UK police used Taser on 92-year-old amputee in wheelchair, court hears
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A police officer who tasered a 92-year-old amputee acted within her training, a British court has heard.
Police Constable Rachel Comotto and her colleague Police Constable Stephen Smith are accused of using excessive force on Donald Burgess at a care home in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, in June 2022.
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Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Major breakthrough in Madeleine McCann case as new evidence uncovered
Investigators involved in the probe into Madeleine McCann's disappearance 18 years ago could strengthen their case against the prime suspect, Christian Brueckner, after new evidence emerged, a forensic expert has claimed. The Mirror reports how a disturbing new documentary into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in Portugal in 2007 has uncovered new evidence at Christian Brueckner's home, including photographs of young children in swimwear, toys and horrific stories of kids being kidnapped. Among the evidence was an 80gb hard drive that contained images, as well as a laptop key. The hard drive also placed Brueckner at the centre of the search location in the Arades Dam area, with the documentary reporting that the German suspect wanted to "capture something small and use it for days". Professor of Forensic Science at the University of Kent, Robert Green, believes discovering "musk, guns, and hard drive" may warrant a more "thorough investigation" into Brueckner's past. He told The Mirror: "The discovery of items such as a musk, guns, and particularly the hard drive, indicates a potential link to further criminal activity, which may warrant a more thorough investigation of the suspect's past. "The rationale behind the renewed search could stem from the ongoing pursuit of justice in the Madeleine McCann case and the hope that any additional evidence could lead to a breakthrough. Investigators continually assess existing evidence and pursue lines of inquiry they believe could be fruitful, especially in cases that have remained unresolved for many years." A letter from Brueckner, who denies any involvement in the disappearance of the British girl, which was recently discovered is believed to have been targeted at police in Germany and their attempts to connect the convicted criminal to Madeleine's disappearance in Portugal. German publication Bild quotes the note as reading: "Are there any traces of her in my vehicle? Any other traces of her in my possession? Photos? Is there a body? No, no, no." Brueckner was also placed at the location of a search for Maddie by a document in which he allegedly said "she did not scream" as he discussed the British toddler with an associate. He also shared a harrowing kidnapping story, including: "A very small girl enters the room. She's definitely not older than five." Last week, the latest search for clues into the disappearance of Madeleine was launched by both German and Portuguese authorities. The search, conducted between Praia da Luz - where Madeleine disappeared on May 3, 2007 - and the area where Brueckner resided lasted a number of days. It's understood that Brueckner spent time in Praia de Luz between 2000 and 2017 and his home was quite close to the Ocean Club, the accommodation in which the McCann family were staying when she suddenly disappeared.
The Journal
3 hours ago
- The Journal
PSNI says 'calm restored' after second night of violence in Ballymena
POLICE IN NORTHERN IRELAND came under attack as violent disorder erupted for a second night in a row in Ballymena, Co Antrim. Multiple cars and properties were set on fire while rioters hurled petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry at police officers. The PSNI deployed riot police, fired plastic baton rounds, and used water cannons as well as dog units as part of its response to the disorder. In a statement, the PSNI said calm had been restored in the Clonavon Terrace, North Road and Bridge Street areas by around 1am this morning. They said there had also been 'sporadic disorder' in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus, as well incidents in north Belfast. It came after similar violent unrest around Clonavon Terrace in the town on Monday night , following an earlier peaceful protest in the day which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. Some 15 police officers were injured. A senior police officer condemned the disorder as 'racist thuggery'. A firefighter exits a house set alight during a second night of violence in Ballymena. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson issued a public appeal for information and said the PSNI was actively working to identify those responsible for the 'racially motivated disorder in Ballymena and bring them to justice'. Advertisement He said the service would deploy significant resources to any further disorder during the week. Riot police were deployed to residential streets around Clonavon Terrace last night as hundreds of people gathered in the area from approximately 7pm. The PSNI formed barricades while officers wearing armour and shields also responded to the disorder. Some masked protesters shouted abuse and threw objects at the police, including fireworks, glass bottles and pieces of metal. The PSNI advised those present to disperse and warned that water cannon would be deployed against those participating in violent activity. Police fired plastic baton rounds at some of those gathered and also used water cannons to disperse the crowd. Many young children were present among those gathered near police lines. Police used water cannon to disperse people engaged in serious disorder. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo As rioters were dispersed into other parts of the town as the evening progressed into night, a property on Bridge Street and a home on Queen Street were set on fire. Other properties had windows smashed as some residents chose to display signs about the nationalities of those normally resident, including one saying 'British household' and another with 'Filipino lives here'. Multiple cars were also set on fire as part of blazes set by rioters, including near a car wash and tyre centre off Bridge Street and on Larne Street. Related Reads PSNI use water cannon on protesters on second night of unrest in Ballymena 'Racist thuggery': How a peaceful vigil in Ballymena turned into anti-immigration violence The clothing of at least one participant caught fire during the disorder. The PSNI cleared streets and allowed gaps in its barricades for firefighters to tackle fires in the town as chaotic scenes continued past midnight. Officers also used a drone as part of the response to illegal activity, which saw some rioters kick in doors and ransack homes. Riot police wearing armour and carrying shields in Ballymena. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo A 29-year-old man was charged with riotous behaviour after being arrested on Monday night. Henderson said other arrests are expected following the examination of video footage. At a press conference on Tuesday, Henderson said the attacks should be 'loudly condemned by all right-thinking people'. 'Any attempt to justify or explain it as something else is misplaced,' he said at a press conference at Ballymena police station earlier on Tuesday. He said members of the minority ethnic community 'felt fear' and there will be a significant policing operation in the town in the coming days to reassure the community. Henderson said that police officers from England and Wales will be brought to Northern Ireland if needed to help the PSNI in the wake of the Ballymena disorder. With reporting from Press Association Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Extra.ie
