Rees-Mogg slams new Prince Andrew biography as ‘salacious gossip’

The author of a new biography about the Duke and Duchess of York has clashed with Jacob Rees-Mogg over the book, which the GB News host branded as “salacious gossip”.

The book, called Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, written by Andrew Lownie, has made claims about the disgraced duke’s life.

It includes accusations of affairs, fights with Prince Harry and of being “unbelievably cruel” to royal staff.

But the author was confronted by Mr Rees-Mogg over the sources he used in the joint biography, which has been serialised in the Daily Mail.

When asked at the beginning of the interview why he had written the book, Mr Lownie said: “There was a strong story there, especially with Andrew being in the news over [Jeffrey] Epstein — but what really interested me was how they leveraged their royal status for private gain, and the damage that did to the monarchy.”

But the author was then questioned on the reliability of his sources, with Mr Rees-Mogg accusing him of predominantly using newspaper reports.

During the interview, Mr Rees-Mogg asked Mr Lownie about a claim made in his book regarding the duke allegedly hiring an escort. He asked the author if his source, quoted as “the comedian Katy Brand has a story from a friend”, was sound.

“Sometimes, that is all we have,” Lownie said, to which Mr Rees-Mogg replied: That’s my point. You’ve got salacious gossip, starting with an unfounded allegation against Prince Philip. Would you have written it while he was alive and could have sued you for libel? You’re making sleazy claims without solid evidence.”

The author defended his sources, highlighting that he had interviewed 300 people, including on-the-record diplomats, naval personnel, and special royal representatives.

At the end of the heated exchange, Mr Rees-Mogg thanked the author for his “hatchet job”.

Extracts of the book have grabbed headlines in recent days, with a series of claims made about the duke and duchess and their relationships to the royal family.

The book has claimed Prince Andrew called a staff member in the Royal Household a “f***ing imbecile” for not referring to the Queen Mother by her full title in 2005.

According to the book, Prince Andrew’s catchphrase when dealing with royal staff was “I want this done and I want this done now. Do it!”

Mr Lownie also claims in his book that the relationship between the Duke of York and his younger nephews, William and Harry, was “problematic”.

The Duke of York is alleged to have accused Prince Harry of going “bonkers” for marrying Megan Markle.

However, a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex told The Daily Telegraph that Prince Andrew did not “ever make the comments he is alleged to have made about the Duchess of Sussex to Prince Harry”.

The spokesperson also denied the book’s claim that the pair had ever gotten into a physical fight.

Apollo 13 hero James Lovell dies at 97 after saving moon mission

James Lovell, the legendary NASA astronaut and heroic commander of Apollo 13 who masterfully guided his crew through one of the most dangerous moments in space exploration history, died Thursday, NASA confirmed on Friday.

The 97-year-old American icon passed away in Lake Forest, Illinois.

Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy said, in part, in a lengthy statement Friday, “NASA sends its condolences to the family of Capt. Jim Lovell, whose life and work inspired millions of people across the decades. Jim’s character and steadfast courage helped our nation reach the Moon and turned a potential tragedy into a success from which we learned an enormous amount. We mourn his passing even as we celebrate his achievements.”

On his personal X account, Duffy added, “Capt. Jim Lovell’s character and steadfast courage helped our nation reach the Moon. He embodied the bold resolve and optimism of both past and future explorers, and we will remember him always.”

NASA also honored Lovell on social media, writing alongside a photo, “We are saddened by the passing of Jim Lovell, commander of Apollo 13 and a four-time spaceflight veteran. Lovell’s life and work inspired millions. His courage under pressure helped forge our path to the Moon and beyond—a journey that continues today.”

Lovell is perhaps best known for commanding the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. What was meant to be the third Moon landing turned into a tense rescue mission after an oxygen tank explosion damaged the spacecraft. Lovell and his crew, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise, worked closely with NASA’s Mission Control to safely return to Earth, demonstrating extraordinary calm and leadership under pressure. This mission was later immortalized in the 1995 film Apollo 13, in which Tom Hanks portrayed Lovell, who also made a cameo appearance.

