Crown branches were losing £40m a year and accused the union of ignoring the "harsh realities" the company faces.

Dave Ward, the CWU's deputy general secretary, said: "Our post office members are standing up against destructive plans which would slash 20% of the Crown network and are simply asking for fair treatment and job security.

"The Post Office's plans are short-sighted and would rob the network of the most productive offices while simultaneously putting hundreds of jobs at risk and potentially damaging local economies.

"We'd like to see a better vision for a successful network which maintains services in the heart of communities alongside quality jobs."

The strike follows a ballot of workers in which 88% of those who voted demanded action.

Kevin Gilliland, network and sales director at the Post Office, said: "We regret any disruption to services the CWU's call for strike action may cause to customers. Crown branches are currently losing £40m per year and this is being subsidised by public money. This cannot continue.

"The Post Office is transforming its network to improve customer experience and in turn bring in new business. We are committed to the Post Office remaining a key part of UK high streets and our plans ensure this will happen."

He said the closures - which do not apply to smaller sub-Post Offices - affect less than 1% of the total network. At the same time as closing some branches, the Post Office was planning to improve the 300 other Crown offices.

The union said it was receiving strong public support for its campaign, with petitions circulating in areas affected by the proposals.

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North Korea Says 'We Are At War With South'

North Korea says it has entered a "state of war" with South Korea in the latest threat aimed at Seoul and Washington.

Amid escalating tensions, Pyongyang also threatened to shut down a factory complex that is the last major symbol of inter-Korean cooperation.

South Korea said the North's threats "are never acceptable" but noted there was no visible movement of troops at the border.

Russia urged restraint, while Britain said the threat risks further isolating North Korea, one of the world's most reclusive states.

"We have made clear to North Korea that its long term interests will only be served by constructive engagement with the international community. These threatening statements will only seek to isolate it further," a Foreign Office spokesperson said.

Travel advice for British nationals was "under constant review and we will update it as necessary".

The announcement by Pyongyang was broadcast by the official Korean Central News Agency.

"As of now, inter-Korea relations enter a state of war and all matters between the two Koreas will be handled according to wartime protocol," it said.

"The long-standing situation of the Korean peninsula being neither at peace nor at war is finally over."

The statement also warned that any military provocation near the North-South land or sea border would result "in a full-scale conflict and a nuclear war".

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un

Hours later, a spokesman for the North Korean office controlling the Kaesong industrial complex threatened to close the factory park, saying the South was undermining its dignity.

He was referring to media reports saying the factory - just across the border in North Korea - had remained open because it is a source of hard currency for the North.

The two Koreas have always technically remained at war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.

Earlier this month, the North said it was ripping up the armistice and other bilateral peace pacts signed with the South in protest against South Korea-US joint military exercises.

Russian foreign ministry official Grigory Logvinov said: "We expect all sides to show maximum responsibility and restraint, and that no-one will cross the line after which there will be no return."

"Naturally, we cannot remain indifferent when an escalation of tensions is taking place at our eastern frontiers," the diplomat told the Interfax news agency. "We cannot but worry."

South Korea's defence ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok said: "North Korea's continuing threats against South Korea such as saying it is 'entering a state of war' are never acceptable since it is harming peace and stability on the Korean peninsula."

The US has used B-2 bombers as a 'deterrence' measure in the region

He said recent military exercises with the US "were defensive in nature against North Korea's possible provocations".

The ministry also said "no particular troop movement" had been observed along the border.

Former South Korean foreign minister Han Sung Joo told Sky News that the announcement amounted to "certainly more than rhetoric, even by North Korean standards".

The US said it was taking the new threat "seriously" but said it was following a familiar pattern.

"We've seen reports of a new and unconstructive statement from North Korea. We take these threats seriously and remain in close contact with our South Korean allies," said Caitlin Hayden, spokeswoman for the National Security Council.

Most analysts still believe this will remain a rhetorical rather than a physical battle, but the situation has now become so volatile that any slight miscalculation carries the potential for rapid escalation.

Sky's Asia Correspondent Mark Stone said: "It is more rhetoric by North Korea until they actually do something. Wars tend to begin with bangs not announcements on state news agencies, so this is Mr Kim pushing the rhetoric up another level.

"The problem is, he hasn't got any more levels to go to after this other than actual war - that is the big worry and the big unknown. Does his belligerence have a limit or not?"

South Korean soldiers at a check point during a drill near the border

Sources in Pyongyang say life is continuing as normal in the city.

There are signs of civil construction with thousands of workers. Many of them are conscripts, and if war was imminent, then Kim would have called them up and they would not be busy building apartment blocks and hotels.

Earlier this week, the North's leader Kim Jong-Un has ordered missile units to prepare to strike US mainland and military bases, vowing to "settle accounts" after US stealth bombers flew over the South.

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel stressed that Washington would not be cowed by Pyongyang's threats and stood ready to respond to "any eventuality".

The standoff has its roots in the North's successful long-range rocket launch in December and the third nuclear test it carried out in February.

Both events drew UN sanctions that incensed Pyongyang, which then switched the focus of its anger to the annual joint South Korea-US military drills.

As tensions escalated, Washington has maintained a notably assertive stance, publicising its use of nuclear-capable B-52s and B-2 stealth bombers.

The long-distance deployment of both sets of aircraft was intended as a clear signal of US commitment to defending the South against any act of aggression.

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Nelson Mandela 'Breathing Without Difficulty'

Nelson Mandela is now "breathing without difficulty" after being treated for pneumonia, South Africa's president has said.

Jacob Zuma's office issued the statement after the 94-year-old had fluid drained from his chest.

It said the treatment had "resulted in him now being able to breathe without difficulty".

"He continues to respond to treatment and is comfortable," the statement added.

It comes after Mr Zuma's spokesman Mac Maharaj gave an upbeat report on Friday.

"He was in good spirits, he had a full breakfast, and the doctors report that he's making steady progress,"  he said.

"He sat up and had his breakfast in bed."

It remains unclear how long Mr Mandela will remain at the undisclosed hospital.

The former South African president's recent health troubles have triggered an outpouring of prayers, with his country coming to terms with the mortality of the revered Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Nearly 20 years after he came to power in 1994, he remains a unifying symbol in a country still riven by racial tensions and deep inequality.

It is the second time this month that he has been admitted to hospital, after spending a night for check-ups on March 9.

That followed a hospital stay of nearly three weeks in December, when Mandela was treated for another lung infection and underwent gallstone surgery.

He was diagnosed with early-stage tuberculosis in 1988 during his 27 years in prison under the apartheid regime and has long had problems with his lungs. He has also had treatment for prostate cancer and has suffered stomach ailments.

Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela told public broadcaster SABC that "Tata (father) is doing well".

"He's responding very well to treatment," said Madikizela-Mandela, who attended a Friday church service in Soweto where the congregation prayed for Mandela.

