Former Premier League referee David Coote pleads guilty to making indecent image of a child

Former Premier League referee David Coote has pleaded guilty at Nottingham Crown Court to making an indecent image of a child.

The ex-official appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday in connection with an allegation relating to a category A video, the most serious kind, recovered by officers in February.

The 43-year-old, who wore a navy suit and black tie, spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea during the hearing in front of Judge Nirmal Shant KC.

The former referee, of Woodhill Road in Collingham, near Newark, Nottinghamshire, was granted conditional bail by Judge Shant and told he must appear in court again on December 11.

A number of devices were seized and analysed when Coote was arrested at his home, and the category A video was found.

Coote, who previously pleaded not guilty to the charges, was told his bail conditions are to not have unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18, and to not live at an address with anyone under that age.

The charge of making an indecent image of a child refers to activities such as downloading, sharing or saving abuse photos or videos.

The allegation relates to a video recovered by officers from Nottinghamshire Police in February before Coote was charged on August 12, the force said.

Coote was sacked by Professional Game Match Officials Limited in December after a video of comments he had made about ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in 2020 came to light.

In August this year he was given an eight-week suspension by the Football Association over the Klopp footage.

In January, Coote came out as gay in an interview with The Sun and said a lifelong struggle to hide his sexuality had contributed to the rant about Klopp.

How England can qualify for the World Cup tonight

England can become the first European nation to qualify for the World Cup 2026 when they take on Latvia tonight. The Three Lions have undergone an impeccable campaign so far, winning all five of their qualifying games, and a sixth win would mean they secure top spot in Group K.

Since Thomas Tuchel took over as England manager at the start of 2025, England have won six of their seven matches under the German, with their only blip being a 3-1 defeat to Senegal in a friendly back in June.

England currently sit at the top of Group K with 15 points, having won all five of their qualifying matches so far. That is a perfect record, bettered only by Norway in Group I, who have won all six of their games. Albania sit second in the table with 11 points, but have played one game more than the Three Lions, while Serbia, currently third, are eight points behind them with 7.

Victory over Latvia this evening would give England another three points and take them to 18, with two matches left to play. That would mean Albania would be unable to catch up – as the maximum number of points they can win is 17 – and England would secure their place at the top of the group. They would then qualify for the World Cup as group winners.

England’s last fixture against Latvia ended in a comfortable 3-0 victory at Wembley back in March. But if they draw or lose this evening’s match, they will not qualify for the World Cup until November at best.

A draw would move them to 16 points while a loss would keep them on 15 points. Either result would leave the door open for Albania to possibly overtake them in the table, though in order for that to happen, England would need to lose both of their matches during the November camp.

Should England fail to win tonight, the earliest they could qualify for the World Cup would be 13 November when they face Serbia.

A total of 16 European teams will qualify for the expanded tournament next year. The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 nations and will be held across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The 12 qualifying group winners will automatically secure places at the tournament, with the remaining four spots being won through a play-off competition featuring the 12 second-place teams.

As of yet, no European nation has secured qualification, but England can be the first team to do so.

The 2026 tournament will begin on 11 June in Mexico City, with the final taking place in New Jersey on 19 July.

Mitt Romney’s sister-in-law, Carrie Romney, found dead

Carrie Elizabeth Romney, the sister-in-law of former Republican presidential candidate and Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, has been found dead beside a shopping mall’s parking garage in the Valencia neighborhood of Santa Clarita, California.

Her body was discovered by a passerby on Friday evening, with homicide investigators called to the scene in the Town Center Drive area at around 9 p.m.

A preliminary assessment suggested that Romney, 64, may have jumped or fallen from the five-story garage in question, reports ABC News. Her car was reportedly discovered parked at the garage, which is also near to the city’s Hyatt Regency Hotel.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has listed her cause of death as “deferred” while toxicology results are currently pending. The local sheriff’s department has said it is conducting a death investigation and is awaiting the medical examiner’s findings.

“We don’t know if it was suicide or accidental,” LA County Sheriff’s spokesperson Lt Daniel Vizcarra said of the incident. “There is not enough information to go by yet on what the coroner has given us so far.”

The deceased is understood to have been married to the politician’s older brother, George Scott Romney, 84, a prominent attorney and the father of former Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel.

The couple separated in May this year after eight years of marriage, according to the Daily Mail. “Scott” Romney reportedly filed for divorce on June 10, citing irreconcilable differences, bringing to an end his third marriage.

He and Carrie were married on November 26, 2016, and had no children together.

The couple appear to have preferred to keep their relationship private: neither maintained a social media presence or gave media interviews post-2012, and they were never photographed in public together, the Mail reports.