After retiring from NASA and the Navy in 1973, Lovell transitioned to a successful business career and co-authored the book Lost Moon, which detailed the Apollo 13 mission and inspired the movie adaptation. Throughout his life, Jim Lovell has been recognized for his contributions to space exploration and his leadership, receiving honors such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Born in 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio, Lovell grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From an early age, he was fascinated by aviation and space, which inspired him to pursue a career in the Navy.

After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952, Lovell became a naval aviator and later a test pilot. His dedication and skill eventually led to his selection by NASA in 1962 as part of its second group of astronauts, often called the “New Nine.”

Lovell’s NASA career was marked by several important space missions. He first flew in space as the pilot of Gemini 7 in 1965, a mission that set a then-record for the longest manned spaceflight at nearly 14 days.

He then commanded Gemini 12 in 1966, where he and Buzz Aldrin successfully completed critical spacewalks that helped perfect techniques needed for future Apollo missions. In 1968, Lovell served as the Command Module Pilot on Apollo 8, the first mission to orbit the Moon, which was a historic milestone for NASA and mankind.

More to come…

Health warning issued as Britain braces for another heatwave

A yellow heat health alert has been issued across parts of the country from Monday with temperatures set to soar well above 30C.

Blistering temperatures could see the fourth heatwave of the year declared, with health bosses cautioning over “significant impacts” across health and social care services. The warning has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) from 12pm on Monday August 11 until 6pm on Wednesday August 13.

It comes as the tail end of Tropical Storm Dexter crosses the ocean from the east coast of the US, drawing warm air up from the southwest across the country. The warning covers Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, East of England, London, the South East and South West.

According to the Met Office, the mercury could reach the low 30s on Monday and mid 30s on Tuesday, with the south of England expected to face the highest temperatures. Forecasters said they are “confident” Dexter will bring warm weather from Sunday, but the outlook for later in the week remains “uncertain”.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Steven Keates, said: “We’re confident that temperatures will increase markedly by the start of next week, reaching the low 30s Celsius in parts of England on Monday and perhaps the mid 30s in a few places on Tuesday. However, the length of this warm spell is still uncertain, and it is possible that high temperatures could persist further into next week, particularly in the south.”

“Ex-Dexter sets the wheels in motion for an uptick in temperatures, but the weather patterns then maintaining any hot weather are rather more uncertain”.

Storm Dexter formed just off the east coast of the US and is travelling across the Atlantic before it reaches the UK. It is expected to weaken and become an ex-tropical storm before Monday, when it will bring warm temperatures across the country.

It could bring the UK’s fourth heatwave in 2025, following one in June and two in July. Authorities register a heatwave when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. This threshold varies depending on the area, from 25C in Scotland to 28C in London.

The storm follows turbulent weather earlier this week as Storm Floris left tens of thousands of homes in Scotland and Northern Ireland without power. Dozens of trains, flights, and ferries were cancelled as high winds and rain battered the country.

Conditions have gradually improved since, with wet and windy weather remaining in the far north but largely dry and pleasant temperatures across the rest of the country. Friday is set to be bright and clear across much of the UK, with “coastal gales” and rain in Scotland.

The Met Office has said the UK can expect “changeable weather” over the weekend, with most of southern and central England seeing bright and dry conditions with temperatures in the mid-20s. Forecasters say it will be breezy further north with some showers, particularly in northern Scotland.

Ham sold in Tesco and M&S found to contain cancer-causing chemicals

Ham and bacon sold in UK supermarkets still contain cancer-causing chemicals almost 10 years after the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned about the dangers of using it in processed meats.

Supermarkets including Tesco and Marks & Spenser have been found to sell meats containing nitrite, according to a recent study that found all 21 products tested in a laboratory contained the chemical.

Wiltshire ham was found to have the highest concentrations of nitrites, according to analysis that compared it to cooked ham and unsmoked bacon.