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Two Dead In Car Crash After Police Pursuit

Two men have died in a car crash during a police pursuit in Haringey, London.

The men died early this morning after the Audi car they were in collided with a bridge on Seven Sisters Road near to the junction with St Ann's Road.

The 30-year-old driver of the Audi tried to make off from the scene on foot, police said.

But he was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified.

The police car is taken away for examination

He has been taken to hospital, but his injuries are not believed to be serious.

Police say that officers on routine patrol at around 2am became suspicious of a car that appeared to make off at speed when passed in the opposite direction.

After several minutes searching for the Audi, the officers saw it several hundred metres away and tried to catch up, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said.

"The Audi was driven through a red light and a short time later it clipped a white van and subsequently collided with a bridge," the spokesman said.

Two male passengers in the Audi, both believed to be aged in their late 20s or early 30s, were seriously injured.

Officers gave CPR prior to the arrival of ambulances, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Enquiries continue to establish the identity of the two men.

Traffic officers are investigating. Officers from the Directorate of Professional Standards have been informed.

Local road closures are in place.

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Withnail & I Actor Richard Griffiths Dies

Actor Richard Griffiths, best known for his roles in The History Boys, Withnail & I and Pie In The Sky, has died.

He died of complications following heart surgery at the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire. He was 65.

Born in Thornaby-on-Tees in North Yorkshire in 1947, Griffiths established himself as a much-loved character actor in dozens of films and television series over five decades.

His best-known roles included his turn as the lascivious Uncle Monty in the cult 1987 movie Withnail & I, and as Hector in the stage and film version of Alan Bennett's The History Boys.

He had recently been introduced to a new generation of fans with his performances as Vernon Dursley in the Harry Potter films.

Receiving his OBE from the Queen

Griffiths worked with big-name Hollywood directors - featuring in Martin Scorsese's Hugo and Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow - as well as appearing in TV comedies like The Vicar Of Dibley, Ted And Ralph and Lovejoy.

Between 1994 and 1997 he starred in the BBC series Pie In The Sky as detective-turned-restaurateur Henry Crabbe.

Having originally made his name on stage with Shakespearean roles including Falstaff and Bottom, he appeared last year as the Duke of Burgundy in Henry V as part of the BBC's celebrated Hollow Crown series.

He had recently been appearing in Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys with Danny DeVito in the West End and had been due to reprise his role in the production in Los Angeles in September.

Griffiths took a dim view of phones in theatres

He was awarded an OBE in 2008 for services to drama.

Griffiths was famously said to have had little patience for people who allowed their mobile phones to ring in the theatre, reportedly stopping during a performance of The History Boys and telling the offending audience member: "I am asking you to stand up, leave this auditorium and never, ever come back."

Born to deaf parents he learned sign language at an early age.

He is survived by his wife, Heather Gibson.

Richard E Grant, who played Withnail in Withnail & I, wrote on Twitter: "My beloved 'Uncle Monty' Richard Griffiths died last night. Chin-Chin my dear friend."

Co-star Paul McGann wrote: "A brilliant, funny, principled man, and a true gent. Led the way on Withnail & I. Wore his great skill lightly and his great heart out. RIP."

Daniel Radcliffe, who starred as Harry Potter and also appeared alongside Griffiths in the play Equus, led tributes to the actor.

He said: "In August 2000, before official production had even begun on Potter, we filmed a shot outside the Dursleys', which was my first ever shot as Harry.

Griffiths with Daniel Radcliffe

"I was nervous and he made me feel at ease.

"Seven years later, we embarked on Equus together. It was my first time doing a play but, terrified as I was, his encouragement, tutelage and humour made it a joy.

"In fact, any room he walked into was made twice as funny and twice as clever just by his presence. I am proud to say I knew him."

National Theatre director Sir Nicholas Hytner, who directed Griffiths in The History Boys and The Habit Of Art, said: "Richard Griffiths wasn't only one of the most loved and recognisable British actors - he was also one of the very greatest.

"His performance in The History Boys was quite overwhelming: a masterpiece of wit, delicacy, mischief and desolation, often simultaneously.

Appearing in The History Boys

"But that was just one small part of a career that spanned Shakespeare, cutting-edge new plays and major work in film and television."

His agent Simon Beresford said: "Richard brightened my days and enriched the life of anyone he came into contact with.

"On stage he allowed us to share in our own humanity and constantly question our differences. Richard gave acting a good name. He was a remarkable man and one of our greatest and best-loved actors. He will be greatly missed.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go to his devoted wife Heather and his family at this sad time."

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Girl Abandoned In Pram: Mother Located

Police say they have traced the mother of the little girl who was abandoned in a pram in Carlisle late on Thursday night.

A 41-year-old Polish woman living in the town has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect and is helping police with their enquiries.

The child, aged two and a half, is now safe and well in the care of Social Services.

She was discovered after police were called to a disturbance in Warwick Road at around 11pm.

They were contacted by the occupants of a house who said a woman had knocked at their door and rang the doorbell.

As they did not know her they contacted police.

When officers arrived they found the pram with the girl inside.

There was no trace of the woman, who was urged to contact detectives immediately.

She was described as 5ft 5in tall, in her mid 30s to early 40s and of slim to medium build.

She had brown hair, which was tied back, and was wearing a white, round neck top, a lilac coloured cardigan and dark trousers.

Police say they would like to thank members of the local community who helped them track her down.

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Leeds Heart Surgery: NHS Exec Urged To Quit

A top NHS executive is facing calls for his resignation after the suspension of children's congenital heart surgery at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI).

The hospital, which is at the centre of a row over the future of its children's heart services, said the measure is being taken to allow an internal review to take place following concerns about the number of patient deaths.

It apologised for the disruption and said it would contact the families of all the children affected. Acute cardiac surgery is to continue.

Sir Bruce Keogh, the medical director of NHS England, told the BBC there was a "constellation" of reasons behind the suspension as checks are made to ensure the unit is operating safely.

He added there had been "rumblings" among the cardiac surgical community for some time that "all was not well" in Leeds.

Sir Bruce: 'Right not to take risks'

But campaigners have criticised the move and its timing, just 24 hours after a High Court judge declared the decision-making process to close the children's unit was "legally flawed".

Sir Bruce said: "Some questions have been raised by the trust's own mortality data and by other information.

"It is important to understand that while this information raises questions, it does not give us answers.

"But it is absolutely right not to take any risks while these matters are being looked into."

The decision to halt surgery for three weeks was made on Thursday after discussions between NHS England, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, said he was "stunned and appalled" by the decision and demanded Sir Bruce resign.

The MP said he understood Sir Bruce and senior CQC members arrived at LGI on Thursday morning unannounced to demand that children's heart surgery cease.

