Britain's top cop defends arrest of OAP priest, 83, at banned Palestine Action protest — ‘law has no age limit'
Retired priest the Reverend Sue Parfitt was held on Saturday, the day the group was banned under terror laws.
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Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has defended the arrest of an 83-year-old at a Palestine Action protest, saying the law has no age limit
Credit: Getty
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Rev Parfitt, 83, was arrested after she appeared to be showing placards in support of Palestine Action at the Parliament Square demo
Credit: PA
law
doesn't have an age limit, whether you're 18 or 80.
"If you're supporting proscribed groups, then the law is going to be enforced.'
Rev Parfitt appeared to be showing placards in support of
In total, 29 people were arrested.
READ MORE UK NEWS
All have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Palestine Action was banned after
Supporting a proscribed group is a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Yesterday
Most read in The Sun
Waters, 81, also praised rapper
The Campaign Against Antisemitism vowed to bring a private prosecution if the rocker was not charged.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism said it would seek to bring a private prosecution if he was not charged.
Fury as Glastonbury crowd chants 'death to the IDF' during Bob Vylan set aired live on BBC
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Sunday World
4 hours ago
- Sunday World
Orange Order celebrations labelled ‘the perfect Twelfth' after bonfire controversies
With the sun shining and temperatures high, thousands hit the streets for the celebrations. People take part in a Twelfth of July parade in Belfast, part of the traditional Twelfth commemorations. The loyalist parades mark the anniversary of the Protestant King William's victory over the Catholic King James at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Picture date: Saturday July 12, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Mark Marlow/PA Wire Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. DUP MP Leader Gavin Robinson, keeps in step with the band. 'Little protestant prince' with his mum. The Orange Order put a week of controversy behind them to put a sunny smile on King Billy's face. It was all ice cream, sunshine and smiles as thousands lined city streets and country roads at 18 venues across Northern Ireland for this year's Twelfth. Grand Secretary the Rev Mervyn Gibson hailed it as 'the perfect Twelfth'' as lodges sweltered in temperatures soaring towards 27 degrees. A controversial bonfire on Belfast's Donegall Road was lit without incident on Friday night while moves will now be stepped up to clear the site of deadly asbestos. 'Little protestant prince' with his mum. News in 90 Seconds - Sunday July 13 DUP leader Gavin Robinson addressed the parade in Belfast, while Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly delivered a speech at the Lisburn parade. Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann spoke at the parade in Carnlough, Co Antrim. He said some people dismissed the Twelfth and 'would rather we keep our heads down,' adding that the event brought people together and was about 'faith and freedom'. 'It crosses class, it bridges geography and it cuts across party political lines,' he said. Orange Order deputy grand master Harold Henning told the parade in Maghera that unionist political parties had to work together. 'The leadership of this institution remains consistent in its desire to see closer collaboration between the leadership of our pro-union political parties so as to maximise unionist representation at all levels of government. 'Cooperation between our political representatives must be encouraged – more than that, it should be demanded, and country should always come before party or individual self-interest. 'Let's get that message out to our politicians – as a people, we want to see more unity of purpose across political unionism.' One of the largest parades took place in Keady, Co Armagh, where Orange Order grand secretary Mervyn Gibson spoke about the strengths of the union. DUP MP Leader Gavin Robinson, keeps in step with the band. He said: 'We need to promote the union at every opportunity – a union that has stood the test of time and continues to offer its citizens stability, opportunity and purpose. 'At its heart, the United Kingdom is more than just a political entity. 'It is a partnership of four nations England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – each with its own identity, traditions, and strengths. 'Let us concentrate on building and promoting this union which a generation defended during the Troubles against the murderous, cowardly terrorist campaign of republicans.' Members of local Orange lodges were joined on parade by visiting lodges from Scotland and further afield. The main parade in Belfast set off from the Orange hall at Clifton Street in north Belfast. Labour MP and NIO Minister Fleur Anderson and Emma-Little Pengelly were in Keady. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. 'It's important to see that you can have a cultural identity that can be celebrated and is also peaceful,' said Labour MP for Putney. Rev Gibson said the lead-up to the Twelfth has been 'tremendous'. Asked about the Eleventh night and bonfires he said: '99% of everything passed off wonderfully. 'Today couldn't be a better day for it, the sun is shining and the bands are playing loud, it's just been a great Twelfth of July.' Earlier in Belfast, a small feeder parade passed the Ardoyne shops in the north of the city at 9am without issue. There was a small police presence at the shops, which in the past was the scene of parade-related trouble. The return parade will take place this morning. In a separate development police have described an attack on an Orange Hall in Rasharkin as a "hate crime'. Shortly after 1.20am police received a report of criminal damage caused to an Orange Hall in the Main Street area. Paint had been thrown over the front of the building and graffiti daubed on walls opposite. District Commander for Causeway Coast and Glens, Superintendent Sinead McIldowney said: 'We are treating this criminal damage as a sectarian-motivated hate crime. 'The Police Service condemns all sectarian hate crime and criminal damage caused to any property is absolutely unacceptable.. 'We will thoroughly investigate this matter and would appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference 177 of 12/07/25. 'Our officers will continue to proactively patrol the area and engage with the local community around any concerns they may have.'