Almost 33 milligrams of nitrites per kilogram was found in Tesco’s Wiltshire ham. That’s 11 times that amount in its cooked ham (2.88mg/kg) and almost four times the in its unsmoked bacon (8.64mg/kg). It was also almost 18 times the found in Morrisons’s bacon (1.84mg/kg).

Wiltshire ham products sold by M&S contained 28.6 mg/kg, at Sainsbury’s 21.1mg/kg and Morrisons 19.2mg/kg – which are all considered to be high levels. But at Asda the Wiltshire ham contained lower levels at 8mg/kg.

However, the analysis, commissioned by the Coalition Against Nitrites and undertaken by Food Science Fusion and the laboratory experts Rejuvetech, found the levels of nitrites in all 21 products were well below the 150mg/kg legal limit.

Eating processed meat, such as ham, bacon and sausages which contain nitrites increases the risk of bowel cancer according to health experts.

Cancer Research UK estimates about 13 per cent of the 44,100 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed each year in the UK are linked to eating processed meat.

In 2015, the World Health Organisation classified processed meat as carcinogenic, based on the evidence that it causes cancer.

Nitrites are a crucial ingredient in meat curing, they provide colour, flavour and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. But there are now alternatives available that are less harmful.

Ruth Dolby, Food Science Fusion Director, told the Independent: “The levels of Nitrites are moving down, but they are not being 100 per cent removed.”

“Nitrites were originally used as the most effective preservatives from a food safety perspective. There are legal upper limits, but no legal lower limits.

“Food Science research and understanding has taken great leaps in the last 20 years, we now know that there are alternative, natural, equally effective ingredients that have less negative impact on the human body and the environment, especially the water courses.”

Wiltshire ham in particular contains high levels of the chemical because during the productions process the pork is injected with nitrates and soaked in a bath of brine and nitrites. This gives it its red colour and prevent the growth of bacteria. At that point a chemical reaction occurs, which turns nitrates into nitrites.

A spokesperson for the Coalition Against Nitrites, told the Guardian: “It’s nearly a full decade since the WHO classified nitrite-cured processed meats as a group one carcinogen, and it is disappointing and alarming that we continue to see products on sale containing high levels of nitrites.”

They added: “Consumers are increasingly aware of the dangers of nitrites in processed meats, yet they continue to be exposed to their risks.”

Tesco’s has said its Wiltshire ham contains levels of nitrites significantly lower than the legal limits allowed in the UK and EU.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We follow all UK and EU requirements, alongside guidance from the UK Food Standards Agency, to ensure we get the right balance of improving the shelf life and safety of our products with limited use of additives. The nitrites levels in all of our products, including our traditionally cured Finest Wiltshire ham, fall significantly below the legal limits in the UK and EU.

“We work closely with our suppliers to make sure that all additives including nitrites are only used when necessary and we are committed to clear labelling for all our products so customers can check product ingredients lists to see which products contain additives such as nitrites.

“Nitrates and nitrites are an important part of the curing process for some meats and they are used to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that cause serious food poisoning.”

Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the BRC, said:“Food safety is paramount to our members and they implement strict policies with their suppliers to ensure all products comply with UK food legislation. Additives such as nitrites are controlled, and their use is regularly monitored by the food safety authorities”

M&S, Sainsbury’s and Asda have all been approached for a comment.

Teenager found guilty of murdering fellow pupil during lunch break

A schoolboy who stabbed another pupil to death on their lunch break has been found guilty of murder.

Harvey Willgoose, 15, was stabbed in the heart in front of horrified children by another 15-year-old boy who had brought a hunting knife to All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield on February 3

Sheffield Crown Court heard how other pupils fled “in fear and panic,” with some locking themselves in a school cupboard, after the fatal attack.

The defendant, who cannot be named because of his age, admitted manslaughter but denied murder, saying he “snapped” after a long period of bullying and does not remember what happened.

But prosecutors said he “wanted to show he was hard” and “knew exactly what he was doing”.