In a statement on his website, Mr Mulholland said: "To have arrived in Leeds and done this, without warning, just one day after the decision to close the Leeds unit was proved in a court of law to have been unlawful beggars belief.

"I believe that Sir Bruce Keogh should resign as he has both authorised this wholly unreasonable and deeply questionable action and also presided over the fundamentally flawed Safe and Sustainable review, which has proved an exercise in how not to effect major change to the NHS."

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will decide LGI's fate

Keith Wakefield, leader of Leeds City Council, said: "Many people will be deeply sceptical about these developments and the question has to be asked why the National Commissioning Board and the Care Quality Commission have raised these issues at this time."

A vigorous campaign has been waged to save children's heart surgery at LGI after the unit was earmarked for closure as part of an NHS plan to reorganise services across England into fewer, more specialised centres.

The campaigners celebrated on Wednesday when the High Court judge quashed part of the NHS consultation process which led to the reorganisation, effectively halting the plan.

Were the children's heart unit at Leeds to be shut down its patients would have to be treated at hospitals in Liverpool and Newcastle instead.

The decision to sacrifice the unit was taken last July by the Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts (JCPCT) when it chose seven specialist centres for the future delivery of paediatric cardiac surgery in England.

These were at Great Ormond Street and the Evelina Children's Hospital in London, as well as Newcastle's Freeman Hospital, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Alder Hey in Liverpool, the Royal Children's Hospital in Bristol and Southampton General.

The controversial decision, if upheld by the Health Secretary, will mean the closure of the children's heart units at LGI, Glenfield Hospital in Leicester and London's Royal Brompton.

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North Korea: US Stealth Bombers Fly Over South

US Awaits Response To Korea Flights

Updated: 10:05am UK, Thursday 28 March 2013

By Mark Stone, Asia Correspondent

Given North Korea's angry reaction to the American use of its vast B-52 bombers last week, their response to the presence of the significantly more sophisticated B-2 stealth bombers will be interesting and perhaps alarming.

The two jets dropped a dummy bomb on a target range in South Korea after a 13,000-mile round trip from an air base in Missouri to join a training exercise.

America is walking a tightrope: on one hand keen to demonstrate its will and ability to defend its South Korean ally and protect the 28,000 US troops based in the country, but on the other hand not wanting to provoke an extremely unpredictable North Korean leader.

It is dangerously easy to combine Kim Jong -un's bluster with the increasingly comical images of him and laugh the whole thing off. Officials in Washington, Seoul and Tokyo clearly believe that would be a mistake.

Officials in Washington have made clear in recent days that they are taking Kim Jong Un's threats of war seriously. North Korea is "not a paper tiger", one US official is quoted as saying.

North Korean rhetoric peaks on a regular basis. This time it's probably higher than ever and there are key differences too.

The young Kim Jong-un is untested and inexperienced. Does his brinkmanship have a limit?

The December rocket launch and February nuclear test took the country across an important and dangerous technological threshold.

Over the border in the South, the government is showing signs that it has abandoned its traditional habit of turning the other cheek to skirmishes from the North.

The concern is that neither the Americans and the South Koreans nor the North Korean leadership are showing any sign of backing down.

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Nelson Mandela: Zuma Asks World To Pray

The former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, has been taken back to hospital suffering from a lung infection.

President Jacob Zuma confirmed that the 94-year-old was readmitted just before midnight on Wednesday and said: "We appeal to the people of South Africa and the world to pray for our beloved Madiba and his family and to keep them in their thoughts.

"We have full confidence in the medical team and know that they will do everything possible to ensure recovery."

Mr Mandela's spokesman Mac Maharaj told Sky News that the former president was "conscious".

He said: "At the moment doctors are saying it is a recurrence of an old lung infection. It is a matter of concern ... He was admitted around midnight last night.

The most recent picture of Mr Mandela taken on February 2.

"They are doing everything they can to keep him comfortable and happy."

He said that last time he had seen Mr Mandela he had been frail but in a "good frame of mind".

Mr Mandela spent 18 days in hospital in December, where he was treated for a lung infection and gallstones.

He was discharged on December 27, however, doctors warned he was "not yet fully recovered" and he continued to receive medical treatment at his Johannesburg home, including being given extra oxygen.

Mr Mandela at his home (Picture courtesy of "BEING MANDELA/COZI TV")

Mr Mandela has had recurring lung problems since contracting tuberculosis in 1988, during his 27 years in prison under the apartheid regime.

The Nobel Peace Laureate spent a night in hospital on March 9 for what was described as a scheduled medical check-up.

However, Sky News' Special Correspondent Alex Crawford said that it was now understood that the visit was required for further treatment of the lung infection and that on that occasion he is believed to have had his lungs drained.

She said that there were now significant concerns over his health and added: "The time of his hospitalisation certainly suggests they were alarmed at his deterioration."

Mr Mandela contracted tuberculosis during his time in prison

In February, Mr Mandela's granddaughters showed the first picture of him to be seen in more than seven months as they promoted a reality television series in which they star.

He was seen with his great grandson, Zen, sitting on his lap at his Johannesburg home.

Earlier this month, George Bizos, the human rights lawyer who represented Mr Mandela at his treason trial, said that he was suffering memory lapses and sometimes forgot his fellow anti-apartheid activists were dead.

In an interview he told Eyewitness News: "Unfortunately he sometimes forgets that one or two of them had passed on and has a blank face when you tell him that Walter Sisulu and some others are no longer with us."

In February 2012 Mr Mandela, who is known by his tribal name of Madiba in South Africa, spent the night in hospital after a minor exploratory procedure to investigate persistent abdominal pain.

In 2001 he had radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer.

Mr Mandela, who was released from prison in 1990, suffered damage to his tear glands because of being forced to smash limestone rocks in the quarry on Robben Island due to the alkalinity of the stone. He had cataract surgery at the age of 75, in 1994, a few months after being sworn in as president.

Mr Mandela stepped down after one term as president. He has not appeared in public since South Africa's World Cup final in 2010, six years after retiring.

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Parents Murder: 'Monster Son' Jailed For Life

A man who killed his parents to get his hands on a £230,000 inheritance has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 40 years.

Stephen Seddon was told he would never be paroled after being convicted of the murders of his father Robert, 68, and mother Patricia, 65 - and their attempted murders four months earlier.

They had made the 46-year-old the sole beneficiary of their estate in their will - and paid with their lives.

They had already gifted Seddon £40,000 in cash and bought him his home in Benevente Street in Seaham, Co Durham.

During the trial, prosecutor Peter Wright described Seddon as the ultimate "ungrateful son".

The convicted fraudster, who was said to have had an "insatiable thirst for cash", had tried to kill the elderly couple by driving into the Bridgewater Canal in Timperley, south Manchester, with them strapped in the back seats in a faked road accident.

