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Apple 'To Buy Dr Dre's Beats Firm For $3.2bn'

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 09 Mei 2014 | 20.49

Apple is set to buy headphone maker Beats Electronics for $3.2bn (£1.9bn), it has been reported.

The Financial Times says the deal could be announced as early as next week, marking Apple's largest ever acquisition.

Founded by rapper and music producer Dr Dre and fellow music producer Jimmy Iovine in 2008, the firm produces 'Beats by Dr Dre' headphones and also runs a music streaming service.

Beats Electronics received a $500m (£295m) investment from Carlyle Group last September, valuing the company at more than $1bn.

It has been reported that Apple is contemplating a Spotify-like on-demand music service.

Spotify Apple is reportedly planning to take on music-streaming service Spotify

Some technology analysts have speculated that the purchase plans are motivated by acquiring Beats' streaming arm rather than the headphones division.

Apple is sitting on a $133bn (£78bn) cash pile, and chief executive Tim Cook has said the firm has "no problem" with spending large sums of money to acquire top companies.

Apple and Beats have not commented on the reports.

However, in a video posted by singer Tyrese Gibson, Dr Dre boasts that he is "the first billionaire in hip hop".

He then laughs as Gibson says: "Billionaire boys club for real, homie. The Forbes list just changed."

Dre, a former member of NWA, compared his company to Apple in an interview in 2011.

He said: "We're trying to eventually be second to Apple. And I don't think that's a bad position."


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Rolf Harris A 'Jekyll And Hyde' Who Groomed Girl

Rolf Harris abused one of his daughter's friends on a motorway, in a theatre and in her family home while her parents were in another room, a court has heard.

The prosecution called the 84-year-old a "Jekyll And Hyde" character who used his status as a children's TV presenter and artist to "mesmerise" four victims.

One of these girls was "groomed like a pet" by the defendant, who abused her for 15 years from the age of 13.

The abuse allegedly began during a holiday and there were further incidents in a swimming pool, at a theatre and on the M4.

Prosecutor Sasha Wass said Harris "enjoyed the thrill of risk taking" and on one occasion assaulted the victim at her home while her parents were in.

At one point the defendant was caught red-handed, the court heard - but he laughed it off.

Rolf Harris. Harris was accompanied into court by wife Alwen and daughter Bindi (left)

The girl was said to have turned to alcohol at the age of 14 as a result of what she claims happened - and is now a "full blown alcoholic".

The jury was told that "by the time she was in her 20s, the victim effectively did what Mr Harris told her to do".

But she eventually told her family about the alleged abuse in 1997.

The court heard how Harris then wrote to her father admitting a sexual relationship but claiming there was no rape, physical force or brutality. He added that he was in a "state of object self-loathing".

The prosecution likened this to Bill Clinton admitting he had smoked cannabis but claiming he did not inhale.

The alleged victim eventually wrote a letter to police in 2012, 18 years after the abuse ended. The court heard how the Jimmy Savile revelations caused her to reflect on her own circumstances.

Miss Wass described Harris as having a "side to him" which meant he was sexually attracted to young girls.

Rolf Harris. The case has attracted intense media interest both in the UK and Australia

"The prosecution doesn't for a moment suggest there is not a good, talented and kind side to Mr Harris," she said.

"But concealed behind this charming and amicable children's entertainer lay a man who exploited the very children who were drawn to him.

"His fame and reputation meant no one suspected or challenged his behaviour."

The court heard how none of the alleged victims - who were aged between seven or eight and 19 - knew each other.

"You will see a pattern during this case of Mr Harris approaching girls in a purely friendly way and then, once he is in close physical contact with them, taking advantage of the situation in order to indecently assault them," said Miss Wass.

Southwalk Crown Court also heard how staff at one Australia TV channel knew Harris as "Octopus" because of his wandering hands.

Harris denies all 12 charges against him. The trial continues.

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Pistorius Trial: Witness Plays Part Of Reeva

A weapons expert has recreated the moment Oscar Pistorius' girlfriend was shot dead by playing the part of the former model in a court reconstruction.

Thomas Wolmarans was being questioned about the injuries Reeva Steenkamp suffered on Valentine's Day last year, when he asked to enter a mocked-up version of Pistorius' bathroom.

As he stood behind the door, he mimicked the movements he believes Ms Steenkamp made when the bullets struck her body.

Judge Thokozile Masipa presides over the Oscar Pistorius murder trial The judge looks on as Mr Wolmarans plays the part of Ms Steenkamp

It came after Judge Thokozile Masipa and lawyers huddled around the door as a court official used a spray to reveal a laser beam set up by prosecutors to show the trajectory taken by one of the bullets.

Earlier, Pistorius sat with his head in his hands as Mr Wolmarans spoke in detail about the wounds Ms Steenkamp suffered.

As the trial entered its 29th day, the witness, called by the defence, also talked about the various bullet fragments found in the bathroom of the athlete's home on a luxury development in Pretoria.

Pistorius arrives at courtReeva Steenkamp on set of reality TV show Tropika Island of Treasure (Pic: Stimulii) Pistorius denies murdering his girlfriend Ms Steenkamp. Pic: Stimulii

During an intense cross-examination, Mr Wolmarans admitted altering one of his reports but insisted the only changes he made were grammatical corrections.

Asked exactly what he had corrected, however, he replied: "I can't remember."

Mr Wolmarans also revealed he supervised a sound test involving a gun and the cricket bat Pistorius says he used to break down the bathroom door, even though he is not an expert in the field and has tinnitus, which causes a ringing noise in his ears.