On Friday, a jury found him guilty of murder by a majority of 11 to one after deliberating for over 14 hours.

Sheffield Crown Court heard the stabbing was probably an “act of retribution, to “get back at Harvey for something”.

The trial heard the two boys fell out several days before Harvey’s death after taking opposite sides in a dispute between two other boys.

Prosecutors said the defendant had an “unhealthy” interest in weapons and had photos on his phone of him posing with other hunting-style knives and a machete.

The court heard he also “had a significant history of becoming angry and using violence at school”.

Prosecutor Richard Thyne KC said the defendant had researched rage rooms and, just over a week before the fatal stabbing, searched “waiting for someone to swing so I can let out my anger”.

He told jurors that on the day of the stabbing, CCTV footage showed him trying to provoke Harvey, who remained “peaceful”.

The court heard Harvey told his friends that the defendant had been “acting like he had a knife” under his jumper in their science lesson that morning, but thought he was bluffing.

Jurors were told Harvey was happily talking to his friends in a courtyard as lunch break started, when the defendant approached him.

One teenage witness said there was an altercation and the defendant punched and pushed Harvey, causing him to stumble backwards, before pulling out a knife and stabbing him.

Another girl who gave evidence said: “We went inside to go and tell a teacher, but the teacher was frozen as well. She didn’t know what to do.”

She said: “People were running, screaming everywhere. It was, like, chaos.”

The defendant told the trial that suffering racist bullying and taunts about a medical condition meant he got angry quickly and “couldn’t control it”.

The boy told the jury his mother had mental health problems and his father, who hit him, was often not there.

He told the court he took the knife to school because he thought he was going to get hurt that day.

He said Harvey looked angry when he brought up a previous dispute, and had one hand in his trousers, which made him think the schoolboy had a knife.

Gul Nawaz Hussain KC, defending, told jurors: “Tragically, Harvey was a combination of being the final straw that broke (the defendant) and the unintended face of a series of threats of violence and bullying he had suffered in recent months.

“We say he suffered a loss of control, which resulted in horrific and tragic consequences.”

Off the beaten track: discover ten British hidden gem destinations

While big cities and buzzy coastal destinations have their place, sometimes it’s nice to explore somewhere a little more under the radar, and Britain has lots of travel treasures to discover. From overlooked cities with a burgeoning cultural scene, vibrant market towns and revitalised seaside resorts, there’s somewhere to satisfy every type of traveller. The best part? You can reach many of these hidden gems easily by rail.

Travelling by train is a convenient, fun and greener way to arrive at your destination. Railcard offers a third off rail travel around Britain. With nine Railcards to choose from, saving customers an average of £172 a year, it pays for itself in no time. Find the one for you at railcard.co.uk. What’s more, Railcard have created a handy online calculator to determine what you could save – simply enter your journey details and the relevant Railcard and it will calculate the discount you can get.

Read on for some fresh travel inspiration and get ready for a season of discovery…

A working fishing port on Cornwall’s south coast, Looe is one of the most idyllic destinations in the UK and famous for its day-caught fish. If it looks familiar, it might be because it was used as a filming location for BBC drama Beyond Paradise. The scenic Looe Valley train line has been bringing visitors to this part of the world since Victorian times. Formerly two independent towns, East and West Looe, they are now joined across the river by a bridge. East Looe beach is a picture-perfect location where you can enjoy swimming, crabbing along the harbour walls, and explore the uniquely shaped Banjo pier. A boat trip takes you to Looe Island, a wildlife sanctuary where you can see grey seals sunbathing on the rocks. Back on dry land, the town’s narrow winding streets are perfect for a gentle meander.