Seddon then "played the hero" and boasted of his rescue attempts after he was forced to abort his murder plan when bystanders went to their aid in the submerged hired BMW.

He had taken his parents - and his disabled nephew Daniel, who also managed to get to safety - out on March 20 last year on the pretext of a surprise belated Mother's Day meal.

Undeterred, on July 4 of that year he shot his parents dead with a sawn-off shotgun at their home in Clough Avenue in Sale, Greater Manchester.

Seddon had taken three shotgun cartridges with him. Police believe he also intended to kill his nephew, who he did not realise was in respite care that day.

Mr Justice Hamblen told him: "In effect you have executed your own parents. You have done so by the barbaric act of shooting them at point- blank range with a sawn-off shotgun."

He added: "One can only imagine the horror of your parents' last moments in this life, when they realised what a monster their son, whom they loved, had become. Mercifully their deaths were swift."

He went on to say that, in Seddon's case, life should mean life and he ordered that he serve a whole-life term - which means the father-of-three will never be released.

Seddon had denied the shooting and said it was "ridiculous" to claim he had tried to kill his own mother and father and "sick" to suggest he had intended to murder his nephew as well.

As he was sentenced, Seddon continued to protest his innocence, shouting from the dock: "No, not at all, they were not murdered by me at all. I'm an innocent man."

A jury had convicted Seddon of all four counts on Wednesday after a five week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

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Cyprus Banks Reopen With Capital Restrictions

By Tom Parmenter, Sky News Correspondent in Cyprus

Cyprus' banks have opened their doors after the longest enforced bank holiday in Europe's history.

Queues grew outside branches across the country, with no signs of panic as employees limited the number of customers allowed in at any one time.

The country's President tweeted his thanks to Cypriots for showing "maturity" as the banks reopened.

"I would like to thank the Cypriot people for their maturity and collectedness shown in their interactions with the Cypriot Banks," Nicos Anastasiades said on his official Twitter account.

Banks are giving customers information about the capital restrictions

But many residents expressed anger at the country's controversial bailout - which requires Cyprus to raise 5.8bn euros (£4.9bn).

"They have stolen our money," Mr Lucas told Sky News.

"I have been working for 60 years. I am 80 years old. I cannot work again for my living - they have cut the lot.

"Our money, our social insurance - they have cut them. How are we going to live?"

Another Cypriot, Stelios, came out of the bank empty handed.

"I tried to get my February wages and they gave me a piece of paper only," he said.

The British security firm G4S deploys 180 guards to banks across Cyprus

"I have two children in the army and they asked for money - I don't have money to give them.

"The Government didn't pay anybody. My old parents didn't get their pension."

Cash withdrawals and other transactions are subject to tough restrictions, introduced by the country's Finance Ministry in an effort to avoid a run on the banks.

The country's crippled banking system was effectively closed down on March 16 while the terms of the 10bn euro (£8.5bn) bailout were agreed and implemented.

Large depositors face losses of as much as 40% of their savings as part of the deal, leading to fears that customers would attempt to withdraw large amounts of money when the banks reopened.

Demonstrations against austerity measures continued in Cyprus on Wednesday

As a result, strict capital controls include a withdrawal limit of 300 euros (£253) a day and a ban on cashing cheques.

Travellers leaving the country can only take up to 1,000 euros (£845), or the equivalent in foreign currency, with them in cash - significantly less than expected.

Police and security staff were deployed to maintain order at branches, and G4S guards called in to work alongside police officers and other security firms across the country.

The giant global firm was the contractor that failed to meet their promises over security at the London Olympics prompting the British military to step in.

G4S's managing director in Cyprus, John Arghyrou, told Sky News: "I feel we have the resources, I feel extremely confident as a security company that we can undertake and meet the requirements of our customers."

With just 860,000 people, Cyprus has around 68bn euros (£57bn) in its banks.

This outsized financial system attracted deposits from foreigners but has struggled since investments in neighbouring Greece went sour.

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Abu Qatada Stays As Theresa May Loses Appeal

Home Secretary Theresa May has lost her appeal court challenge over a decision to block Abu Qatada's deportation.

Judges in the Court of Appeal refused to overturn a ruling made last November by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac).

Siac decided Qatada could not be sent to Jordan, where he was convicted of terror charges in his absence in 1999, because of the risk evidence obtained through torture could be used against him.

Mrs May's legal team challenged the ruling at a recent hearing in London, arguing that he was "truly dangerous" and had escaped deportation through "errors of law".

Master of the Rolls Lord Dyson, Lord Justice Richards and Lord Justice Elias unanimously rejected the argument.

"Siac was entitled to conclude that there is a real risk that the impugned statements will be admitted in evidence at a retrial and that, in consequence, there is a real risk of a flagrant denial of justice," the court found.

Lord Dyson said the court accepted that Qatada "is regarded as a very dangerous person" but that was not "a relevant consideration" under human rights laws.

The Home Office immediately declared: "This is not the end of the road" and vowed to keep working to deport the radical cleric.

Officials said: "We will consider the judgement on Abu Qatada carefully and plan to seek leave to appeal.

"In the meantime we continue to work with the Jordanians to address the outstanding legal issues preventing Abu Qatada's deportation."

London Mayor Boris Johnson described the decision as "hugely disappointing".

"Abu Qatada's deportation to Jordan is long overdue and it's utter madness that we can't get shot of this man," he said.

"I'm certain he would receive a fair trial in Jordan. The British Government must continue, and I am sure will continue, to work with the Jordanians to bring about his departure as quickly as possible."

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: "This is an extremely serious and disappointing judgment which rips apart Theresa May's strategy for deporting Abu Qatada and contradicts her repeated assurances to Parliament that her approach would get him swiftly on to a plane.

"The Home Secretary needs to pursue all legal avenues, demonstrate further work with Jordan, take urgent action to keep the public safe, and get this deportation back on track."

Qatada was once described as Osama bin Laden's right hand man in Europe.

He has battled deportation for over a decade and has so far thwarted every government attempt to remove him.

The cleric is said to have wide and high-level support among extremists and featured in hate sermons found on videos in the flat of one of the September 11 bombers.

He was released on bail last year to live at a London address but was recently returned to custody after being arrested for alleged breaches of his bail conditions.

A hearing over whether he should be granted bail was due to be held last Thursday but was delayed.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Osborne, of the Metropolitan Police, revealed last week that the hate preacher is being investigated over extremist material.

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Dog Attack: Tributes To Jade Lomas-Anderson

Tributes have been paid to a 14-year-old girl who is thought to have been killed by a pack of "aggressive and out-of-control" dogs.

Jade Lomas-Anderson's body was discovered with wounds consistent with a dog attack shortly after 2pm on Tuesday, following reports she was unconscious.

The teenager was visiting the house in Chaucer Grove, Atherton, near Wigan, and was alone with the dogs, believed to include two bull mastiffs and two Staffordshire bull terriers.