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Meredith Kercher's killer Rudy Guede to stand new trial over ‘sexual assault' of ex-girlfriend in Italy
THE man convicted of murdering British university student Meredith Kercher has been charged with sexual assault against his former girlfriend. Rudy Guede, 38, is once again 6 Rudy Guede spotted for the first time since his release from prison Credit: Louis Wood 6 Guede arrested ater the murder of Brit Brit Meredith Credit: Getty 6 Brit Meredith was murdered in Italy in 2007 Credit: Alamy 6 Rudy Guede watches during his appeal against the sentence he received in the Meredith Kercher murder trial Credit: Reuters Guede served just 13 years of his 16-year jail sentence after he was convicted of killing Ms Kercher in 2007. He was During his time in prison, Guede started dating a 25-year-old woman, who later ended their relationship in 2023 and pressed charges against him, according to local Italian media. Guede has been placed under a "special surveillance" regime since last year, when police began their investigation into the alleged sexual assault, read more on the case According to a Rome court ruling, Guede must inform the police anytime he leaves Viterbo, his city of residence. He has been fitted with an electronic ankle tag and was banned from having any contact with the woman behind the sexual assault allegations. Carlo Mezzetti, his lawyer, told CNN that Guede was innocent and feared he would not get a fair trial given his previous conviction. Some 100,000 photos, thousands of chats and audio messages between Guede and the unnamed victim are among the evidence set to be presented in the trial, according to the media outlet. Most read in The Sun The exchange student from the University of Leeds had been stabbed 47 times. Watch weeping Amanda Knox break down as her slander conviction is UPHELD in final twist of Meredith Kercher murder saga Ms Kercher shared her flat with her American roommate, Amanda Knox. Ms Knox was convicted alongside her then-boyfriend, Italian Raffaele Sollecito - but they both were fully acquitted by Italy's Supreme Court in 2015 following a sensational legal battle. Though At the time of Guede's release, Ms Knox said that Guede has been "able to cause harm to more young women" since his release. She wrote in a post on X: "Guede was never held fully accountable for murdering Meredith, as he was only convicted of rape and of 'participating in the murder.' "Essentially he was charged with being an accomplice for a crime he committed alone. He was sentenced to 30 years. 6 Knox accompanied by security guards arrives in court for the preliminary hearings into the murder of British student Meredith Kercher Credit: EPA 6 Knox and then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito looking on outside the rented house where the 21-year-old Brit Meredith was found dead Credit: Associated Press "On appeal, that was reduced to 16. He was released on 'good behavior' after serving 13 years..." Knox has since gone on to become an author and journalist and has spoken openly about her treatment during the ordeal. In 2020, Knox told "I continue to this day to be shocked that he is the forgotten killer," Knox said. "The one who was quietly tucked away, convicted of a lesser crime, and does not have to live with the burden of forever being associated with Meredith's death. "I do know that many, many people have suffered a great deal because of what he did.' Timeline of Meredith Kercher saga November 1, 2007 – The murder of Meredith Kercher: British exchange student Meredith Kercher, 21, is found dead in the apartment she shares with Amanda Knox in Perugia, Italy. Her throat is slashed, and signs suggest she may have been sexually assaulted. November 6, 2007 – Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito arrested : Amanda Knox, her Italian boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, and Patrick Lumumba, Knox's boss at a local bar, are arrested in connection with Kercher's murder. Knox accuses Lumumba of the killing during a police interrogation. November 20, 2007 – Patrick Lumumba released : Lumumba is released after police find no forensic evidence linking him to the murder. He was falsely implicated by Knox during a contentious interrogation. December 6, 2007 – Rudy Guede arrested in Germany : Rudy Guede, a 20-year-old Ivorian man, is arrested in Germany and extradited to Italy. His DNA is found on Kercher's body and at the crime scene. October 28, 2008 – Guede convicted of murder : Guede opts for a fast-track trial and is convicted of Kercher's murder. He is