Nearest station: Looe, about a 10 minute walk to town

This trendy Somerset town is known for its strong community spirit, award winning markets and independent shops and restaurants – plus stunning surrounding countryside – making it the perfect place for a relaxing weekend. The Cheese and Grain is a cultural hub for the town, attracting both classic bands and buzzy new acts (The Foo Fighters and Paul McCartney have played Glastonbury warm-up gigs here), as well as hosting a weekly flea market. Talking of markets, Frome has plenty, including an award-winning farmer’s market on the second Saturday of each month, and the legendary Frome Independent on the first Sunday of every month, which showcases the best craftspeople, designers, food producers and vintage traders in the South West. Hungry? There’s loads of tempting options, from trendy street food destination The Station, neighbourhood restaurants like Little Walcot and Bistro Lotte and buzzy tapas bar The High Pavement.

Nearest station: Frome, about a 10 minute walk to the town centre

Fast becoming Kent’s buzziest seaside destination, a vibrant Old Town, a great culinary scene and a glorious sandy beach are just a few of the things that make Folkestone great for a weekend break. The Leas, a mile-long stretch of clifftop promenade, is as perfect a place for a stroll now as it was in Victorian times. Meanwhile the town’s harbour arm is enjoying a new lease of life as the place to go for delicious street food, independent galleries and quirky shops. Food-wise, there’s everything from destination restaurant Rocksalt (try and snag a spot on the terrace) to acclaimed seafood stall Chummys. The town has the largest outdoor urban collection of contemporary art in the UK, so look out for pieces like Cornelia Parker’s ‘The Folkestone Mermaid’ on Sunny Sands beach and Anthony Gormley’s eerie statue under the harbour arm. If you’re in town between July and October the streets will come alive with artwork thanks to the triennale festival.

Nearest station: Folkestone Central, about a 10 minute walk to the town centre

This vibrant Devon market town is picture-perfect, with a riverside location, colourful houses and a castle looming over the town. The steep climb up to Totnes Castle is worth it for the views of the town below – as well as over the dramatic Dartmoor countryside. The River Dart runs through the town, and is a great spot for kayaking, paddleboarding or just a gentle riverside stroll. Take a 30 minute walk to Dartington Estate, to see its stunning Grade II* listed gardens, deer park and cinema in a 14th century barn. Totnes itself has a thriving arts scene with plenty of small galleries, as well as independent and eco-friendly (Totnes prides itself on being one of Britain’s greenest towns) shops and cafes. And if the train ride down gave you a taste for locomotives, the South Devon Railway offers steam train rides through the gorgeous Devon countryside.

Nearest station: Totnes, about a 10 minute walk to the town centre

Bradford is the 2025 City of Culture, meaning there’s lots of exciting things happening this year, including the reopening of the National Science and Media Museum, with its multiple exhibition spaces and cinema screens. Loading Bay is a pop-up arts venue in a disused storage depot that will host music, comedy, art exhibitions and immersive theatre shows throughout 2025. And in July a brand new shopping and cultural destination, Darley Street Market, opened in the city.

Bradford is also a great base to explore some of West Yorkshire’s other highlights, including Victorian model village (and UNESCO World Heritage site) Saltaire, which is less than 15 minutes away by train. Salts Mill, the huge textile factory around which the village was designed, is now a fantastic complex of galleries, shops and restaurants – and home to a large collection of David Hockey’s work. Meanwhile at Keighley, a 20 minute journey from Bradford, you can catch a performance of The Railway Children (15 July – 7 Sept) on the same tracks where the classic film was shot.

Nearest Station: Bradford Forster Square or Bradford Interchange, in the city centre

If not under the radar then certainly underrated, this charming Welsh seaside town has loads to offer visitors, blending natural beauty with a rich history and a vibrant creative energy. Surrounded by the stunning Cambrian mountain range, the town has not one but two glorious beaches, linked by a mile-long promenade. At the northern end of this you’ll find the famous cliff top railway, which takes you up to a summit with spectacular views of Cardigan Bay. Perched on a hill in an impressive building, The National Library of Wales also has great vistas – and exhibitions dedicated to Welsh history and literature. Aberystwyth Arts Centre is the largest of its kind in Wales, presenting a programme of music, visual art, dance, film and more. Aber – as locals call it – also has a burgeoning food scene, with highlights including Arabic Flavour, whose menu is inspired by Lebanon and Greece cuisine, and popular tapas and wine bar Ultracomida.

