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The Sun
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Two asylum seekers caught making OnlyFans sex film in hotel paid for by YOU in shocking abuse of system
TWO asylum seekers were caught making an OnlyFans adult website sex film in their taxpayer-funded hotel. The Syrian man was found romping with a woman migrant on camera during a room inspection by astonished staff. 4 4 A former manager said: 'The guy had a whole set-up, a camera on a tripod at the end of the bed, sex toys everywhere, it was pretty obvious what was happening. 'The couple were running an illegal porn business from the hotel. 'The man was naked with just a towel around him when he answered the door. She was wearing sexy lingerie, lying on the bed. 'There was a video camera set up on a tripod and the room was littered with sex toys and handcuffs. He told us he was filming it to put on OnlyFans.' The scandal was among a catalogue of abuses of the public-funded system discovered by the manager, who worked for contractors Serco until August last year. The romp happened at the 18th-century Metropole Hotel in Blackpool which has housed hundreds of migrants since 2021. It is the only hotel on the shoreline side of the promenade and just an eight-minute walk from the famous Tower Ballroom where the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing films an annual episode. The man responsible for making the sex video, which took place in summer last year, was later moved to another site. It appeared to be his only punishment. OnlyFans producers can charge for others to view their content. Our revelations are likely to be disturbing for Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Riot police clash with suspected migrants in France The whistle-blower, who spoke out to highlight the widespread abuse of the asylum system, said: 'Many of these people are supposed to be coming here with no funds but in one case a family turned up with Louis Vuitton luggage. 'They had flown into the UK and claimed asylum at passport control. The luggage looked genuine.' At another Serco-managed hotel in the North West of England, managers discovered that an asylum seeker was putting videos on TikTok to his 40,000 followers boasting about the free board and lodging he was enjoying. The source said: 'Other migrants would complain about him because he'd film videos in the common areas to post on his TikTok channel. He had more than 40,000 followers and would boast how he was getting everything for free.' He revealed that at another location a migrant was caught trying to sell a stolen hotel vacuum cleaner at a local shop. And he said others regularly sneak out to work illegally in kebab shops, barbers, car washes and for food delivery services such as Deliveroo and Just Eat, pocketing hundreds of pounds in cash — which they are not allowed to do. 'Wealthy' migrants He also said staff employed by Serco — one of the Home Office contractors — were instructed to look for tell-tale 'signs of wealth' among migrants. He said: 'We'd carry out room inspections and look for things like iPhones and laptops. We also had problems with migrants selling stuff they'd been given at the hotel. Many would find ways to abuse the system. 'Some would hoard the free food, toiletries and baby formula and sell it on the street. In another case a woman complained someone had stolen £5,000 in cash she had hidden in her room. She shouldn't have had it in the first place.' A Home Office spokesman said: 'These are dreadful allegations which we are urgently investigating. 'While most people comply with the rules, our contractors must maintain order and immediately report any issues. Cases of illegal working, including online, antisocial behaviour, or safeguarding breaches can lead to support being cut.' The ex-manager oversaw five hotels in the North West housing a total of 1,769 migrants recently arrived in Britain. These are dreadful allegations which we are urgently investigating. While most people comply with the rules, our contractors must maintain order and immediately report any issues Home Office spokesman He stressed that many were 'well behaved and genuinely in need of refuge' but said 'a signifiant minority' abused the system. 'I came into the job with an open mind, full of positivity, I wanted to help families and children who had fled bad situations in their country,' he explained. 'I'm not racist. I believe people have a right to claim asylum in the UK, especially if they are fleeing something horrible, and as a country, it's right and proper that we try to help. 4 'But sadly, many of the migrants I dealt with were flouting the system put in place to help those in genuine need. Their behaviour made the situation worse for those in real need. 'Towards the end of my time, it was impossible not to feel like we're being taken for a ride.' He claims asylum seekers would regularly call 999 for minor, non-emergency medical conditions such as colds or chest pains, simply because they knew it was free. I'm not racist. I believe people have a right to claim asylum in the UK, especially if they are fleeing something horrible, and as a country, it's right and proper that we try to help Sun source The source added 'service users' are given three meals a day, free toiletries are dished out at a hotel shop, including aftershave and moisturiser, and they get all their clothes washed, ironed and folded by a laundry service. Migrants with mobility problems can take free taxis to NHS appointments, but the manager said many would abuse the system by using cabs for personal transport. He said all migrants are given £9 a week spending money on a prepaid credit card, free gym passes and they enjoy football and basketball sessions and other activities. But despite having everything laid on for them, he claims many would find ways to take advantage. He said: 'Each nationality would have a sort of leader, and they would basically teach everyone how to game the system.' He added: 'Asylum seekers are not allowed to work while their claim is being processed, but it's difficult to police. 'You'd see the Deliveroo bikes leaving in the morning. Some of the young lads would work at a car wash for eight hours and earn £5-an-hour or £40 a day.' He claimed that some migrants are fully aware they will not win their asylum case, but fly to the UK for the free extended holiday. He said: 'They get to stay here for free for 12-18 months while their claim is processed and then they get to claim £3,000 from the Government to be removed, and the taxpayer foots the bill.' One man arrived with two wives and six kids. They were removed from a hotel because it was unsuitable and put into different accommodation, 'most likely a house'. In the UK, asylum seekers who voluntarily return to their home country can receive financial and logistical assistance from the Home Office, including up to £3,000 and help with travel costs. The manager said he and other Serco staff felt powerless to deal with the bad behaviour. 