sentenced to 30 years in prison, later reduced to 16 on appeal. January 16, 2009 – Knox and Sollecito trial begins : Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito stand trial for the murder of Kercher. Prosecutors allege a sex game gone wrong, while the defence argues that Guede acted alone. December 4, 2009 – Knox and Sollecito convicted: Knox and Sollecito are found guilty. Knox is sentenced to 26 years in prison; Sollecito receives 25 years. November 24, 2010 – Appeals process begins : Knox and Sollecito appeal their convictions. A key focus is the forensic evidence, including DNA found on a knife and a bra clasp. October 3, 2011 – Knox and Sollecito acquitted : An appeals court overturns their convictions, citing errors in the forensic investigation. Knox is freed and returns to Seattle. March 26, 2013 – Italy's Supreme Court orders retrial : Italy's Court of Cassation annuls the acquittals, ordering a retrial for Knox and Sollecito. January 30, 2014 – Knox and Sollecito reconvicted: Knox and Sollecito are reconvicted in their retrial. Knox, now in the U.S., is sentenced to 28.5 years in prison. March 25, 2015 – Final acquittal: Italy's Supreme Court definitively acquits Knox and Sollecito of Kercher's murder, citing lack of evidence and glaring errors in the investigation. November 2021 – Rudy Guede released : Rudy Guede, the sole person definitively convicted in connection with Kercher's death, is released from prison after serving 13 years. 2023 - present – Knox's slander conviction: Despite her acquittal, Knox is convicted of slander for falsely accusing Patrick Lumumba. 2023: The European Court of Human Rights rules that Knox's rights were violated during her 2007 interrogation. June 2024: An Italian court upholds her slander conviction, a decision confirmed by Italy's high court in January 2025.
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Jon Jones makes major career decision and puts shock phone call in to Dana White and UFC brass amid Tom Aspinall fallout
JON JONES has seemingly made yet another major decision about his fighting future, just weeks after retiring from mixed martial arts. The former two-division champion ended fans' hopes of a mega heavyweight title unification bout with 5 Jon Jones announced his retirement from mixed martial arts late last month Credit: GETTY 5 But he performed a U-turn earlier this month, just two weeks after hanging up his gloves Credit: GETTY 5 Jones has now claimed he wants to fight on Donald Trump's proposed UFC White House Card Credit: GETTY But the 37-year-old performed a major U-turn on his retirement last week by re-entering the UFC's drug testing pool . Jones has continued to umm and ahh over the idea of fighting again, although the prospect of facing Aspinall seemingly doesn't get his competitive juices flowing. But the prospect of fighting at the proposed UFC White House card next year to mark America's 250th anniversary has piqued his interest. And not long after learning of the promotion's grand plans, Jones put a call into Dana White and Co. READ MORE ON UFC NEWS In his latest X-posting spree, he wrote: "Donald made his announcement on the morning of the fourth of July. "I called the UFC headquarters that very same afternoon. I'll leave it at that. "America! Now that tickets my pickle." Jones believes a fight on the grounds of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will be the most "epic" of his long and illustrious career. Most read in MMA JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 5 He said: "It would be [the most epic fight in history]. "For me, it's about the opportunity to represent America at the White House." Tom Aspinall Fires Not So Subtle Dig At Jon Jones After UFC Retirement (1) MMA fans worldwide are hoping that Brit and the new undisputed heavyweight king Aspinall will face off against Jones if he indeed fights at the White House. It would be fitting given that America, of course, got its independence from the United Kingdom . Jones, however, could care little about who he fights at this moment in time. He roared: "I don't care who I fight that night. I found my reason why, that's what I needed. 5 Jon Jones stopped Stipe Miocic with a sensational spinning back kick in his sole defence of the UFC heavyweight title Credit: GETTY "Something more than money ." Jones was offered the biggest payday of his Hall-of-Fame career after demanding " F**K YOU MONEY " to unify the interim and undisputed belts against Aspinall. UFC supremo White claims Jones initially accepted the offer on the table before performing a U-turn and deciding to retire. Jones - who
