Latest news with #JamesHarding
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Dumfries and Galloway has Scotland's highest rate of illegal tyre-related accidents
Research by online tyre retailer Blackcircles has revealed the areas with the most road accidents due to defective illegal, defective and under-inflated tyres. Dumfries and Galloway has the highest rate of illegal tyre-related accidents in Scotland. Research by online tyre retailer Blackcircles has revealed the areas with the most road accidents due to defective illegal, defective and under-inflated tyres. In Dumfries and Galloway, there were 10 between 2019-2023 – a rate of 6.86 per 100,000 people. And that gives it the highest rate among Scotland's council areas and the fourth highest in the UK. With Dumfries and Galloway having a population just under 150,000, the number of accidents could be down to number and length of key roads such as the M74, A75 and A77. The research also revealed the 10 accidents were among 19 collisions where vehicle defects had been found. And faulty brakes were the leading cause of vehicle collisions across the UK, accounting for nearly two-fifths of accidents. tyre expert, James Harding, is urging drivers to check their tyres before they too have an accident. He said: 'Tyres are the only part of your vehicle that make contact with the road, so their condition has a significant impact on your safety. 'Worn, damaged, or underinflated tyres can increase braking distances, reduce grip, and raise the risk of blowouts - especially in poor weather. 'Illegal, defective, or underinflated tyres contribute to hundreds of UK road collisions yearly. They can also result in fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre if found to be below legal standards.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Wales Online
UK tourists issued £21k fine warning over little-known driving rule
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Wales Online breaking news on WhatsApp UK tourists have been warned that they risk a huge £21,000 fine if they fail to follow a little-known rule while abroad. According to one expert, there are a number of driving regulations you must be aware of when getting behind the wheel in some European countries. Holidaymakers should also check local laws to make sure they do not land in trouble with the authorities during their trip. If not, you could be risking a very hefty fine and even points on your licence. James Harding, from tyre retailer Blackcircles, said: "Taking your own car, or renting a car abroad, can give holidaymakers a sense of freedom; allowing them to explore their destination themselves. "However, it is important to ensure that you have all the right documents and understand any motoring laws before travelling to your destination. READ MORE: DVSA tyre warning as experts want major MOT rule change "For example, drivers may not operate a dashcam in Portugal, Luxembourg and Austria as they are deemed an invasion of privacy. "Repeat offenders can be fined up to £21,000 (€25,000) in Austria. "If you are found eating or drinking behind the wheel in Cyprus, you can be fined £71 (€85). "This includes water, so it is best to pull over if you feel thirsty or peckish. "In Germany, road rage can cost you a hefty sum. "Shouting insults or making offensive gestures to police or members of the public, can cost you up to £3300 (€4,000) in fines." Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here. It is important that you take with you a number of key documents if you have planning to drive in other European countries. These include:
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Daily Record
Holidaymakers warned of European driving rules that could land them with £20K fine
Drivers should be cautious when driving on foreign roads as rules can vary from country to country. Brits heading abroad this summer are being warned of driving rules that could land them in trouble. Breaking several laws whilst driving on foreign roads could could put a dampener on your holidays as police could legally fine motorists as much as 25,000 euros. Ahead of the holiday season, experts are now urging drivers to check local laws and regulations before getting behind the wheel whilst on their travels. Tourists driving in Portugal, Luxembourg and Austria should be aware that you are not allowed to use a dash cam when driving as this can be seen as invading someone's privacy. Also, if you're heading to Cyprus and plan to rent a car, make sure you do not eat or drink whilst driving as you could be fined 85 euros. James Harding, a tyre specialist with over 15 years of experience at Blackcircles, said: "Taking your own car, or renting a car abroad, can give holiday makers a sense of freedom; allowing them to explore their destination themselves. "However, it is important to ensure that you have all the right documents and understand any motoring laws before travelling to your destination.' 'For example, drivers may not operate a dashcam in Portugal, Luxembourg and Austria as they are deemed an invasion of privacy. "Repeat offenders can be fined up to €25,000 in Austria. If you are found eating or drinking behind the wheel in Cyprus, you can be fined €85. This includes water, so it is best to pull over if you feel thirsty or peckish. "In Germany, road rage can cost you a hefty sum. Shouting insults or making offensive gestures to police or members of the public, can cost you up to €4,000 in fines.' Important documents to remember when driving in Europe Full, valid driving licence and national insurance number Proof of vehicle insurance Proof of ID (passport) V5C certificate (the 'log book') Travel insurance documents European Breakdown Cover policy number and documents Before you travel, ensure your vehicle's tax and MOT are valid and up-to-date Crit'air sticker if driving in France You may also need to carry other documents with you, including: One or more international driving permits a UK sticker (if you don't have a UK identifier with the Union flag on your number plate) Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. James added: 'It is also important to check that you take time to research road signs, and carry the right documents with you when driving.' Drivers were also previously warned to think twice about taking their business car on personal holidays. Before planning a European road trip in a company vehicle urged employees to check a number of regulations before setting off on their travels. Drivers can only take their company car on holiday with them if they ensure they have one thing - and this is permission. Employees must get written permission from your lease provider before taking your vehicle abroad.