Former South African Police Service forensics expert Tom "Wollie" Wolmarans testifies during the trial of Oscar Pistorius Mr Wolmarans faced an uncomfortable day of questioning

He said he had "never" discussed the case with Pistorius, even when he went to remove a piece of the athlete's prosthetic leg for forensic examination.

On Thursday, the court heard from a social worker and probation officer, who claimed Pistorius was "not putting on a show" - a reference to allegations he had been taking acting lessons.

Yvette van Schalkwyk, who sat with the 27-year-old at the time of his initial court hearings, said he vomited twice and told her he shot Ms Steenkamp accidentally.

Pistorius promo

"What I saw ... was a man who was heartbroken," she said. "He cried, he was in mourning, he suffered emotionally."

Pistorius denies a charge of premeditated murder, claiming he mistook his partner for an intruder.

The trial was adjourned to continue on Monday.


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Nigeria Kidnap: PM's Anger Over 'Ghastly' Act

David Cameron has described the kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls by Islamist extremists in Nigeria as "ghastly" and "an act of pure evil".

In an interview with Sky News, the Prime Minister confirmed a British team had been sent to Nigeria, three weeks after Boko Haram abducted the youngsters from a boarding school in the village of Chibok.

"This is a ghastly situation and an act of pure evil," Mr Cameron said.

"As soon as it happened, the Foreign Secretary rang his counterpart in Nigeria to offer help.

Missing girls protester The government has faced criticism of its response

"That offer wasn't taken up but I rang President Goodluck Jonathan in the last couple of days to make a further offer, and we've since sent a team of experts to Nigeria to help.

"It's a team that complements the one sent by the United States and includes experts in counter-terrorism, policing and counter-insurgency, as well as aid and education."

Experts from the UK have arrived in the capital Abuja and are expected to help "advise and support" the rescue operation in the coming days.

They will join US military and intelligence experts, who US Secretary of State John Kerry said would do "everything they can to return these girls to their families and their communities".

Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan Goodluck Jonathan speaks at the World Economic Forum in Abuja

"We'll do everything possible to counter the menace of Boko Haram," he added.

The arrival of international support comes after a parent of one of the schoolgirls pleaded for more help from abroad.

Speaking to Sky News' Special Correspondent Alex Crawford, Shettima Haruma, whose daughter was among those taken, said he was "angry" with the Nigerian government's response.

"We need the government to get American people to come and help us," he said.

"We beg Nigerians, those in another country like America or (Britain) ... it's three weeks, nearly one month ... (and we haven't) seen any letters from our daughters."

Protesters march in support of the girls kidnapped by members of Boko Haram in front of the Nigerian Embassy in Washington Protesters march near the Nigerian embassy in Washington

The leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, has threatened to sell the girls "on the market" and some of the group have already reportedly been trafficked to neighbouring Chad and Cameroon.

A further 11 girls, aged 12 to 15, have also been abducted from the northeastern village of Warabe.

The search for the missing schoolgirls is focused around the huge Sambisa Forest - the "hideout" of Boko Haram, whose name is said to figuratively mean "Western education is forbidden".

Mr Jonathan said the abduction would be the "beginning of the end of terror" in the country, adding: "By God's grace we will conquer the terrorists".

A social media campaign backed by a number of celebrities has sought to raise awareness of the girls' plight.

The Twitter hashtag #BringBackOurGirls has been promoted by the likes of US First Lady Michelle Obama and actress Angelina Jolie, who told Sky News: "These men thought that they can get away with this, that they could abuse them in such a way, sell them, rape them, take them as property, because so many people have gotten away with this in the past because of this culture of impunity."


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Clegg Vows To Block Tory Knife Crime Plan

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 08 Mei 2014 | 20.48

By Sophy Ridge, Political Correspondent

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has publicly vetoed a Conservative plan to automatically jail anyone caught in possession of a knife for a second time.

The Deputy Prime Minister insists he will not allow the Government to support "headline-grabbing solutions" in the aftermath of the killing of Leeds schoolteacher Ann Maguire.

He said the scheme was a "step backwards" and could "undermine the role of judges", who, he said, should be given the flexibility to assess each case on its merits.

Writing in the Guardian, Mr Clegg said such a policy would risk turning young people into hardened criminals.

It comes after Conservative Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said offenders caught twice with a knife should automatically receive a six-month prison sentence.

Stabbed teacher Ann Maguire The stabbing of teacher Ann Maguire has put knife crime in the headlines

He wants the mandatory sentences included in an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill next week.

Mr Clegg wrote in the Guardian: "When someone is caught carrying a knife, we need to do something about it. But six months in prison is not always the right answer.

"Imagine a vulnerable young girl hanging around with members of a gang. She could be forced into carrying a knife by another gang member - it happens a lot.

"When stopped by the police, she doesn't mention that she was forced to carry the knife, fearing retribution from the gang.

"Putting someone like that into prison could push them into the arms of hardened criminals, and let the gang leaders off the hook. Instead of prison, we need to divert vulnerable young people away from gang culture."

Nick Clegg Nick Clegg says the plan could 'let gang leaders off the hook'

He said decisions on sentencing should be left to judges.

"This is why I believe this proposed law would be a step backwards," he writes.

"It would undermine the Government's progress in establishing a rehabilitation revolution and reducing crime. We need to treat knife crime very seriously by letting judges choose the sentence to fit the crime.

"Turning the young offenders of today into the hardened criminals of tomorrow is not the answer."

England and Wales' most senior judge, Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas, has also called for an urgent review of sentencing for youths carrying knives, saying it was a "major problem" among 12 to 14-year-olds.