Nearest station: Aberystwyth, about a five minute walk to the town centre

This underrated city is undergoing something of a cultural renaissance. In 2021 it was the City of Culture and there’s plenty of that to soak up. The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum has displays dedicated to visual arts, archaeology, social history and natural history – and a dinosaur in residence, Dippy, on loan from The Natural History Museum. Coventry Music Museum celebrates the city’s musical heritage, including the legendary 2-Tone scene, while Coventry Transport Museum (get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail Days Out Guide) has the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles in the world. Meanwhile, the former industrial space FarGo village is a must-visit hub of indie shops, restaurants, street food and cultural events. Finally, no visit is complete without seeing Coventry Cathedral. The original medieval building was largely destroyed in 1940 by The Blitz, and its preserved ruins now sit alongside the new cathedral – a marvel of contemporary architecture designed by Basil Spence and opened in 1962. The modern building has a stunning 26-metre high stained glass window made up of 198 glass panels — no wonder it was once voted the nation’s favourite 20th century building.

Nearest station: Coventry, about a 10 minute walk to the city centre

Home to cobbled streets, an impressive cathedral and a beautiful castle, Lincoln combines a rich history with a vibrant cultural scene and stunning surrounding scenery, all in a compact and easy-to-navigate city. The nearly 1,000 year old Lincoln Cathedral was once the tallest building in the world, and while it might no longer hold that accolade it’s still an awe inspiring work of architecture. From there it’s only a short walk to the castle, built by William The Conqueror, which holds one of only four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Steep Hill is, as the name suggests, a famous street with a sharp incline – but its array of shops and cafes make it worth the effort. It’s also where you’ll find beloved pie shop Hobbsons, where the only issue is deciding which flavour to pick. If you need to walk off your lunch, Lincoln Arboretum, nestled in the heart of the city, is a delightful place for a stroll.

Nearest station: Lincoln Central, about a 15 minute walk to the Cathedral

Often overlooked in favour of its better-known Scottish cousins, there are plenty of things to see and do in this historic city. Stirling Castle (get 25% off entry with National Rail Days Out Guide), the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, is one of the most historically important in Scotland, while Bannockburn (get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail), two miles south of the city, is the site of one of the country’s most famous battles, won by Robert The Bruce. Then there’s the Wallace Monument, which towers over the city, commemorating the life of local hero William Wallace. It’s a short bus ride or hour’s walk from the station, plus a 246-step winding staircase to reach the top – but the views are well worth the effort. The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Gallery has a large collection of rare and interesting artifacts – including the world’s oldest football (made from a pig’s bladder). In Stirling’s cobbled Old Town you’ll find plenty of cosy pubs, cool cafes and quirky shops to explore, and for a family-friendly attraction, Blair Drummond Safari Park is a half hour bus ride from the city centre.

Nearest station: Stirling, in the city centre

Nestled in the scenic Shropshire Hills is this beautiful market town known for its history, food scene, and stunning landscapes. Boasting fascinating medieval architecture, vibrant markets, and surrounding forests, Ludlow offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Ludlow Castle, which dates back to the 11th century, is one of the best examples of medieval ruins in England and has incredible vistas over the Shropshire countryside. You can also enjoy fine views from the tower of Saint Laurence’s Church, once you’ve climbed the 201 steps to the top. To get away from the crowds, a four-mile circular walk will take you to peaceful Mortimer Forest and back. Meanwhile Ludlow itself is full of antique, interior, craft and gift shops, as well as delis, cafes and artisan food shops. The town square hosts a market four days a week, with a farmer’s market on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The famous Ludlow Farmshop, two miles outside the centre, is a haven for foodies, with a kitchen restaurant, pub and distillery also on site.

Nearest station: Ludlow, about a five minute walk to the town centre

Enjoy great value British adventures by train

From stunning nature and the great outdoors, to culture, cuisine and incredible scenery, there’s no doubt Britain has it all in spades, and these unmissable adventures are just a simple, enjoyable train ride away. So there’s never been a better time to start planning some Great British getaways, from day trips to weekends away or a longer staycation.

