Latest news with #Josephine
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Extremely violent' chief suspect in Fiona Pender murder probe made home search taunt to cops & evil gesture at family
THE chief suspect in the murder of missing woman Fiona Pender previously taunted cops on the case. 4 Fiona Pender's case was recently upgraded to a murder probe 4 Gardaí investigating the case recently carried out new searches in Offaly and Laois Credit: Damien Eagers - The Sun Dublin Fiona, 25, was seven months pregnant Initially classed as a A few years after her disappearance, the chief suspect made the call when rumours swept through the Co Offaly town that he had Although the main suspect has previously been quizzed by Gardai and over 300 statements taken, no one has ever been charged with Fiona's disappearance and murder. READ MORE IN FIONA PENDER Gardai were also made aware of times when he often smirked at Fiona's mother Josephine, who passed away in 2017. One source said: 'The chief suspect was doing some work on a 'He considered himself untouchable and made the call at a time when there was no evidence linking him to her murder. 'This man also smirked at Fiona's mother because he knew Josephine believed he was the person who killed her daughter. Most read in The Irish Sun 'This individual is extremely violent and yet there are still people who are protecting him — even though he could turn on them at any minute. 'The fact he has kept quiet all these years shows he has nothing but contempt for innocent people.' Justice Minister appeals for information as fresh digs take place in Fiona Pender murder probe The source added: 'Josephine said all along that she knew who killed her daughter. 'She kept fighting for Fiona and just wanted to find her. 'Justice was not the primary concern for Josephine — it was about finding her daughter and giving her a Christian burial. 'Josephine also worked with other FRESH SEARCHES Officers from the Laois/Offaly Garda Division started their search in a remote area around 8km from Tullamore on Monday morning. They were targeting an area of bogland after receiving new information earlier this year regarding the young woman's murder. The Irish Sun can reveal the information was provided by a local man. We also understand it's the first time Gardai had received this specific information. 'SUFFERED TOO LONG' The TD added: 'There's obviously people out there who have information in respect of Fiona's disappearance and I would urge them to bring that information to the attention of Gardai. 'Her family have suffered too long in terms of waiting for a conclusion in respect of this terrible event.' A fresh search operation of open ground at a location in Co Laois also took place this week. Discussing the recent searches, Gardai confirmed the areas of land were "searched and subject to excavation, technical and forensic examinations". A spokesperson added: 'Investigating Gardai continue to appeal to any person with any information in relation to the disappearance of Fiona to please come forward as soon as possible. 'Anyone with information should contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, or any Garda station.' 4 Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan described the search as a significant development Credit: 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved 4 Fiona was seven months pregnant when she disappeared
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Napoleon's iconic hat leads stunning auction of French emperor's prized possessions worth more than £5million
Napoleon Bonaparte was, according to everyone who matters, utterly compelling. The 'Little Corporal' conquered Europe, made himself emperor and wore his hat the wrong way around just to stand out. Now, that iconic bicorn headpiece is leading a stunning auction of the emperor's prized possessions. Expected to sell for nearly £700,000, the hat is one of around 100 objects being sold in Paris via leading auction house Sotheby's with an overall estimate of more than £5million (€6million). Also on offer are relics of Napoleon's romance with his beloved first wife, Josephine, whom he divorced after she failed to give birth to his desired heir. The couple's handwritten marriage contract is tipped to sell for up to £42,000 (€50,000), whilst a folio that is believed to have held their divorce papers could fetch £67,000 (€80,000). A set of Napoleon's linen clothes, complete with faded monograms, are on offer with the same upper estimate. And one of Napoleon's portable campaign beds, which he came to love so much that he even used them when in residence in France, is believed to be worth up to £50,000 (€60,000). Sotheby's expert Marine De Cenival, who is leading the sale, told MailOnline: 'This is the first time that we are offering such an important group of lots about Napoleon. 