“Our family is heartbroken by the loss of Carrie, who brought warmth and love to all our lives. We ask for privacy during this difficult time,” Mitt Romney said in a brief statement on behalf of his family.

The politician served as the governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007 and ran unsuccessfully as the GOP’s presidential nominee in 2012, hoping to deny Democrat Barack Obama a second term in the White House.

He was elected U.S. senator for Utah in 2018 and became known as an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, voting for his impeachment twice, but left office at the end of his term this January.

SpaceX launches 11th test flight of Elon Musk’s giant Starship rocket

SpaceX has successfully launched its 11th test flight of tech billionaire Elon Musk’s giant Starship rocket.

Musk’s aerospace company is striving for the rocket to make it halfway around the world while releasing mock satellites, as it has done during previous tests.

Starship — the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built — thundered into the evening sky from the southern tip of Texas on Monday. The booster was programmed to peel away and drop into the Gulf of Mexico, with the spacecraft skimming space before descending into the Indian Ocean. Nothing was being recovered.

It was the 11th test flight for a full-scale Starship, which Musk intends to use to send people to Mars. NASA’s need is more immediate. The space agency cannot land astronauts on the moon by decade’s end without the 403-foot Starship, the reusable vehicle meant to get them from lunar orbit down to the surface and back up.

Instead of remaining inside Launch Control as usual, Musk said that for the first time, he was going outside to watch — “much more visceral.”

The previous test flight in August — a success after a string of explosive failures — followed a similar path with similar goals. More maneuvering was built in this time, especially for the spacecraft. SpaceX planned a series of tests during the spacecraft’s entry over the Indian Ocean as practice for future landings back at the launch site.

Like before, Starship carried up eight mock satellites mimicking SpaceX’s Starlinks. The entire flight was meant to last just over an hour, originating from Starbase near the Mexican border.

SpaceX is modifying its Cape Canaveral launch sites to accommodate Starships, in addition to the much smaller Falcon rockets used to transport astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station for NASA.

Man arrested on suspicion of killing 13-year-old girl after 31 years

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 13-year-old girl, three decades after she vanished.

Lindsay Rimer was 13 years old when she went missing in Hebden Bridge in November 1994. She had left her home to buy a packet of cornflakes from the Spar supermarket in Crown Street.

She was initially believed to have run away, but five months later, in April 1995, her body was found by two canal workers at Rawden Mill Lock on the Rochdale Canal, about a mile from the centre of Hebden Bridge.

Detectives from West Yorkshire Police arrested a man on Monday morning at an undisclosed UK prison, where he is serving a sentence for other offences. The suspect will be interviewed over the course of Monday and Tuesday. He is expected to be bailed and returned to prison while enquiries continue, the force said.

Officers have also approached a number of specific potential witnesses in the Hebden Bridge and wider Halifax area, who were identified by the investigation.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle said: “We remain very firmly committed to doing everything we can to get justice for Lindsay, and to give her family the answers they still so desperately need after all these years.

“The arrest we have made today comes as a result of our continued focus on progressing the investigation. We are keeping Lindsay’s family updated and, while we appreciate the understandable public interest that today’s arrest will bring, we do not anticipate any immediate developments at this stage.

“Although it is now more than 30 years since Lindsay was murdered, we remain convinced there is someone out there who has vital information that could finally help to ease her family’s pain, and we urge them do the right thing and tell us what they know.”

Anyone with further information has been urged to contact police by calling 101 and quoting Operation Posemill, or sending a text or voicemail to 07707 147314.

From galleries to cuisine, delve into enriching Norwegian experiences

Culture lovers will feel right at home in Norway. Whether you want to delve into its ancient Viking history, learn more about Norwegian traditions, or just explore the countless museums and galleries, there is something for all curious culture seekers. From the colourful fishing villages of Lofoten to the Indigenous Sámi traditions in the north, Norway’s got it all.

The best way to learn about the Norwegian way of life is to go on a Hurtigruten cruise alongside their local Expedition Team, who know Norway better than anyone. Between them, they have many years of knowledge and are on hand to help you delve deep into Norway’s compelling culture. They also provide unique experiences beyond typical tourist spots, with specialised team members hosting lectures and leading optional, guided hikes and activities.

Choose from an Original Voyage or a Signature Voyage, both offering the chance to wholly experience Norwegian history and culture. The former follows the original Coastal Express route founded by Hurtigruten over 130 years ago, traversing up to 34 diverse ports, with opportunities to hop off and explore charming towns, fascinating sites and local experiences, and enjoy delicious Norwegian dishes as you sail, with regional ingredients sourced along the way.