Four animals were shot by police marksmen and a fifth was contained.

Jade was described as "shy" by friends (Pic: Facebook tribute page)

A post-mortem examination was due to take place on Tuesday night. The dogs' remains will also be examined as part of the investigation, police said.

Superintendent Mark Kenny, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "This remains a deeply distressing incident for everyone involved and the wider community and our thoughts continue to be with Jade's family.

"They are understandably devastated by what has happened, as are Jade's circle of friends.

"Our response is now two-fold - to continue to provide whatever support is necessary to the family alongside a painstaking investigation to establish the truth of what happened."

Two of the dogs were Staffordshire bull terriers similar to this one

Friends paid tribute to the "quiet" and "timid" teenager, who is thought to have returned to the property from the shops with a meat pie when she was attacked.

Flowers were laid at the backyard where Jade was attacked. A sign on the gate read: "Beware of the Dog."

Norman Bradbury, an local councillor, told Sky News the whole community was in shock.

"We need to establish what occurred with this horrible incident and how it an be avoided in future but we have to wait for the police to investigate what happened, how Jade died and the circumstances."

Locals said Jade was visiting the property to see a friend, Kimberley Concannon, 16, who lives there with her twin Catrina and mother Beverley Concannon.

Youngsters who knew Jade said they had spoken to Kimberley's twin sister, Catrina, who was not at the property when the dog attack happened.

One 15-year-old said of Jade: "She goes to my school in the year below.

"She's shy, quite timid, if you didn't know her you wouldn't recognise her around and about. It's horrible what's happened.

"She picks her little sister up Sienna from school, every day and walks past my house.

"She had a pie in her hand and has gone to bite it, she moved the pie and the dog's gone for her throat and then they have all gone for her."

It is believed Jade was attacked by four dogs (Pic: Facebook tribute page)

Another friend said the dogs at the house were large and aggressive animals.

"Every time you walk past the house they would be barking and barking and going mad," she said. "You would jump out of your skin."

Jade was a pupil at Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley, which closed for the Easter break last Friday.

Headteacher Janet Garretts said: "We are all deeply shocked and saddened by Jade's tragic death. She had only been a pupil at the school since the summer but had made a real impact in that short time.

"Jade was a lively student who always had a smile on her face. She loved music and dance and was a regular at our after school dancing club.

"At what turned out to be her last day at school, Jade was given a progress report by her teachers and told everyone was delighted with the progress she was making."

A policeman stands guard outside the house in Atherton, near Wigan

More than 10,000 people joined a Facebook group created to pay tribute to Jade, including the aunt of a four-year-old boy who was killed by a banned breed of dog.

John-Paul Massey died at his grandmother's house in Liverpool after suffering "massive injuries" inflicted by a pitbull.

Tricia Massey wrote on Jade's page: "Such a tragic thing to happen. I know what your poor family must be going through and how they are feeling, I lost my four-year-old nephew three years ago.

"He was killed by a dangerous dog in Liverpool. Something needs to be done about these aggressive animals.

"Sleep tight Jade, I'm sure my John-Paul will look after you."

Natasha Hunt posted: "RIP my beautiful baby girl! Don't know what I'm going do without you!

"Love you loads, you will never be forgotten, you will always be in my heart."

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Operation Elveden: Public Officials Jailed

A former police officer has been jailed for 10 months and a prison officer for 16 months for selling information to The Sun.

Ex-Surrey PC Alan Tierney was sentenced at the Old Bailey after admitting two counts of misconduct earlier this month.

Prison officer Richard Trunkfield was sentenced at the same court for selling information on James Bulger killer Jon Venables.

He had also admitted misconduct in public office.

Tierney, from Hayling Island, Hampshire, pleaded guilty to two counts - one between March 26 and April 3, 2009, and a second between December 2 and 7, 2009.

He sold details about Sue Terry and Sue Poole, the mother and mother-in-law of Terry, both being arrested on suspicion of shoplifting in Surrey.

He also sold details about the arrest of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, 65, on suspicion of beating up his Russian lover Ekaterina Ivanova, who is in her 20s.

He received £1250 for the information which was paid by cheque to his brother-in-law.

Terry, Poole and Wood all accepted cautions over the matters.

One of the stories sold was about Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood

In mitigation, the court heard that most of the details that Tierney had passed on would have eventually become public, and that their leak had not undermined any investigation.

The witness in the Terry case had also approached two other newspapers to try to sell his story.

Trunkfield has since resigned from Woodhill prison and Venables is no longer being held there, the court heard.

New father Trunkfield had contact with a journalist at The Sun between 10 and 15 times and received £3,500 for information.

Mr Justice Fulford told him: "It's for those in authority to decide on the extent to which, if at all, it's in the public interest to reveal the details concerning a particular defendant, balancing a wide range of factors.

"It is most assuredly not for individual prison officers to take it upon themselves to contact the press to reveal information about a defendant in circumstances such as those before the court today, still less to enrich themselves in the process."

In mitigation, the court heard that Trunkfield had no direct contact with Venables and passed on minor details such as what he was eating, including burger and chips.

After he saw the stories that were being published, he assigned his journalist contact a different ringtone so he could ignore the calls, the court heard.

It was also claimed that information was being leaked by another, unidentified source at the prison.

Tierney and Trunkfield were arrested as part of the Operation Elveden, the Metropolitan Police Service's probe into payments to officials.

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Falklands: British 'Terrorists' Killed In Game

An Argentine company has created a new version of a popular online game that allows players to kill British "terrorists" on the Falkland Islands.

The tech firm Dattatec.com developed the "map" for Counter-Strike, which recreates scenes from the Falklands War.

It also features real places and monuments on the islands, which it calls the Malvinas - the Spanish name used by Argentina.

A promotional video sets the scene with the words: "1982, Argentines fought against the English to claim back the sovereignty of the Malvinas."

The Argentine Cemetry is recreated in the game (Dattatec.com)

Tribute music then turns to the sound of gunfire as the settings fast-forward to 2013, and a battle begins allowing Argentines to shoot British "terrorists".

More than three decades since the Falklands War between Britain and Argentina, the islands remain a potent national symbol for the South American country.

However, earlier this month Falkland Islanders voted overwhelmingly in a referendum to keep British rule.

Dattatec.com, which is based in the Argentine city of Rosario, said it created the version of the game out of respect for Argentine soldiers who were killed in the 1982 conflict.

The British side have their base in the capital (Dattatec.com)

"In the Malvinas map, there are no English flags on show to respect the glory and honour to the fallen," it said in a press release.

But the company's spokesman Fernando Llorente told Sky News that Dattatec.com had "no intention of offending anybody"and the game was not meant to "cause violence".

"All of us at Dattatec.com work with as much respect towards our veterans as to those from Britain," he said.