And Labour leader Ed Miliband told Sky News he did not agree with Mr Clegg on the issue.

"I do think we need to see tougher penalties on knife crime," he said.

"I think that's what the public believe and I think we need to send a strong signal about the unacceptability of knife crime. That's why we're sympathetic to the idea that after being convicted of a second offence, there should be a mandatory minimum sentence."


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Stars Tweet For Kidnapped Nigerian Schoolgirls

Celebrities and public figures have been using social media to tell their millions of followers about the kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls.

Twitter has been the epicentre of the campaign, with the #BringBackOurGirls hashtag building up momentum in the last week and trending worldwide.

Michelle Obama became one of the most high-profile people to highlight the kidnappings when she tweeted a picture from the White House.

Bring Back Our Girls Michelle Obama tweeted from her @FLOTUS account

"Our prayers are with the missing Nigerian girls and their families," said the First Lady.

The post from her @FLOTUS account has been retweeted and favourited nearly 60,000 times during the first 12 hours.

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who survived being shot by the Taliban for promoting girls' education, has also posted a picture of herself holding a sign.

Bring Back Our Girls X Factor winner Leona Lewis also got behind the hashtag

The 16-year-old, who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and now lives in Britain, told CNN the girls were like "sisters" to her.

The hashtag was started by Nigerian lawyer Ibrahim M Abdullahi on April 23, nine days after the 276 girls were taken from their school in the north of the country.

Nigeria girls Trendsmap #BringBackOurGirls is trending in many countries. Pic: TrendsMap

It has also made the jump into the "real world", becoming a convenient slogan for posters and placards of campaigners on the ground - who have adopted red as their chosen colour.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell is another of the famous faces promoting the #BringBackOurGirls hashtag.

Bring Back Our Girls Naomi Campbell posted on her Instagram account

In an Instagram post she called on under-fire President Goodluck Jonathan to "do something!!!".

The Nigerian leader has been criticised for not doing enough to track down the girls, who are thought held captive by Islamist group Boko Haram in a sprawling forest in the northeast of the country.

Musicians Chris Brown, Puff Daddy, Leona Lewis, Mary J Blige and Alicia Keys have also jumped on board.

R&B singer Brown urged his three million followers to "lend a voice by asking authorities to #BringBackOurGirls", while UK X Factor winner Lewis posted an image of herself holding a sign.

A Facebook campaign also wants people to flood Twitter, Facebook, BBM, Instagram and Whatsapp for 200 minutes on Thursday to add more momentum to the campaign.

An online petition on the Change.org site has so far notched up more than 500,000 names and is aiming for one million.

Nigeria Protests Over Kidnapped School Girls Campaigners have taken to wearing the colour red

As social media campaign gains momentum, the Nigerian government has called on international experts in areas such as hostage negotiation and intelligence to help track down the girls.

Mr Jonathan has said the kidnap will mark the "beginning of the end" of terrorism in his country - but for hundreds of families still without their daughters that will be little consolation.


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Girls' Kidnap Will Be 'End Of Nigeria Terror'

The abduction of more than 200 girls in Nigeria will be the "beginning of the end of terror" there, says Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Nigerian capital Abuja, he also thanked the international community for its support and said "by God's grace we will conquer the terrorists".

Mr Goodluck has been criticised for his response to the kidnapping, and for not acting sooner to recruit help.

His words come as military and intelligence experts from around the world head to Nigeria to help in the search.

Michelle Obama shows her support for the girls kidnapped in Nigeria Michelle Obama has joined the social media campaign to free the girls

The UK, France, China and the US are among the countries lending their support.

Britain is sending a small team of advisers - possibly including some military officers - to help with planning and coordination. However, they will not take part in operations on the ground.

The US is flying out a group including experts in intelligence, law enforcement and hostage negotiations, with fewer than 10 military troops going.

Prime Minister David Cameron told Parliament the kidnapping was "an act of pure evil".

Nigeris missing girls sign Many people in Nigeria are angry at the government's response

"There are extreme Islamists around our world who are against education, against progress, against equality and we must fight them and take them on wherever they are," he said.

The 276 girls were abducted from a boarding school in the village of Chibok in Borno state, north Nigeria, on April 14.

Islamist group Boko Haram claimed responsibility and its leader, Abubakar Shekau, has threatened to sell the girls "on the market".

Some of the group have already reportedly been trafficked to neighbouring Chad and Cameroon.

A further 11 girls, aged 12 to 15, were taken from the northeastern village of Warabe on Sunday.

The search is focussed around the huge Sambisa Forest - the 'hideout' of Boko Haram which extends to some 60,000 square kilometres - three times the size of Wales.

Boko Haram is also thought to be behind the killing of up to 300 people reported to have been killed on Monday in the northeastern Nigerian town of Gamboru Ngala.

Boko Haram claims responsibility for mass schoolgirl abduction Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the abduction

A witness told the AFP agency that fighters in armoured trucks and motorcycles overran the town, leaving it "littered" with bodies.

A social media campaign to raise awareness of the kidnapping has ramped up in recent days, with the Twitter hashtag #BringBackOurGirls being promoted by the likes of US First Lady Michelle Obama.

Malala Yousafzai, the schoolgirl who survived being shot by the Taliban for promoting girls' education, has also spoken out over the kidnapping.

Map showing targets of Boko Haram in Nigeria The girls were taken three weeks ago in the village of Chibok

The Nigerian government has now put up a 50m Nigerian naira (£182,000) reward for information leading to the location and rescue of the female students.

Sky News Special Correspondent Alex Crawford, in the Nigerian capital Abuja, said the situation is likely to be a key concern for politicians at the World Economic Forum, currently being held in the city.