With Railcard, whether you’re travelling solo or with a friend, on a couples weekend or off on holiday with the family, you can save on all sorts of train journeys around Great Britain. Railcard helps you save a third off rail travel and for just £35 for the year, it pays for itself in no time. With nine different Railcards available, find the one for you at railcard.co.uk. What’s more, you can enjoy 2FOR1 and other offers with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you travel by train. So make this your year to get out, experience and explore everything on your doorstep and enjoy truly great value getaways.

Man jailed for life after murdering ex-fiancee in luxury hotel

A man branded an “evil, controlling, manipulative predator” has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 28 years after he “callously” raped and murdered his ex-fiancee Samantha Mickleburgh at a Surrey hotel last year.

James Cartwright asked Ms Mickleburgh to come with him to the the five-star Pennyhill Park Hotel in Bagshot to celebrate his 60th birthday, where he then raped and strangled her in their room. He then called the police and told them he had woken up to find her dead in the early hours of April 14, 2024. Cartwright was later arrested for murder after a post-mortem examination uncovered several injuries including a fractured skull and signs of strangulation of her neck.

The 61-year-old denied all charges, but was found guilty of murder and rape by a jury and jailed at Guildford Crown Court on Friday following a three-and-a-half week trial. He was found not guilty of a third charge of controlling and coercive behaviour.

During the trial, the court heard how Ms Mickleburgh, 54, had previously ended the relationship, but agreed to come with him on the trip as “one last kindness” believing he had nobody else to go with. Restaurant staff recalled how she became unwell during their six-course dinner and was escorted back to their room by Cartwright. There, he raped her and strangled her to death with his hands, the court heard.

Between killing her and calling an ambulance at about 8.30am the next morning, when he would claim he had discovered Ms Mickleburgh dead beside him in bed, the prosecution said Cartwright placed an engagement ring on her left ring finger to “support this assertion that they had become re-engaged the night before” and “staged the hotel room” to make it look as though they had consensual sex.

Jurors were also told of Cartwright’s history of obsessive behaviour towards her, which took a “frightening” turn after she broke off the relationship. He turned up at her house uninvited to mow her lawn, sat outside the house for extended periods of time, and bombarded her with calls and messages, the court heard.

Prosecutor Louise Oakley also argued that during his and Ms Mickleburgh’s relationship, Cartwright’s conduct was “cruel, repressive and overbearing”.

In a victim impact statement Tracey Carter, one of Ms Mickleburgh’s sisters, told the court her family had “welcomed” Cartwright into their “homes and hearts” and spent special occasions with him, including Christmas.

“Our family welcomed you into our homes and hearts and you violated that trust and kindness,” she said. “You spent Christmas and other special occasions with (the family). I will never understand why you thought you had the right to do the horrific things that you did to Sam.”

She added she wished her sister had never met him and asked: “Did you feel proud of yourself when you lied to my father, saying that Sam had died in her sleep knowing full well the horror that you had put her through?

“Do you take some kind of sadistic enjoyment in your lies? You have caused an indescribable amount of pain and suffering to our family but know this: we are strong and you cannot break us, you cannot take Sam from us.

“We now know that you have a history of controlling behaviour towards women that you have relationships with. We know you would stalk Sam and this made her fear for her safety. I hope you are never free to harm anyone again.

“I believe you are a monster – an evil, controlling, manipulative predator who really thought you were clever enough to get away with murder, my sister’s murder.”

Sentencing the defendant, Mr Justice Murray told him: “Collectively (Ms Mickleburgh’s family) described Samantha’s wonderful qualities as a daughter, as a mother and as a sister – caring, thoughtful, fun, well-organised, generous to a fault and devoted to her family.

“Samantha’s family suffer a grief that those who have not experienced it cannot imagine. It lies beyond words to fully describe.”