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Daily Mail
British 'cocaine kingpin' is pictured in selfie 'sent on encrypted phone used to plan gangland murder from his luxury Dubai base'
A British 'cocaine kingpin', who is standing trial for planning the murder of a drug runner, is alleged to have sent selfies from a luxury Dubai base where he 'plotted the killing' - and on the same encrypted phone 'he used to arrange the hit', a court has heard. James Harding, 34, can be seen in the photographs grinning and posing in the gym and a bathroom located inside the swish accommodation in the United Arab Emirates. Having been shown the images, the jury at the Old Bailey were told that the selfies were allegedly sent by Harding on April 8, 2000 to an associate using an EncroChat mobile phone. The same device was used to arrange multi-kilo cocaine deals and a planned murder, the prosecution alleged. Harding, whose family originate from Hampshire, is alleged to have been in control of an operation importing cocaine that generated £5million in profit in only ten weeks. The drug deals were arranged through the encrypted devices that the National Crime Agency (NCA) say were used exclusively by organised criminals. Harding denies using an EncroChat handle called 'thetopsking' who sent messages pertaining to a multi-million pound cocaine network and plotted to murder an unnamed drug runner. He pleaded not guilty to one count of evading a prohibition on the importation of cocaine and another of conspiracy to murder. Harding can be seen in the photographs grinning and posing in the gym and a bathroom located inside the swish accommodation in the United Arab Emirates Jayes Kharouti, 39, from Epsom, Surrey, who is alleged to be Harding's right-hand man, admitted in November to using two EncroChat handles: 'besttops' and 'topsybricks'. He also admitted one count of evading a prohibition on the importation of cocaine, but denies any involvement in the murder conspiracy. The court heard that from 2019 to 2022 Harding held a UAE Residence Permit, which listed him as a sales executive sponsored by a luxury watch company. The jury was told 9,136 messages were sent via EncroChat between besttops and thetopsking between March and June 2020. At the time they were unaware French police had infiltrated the encrypted platform in April 2020 and had made historic and ongoing messages available to police across Europe, including the NCA, which investigated and handed other cases to local police forces, including Met Police. Duncan Atkinson KC, prosecuting, said Harding had been so assured by the EncroChat encryption, that he sent 'pictures of himself to people who clearly knew him' and 'made reference to locations and events' at which he could be shown to have been present. Some of the images Harding sent were of his four-bedroom villa at The Nest development in Al Barari, Dubai, where each of the 55 units have floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a swimming pool and a maid's and driver's room. The court heard that on May 6, 2020, thetopsking told a number of contacts that he was taking his 'Mrs' out that evening, and added to one that he was taking her to Zuma, an award-winning Japanese restaurant in Dubai. Investigations by the Met Police later discovered that Harding's personal mobile phone number and email address were used to reserve a table for two at Zuma on the same date under his name. Mr Atkinson said: 'Was thetopsking using the defendant's contact details to book a table for two, or was the defendant one of those two?' Harding had also used the same email and phone to book a 350,000 Dirham (£71,108) private plane for Kharouti to fly back to the UK after his father died, the court heard. On May 14 2020, thetopsking messaged that he was staying at the five-star Waldorf hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, for the weekend, and sent an image of the hotel pool area via EncroChat. Mr Atkinson said: 'Enquiries with the Hilton Hotel Group showed that Harding stayed at the Waldorf Astoria in the United Arab Emirates and gave (his) mobile telephone number and produced a UAE identification card. 'During the stay, thetopsking had sent an image of James Harding relaxing on a sun lounger at, of all places, the Waldorf. 'Was thetopsking staying at the same hotel as Harding at the same time, and sending images of Harding at its pool for some unexplained reason or was thetopsking in fact James Harding? 'Had thetopsking registered at the hotel using the photo ID of someone else, or had the hotel received photo ID from James Harding, because he is thetopsking? 