"It's very poor advertising for Nigeria. This international outcry, the fact it's taken so long for the Nigerians to react is not going to play well.

"There's going to be a lot of whispering and diplomatic chat behind the scenes to try to galvanise them into action.

"Of course, there is a great deal of anxiety and anger right here in Nigeria against the government and what's perceived to be their sluggish response."


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Premier League To Be 'Half English' By 2022

By Paul Kelso, Sports News Correspondent

At least 45% of Premier League players will be English by 2022 under a new target set for the game by FA chairman Greg Dyke.

Mr Dyke said he wants to see at least 90 English players starting for Premier League teams, up from the current average of 66.

Of these Mr Dyke said he wanted 30 to be playing more than half of the games for top-six clubs, an increase on the current 18.

Mr Dyke said the target can be achieved by implementing a number of "radical and ambitious plans" set out in the report of the FA Commission examining the declining numbers of English players, and recommending measures to reverse the trend.

The key recommendations include:

:: Premier League B Teams entering a new Third Division of the Football League, with promotion no higher than League One.

:: Strategic loan partnerships between Premier League and Football League clubs. Each Premier League team could enter arrangements with two clubs, and loan them up to eight players each.

:: An increase in the number of home grown players required in 25-man Premier League squads, up from eight to 13 by 2020.

:: Tighter work-permit restrictions for non-EU players so only "truly exceptional players of the highest calibre" get work permits.

In addition only two could play for each Premier League club, a move that would drastically affects clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City.

The Commission proposals are already controversial with some opposition from the professional leagues, but Mr Dyke said they were crucial to arrest the decline in English players impacting on the national team.

He said: "The decline is a problem in countries right across Europe but a significantly bigger problem in England than anywhere else, and if the trend continues we fear for the future of the English team.

"If this cannot be reversed a future England manager will have fewer and fewer top level English players to choose from.

"This is a radical and ambitious plan to give English boys the best chance of achieving their potential," said Mr Dyke. "The tanker that is English football needs turning.

"It is in the public interest for there to be a successful England team, and it is our belief that the benefits of national team success would be felt across the whole game."

The commission findings were welcomed by England manager Roy Hodgson.

He said: "We are much wiser now than when this process began, and now have a strong body of work that will stop us wondering how we compare to other countries.

"My undoubted focus has been on qualifying and preparing my England squad for the World Cup in Brazil. But we all have a responsibility when called to answer the question, how can we provide a better platform for the young England players of the future."

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Killer Who Froze Body Living With Film Director

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 07 Mei 2014 | 20.49

A former mortician who killed a rich widow has moved in with the Hollywood director who filmed the story of his grisly crime after being released from prison early.

Prosecutors agreed Bernie Tiede should not have to serve his full life sentence because he was sexually assaulted as a child and was in an abusive relationship with his victim, 81-year-old Marjorie Nugent.

Special Judge Diane DeVasto agreed to let Tiede live with Richard Linklater, who co-wrote and directed the 2012 black comedy Bernie, starring Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey and Shirley MacLaine.

The judge said the killer could stay in an apartment above a garage at a property in Austin, Texas, belonging to Linklater, who also directed Dazed and Confused and School of Rock.

Tiede, 55, met Nugent in 1990 at the funeral of her husband R.L. "Rod" Nugent, who made his fortune in oil and banking.

Film Imdependent's 2011 Los Angeles Film Festival Opening Night Premiere "Bernie" - Red Carpet Linklater (R) with Bernie stars MacLaine, Black and McConaughey

The pair grew close and took trips around the world together, with Ms Nugent eventually signing a will, leaving her estimated $10m fortune to her younger companion.

The body of Ms Nugent, who disappeared in 1996, was found in a freezer at her Carthage home, wrapped in a sheet and surrounded by packs of frozen corn and pecans.

She had been shot in the back four times with a .22-calibre rifle.

Tiede became known around town for his generosity after Ms Nugent's death.

Local people said he started scholarships, pledged money to a church building campaign and ran a fundraising drive for Boy Scouts.

He also gave away large gifts, including several cars.

After Tiede was charged over the killing, pretrial publicity led to the case being moved to San Augustine, about 50 miles (81km) southeast of Carthage.

A jury there convicted him in 1999 and sentenced him to life behind bars.

Tiede was released on a $10,000 bond and strict conditions and will still face a theft charge for spending Ms Nugent's money after her death.

Psychiatrist Edward Gripon, who examined Tiede in January, testified that Tiede and Ms Nugent had a complex and abusive relationship.

He said those difficulties, combined with Tiede having been abused when he was younger, pushed him to kill Ms Nugent in a "brief dissociative episode".

He said: "He doesn't come across in examination at all as a person prone to violence. That set of circumstances ... is not going to recreate itself."

Nugent's granddaughter, Dallas lawyer Shanna Nugent, said her family "is pretty much in shock" over the development.

"I really wanted justice for Nanny," she said, using a pet name for her grandmother. "This doesn't really feel like justice."

District Attorney Danny Buck Davidson, who said he believes residents' opinion of Tiede has changed "180 degrees", called Tiede's release "bittersweet."

He said he had a duty, however, to act once it was clear other factors had led Tiede to kill.


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Hague 'Frustrated' By Speed Of Nigeria Rescue

Nigerian Kidnaps: What Can Really Be Done?

Updated: 2:46pm UK, Tuesday 06 May 2014

By Sam Kiley, Foreign Affairs Editor

The temptation to "do something" is almost overwhelming. Some 270 school girls abducted, many already raped, dragged into the bush and now threatened with being sold into slavery.