Counter-Strike, a first-person shooter game released in 1999, involves two sides in combat - terrorists versus counter-terrorists.

Dattatec.com developed the feature for Counter Strike (Dattatec.com)

For the Falklands version, Dattatec.com said: "The Argentine side are known as police and their base is the Argentine Cemetery.

"The British are based in Stanley and their team are known as the terrorists."

Stanley, the capital of the islands, is referred to by the Argentine name Puerto Argentino.

The game also features the local church, post office and other places on the islands.

The game recreates many real landmarks on the islands (Dattatec.com)

"You can enter buildings, surround them and jump onto the rooves to get back to the Argentine Cemetery or surprise the enemy from height," Dattatec.com said.

The founder and CEO of Dattatec.com, Guillermo Tornatore, travelled to the Falklands last year with a former Argentine soldier.

While there, the pair buried a bottle which contained a USB stick with tributes uploaded by people for "fallen soldiers".

Mr Tornatore said he wanted to "pay tribute and remember those who were fighting a hard and unequal war".

In the March 10-11 referendum, 99.8% of islanders voted in favour of remaining a British Overseas Territory, but the poll was rejected by Argentina as a meaningless publicity stunt.

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Amanda Knox Faces Retrial Over Kercher Death

Italy's highest criminal court has overturned the acquittal of Amanda Knox and her ex-boyfriend for the murder of British student Meredith Kercher, and ordered a retrial.

Knox and Italian Raffaele Sollecito, who were originally sentenced to 26 and 25 years in prison for killing and sexually assaulting Miss Kercher in 2007, were acquitted on appeal in 2011 after four years in prison.

Reacting to the Supreme Court's decision, Knox said it was "painful" to have the acquittal overturned "when the prosecution's theory of my involvement in Meredith's murder has been repeatedly revealed to be completely unfounded and unfair".

Ms Kercher, 21, was found half-naked with her throat slashed in a pool of blood in her bedroom in the house that she shared with Knox in Perugia in November 2007.

The sister of the murdered Briton, Stephanie Kercher, told Sky News her family welcomed the ruling by the Italian court.

Raffaele Sollecito also faces retrial over Ms Kercher's death

Speaking from Coulsdon in Surrey, the elder sibling said there were "still questions that are unanswered and we are all looking to find out the truth".

"Rudy Guede was convicted along with others so we need to to find out who those other people are but as a family we know there is still a long way to go.

"We welcome the decision that a retrial has been ordered and are pleased it is a step forward to finding an answer to some of those questions," she added.

Knox, 25, returned home to Seattle immediately after her release. It is likely that she will be tried in absentia in the new trial, which will take place in Florence, because the United States does not normally extradite its citizens to face legal action.

A date for the retrial has not yet been set, but it is thought it could be as early as the summer. It is understood that all the DNA evidence will be reviewed.

Rudy Guede is currently in prison over the murder

A third person, Ivory Coast-born drifter Rudy Guede, who like the other two has always denied the murder, is the only person still in jail for the crime.

After choosing to undergo a separate, fast-track trial in 2008, he was found guilty of sexual assault and murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison. This was reduced to 16 years on appeal.

The Kercher family insists that 47 knife wounds on Meredith and the apparent use of two different knives in the attack meant that more than one killer was involved, leaving the second murderer still at large.

Initial handling of the long-running case has been sharply criticised by independent forensic experts.

In her statement following the Supreme Court's decision, Knox said: "I believe that any questions as to my innocence must be examined by an objective investigation and a capable prosecution.

"The prosecution responsible for the many discrepancies in their work must be made to answer for them, for Raffaele's sake, my sake, and most especially for the sake of Meredith's family. Our hearts go out to them.

Meredith Kercher's family have welcomed the latest court ruling

"No matter what happens, my family and I will face this continuing legal battle as we always have, confident in the truth and with our heads held high in the face of wrongful accusations and unreasonable adversity."

Knox had been scheduled to speak about the trial for the first time on American television in April, when her book about the case, called Waiting To Be Heard, is due to be released.

Sollecito, who turned 29 on Tuesday, is now living with his family near Bari in southern Italy.

Before the decision was known, Giulia Bongiorno, the lawyer representing Sollecito said she was convinced the court would not over-rule the acquittal.

"We are hopeful. We know Raffaele Sollecito is absolutely innocent and we expect that it ends here. Even if it doesn't end here we just need to follow the precis, but I am convinced this case will end here," she said before entering the court.

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North Korea Rocket Strike Threat Targets US

By Mark Stone, Asia Correspondent

North Korea has ordered its military to be ready to strike US bases in Guam, Hawaii and mainland America, according to state TV.

North Korea threatens a missile attack on Guam, Hawaii and the US mainland

"The Korea People's Army top command declares that all artillery troops including strategic rocket units and long-range artillery units are to be placed under class-A combat readiness," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

The announcement came as images were released showing a new round of military exercises by the isolated state.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un talks to a group of female soldiers

The still photographs show what appears to be a sea-borne assault using hovercraft and an artillery drill using multiple rocket launchers - none of which would have the capacity to reach more than a dozen or so miles.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un is pictured visiting troops and watching the exercise from a vantage point above the unidentified beach on the country's east coast.

North Korea has previously threatened a nuclear attack on US military bases

The photographs, released by KCNA, are accompanied by language which matches weeks of rhetoric.

According to the news agency, Mr Kim "stressed the need to destroy and wipe away any enemy who lands on their coast through strong firepower and ordered the soldiers of the heroic Korean People's Army to display their mettle in the great war against the enemies".

It's not thought to have the technology to hit the US with an atomic weapon

"Crazy like wild wolves threatened with fire, send all of them to the bottom of the sea," he is quoted as saying.

The exercise and the photographs of it are a clear response to a series of month-long exercises taking place across the border in South Korea involving American and South Korean troops and naval forces.

Defence analysts have been studying the latest photographs with interest.

Kim Jong-Un is photographed visiting troops

James Hardy, the Asia-Pacific Editor of Jane's Defence Weekly, told Sky News he had not seen hovercraft like those in the photographs before.

However, he added: "I can categorically state that multiple rocket launchers and 'long-range artillery' are not going to threaten the US mainland, Guam or Hawaii, unless they are put on a ship and sailed to within firing distance (which I doubt the North Koreans are about to do)."

Rockets and long-range artillery have been ordered to be combat ready

It has been an uneasy few months on the Korean peninsula with rhetoric and threatening language at a level not seen for several years.

The increased tension comes as Seoul marks the third anniversary of the sinking of a South Korean warship.

On March 26, 2010, the Cheonan was torpedoed by the North Korean military with the loss of 46 sailors.

Order was issued in a statement from the North's military "supreme command"

In December, North Korea launched a satellite into orbit in the tip of a rocket.