In a tribute, Samantha’s family said: “We as a family, are relieved that this has finally come to an end. That the defendant has been seen for who he truly is, a rapist and a murderer. No longer free to harm or control any more women.

“Unfortunately, it was too late for our beloved Daughter, Mother, Sister and friend. She truly was the best of us, the kindest light in all our lives and the hole left behind is one of such severe magnitude we will likely never escape it. Justice will not bring her back, but it has provided a form of closure on this dark chapter and security in the knowledge that James Cartwright will remain in the safest place for everyone.

“Samantha wouldn’t want to be known as a victim. She would want to be known for her passion for life, her class and beautiful style, her honesty, integrity, strength and dedication to all who knew her.

“We continue to ask for privacy as we navigate what it means to live in a world without Samantha and her incredible personality and love.”

Trans women to be banned from single-sex spaces under EHRC guidance

Transgender women will be banned from single-sex public spaces under new guidance to be published by the UK’s equalities watchdog, reports say.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is set to submit its statutory guidance to ministers this month in response to the UK Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling that trans women are not legally women under the Equality Act.

The new guidance appears to be similar to its interim guidance issued in the wake of the ruling, which has been criticised by trans rights campaigners as discriminatory and has seen legal challenges launched against it.

According to The Times, the guidance will mean trans women will be banned from spaces such as women’s toilets and changing rooms.

It will apply to any organisation that provides a service to the public, including schools, shops, hospitals, prisons, leisure centres and government departments.

Private organisations or charities will also be subject to the guidance if they are providing a public service, and it is also reported that it will say transgender people can be excluded from single-sex sporting competitions.

The EHRC told The Times that the code has not yet been finalised, but that it will “remain consistent with the law as set out by the Supreme Court”.

The guidance will be submitted to Bridget Phillipson, the women and equalities minister, who will approve it if she deems it to be in line with the law, before putting it before parliament.

Trans rights campaigners have criticised the EHRC for its handling of the ruling, with legal challenges brought against the watchdog over its interpretation of the law.

The Good Law Project is one group that has launched legal action against the EHRC, arguing the guidance “goes far beyond” what the For Women Scotland judgment requires.

It argues: “It amounts to a bathroom ban for trans people, violating people’s right to privacy in their everyday lives.”

Following reports detailing the watchdog’s updated guidance, the Good Law Project executive director, Jo Maugham, said: “The EHRC’s guidance is subject to legal challenge – a hearing is scheduled for later this year – and a court will decide whether it is compatible with the Equality Act.

“Given the evident hostility of the guidance to the rights and dignities of trans people we are confident the Commission will lose.”

Campaigners have also criticised the EHRC’s consultation process, questioning how 50,000 responses could have been analysed so quickly.

The Good Law Project also wrote to the EHRC, accusing them of “ignoring” transgender people’s views as it used artificial intelligence to categorise the replies.

A spokesperson for the EHRC told The Independent: “We are using a combination of approaches to analyse the responses received to our consultation. With more than 50,000 responses received, we have commissioned an external supplier to support us in analysing them. Our approach will involve supervised use of AI alongside our expert legal assessment to ensure a balance of robustness, accuracy and speed, including promoting consistency and helping to avoid bias in managing this scale of responses.”

The Times reported the guidance, which is still being finalised, will not say services must provide single-sex spaces, but that if they do, they must only be used by biological women.

It will also reportedly allow services to request birth certificates and make inquiries about a person’s birth sex, but this could be discriminatory if not handled in a sensitive way.

The guidance will also say services need to consider if there is an alternative for trans people to use, and that, in cases such as toilets, it would not be proportionate to leave a trans person with no facilities.

A spokesman said: “The code of practice has not yet been finalised. We received an extremely high volume of responses to the consultation and are grateful to everyone who shared their feedback.

“To ensure we give these responses the consideration they merit, we are working at pace to analyse them and are amending the draft code of practice text where necessary to make it as clear and helpful as possible.

“But our code will remain consistent with the law as set out by the Supreme Court.”