Of course the "do something" instinct comes to the fore.

In fact it's only really become an international cry since the leader of Boko Haram, which means Western education is sinful, delivered a 57-minute diatribe in Hausa, Arabic and English, threatening the girls with slavery this week.

Inside Nigeria, the government has been under growing pressure to "do something".

Dr Sakyimah Akilu, a presidential adviser and spokeswoman on national security, told Sky News that it was true that there was a general impression that the Nigerian government had failed to react to the mass abductions.

"The truth is that we are pursuing every lead we have had. But you have to understand that they have been taken into the Sambisa forest and perhaps into the mountains in Cameroon - there are many places to hide," she said.

This fatalism may explain why the Nigerian administration of Goodluck Jonathan appears to have been flat footed in hunting down the radical Islamist group which is now threatening the girls with a most un-Islamic torment.

William Hague said: "Using girls as the spoils of war and the spoils of terrorism is disgusting and immoral. It should show everybody across the world that they should not give any support for such a vile organisation …

"Britain is offering assistance, but of course the primary responsibility will rest with the Nigerians, and I hope they will do what is necessary to reunite these girls with their families."

The British Foreign Secretary is vague on what that "assistance" could be.

In all likelihood, it would take the form of Special Force advice on how to track the girls. Perhaps some help, too, with surveillance.

But both would be limited. More of a gesture than anything else.

Special Forces from South Africa, Britain, the United States and other Western nations have been on the trail of the similarly horrible Lord's Resistance Army in the Central African Republic for decades.

Their analysis has been that while they could probably kill the leadership of the LRA, a capture operation would be almost impossible.

A similar military analysis would emerge on Boko Haram - finding and saving the missing girls would be almost impossible - slaughtering elements of Boko Haram would not.

But killing won't solve the problem.

The sad truth is that Nigeria's missing children are likely to stay that way.

Efforts to negotiate a peace deal with Boko Haram's leader Abdulbakar Shekau over the last four years - while 4,000 Nigerians died - have come to nought.

Now he has the attention of the whole world, he won't want to give up on the limelight the missing girls have given him.


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'Skull Cracker' Police Probe Armed Robbery Link

Police are investigating whether an armed robbery in Surrey today is linked to the hunt for escaped prisoner Michael Wheatley, also known as the 'Skull Cracker'.

Firearms officers are at the scene of the raid on the Chelsea Building Society, in Sunbury-on-Thames.

Kent Police have confirmed they are looking into a possible link between the robbery and 55-year-old Wheatley

Staff at nearby businesses told Sky News that officers had informed them they believed Wheatley was responsible for the raid, which took place at 10.20am.

Surrey Police said: "(The man) threatened a member of staff with a handgun before demanding money from a safe and escaping with a quantity of cash.

"The member of staff was left shaken but unhurt. At this time it is unknown whether the weapon was genuine or an imitation."

Michael Wheatley A still from CCTV footage of one of Wheatley's robberies

The suspect is described as late 40s or early 50s, around six foot tall, slim to medium build, with short grey hair. 

He was also wearing jeans and a light blue denim jacket, as well as a woolly hat and dark-rimmed glasses, said police. 

The man left the building society on foot, but officers are investigating the possibility he may have got into a vehicle.

Wheatley, who earned his nickname for pistol-whipping victims, failed to return to HMP Standford Hill open prison on the Isle of Sheppey, in Kent, after being temporarily released.

He was given 13 life sentences in 2002 for a string of brutal raids on banks and building societies.

Sky News Home Affairs Correspondent Mark White said it was the "worst case scenario for the authorities" if Wheatley is confirmed as the man behind today's raid.

The robbery comes after a reported sighting of Wheatley in Twickenham on Monday. Police searched the area but failed to find the fugitive.

A full review has been ordered into prison security following his escape.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling told Sky News he was unhappy with the system for releasing prisoners on temporary licence, and changes were being made, including tighter risk assessments, and tagging of prisoners.

He said: "I am carrying out a full inquiry into the circumstances of the case.

"Every situation like this is unacceptable."

Members of the public are urged by police not to approach Wheatley, but to dial 999.

He carried out 13 raids between June 2001 and April 2002 in bank branches from Southampton in Hampshire to Royston in Hertfordshire.

Police say Wheatley, originally of Limehouse in east London, has links across southeast England.

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Nigerian Girls' Kidnapper: 'I Will Sell Them'

Written By Unknown on Senin, 05 Mei 2014 | 20.49

The Islamist kidnapper of more than 200 Nigerian girls missing since April 14 has vowed to sell them, AFP reports.

Abubakar Shekau claimed in a video obtained by the news wire service that a buyer for the schoolgirls would be found.

He said: "I abducted your girls. I will sell them in the market, by Allah."

At least 223 youngsters were seized by suspected militants during a raid in the village of Chibok, in Borno state, north Nigeria, three weeks ago. 

Reports had previously circulated that some of the girls missing have already been sold as brides across Nigeria's border with Chad and Cameroon for as little as £7 ($12).

Police and the families say the number still being held is as high as 276.

The brazenness of the school attack - during which the girls were rounded up and put on to trucks - has shocked Nigerians accustomed to atrocities in a five-year conflict with insurgents.

Nigeria Borno The girls were abducted from Borno state three weeks ago

President Goodluck Jonathan took to the radio and TV on Sunday night to respond to claims his government was not doing enough to recover the girls.

He said: "We promise that anywhere the girls are, we will surely get them out."

The president said he had asked US President Barack Obama, Britain, France and China, for help to counter the activities of the Islamic terror group Boko Haram.