'What is more, he was not staying at the hotel alone. Thetopsking said he was staying with his partner, 'Mills' and his brother – and sure enough, this defendant's partner, brother and daughter Milly were staying there as well.' The court heard that on March 26 2020, thetopsking told a contact via EncroChat that he had finally 'got back' a Lamborghini and sent with it an image of the dashboard. Allowing for the time difference, the time on the dashboard display matched the time of thetopsking message, as they had been set to UK timings by investigators. Mr Atkinson said: 'The person who took the image caught their leg in the photograph, and on that leg is a tattoo which matches the tattoo on James Harding's leg.' Harding was also connected to the EncroChat device through comments he made about his fitness routine and weight that matched with his Nike Running app, which was also interrogated by investigators, the court heard. Harding recorded his weight on the app as 170 pounds (just over 77kgs) and on May 2, 2020, thetopsking told a contact he weighed 77kg. On May 18 2020 thetopsking messaged that he had just run 6km, and, according to the app, that morning Harding had run 6.13km, on a route starting and ending at his Al Barari villa. On March 21 2020, thetopsking messaged a handle called ' who was later discovered to be his brother George Harding, saying 'going Nusret (a restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort in Dubai) 4pm tomoz for mothersdsy with dad if u wanna come'. In another exchange of EncroChat messages with the handle 'hyper-hawk', thetopsking referred to having been released from prison four years earlier, having received a sentence of nine years' imprisonment when he was 21. Records showed that Harding was sentenced to nine years and eight months imprisonment when he was 21 years and seven months old, for his 'involvement in a leading role in a sophisticated operation for the supply and importation of mephedrone and other drugs', the court heard. But, the main use of the phones was to discuss the importation and distribution of cocaine, the court heard. Harding and Kharouti also discussed a plan to shoot dead another drug courier during a 'cryp robbery'. The plan developed over time, and on May 25, 2020 there were further messages involving Harding and Kharouti which referred to a hit, locations for it, and the use of a bike and a strap (gun). Kharouti contacted an associate asking for assistance to source a stolen car and Glock machine gun, before he also offered to source a gunman for the contract killing, which is understood to never have happened, the court heard.
Arab News
25-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Tortoise Media to relaunch Observer this weekend
LONDON: Tortoise Media is set to publish its first edition of The Observer this weekend, following the formal completion of its acquisition of the 234-year-old Sunday newspaper from Guardian Media Group. A dedicated Observer website will launch on Friday, with the first in-house print edition under Tortoise's ownership hitting newsstands on Sunday. The relaunch also marks a return to print for Tortoise founder James Harding, who has formerly been editor of The Times, director of BBC News, and a journalist at the Financial Times. 'The world's oldest Sunday paper is also going to be the newest. You'll see the paper will change, but change gradually,' Harding told the Financial Times. The Observer will become Tortoise Media's flagship brand, while the Tortoise name will be retained as a sub-brand for long-form investigations and other digital content. The historic Sunday paper, renowned for its investigative reporting, international coverage, and analysis, has long played a prominent role in covering major global events, including the Middle East. It took a bold editorial stance during the Suez Crisis, when then-editor David Astor criticized the British-French-Israeli invasion of Egypt. It also distinguished itself with coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Iraq War — including early exposure of faulty intelligence on weapons of mass destruction — and British complicity in torture during the War on Terror. The new Observer website will focus on 'making sense of the headlines' rather than competing with rolling news outlets like the BBC or The Guardian, Tortoise's digital editor Basia Cummings said in a recent interview. 'But news, culture and style are the main pillars of our newsroom,' Cummings added, noting that the publication would maintain its 'investigative, internationalist' editorial identity, alongside staples such as the Observer New Review, Observer Magazine, and Observer Food Monthly. The digital offering will include a daily email newsletter and, later this year, a slate of new podcasts. Events and festivals — part of Tortoise's existing engagement model — are also planned. The new website is an 'initial version.' A full relaunch, including a mobile app and paywall, is expected in the coming months. Until then, content will be free to access as part of a first-party data strategy. The relaunch comes as Tortoise looks to strengthen its position in the British and international media landscape. According to the Financial Times, British insurance tycoon Sir Clive Cowdery — founder of the Resolution Foundation and publisher of Prospect magazine — has agreed to join the Tortoise board and invest in the venture. Although Tortoise has incurred financial losses of around £3 million, the company has pledged to invest £25 million into The Observer. Concerns about the financial stability of the loss-making startup have been raised by journalists at both titles, but new funds are expected from backers including South African businessman and Labour Party donor Gary Lubner, and Standard Investments, part of the US-based Standard Industries group. As part of the deal, the Guardian Media Group's owner, The Scott Trust, has taken a 9 percent stake in Tortoise, following a £5 million commitment. 'I don't think that it makes sense for The Observer to be another daily newspaper, just on the seventh day of the week,' Harding said. 'We're not in the business of being a breaking news service; we want to understand what's driving the news.'