While on premium Signature Voyages, you can enjoy a journey around up to 14 handpicked destinations. Between lengthy on-shore visits, you can enjoy all-inclusive options at the onboard restaurants serving fine Norwegian cuisine amid exquisite surroundings. Every meal tells a story of Norway’s bountiful coastline, from fresh Arctic char and cod to cloudberries and reindeer meat.Read on to discover cultural must-sees and dos you can experience en route…

Start your cultural exploration in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and the starting point for the iconic Coastal Express route, founded in 1893 and one many describe as the world’s most beautiful voyage. This old city goes back to the year 1070 and is brimming with cultural hotspots, like the UNESCO-listed wharves of the colourful Bryggen district. If you have time before you depart, grab lunch from the famous fish market before swinging by the KODE art museum, where you can see works from iconic Norwegian artists like Edvard Munch. You could also hop on the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen for epic views of the city and surrounding fjords.

Further along the route, you’ll visit the Trøndelag region, Norway’s third-largest city, dotted with historic buildings like Nidaros Cathedral, nicknamed Norway’s Notre Dame. It’s considered the most sacred building in all of Norway and sits side by side with the Archbishop’s Palace, home to Norway’s crown jewels belonging to the monarchy, dating back more than a thousand years.

The Lofoten Islands are a highlight on the Coastal Express route. This stunning archipelago is known for its towering peaks, fishing villages, and thriving art scene. Visit local galleries scattered around the region, each housing a curated collection that tells a story inspired by the soaring Lofoten peaks and the Arctic waters. Magic Ice Lofoten in Svolvær celebrates ice art and coastal culture, while The Glass Hut Vikten is on the outskirts of the island Flakstadøya and is all about rustic works of art made from glass, inspired by the rugged nature of Norway. And if you want to explore the landscapes behind this, there are also plenty of hiking trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints or the chance to kayak among the waterways.

Some routes also stop at Mehamn, where you can go on an excursion among the Sámi, Europe’s northernmost indigenous people. Sámi history and culture are deeply connected to Arctic nature, which has played a pivotal role in their traditional nomadic way of life. They’re known for their reindeer herding, traditional crafts, and unbreakable bond with nature. You’ll get to spend some time alongside a Sámi family and learn about their traditions, reindeer culture, and traditional crafts, known as duodji.

You’ll also have ample time to explore Tromsø on Hurtigruten’s North Cape Line on one of their premium, all-inclusive Signature Voyages. It’s the gateway to the Arctic and home to the Polar Museum, where you can learn all about exploration in the region. The Northern Norway Art Museum here celebrates Norwegian and international art, including contemporary Northern and Sámi art and crafts. You’ll have plenty of time here, so enjoy a meal at Bardus in Tromsø for authentic Norwegian dishes, like reindeer steak with lingonberries, or try Fiskekompaniet for locally sourced fish and shellfish, all prepared in a traditional Norwegian way.

Whether feasting on fish in Tromsø or gallivanting around the museums of Lofoten, Hurtigruten Cruises provide the perfect way to get to know the history, heritage and culture of Norway alongside those who know it best.

Book your Norwegian adventure for less, with up to 30% off, plus 10% off excursions on selected Coastal Express and North Cape Line voyages. For offers, routes and excursion info, visit Hurtigruten.

Disruption at Heathrow airport caused by 170mph tail strike

Thousands of passengers had their flying plans disrupted on Sunday afternoon when two of the UK’s busiest airports were hit by separate problems.

At Heathrow, Europe’s biggest airport, operations were disrupted due to a spectacular tail strike involving a freight plane. No one was hurt.

At 5.13pm a DHL Airbus A300 cargo aircraft was landing from Leipzig when the tail struck the northern runway. According to Flightradar24 data, the aircraft was travelling at 170mph when the incident happened.

Jerry Dyer, who runs the YouTube channel Big Jet TV, was commentating at the time. He later said: “If you look, at around 40ft [above the ground], there’s a gust, which destabilises them, which leads to the left side touching first, then they correct it to the right side, then it really starts going wrong, almost into oscillation. The engines were retarded and spoilers were up.

“Looks like they tried to save the nose slamming into the runway, which resulted in the sharp nose-up pitch.

“Based on the high angle of pitch, seems they were looking to go around at touchdown but had to wait for the engines to spool full power.”

The pilots then took off again to perform a “go-around”, landing safely 20 minutes later on the southern runway.

A spokesperson for DHL UK told The Independent: “We are pleased to report that the crew are all safe. We will be investigating the circumstances around this incident in cooperation with the respective aviation authorities. Until that investigation is completed, we are unable to provide any further information.”