'He is probably the most famous French person in the world.' She added: 'It is really the first time you will have items from every important moment from his life.' The trove was compiled by France 's most famous antiques collector, Pierre-Jean Chalencon, who has described himself as 'Napoleon's press officer'. He is selling his collection - and his Parisian mansion separately - after getting into debt. According to The Times, he is said to be trying to pay off a €10 million loan that he took out from Swiss Life Banque Privée to fund his collection. But Chalençon told Le Parisien: 'I am not riddled with debts. I am doing well.' Napoleon's hats quickly became an inseparable part of his identity. Depicted in dozens of portraits and engravings, it ensured he stood out. The one being sold was crafted by Poupard, Napoleon's official hat maker. The emperor used it and then gifted it to General Mouton, one of his most trusted commanders. Napoleon ordered several hats in the same style each year and would change them frequently. Napoleon's signature portable campaign bed that was invented especially for him could sell for up to £50,000 (€60,000). He loved the design so much that he used it everywhere, including when at home. He bequeathed these camp beds to his son. He wrote from exile on St Helena that they were a 'modest legacy' which would preserve the memory of 'a father the universe will forever speak of' The ceremonial sword and stick used during Napoleon's coronation ceremony in 1804. They were crafted for the person in who lead the ceremony, Michel Duverdier, the chief herald of the empire. They feature imperial bees, thunderbolt engravings. Together they are expected to sell for up to £336,000 (€400,000) Born on the island of Corsica in 1769, Napoleon rose from a minor noble family to lead France after the French Revolution. He made his name at the Siege of Toulon in 1793, where he was credited with overseeing a victory over English and Spanish forces. The military leader went on to win a series of crushing victories over the Austrians, which further boosted his profile. He later went to Egypt, where his forces were roundly beaten by those of British naval hero Horatio Nelson at the Battle of the Nile in 1798. Returning to France, he launched a military coup in 1799 and was crowned Emperor of France five years later, at Notre Dame on December 2, 1804. He famously wore two crowns for the ceremony. One was modelled on the one worn by medieval Emperor Charlemagne, while the other was a gold laurel wreath befitting of a Roman emperor. His wife Josephine, whom he married in 1796, was crowned by her husband. The couple's volcanic romance - depicted in Ridley Scott's controversial 2023 film - was tempestuous. Napoleon penned frequent, graphic love letters to his wife, which she responded to tersely, driving him wild with frustration. Also in the Sotheby's sale is a portrait of Napoleon in his coronation robes, by François Gérard. It is tipped to sell for up to £252,000 (€300,000). And the ceremonial sword and stick used during the coronation ceremony by chief herald Michel Duverdier, are expected to sell for up to £336,000 (€400,000). Napoleon's dream of invading Britain and securing naval supremacy were crushed at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, at which Nelson was killed. But that defeat did not stop Napoleon from securing successive victories in Europe, over the Russians, Austrians and Prussians. Overreach followed with campaigns in Portugal and Spain and then French forces suffered catastrophic losses in the Peninsular War. Further defeats followed with the failed invasion of Russia and at the Battle of Leipzig. He did sensationally break out of exile on the island of Elba, but suffered his final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. It was after that disaster that he spent his final days under British watch on the island of St Helena. An exhibition featuring the objects is being held in Hong Kong from today until May 27 and then in New York from June 5 until June 11.