'We were instructed to monitor, observe and report, that's it,' he added. 'Any action had to be authorised by the Home Office or Migrant Help, but not much was ever done. 'Often the migrants would receive warning letters, but they just carried on as normal.' The manager says three of the hotels he oversaw were for migrant families, while the other two were for single males. In May, a Government report said three firms who turned their hotels into migrant hubs — Clearsprings, Mears and Serco — had made combined profits of £383million since 2019 after the expected costs of housing asylum seekers tripled. Serco told The Sun on Sunday in a statement: 'Serco is contracted to provide safe and appropriate accommodation for asylum seekers and to report any signs of work or wealth to the Home Office. 'We always report any signs identified, allowing the Home Office to take appropriate action. 'The rules on benefits, healthcare and the right to leave asylum accommodation are set by Government and are not part of Serco's contract with the Home Office.' The Metropole was once run by Butlin's and its housing of migrants has caused concern among local politicians and residents. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'These hotels full of illegal immigrants are dens of illegal working, criminality and now we learn depravity as well. 'This is all being overseen by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper — using billions of Pounds of our hard-earned money.'
Powys County Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Bracken Trust choir perform five concerts across Powys
Llandrindod's Bracken Trust Singers performed a series of concerts recently to raise funds. The group held a concert at the Metropole Hotel on June 5, despite low audience numbers. However, the singers were well-received at the town's Bandstand on June 21 for the national Make Music Day event. The audience included Mayor Steve Deeks-D'Silva, the Mayoress, and a wedding party from the Metropole Hotel, complete with bride and groom. The singers struck up with Love and Marriage as the wedding party appeared for photographs. Vera Buckler, the group's leader, praised the singers for giving up their Saturday to perform. Unfazed by the heat on June 24, some members of the group visited the Spa Nursing Home, bringing joy to many residents who sang along with familiar songs. At the end of the performance, the singers were treated to tea, coffee, and homemade chocolate cake and biscuits. The Bracken Singers also performed at the Bracken Trust Headquarters Summer Fete on June 27. Their final performance was at Crosfield House, Rhayader, on July 1. The singers performed their V.E. Day programme, which was postponed from May 8 due to a virus outbreak at the home. Ms Buckler expressed her gratitude to the members who participated in all five engagements, noting that the singers were in top form and gave a very good performance. She said: "It was really touching and heart-warming to see some of the residents happy and singing along to the well-known wartime songs."
Powys County Times
28-06-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Powys care provider is one of Wales' best for second year
THE manager of a Powys care provider says it is 'incredibly proud and honoured' to have been named as one of the best in Wales for the second year in a row. Silver Assist Homecare was named in the top 20 home care providers in Wales by reviews site for home care, There are more than 13,000 home care providers in the UK, with 390 in Wales. The top 20 home care providers in Wales received the award from which hosts the top 20 awards to help people find care that is right for their needs, budget and location. 'We are incredibly proud and honoured to be named one of the top 20 homecare providers in Wales for the second consecutive year,' said Samantha Evans, manager of Silver Assist Homecare, which is based in Llangorse, near Brecon. 'This recognition is a true testament to the dedication, compassion and hard work of our entire team. 'At Silver Assist Homecare, we believe that great care is built on genuine relationships, kindness and respect. 'Our carers go above and beyond every day to ensure that the people we support receive the highest standard of care in the comfort of their own homes. 'Winning this award two years in a row reflects not only the quality of our service but also the commitment and passion of our staff. 'We would also like to thank our clients and their families for trusting us to be a part of their lives. This award motivates us to continue striving for excellence and to keep making a positive impact in our community.' Nearly a million disabled and older people receive care at home so they can stay living independently in their own homes. This includes help with getting dressed, washed, preparing meals and drinks and administering medication. With an ageing population, the number of people receiving home care in the UK is set to increase. By 2072, the number of people aged 65+ in the UK could rise to 22.1 million, making up 27 per cent of the population, according to the Office for National Statistics' projections. Amanda Hopkins, reviews manager of said: 'Silver Assist Homecare has shown it provides high-quality care and we would like to congratulate it on being one of the top home care providers in Wales. 'Top quality home care is vital as it supports people so they can continue living in their own homes and retain their independence. 'People who are less mobile due to illness, a disability or age can become hidden away from society. When this happens their home care worker often plays a crucial role in keeping them both mentally and physically well. 'Our reviews are by those who receive the home care as well as their family and friends. This helps others to search for the right care provider, where compassion, trust and empathy are at the heart of their care.' It has been a month of celebration for Silver Assist Homecare, after it was named 'Small Business of the Year' at the Cambrian Training Awards 2025, held at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells in early June.