Heathrow’s northern runway was closed for an inspection after the incident. While the closure was for 10 minutes or less, a number of aircraft had to perform “go-arounds”, adding to pressure on air-traffic controllers.

More than 20 departing flights were delayed by an hour or more – including at least seven transatlantic departures.

At around the same time, Manchester airport was hit by fog, which led to many delays, diversions and cancellations.

An easyJet flight from Istanbul to Manchester spent half an hour circling south of the airport before attempting an approach and then diverting to East Midlands airport.

The passengers on the Airbus A320 operating flight 2152 spent over two hours on the ground at the airport before departing for Manchester. Once again, the plane had to fly a holding pattern before landing safely, three and a half hours late.

Due to the delays at Manchester, easyJet grounded a total of 16 arrivals and departures, affecting around 2,500 passengers. Links to and from Venice, Berlin and Dalaman in Turkey were among the cancellations.

A spokesperson for easyJet said: “Due to the impact of adverse weather conditions in Manchester yesterday resulting in air traffic control restrictions, some flights were unable to operate.

“While this was outside of our control, we are sorry for the inconvenience caused and provided customers with options to rebook or receive a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals where required.

“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is easyJet’s highest priority.”

Simon Calder tests the new EU entry-exit system

“Your passport, fingerprints and photograph, please.”

Some British travellers to the European Union are now having their biometric data collected, as the latest impact of Brexit on journeys to Europe takes effect.

The long-awaited EU entry-exit system, Europe’s digital border scheme, began its six-month-long rollout on Sunday 12 October 2025. Simon Calder tested the system in Prague, the biggest European airport going for 100 per cent inbound biometric registration on day one.

This is his second-by-second guide to hand-to-hand combat with the EES at airports in the Schengen area. Please note it applies to the system as introduced in the Czech Republic; your experience entering other nations will vary.

0m00s: The clock starts when you arrive at an airport entry-exit system kiosk. These may be dotted randomly along corridors as you walk from the aircraft, or concentrated in a block. Or both, as is the case in Prague. My advice: grab the first one you see without a queue.

Each kiosk has a main screen that takes you through a series of operations. First task: select language. English is top left. You can skip this part by putting your passport on the scanner, saving a second or two.

0m05s: Place passport on scanner, with the personal data page facing down. You then get the weird sight of that page appearing in monochrome, upside-down, for four seconds. Then it presents the photo from your passport, your first names, surname and date of birth – and asks: “Are you this person?”

The correct answer, assuming it is your passport, is: “YES: Proceed.”

0m25s: “Do you own a long-term residence permit?” The aim of this question is to filter out non-Schengen citizens who have already registered their biometrics, as this is required to get a long-term residence permit. The screen shows an example, belonging to “John Traveller” and issued in the city of “Utopia”. Almost everyone will answer: “No.”

0m45s: Time to capture an image of your face. There are strict instructions:

It doesn’t actually say “no smiling”, but I find that’s always wise in these situations.

0m57s: Now comes the tricky part: fingerprint scanning. A flashing light indicates where to place your hand. You need to scan both hands – four fingers at a time.

Place your fingers flat on the reader and hold them still. The screen gives you a readout of how you are performing – red for “no”, yellow for “could do better”, green for “good”.

1m34s: With luck, your prints will be accepted. Next, the questions begin.

1m35s: The machine asks: “What’s the purpose of your trip?”

Options for the Czech Republic include business, tourism, official meetings, medical treatment, and even spa stays. There’s also a whole section for social or sporting events. “Private Tourism” is a good option.

1m43s: Now for the potentially awkward sequence of questions, about whether you meet Czech and wider Schengen area admissibility conditions.

For the last of these, you can select from:

2m03s: “Please select the return date.” A calendar pops up: you can click forward to the following months, but you will not be able to stay more than 90 days.

2m09s: “Do you have travel insurance?” I suspect many arrivals, for example on Prague stag and hen adventures, will answer “Yes” even if the correct answer is “No”.

The UK government insists: “Medical insurance will not be a mandatory requirement for UK citizens travelling to the EU under EES. However, we strongly recommend that all passengers purchase comprehensive travel insurance, including medical cover, before travelling abroad.”

2m19s: After you press “Continue”, the system asks you to wait for seven seconds while it (presumably) communicates with the EU database.

2m26s: “Thank you for your time. You’re all set! Please go to one of the following border control counters to perform the manual border check.”

A final reminder that the EES is simply an extra layer of bureaucracy on top of the existing border control process – at least until April 2026.

Listen to Simon Calder’s latest podcast as he talks through the entry-exit system process at Prague airport