And he dismissed claims his government was negotiating with Boko Haram.

He also pleaded for the parents of the missing girls and their local communities to co-operate with the rescue efforts during what he described as a "trying" and "painful" time.

It came amid claims that Nigeria's First Lady - Goodluck Jonathan's wife Patience - had ordered the arrest of two leaders of a protest demanding more action from the government.

Patience and Goodluck Jonathan First Lady and President of Nigeria Patience and Goodluck Jonathan

One of the protest leaders said Patience Jonathan abused them, expressed doubts there was any kidnapping and accused them of belonging to Boko Haram.

Saratu Angus Ndirpaya said Mrs Jonathan accused them of giving Nigeria's government and her husband "a bad name", at a meeting at the presidential villa in Abuja. 

Ms Ndirpaya said State Security Service agents then drove her and another protest leader Naomi Mutah Nyadar to a police station, before later releasing Ms Ndirpaya.

AP journalists waiting outside the police station in Abuja where Ms Nyadar was apparently being held, saw the protest leader bundled into a presidential car and driven away.

Ayo Adewuyi, spokesman for first lady Patience Jonathan, told AP there was a meeting but he was unaware of any arrests.

"The first lady did not order the arrest of anybody, and I'm sure of that," he said.


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Stephen Sutton Rejects Cancer 'Duping' Claims

A terminally ill teenager who has raised more than £3m for charity has denied "duping" people after being released from hospital following a dramatic improvement in his condition.

Stephen Sutton, who was diagnosed with incurable colorectal cancer aged 15, was recently discharged after saying he had "coughed up a tumour".

This has led to some people questioning his story, but Mr Sutton has responded by insisting that he still has incurable cancer.

Replying to one user on Twitter, Mr Sutton, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, wrote: "Sorry to disappoint you! So you know, I still have my cancer and it's still incurable, if that makes you feel less 'duped' x."

Stephen Sutton Mr Sutton recently met Prime Minister David Cameron

The Birmingham Mail has reported that one person wrote on its Facebook page: "Am I the only one who thinks something is not quite right here? While I hope I am wrong it feels like we are being conned.

"One minute he tweets saying he is dying and won't see the next day, then all of a sudden he is being released to go home.

"As I said, I hope I am wrong but I have a strange feeling about this."

Writing on Twitter on Monday, Stephen said: "I just gave a quick response, thought nothing of it and was (and still am) completely unaffected by it.

Stephen Sutton's Guinness World Record for the most people making a heart-shaped hand gesture. Breaking a world record was on the 19-year-old's 'bucket list'

"Trolls and cynics exist. It's a shame. But just try not to retaliate too aggressively or get too riled.

"Like I've said before: On the whole people are 'good', lets concentrate on that."

The 19-year-old experienced a huge surge in donations to his JustGiving page after celebrities used Twitter to highlight his fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Raising £1m for charity had been one of the items on his "bucket list" of 46 things to do.

On Sunday he ticked another item off the list when he set a Guinness World Record for the most people making a heart-shaped hand gesture - more than 500 people.


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Oscar Pistorius Trial: Athlete Was 'Frantic'

One of Oscar Pistorius' former neighbours has told the athlete's murder trial how he "begged" her to save his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp's life.

Carice Viljoen, who raced to the 27-year-old's home after he called her father for help, said the distressed athlete was "frantic" from the moment she stepped inside his house on Valentine's Day last year.

Pistorius covered his ears with his hands as an emotional Ms Viljoen told the court: "He was saying, 'Please, please'. He was begging me to put her in the car and take her to the hospital.

"I was kneeling at Reeva's side and there was blood everywhere."

Reeva Steenkamp on set of reality TV show Tropika Island of Treasure (Pic: Stimulii) Ms Steenkamp was shot dead on February 14, 2013. Pic: Stimulii

Earlier, Ms Viljoen's father, Johan Stander, who worked on the luxury estate in South Africa where Pistorius lived, recalled the desperate phone call from the sprinter in the early hours of the morning.

He told the court: "He said, 'Please, please, please come to my house, please. I shot Reeva. I thought she was an intruder. Please, please come quick.'"

He said he arrived at Pistorius' house around three minutes later to find the athlete "broken", "screaming" and carrying Ms Steenkamp's body down the stairs.

"Oscar was crying, really crying," he said. "He was in pain. He asked us to help him. He wanted us to put Reeva in a car and take her to hospital.

"We tried to calm him down. He was broken. He was screaming, crying, praying."

Oscar Pistorius Promo

Ms Viljoen said that after getting Pistorius to lay his girlfriend on the floor, she ran upstairs, grabbed a handful of towels and used them to try to stop the bleeding.

"Oscar was holding pressure on her hip," she said. "He had his finger in her mouth, trying to help her breathe.

"He just kept asking me, 'Where's the ambulance, where's the ambulance?'

"We tried our very best to keep her alive."

Mr Stander, who used to look after Pistorius' dogs while the athlete was competing overseas, told the court his neighbour was "committed" to saving Ms Steenkamp.

A South African policeman outside the house last year Mr Stander said he found Pistorius carrying his girlfriend down the stairs

The witness, a former administrator at the Silver Woods estate in Pretoria, also said Pistorius would ask to be kept abreast of local crimes when he returned from his travels.

In one incident, he said, thieves broke through a fence and used a ladder to gain access to a house - a scenario the athlete has previously said he was concerned about.

A woman was tied up by intruders during another break-in, he added.

Pistorius' legal team are set to call ballistics, audio and psychological experts over the coming days, as the trial enters what is likely to prove a critical phase.