Their claim then was that this was all part of Pyongyang's legitimate right to pursue a space programme.

Few countries bought that claim, believing instead that it represented the latest move in North Korea's development of a ballistic missile programme.

The fresh threat marks the latest fiery rhetoric from Pyongyang

The rocket launch was followed in February by an underground nuclear test and a sharp escalation in tension.

Faced with unprecedented UN sanctions, backed by his historical ally China, Mr Kim admitted the rocket launch and nuclear test were indeed all part of his ideological desire to destroy America and its allies.

The warning follows joint military drills by the US and South Korean forces

Asked about the accuracy and range of rockets like that fired in December, Mr Hardy said he believed North Korea was still some way off possessing an operational missile of this type.

"It's a mish mash of fuel types and requires quite a bit of time to assemble on a purpose-built launch pad," he continued.

"The US, or anyone else, would have plenty of time to scope it out before it got airborne so its operational value is quite low even before you start talking about the challenges of placing a warhead on it," he added.

US military bases in the Pacific are in range of its medium-range missiles

The annulment of the armistice agreement with South Korea and repeated threats to attack the South over the past three weeks have, so far, been exposed as nothing more than bluff and bluster.

However, with unattributed cyber attacks in Seoul, repositioned missile defence systems on America's west coast and the presence of US B-52 bombers in the skies above the Korean peninsula, there's no doubt minds across the region and beyond are very focused on a fragile peace and an unpredictable regime.

The South says it has seen no signs of an imminent military action

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Hospital Inspector To Name Failing NHS Trusts

A new Chief Inspector of Hospitals will name and shame failing NHS trusts in a shake-up sparked by the Mid Staffordshire scandal.

The new Chief Inspector will give hospitals Ofsted-style rankings for their performance and act as "whistleblower-in-chief".

If trusts fail to deliver, they could be put into a "failure regime" - the equivalent of special measures - and could end up in administration.

Failing NHS bosses will also be put on a blacklist to ensure they cannot just move to a different part of the organisation and keep working.

And NHS providers will have a new "statutory duty of candour" to avoid cover-ups where patients are not treated properly.

New legal sanctions at a corporate level for NHS organisations which withhold information are also being considered.

In further moves to restore a culture of compassion, student nurses will spend up to a year performing basic frontline work.

Hundreds of people may have died needlessly at Stafford Hospital

Initially under a pilot scheme, they will have to do a placement as a support worker or healthcare assistant in order to receive funding for their studies.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt unveiled the changes as he delivered the Government's initial response to the Francis report into Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Robert Francis QC made 290 sweeping recommendations for healthcare regulators, providers and the Government.

As many as 1,200 patients may have died needlessly after they were "routinely neglected" at the hospital.

Many were left lying in their own urine and excrement for days, forced to drink water from vases or given the wrong medication.

The Health Secretary said the scandal was "a betrayal of the worse kind" and admitted it was "the NHS' darkest hour".

But he demanded that it become "not a byword for failure but a catalyst for change" as he set out a string of new measures.

He told MPs they would help embed a "culture of zero harm and compassionate care" with patients at its heart.

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Choirmaster And Ex-Wife Jailed For Sex Abuse

By Nick Martin, News Correspondent

A choirmaster who sexually assaulted a pupil at a music school more than 30 years ago has been jailed for six years.

Michael Brewer, a former National Youth Choir music director, and his ex-wife were found guilty on five counts of indecently assaulting his student Frances Andrade more than 30 years ago.

During the trial, Ms Andrade, 48, was found dead at her home less than a week after she gave evidence against Brewer at Manchester Crown Court. She had reportedly killed herself.

The 68-year-old was convicted of sexually abusing her in his office at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester when she was aged 14 and 15.

Passing sentence, Judge Martin Rudland said: "You were, and may still be, a predatory sex offender. Of that let no-one be in any doubt.

"The extent of your breach of trust in this case cannot be overstated."

Frances Andrade gave evidence against Michael Brewer at his trial

Brewer's ex-wife, Kay Brewer, 68, was also convicted of indecently assaulting Mrs Andrade, then known as Shorney, when she was an adult at their former family home. She was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

The jury returned not guilty verdicts on charges that Brewer raped Mrs Andrade when she was aged 18 and that Mrs Brewer aided and abetted the attack.

Brewer was also cleared of one charge of indecently assaulting Mrs Andrade when she was a child in his home.

The Crown Prosecution Service decided to continue with the trial and the judge ruled that news of Mrs Andrade's death should be kept from jurors until after they reached their verdicts.

Mrs Andrade was visibly agitated on occasions as she gave her evidence over two days on January 16 and 17.

She chose to take to the witness box in full view of everyone in the courtroom, including the two defendants in the dock.

Michael Brewer was a teacher at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester

The jury heard that the police investigation was sparked by National Youth Choir teacher Jenavora Williams after Mrs Andrade, her friend, told her about her time at Chetham's.

The mother-of-four, from Guildford, Surrey, who was married to acclaimed viola player Levine Andrade, was supported from the public gallery by one of her sons.

At one point she complained about Brewer smiling as she gave her evidence, but she chose to press on without drawing a curtain to block off the dock.

The judge remarked that she was "clearly undergoing a cathartic experience, whatever the source" while giving evidence.

He said she was "combative" during cross-examination by Kate Blackwell QC, representing Brewer, adding that she had taken personal issue with some of the barrister's questions, although the judge indicated that Ms Blackwell had acted professionally.

Jurors were only told of Ms Andrade's death after reaching their verdicts

During the cross-examination, Mrs Andrade told her: "You are hugely insulting, even though it's your job."

Her son, Oliver Andrade, described his mother as "an amazing person", but appeared to criticise authorities for failing to provide more support despite two previous attempts to kill herself.

He said in a statement: "Like all people she was not impervious. Being repeatedly called a 'liar' and a 'fantasist' about a horrific part of her life in front of a court challenged her personal integrity and was more than even she could bear.

"She was forced to relive the many times Michael Brewer had sexually abused her as a child, both to the police on multiple occasions and in court to a hostile party."

Brewer went on to become the artistic director of the National Youth Choirs of Britain and has directed the World Youth Choir.

The judge told him: "The care and attention which you gave her, in so manipulative and depraved a way, were regarded by her as blessings.

"She was prepared to submit to almost anything, which clearly she did, as you pushed the boundaries further and further - treating her as your sexual plaything in the context of a false loving relationship which she readily accepted."

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Shark Wrestler Trevor Burns Praised For Rescue

A computer consultant who wrestled a 12ft great white shark away from a teenage snorkeler has spoken of the dramatic rescue as he was given one of Australia's top bravery awards.

Trevor Burns, 50, was on holiday with his family when they went looking for dolphins as part of a group of about 40 off the southwest coast.