4 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Ballymena: PSNI use water cannon as thugs throw petrol bombs
Police came under attack as violent disorder erupted for a second night in a row in Northern Ireland on Tuesday. Multiple cars and properties were set on fire in Ballymena while rioters hurled petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry at police officers. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) deployed riot police, fired plastic baton rounds, and used water cannons as well as dog units as part of its response to the disorder. In a statement, the PSNI said calm had been restored in the Clonavon Terrace, North Road and Bridge Street areas by around 1am on Wednesday. The force said there had also been 'sporadic disorder' in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus, as well incidents in north Belfast. It came after similar violent disorder around Clonavon Terrace in the town on Monday night, following an earlier peaceful protest in the day which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. Police respond to a second night of violence in Ballymena , as people take part in a protest over an alleged sexual assault in the Co Antrim town. Pic: Wednesday June 11, 2025. The Prime Minister's official spokesman described those events – which saw police and ethnic minorities targeted – as 'very concerning'. A senior police officer condemned the disorder as 'racist thuggery'. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson issued a public appeal for information and said the PSNI was actively working to identify those responsible for the 'racially motivated disorder in Ballymena and bring them to justice'. He said the service would deploy significant resources to any further disorder during the week. On Tuesday evening, riot police were deployed to residential streets around Clonavon Terrace on Tuesday as hundreds of people gathered in the area from approximately 7pm. The PSNI formed barricades while officers wearing armour and shields also responded to the disorder. Some masked protesters shouted abuse and threw objects at the police, including fireworks, glass bottles and pieces of metal. The PSNI advised those present to disperse and warned that water cannon would be deployed against those participating in violent activity. Police fired plastic baton rounds at some of those gathered and also used water cannons to disperse the crowd. Many young children were present among those gathered near police lines. As rioters were dispersed into other parts of the town as the evening progressed into night, a property on Bridge Street and a home on Queen Street were set on fire. A burned out car in Ballymena , as people take part in a protest over an alleged sexual assault in the Co Antrim town. Picture date: Wednesday June 11, 2025. Other properties had windows smashed as some residents chose to display signs about the nationalities of those normally resident, including one saying 'British household' and another with 'Filipino lives here'. Multiple cars were also set on fire as part of blazes set by rioters, including near a car wash and tyre centre off Bridge Street and on Larne Street. The clothing of at least one participant caught fire during the disorder. The PSNI cleared streets and allowed gaps in its barricades for firefighters to tackle fires in the town as chaotic scenes continued past midnight. Officers also used a drone as part of the response to illegal activity, which saw some rioters kick in doors and ransack homes. The Northern Ireland Secretary has said there is 'no justification' for attacks on police officers or vandalism. In a social media post, Hilary Benn said: 'The terrible scenes of civil disorder we have witnessed in Ballymena again this evening have no place in Northern Ireland. 'There is absolutely no justification for attacks on PSNI officers or for vandalism directed at people's homes or property.' During Monday's disorder, 15 police officers were injured and several PSNI vehicles were damaged. In Clonavon Terrace, several houses had their windows smashed and two which suffered significant smoke damage remained sealed off on Tuesday. A 29-year-old man was charged with riotous behaviour after being arrested on Monday night. Mr Henderson said other arrests are expected following the examination of video footage. Police used water cannon to disperse protesters engaged in serious disorder for a second night in Ballymena , as fireworks and masonry were thrown at officers. Picture date: Wednesday June 11, 2025. The earlier peaceful protest formed in support of the family of the girl. Two 14-year-old boys appeared in court on Monday charged with attempted rape. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter. On Tuesday, the PSNI said it had made a third arrest in connection with the incident and reiterated a public appeal for information. Detective Inspector Olphert from the PSNI's public protection branch said: 'A 28-year-old man was arrested yesterday evening, Monday June 9. 'He has been unconditionally released from police custody following questioning.' At a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Henderson said the attacks should be 'loudly condemned by all right-thinking people'. 'Any attempt to justify or explain it as something else is misplaced,' he said at a press conference at Ballymena police station earlier on Tuesday. He said members of the minority ethnic community 'felt fear' and there will be a significant policing operation in the town in the coming days to reassure the community. Mr Henderson said that police officers from England and Wales will be brought to Northern Ireland if needed to help the PSNI in the wake of the Ballymena disorder. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The disorder we saw in Ballymena is very concerning. 'Obviously, the reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing, but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities. 'PSNI and the justice system must be allowed to carry out their jobs and our thoughts are with the victims of the assault as well as the police officers who were injured.'