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- The Citizen
Family of slain Merebank man calls for justice
THE family of Jodie Gopal, a 28-year-old man who was killed in a drive-by shooting in May last year, is demanding accountability after it was revealed that a witness was not interviewed until a year after the incident. Also read: Southlands Sun 23 May 2025 Jodie's sister, Josephine Gopal, told the SUN that May 1 marked a year since her brother was killed outside their Merebank home, however no arrest has been made. For background on this story, click here. 'The investigating officer only came to take the statement from my father on April 28, just two days before it marked a full year since my brother was killed. That is concerning because statements from witnesses should be taken shortly after the incident,' she said. Josephine is adamant that taking statements from witnesses shortly after the incident is crucial for legal and investigative reasons. She believes that inconsistencies between later statements and early ones can be used to challenge creditability. 'But early documentation helps avoid that,' she added. Also read: Teen's rape sparks public outcry Jodie was shot dead outside his home at around 19:00 while feeding his child. He was hit by a barrage of gunfire that erupted from unknown assailants. His brother and father managed to evade the hail of bullets and escaped unscathed. However, Jodie sustained injuries to his body and was rushed to hospital where he later died. 'I am angry and frustrated because my brother still has not received justice. How can someone take an innocent life and get away with it? The investigating officer tells us that the case has been closed because there are no leads and no one is willing to come forward,' said Josephine. Despite early tips and public appeals, Wentworth police has yet to find a suspect linked to Jodie's killing. The family launched a petition last year, calling on members of the public to take a strong stance against crime. 'My youngest brother was full of life, dreams, and hope. He never got to see his precious baby girl turn three. He was declared brain dead, but his heart kept beating for five long hours before he finally let go. Jodie fought with everything he had to return to his family and his child, but the severity of his injuries was too great,' she added. Police spokesperson in Wentworth, Captain Mbuso Gumede, said the investigation is ongoing, but no new updates have been shared in months. However, Gumede could not comment on the alleged delays in the investigation. He was also unable to explain why the police detective reportedly took a witness statement a year after the incident. For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Fashion Network
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Kris Van Assche debuts in home decor with Serax
, the noted former designer of Dior and Berluti, has made a new career move, launching into home decor with Serax. The renowned Belgian designer has teamed up with Serax to create The Josephine Collection, an impressive series of vases and candy jars named in tribute to his beloved grandmother, Josephine. 'It was she who passed on to me, in addition to her love of fashion, her love of sumptuous tables,' explained Van Assche in a release. 'She always said that making an effort with her appearance and preparing a beautiful table was simply another mark of politeness,' Van Assche added. After graduation, Van Assche began his career at Yves Saint Laurent before quickly joining the Dior Homme studio, where he spent four years. In 2004, Van Assche founded his own eponymous label, primarily dedicated to men's fashion. In 2007, he succeeded his mentor, Hedi Slimane, as artistic director of Dior Homme. After a decade at Dior, in 2018, he was appointed artistic director at Berluti, an icon of leather goods and footwear — all the while paying tribute to the brand's exceptional savoir-faire while steering Berluti toward a more contemporary style. Since Berluti, Van Assche has also designed kidswear collections for Balabala. Meanwhile, Belgium-based Serax has collaborated with creatives such as Ann Demeulemeester, Kelly Wearstler, Marie Michielssen, Marni, Ottolenghi, Paola Navone, Piet Boon, Sergio Herman and Vincent Van Duysen. With Serax, he harks back to his granny Josephine, who saw flowers as an essential element of an elegantly decorated interior — a vision she passed on to her grandson. 'If you look at the 55 collections I've designed over the past twenty years, it's clear that flowers occupy a central place,' underlined Van Assche. 'Flowers are like fashion: they're not an absolute necessity, but they make life more beautiful,' he concluded. Although the beauty of classical objects inspires the collection, Van Assche brings his own modern vision to them. For example, the foot, traditionally round, here takes on a rectangular shape — a subtle detail, but one with impact. The classic style of vases and candy boxes has also been modernized through the use of materials such as concrete, marble and even silver porcelain.
Evening Standard
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Evening Standard
Josephine, Marylebone: Ready-made chain feels like a cynical cash grab
Evidence of said brilliance can be found at the original Josephine, in Chelsea, which casts a long and very splendid shadow. It is a poignant eulogy from Bosi to his grandmother, a remembrance of her and his childhood formed as a Lyonnaise bouchon (or it was; the 'bouchon' description recently has been abandoned). Heart is not in short supply. It is a handsome room of oxblood banquettes, wood-panelled everything and lamps with cloth covers. Wine is charged by the centimetre — a man comes with a ruler and a calculator. The food? It's perfect: rabbit à la moutarde, duck à l'orange served without irony, a full stop slice of sausage punctuating a slash of brioche and soaked in red wine sauce. Veal sweetbreads, andouillette. A set menu offers two courses for £24.50 — on the Fulham Road. Were there full-size furniture in the place — Claude and his wife Lucy instead opting to source theirs from a Sylvanian Families extension pack — it might be flawless. But tiny, squished-in tables haven't stopped it packing out: every night it heaves with gleeful diners getting drunk off pork fat. One person I know has been 14 times.