Sky's Special Correspondent Alex Crawford, in Pretoria, said: "The defence has to counter several prosecution claims - not least that there was a pause between shots which, crucially, would have given Ms Steenkamp time to shout out in anguish before the fatal head shot."

Pistorius admits shooting his partner but denies a charge of premeditated murder, claiming he mistook her for an intruder.

The trial continues.


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Children In Hospital After Mass Plane Sickness

Sixty children have been treated by paramedics after some of them began vomiting and suffering diarrhoea on a flight to London.

The friends, who are aged between 10 and 14, told crew members they were feeling poorly after taking off from Dubai.

Children are treated by paramedics after falling ill on an Emirates flight to Heathrow Emergency services met the plane when it landed at Heathrow

Four ambulances, as well as a rapid response bike and a hazardous materials unit, met the Emirates Airbus A380 when it landed at Heathrow airport.

Most of the children were treated on the runway but 11 were taken to hospital in Hillingdon, west London, and later discharged.

The youngsters had been travelling back from Cape Town, where they had performed together as part of the 64-strong Only Kids Aloud children's choir.

Children are treated by paramedics after falling ill on an Emirates flight to Heathrow A separate platform was used to help the children from the plane

Bet Davies, of the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, where the choir rehearses, said: "Some (of the children) were sick on take off, some on landing and some during the turbulence.

"The rules of the airline industry state that if more than three children are sick on the same flight, you need to have paramedics in to check on them.

"We were also anxious that they were checked out before travelling back to Wales as we have a duty of care towards them."

Children are treated by paramedics after falling ill on an Emirates flight to Heathrow In total, 11 children were treated in hospital for vomiting and diarrhoea

She added: "The medics say it could have been somebody with a bit of a bug before they travelled or it could be a combination of what I describe as nausea, tiredness and not drinking enough."

Only Kids Aloud sang with multiple Grammy and Classical Brit Award winner Bryn Terfel during their trip to South Africa.

An Emirates spokesman said: "We're providing the affected passengers with all possible support and are working closely with the local authorities to investigate the issue."


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Leeds Teacher Death: Man Charged Over Message

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 04 Mei 2014 | 20.49

One man has been charged and another arrested in connection with what police describe as "malicious communications" following the murder of teacher Ann Maguire in Leeds.

Mrs Maguire, 61, was stabbed to death in front of her students at Corpus Christi Catholic College last Monday, where she had taught for more than 40 years.

West Yorkshire Police said Jake Newsome, 21, from the Harehills area in Leeds, has been released on bail after being charged for the alleged abuse.

He is due to appear before Leeds Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

A 42-year-old man, from Port Talbot, South Wales, has also been arrested and remains in custody.

Today prayers have been said at dozens of churches across West Yorkshire for the family of the dedicated Spanish teacher and mother-of-two.

Teacher stabbed in Leeds Mrs Maguire was stabbed during a lesson at Corpus Christi Catholic College

The Catholic Diocese of Leeds wrote to around 90 churches and urged them to pray for Mrs Maguire, who was due to retire in September.

A spokesman for the diocese said: "We are asking everybody to remember Ann Maguire in their prayers, and to remember her family who will be under pressure and stress at this time.

"She was amazingly well known in the local community for what she had done for young people.

"Everybody is so hurt by what has happened and taking time to recover.

"This is a time to remember her. We are talking about three generations of people - children, parents and grandparents - whose lives she has touched.

"She made a major difference to a lot of people's lives through the care she gave them and her teaching.

"Part of her philosophy was to make sure that students achieved their best, and this is a chance to remember her."

A book of condolence has also been opened at the cathedral in Leeds for those who want to express their sympathies.

A 15-year-old boy is in custody charged with Mrs Maguire's murder.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared via video-link at Leeds Crown Court on Friday. There was no application for bail.

The case was adjourned until July 11 for a plea and case management hearing.

A date for the start of the murder trial was set for November 3.


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Gerry Adams 'Questioned For 17 Hours A Day'

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams is being questioned for up to 17 hours a day during his interrogation by police in Northern Ireland, Sky News understands.

Mr Adams is spending a fourth day being quizzed in custody following his arrest in connection with the 1972 murder of mother-of-10 Jean McConville, who was snatched from her home in front of her children.

Sources close to Mr Adams, 65, have told Sky News Ireland Correspondent David Blevins that "most of the questions are about IRA membership".

On Friday, officers were granted another 48 hours to quiz the republican party leader at Antrim police station. They must now charge or release him by 8pm on Sunday.

Senior Sinn Fein member Gerry Kelly arrived at the station at midday on Sunday.

Mr Adams vehemently denies allegations that he ordered the murder of Ms McConville.

Martin McGuinness at unveiling of Gerry Adams mural Martin McGuinness says the arrest is politically motivated

Amid a growing row over his arrest, Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson has accused Sinn Fein of attempting to blackmail the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness warned his republican party will review their support for policing if Mr Adams is charged.

But Mr Robinson said: "The PSNI must not be the subject of republican bullyboy tactics.

"The protest action taken by Sinn Fein is unacceptable in any democratic country operating under the rule of law.

"The publicly conveyed threat to the PSNI delivered by the highest levels of Sinn Fein that they will reassess their attitude to policing if Gerry Adams is charged is a despicable, thuggish attempt to blackmail the PSNI."

Speaking at the unveiling of a mural of Mr Adams in Belfast on Saturday, Mr McGuinness alleged some people in the PSNI are "hostile" to the peace process.

He said: "In my view this is a failed attempt at the replay of the effort in 1978 to charge Gerry Adams with membership of the IRA. That case was based on hearsay, gossip and newspaper articles.