The swimmers were being led by 19-year-old Elyse Frankcom, who was having difficulty attracting a baby dolphin and its mother closer to the swimmers.

Mr Burns said: "(The dolphins) were obviously aware of the shark, and we weren't."

The shark suddenly clamped Ms Frankcom's thigh in its jaws, taking a "double bite" according Mr Burns.

The pair were only a few feet apart but he soon lost sight of her because of the blood in the water.

"I just thought, 'Get it off her'," the father of two said.

"I knew she was going to be in trouble and she needed help."

The shark took a 'double bite' of the guide leader (file picture)

After he grabbed the shark's tail, the animal thrashed around before finally releasing its grip on Ms Frankcom and swimming off.

She was sinking until Mr Burns swam down to her and brought her back to the dive boat. Others in the group had already swum to safety.

Ms Frankcom needed surgery and more than 200 stitches to her leg wounds after the attack in 2010, but she has now largely recovered and remains in contact with her rescuer.

Mr Burns, from Brisbane, was the only person to receive Australia's Star of Courage "for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril" in the latest annual announcement on Monday.

Ms Frankcom told the Brisbane Times: "He put his own life at risk for a stranger. He saved my life. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be alive today."

Mr Burns said he hoped he would be able to repeat his actions if such an attack ever happened again.

"I'd like to think I would. I'm reasonably confident I would," he said.

"But it's purely on the day - it's a decision you've got to make and you either go for it or you don't."

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UK Snow: Cold Snap Could Last Until Easter

Ice warnings are in place for much of Britain as the freezing cold weather conditions and snow continues to cause disruption to communities and commuters.

Power has been restored to all 1,700 homes in Cumbria - but several thousands are still without electricity in other parts and many roads remain impassable with no end in sight to the severe weather gripping the UK.

Huge snowdrifts - up to 15ft deep in some places - and abandoned vehicles are preventing energy companies from reaching some areas to restore power.

Helicopters are being used to get engineers to affected properties in rural and exposed part of Northern Ireland.

A man walks along a snow drenched road in Leeds, Yorkshire

Drivers in snow-hit areas across the UK have been urged to postpone their journeys if possible, and the railways have also been severely affected with services delayed or cancelled.

Businesses have also suffered, while farmers - yet to recover from the disastrously sodden summer of 2012 - have said the Arctic weather has come at the worst possible time.

Blizzard conditions are claiming the lives of newborn lambs, affecting spring crops and forcing families to work all hours to try to keep stranded stock alive, according to the National Union of Farmers (NFU).

A motorist drives past snow covered trees near Dundrod in County Antrim

And the severe weather and bitterly cold temperatures are set to continue across most parts of the country right up until the weekend, forecasters have said.

This could mean the first white Easter in five years, as the nation enters British summertime.

The Met Office has said there is a 90% chance the unseasonal cold snap will continue to keep large parts of Britain frozen for the rest of the week.

Bitterly cold easterly winds will persist in the days to come, bringing snow showers to northeast England and light snow flurries across other parts.

Farmer Roy Kerby feeds sheep after snowfall in Etwall, central England

It is a marked contrast to the warm spring weather the nation enjoyed this time last year.

On March 24, 2012, sun-seekers flocked to Brighton to bask in the sunshine and 18C (64.4F) heat. In comparison, the beach was deserted on Sunday with the temperature at just 2C (35.6F).

Some reports suggest Britain could be hit with a similar heatwave towards the end of spring.

But according to Sky News Weather Producer Jo Robinson: "Spring is a changeable season, with extremes possible. There's no evidence to suggest that a cold snap at the end of March means there will be a heatwave in April."

A yellow warning - meaning be prepared for bad weather - is in place for north-east England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

An abandoned car on the side of the road in the Briercliffe area of Burnley

But it is the ice that is causing the biggest concern, with large parts of the country being warned about the danger of black ice as commuters wrestle with journeys on foot, by car or public transport to work and back.

"Lying snow in many areas will melt on roads and pavements by day, refreezing by night to give icy patches," a Met Office spokesman said.

"Snow blowing off fields in strong to gale force winds will also affect some roads, especially over high ground."

The Department for Transport has warned motorists to take precautions and only set off from home if they have checked the latest travel conditions.

Brighton beach - this time last year compared to this weekend

A spokesman said: "The unseasonal weather is affecting transport networks. Our staff and other transport operators are working tirelessly around the clock to keep roads open, and keep other services running."

The electricity grid has been hit by the wintry conditions over the past few days. Ice has packed onto power lines, causing them to buckle under the weight.

Engineers have been working to restore supplies to around 7,000 homes in Northern Ireland and 10,000 in Scotland, as well as 500 properties on the Isle of Man.

Some 3,500 people are cut off in Kintyre and 1,500 are without electricity on the Isle of Arran. The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry between the mainland and Arran was laden with engineering support to be deployed in the Island.

People clearing the road to access their homes in the village of Cargan

Sky's Scotland Correspondent, James Matthews, said: "Lorries carried generators and fresh telegraph poles. There was also a small fleet of outdoor catering vans which had been drafted off duty at commercial public events to come and supply islanders running short of supplies."

Emergency oxygen supplies had to be airlifted to an elderly man trapped by heavy snow in Northern Ireland.

Those living in remote areas there have been warned it could be days before they have electricity again, but water supply has now been restored to most of the 1,000 homes affected.

Sky's Mike McCarthy, in Buxton, Derbyshire, said: "What is happening is these bitterly cold easterly winds are making the snow drift over the roads, even when it has been cleared by the snow ploughs and gritters.

A snow covered narrow boat sits in a frozen canal in Birmingham

"We've seen a number of people struggling with the weather, some abandoned cars still, and in other parts of the country, Cumbria for example, they are saying 'don't return to your abandoned car just yet - contact the police first', because the conditions are still very severe."

A man found dead in deep snow after he started walking home in severe weather has been named by police.

The body of Gary Windle, 25, was found by a farmer in Brierfield, near Burnley, in Lancashire, at around 1.30pm on Saturday.

Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious and there were indications it was a "very tragic incident" after he started walking home from a night out with friends.

On Friday, a woman, named locally as Susan Norman, died when her house in Looe, Cornwall, collapsed during a landslip following torrential rain.

Gary Windle (left) was found dead in deep snow near Burnley

A 57-year-old hill walker, named by police as James Jack, died in the Scottish Highlands, although police said it was not clear whether his death was linked to the poor weather.

Sky News Weather Presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said the heavy snow had subsided but added: "As we head towards this Easter weekend, it's going to remain unsettled, In fact, on Good Friday, there's the risk of more widespread snow."

Bookmaker Ladbrokes has cut the odds of snow at Easter to 4/5 after taking a flurry of bets in the past 48 hours.

Forecasters have predicted it could be the coldest March in 50 years. In 1962, average temperatures for the month were 2.8C (37F).

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