Irish Independent
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Joe Duffy to be named honorary Cork person at annual gala awards lunch
Mr Duffy who has worked in broadcasting for 37 years, has presented RTÉ's radio interview and phone-in chat show Liveline since 1999 and he will be recognised at the annual awards for his contribution to broadcasting over his career. The Dublin native will be presented with a Republic of Cork passport and a commemorative piece of Cork Crystal at the Cork Person of the Year event which will be held in the Metropole Hotel. He will present his last Liveline on Friday June 27. RTÉ said it would run a process over the coming months to appoint Duffy's successor with an announcement expected in the autumn. Born in January 1956, in Mountjoy Square, Dublin, and raised in Ballyfermot, Duffy originally pursued social work at Trinity College. He became one of the first from his area to go to Trinity College and was actively involved in student politics and went on to serve as President of the Union of Students in Ireland. He led protests on campus highlighting access to education and spent two weeks in Mountjoy Prison as a result. After working in the probation service, he joined RTÉ originally as a radio producer, in 1989, and came to prominence as a reporter on the legendary Gay Byrne Show. The 69-year-old has been a recipient of many awards during his acclaimed career, including a Jacob's Award in 1992 for his work on The Gay Byrne Show, various IMRO Awards and he was also inducted into the PPI Hall of Fame in 2013. He has written his autobiography Just Joe and two award-winning history books, Children of the Rising and Children of the Troubles (with Freya McClements). Awards organiser and founder Manus O'Callaghan said Mr Duffy is truly one of Ireland's great broadcasters. 'In lending a compassionate ear to his Liveline listeners for the past 27 years, he has given voice to many and shed light on innumerable significant societal issues. "It will be a true honour to accept him into our ranks as an Honorary Corkperson at next January's lunch, in a year that also marks 100 years of radio in Ireland,' he added. Each year the Cork Persons of Year Awards Scheme anoints a national figure, who's not from Cork but admired across the county, as an Honorary Cork Person.
Powys County Times
05-06-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Llandrindod club disappointed after VE Day flag vandalised
THE Royal British Legion in Llandrindod Wells has expressed disappointment after a flag commemorating VE Day was vandalised. The club reiterated its support for veterans living in and from the town after the incident, which is believed to have occurred sometime after May 8, which marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day. 'We are disappointed to see vandalism to the VE flag and ropes, that were erected in commemoration of VE Day,' read a post on the Llandrindod Wells - Royal British Legion Facebook page on May 31. 'It is such shame to have to experience this lack of regard for the veterans, both men and women, that served and defended our country so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. 'Their sacrifice and dedication deserve our gratitude and respect. 'For those that have served and are still serving in our armed forces, we appreciate and honour your dedication to serving your country, ensuring our freedom and way of life.' The news sparked anger locally, with one commenter replying: 'It's heartbreaking that every village in UK has a nucleus of this class of person now. 'Smashing and vandalising everything they see. Tragic really that parents have lost control over their kids.' One other said the vandalism 'makes my blood boil', while the behaviour of whoever was responsible was labelled 'disgraceful', 'disgusting' and 'disrespectful'. Others branded those responsible 'mindless yobs' and 'disrespectful toerags'. It leaves a sour taste following impeccable organisation of and attendance at a number of events held in Llandrindod to commemorate VE Day. VE Day in the spa town was marked throughout the week, including on Sunday, May 11, with a service being held at the town's war memorial, on Temple Street, adjacent to the Metropole Hotel, and led by Rev Andrew Tweed. 'Our mayor, Cllr Marcia Morgan, laid wreaths on behalf of the community at the war memorial and hospital,' said Llandrindod Wells Town Council in a post. 'It was lovely to see so many people in attendance and particularly the current and previous servicemen and women. 'Congratulations to Llandrindod Wells Royal British Legion for working so hard on this important commemoration.' Town Crier Jan Swindale had previously organised a VE Day 80 proclamation event on May 8, while choirs from both Ysgol Cefnllys and Ysgol Trefonnen performed. The celebrations had started on May 5 with a family tea party at the Royal British Legion premises on Tremont Road.