Michael McConville and jean McConville Michael McConville says he knows who killed his mother

"It failed then and it will fail now.

"Thirty-six years later those within the PSNI who are hostile to the peace process are using the same old dirty tricks. They are deliberately and cynically exploiting the awful killing of Jean McConville and the grief and hurt inflicted on her family."

Sinn Fein's decision to sign up to support the PSNI in 2007 was viewed as a major milestone in the peace process.

Former first minister David Trimble has told the Sky News Murnaghan programme: "In itself, (Mr Adams' arrest) hasn't done anything (to the peace process) because normal processes are taking place.

"Information became available, allegations Mr Adams was involved in the killing of Jean McConville, the police obviously have to investigate that, they are obviously going to have to speak to Mr Adams at some point, and Mr Adams himself recognised that."

No one has ever been charged with the murder of 37-year-old Ms McConville. Her body was finally discovered in 2003 on a beach 50 miles from her home.


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Obama Jokes About Putin's Bare Chest In Speech

Nothing appeared off the comedy agenda during President Barack Obama's humorous but pointed speech to the White House Correspondents' Dinner, including jokes about his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Mr Obama also poked fun at himself and his troubled health care plan at the annual black-tie event.

In the face of a continuing Cold-War-style standoff with Moscow over the crisis in Ukraine, Mr Putin featured in part of the US President's comic turn.

Mr Obama said: "Last year Pat Buchanan (conservative politician and columnist) said Putin is headed straight for the Nobel Peace Prize, he said this, now I know it sounds crazy but to be fair they give those to just about anybody these day.

Barack Obama The White House Correspondents' Dinner is an annual event

"So it could happen. But it's not just Pat, Rudy Giuliani (former New York mayor) said Putin is what you call a leader, Mike Huckabee (Republican politician) and Sean Hannity (television host and conservative political commentator) keep talking about his bare chest, which is kind of weird.

"Look it up. They talk about it a lot."

He also joked about Obamacare and the website woes that turned the launch of the health programme into a fiasco.

Mr Obama said: "Of course we rolled out healthcare.gov. That could have gone better. In 2008 my slogan was 'yes we can'. In 2013 my slogan was 'control-alt-delete'".

He also touched on the controversy surrounding the US government's secret surveillance programmes, revealed by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden.

Michelle Obama Michelle appeared to enjoy her husband's jokes

Mr Obama said: "Colorado legalised marijuana this year, an interesting social experiment. I do hope it doesn't lead to a whole lot of paranoid people who think that the federal government is out to get them and listening to their phone calls. That would be a problem."

The annual charity dinner has become a tradition attracting an array of journalists, government officials, politicians and media personalities.

The Correspondents' Association, which represents the White House press corps, celebrated its 100th anniversary this year.


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David Cameron 'Ready For Farage TV Debate'

Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps has told Sky News "all options are on the table" when it comes to deciding who should take part in TV debates before the next election, amid reports Nigel Farage could be included.

The Sunday Times has reported that Prime Minister David Cameron is ready to sign up for three debates between party leaders - including one that could include the UKIP leader.

Speaking on Sky News' Murnaghan programme, Mr Shapps did not rule out the notion of Mr Farage taking part, and said negotiations would begin towards the end of this year.

A "2-3-5" plan reportedly drawn up by aides would include a debate between Mr Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband, another with Mr Miliband and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg and a third featuring the three main party leaders along with Mr Farage and Natalie Bennett from the Green Party.

The newspaper said the format would allow for one debate during the campaign, while the others would be held beforehand.

But Mr Farage has said he did not think he would get the chance to take part.

Nick Clegg (R) and Nigel Farage (L) in TV debate Nigel Farage and Nick Clegg recently went head-to-head over Europe

"What David Cameron does, very often he makes these promises, vague promises, and then doesn't actually deliver afterwards," he told BBC1's Andrew Marr show.

"I don't think he has got any intention of allowing me into any of these debates."

Speaking on the same programme, Mr Miliband said it was "up to the broadcasters who they invite, whether they invite Nigel".

"My main desire is that the debates go ahead," he said.

"The Prime Minister doesn't own these debates, the British people own these debates and he can't wriggle out of them."

Last month Mr Miliband said the previous format of three debates between the three main party leaders over three weeks should be a "starting point" but that he was open to changes such as a less formal setting and greater voter participation.

Sky News election debate David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Gordon Brown during the 2010 Sky News debate

Britain's first leaders' debates, between Mr Cameron, Gordon Brown and Mr Clegg were shown on Sky News, the BBC and ITV in 2010.

This followed negotiations between the parties and the TV companies which resulted in strict rules on the style of questioning and the division of time for leaders' answers.

Mr Cameron has since complained that the debates "took all the life out" of the campaign.

Mr Farage has repeatedly challenged the PM to agree to a TV debate with him.

Opinion polls suggested the UKIP leader beat Mr Clegg in two debates shown live on Sky News and the BBC ahead of this month's European elections.

Meanwhile, an opinion poll suggests UKIP is heading for victory in the European vote - but most voters believe the party attracts racists and bigots.

The YouGov poll for the Sun on Sunday put Mr Farage's party on 29%, ahead of Labour on 26%, the Conservatives on 23% and Liberal Democrats on 10%.

But 27% of those surveyed thought UKIP is a party with "racist views" and "many racist members", while 35% thought that, while the party is not racist, it "does seem to attract some candidates or supporters with racist, extreme or odd views".

Some 26% said UKIP is not racist and their "more controversial candidates are just saying the things ordinary people actually think".


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