The pair were sentenced to a combined total of 25 years behind barsHaydar Miah, 28, was sentenced to 17 years behind bars(Image: Bedfordshire Police)A couple were smuggling up to 50kg of cocaine a month into the UK. Haydar Miah, 28, of Aerodome Road, North London, was arrested in May 2025 after being suspected of drug dealing in Luton.When arrested, police found over 2kg of cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy, Xanax and ketamine, and £33,000 in cash. When experts examined his mobiles then found evidence of the conspiracy to bring in around 50kg of cocaine monthly to Britain.The drugs went from Brazil into Portugal, and then into the UK. Mengali Freitas, 32, was also arrested. Freitas had introduced Miah to a contact to discuss bringing drugs into the UK. Although stepping back from the leading role, she continued to act as a translator between Miah and overseas contacts using the WhatsApp names ‘WalterWhite’ and ‘Ghost’.Freitas was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison(Image: Bedfordshire Police)On Thursday (March 28) at Southwark Crown Court, Miah was hit with 17 years behind bars after pleading guilty to multiple offences, including possession with intent to supply cocaine, and being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of a Class A drug (cocaine).Freitas was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine.Investigating Officer Neville Drummond, from Operation Costello, said: “The length of these sentences reflects the severity of Miah’s actions and the extent of his involvement in serious and organised crime, including plans to bring significant quantities of drugs into the UK.A slab of the recovered cocaine(Image: Bedfordshire Police)“Freitas’ role in the network was clear. While she described herself as a translator, she was instrumental in facilitating communication between Miah and his overseas contacts. This demonstrates the lengths we will go to in targeting all those involved in organised crime.“Drugs are at the heart of much of the violence and exploitation we see in the county. By bringing offenders like Miah and Freitas to justice, we are making Bedfordshire safer and protecting people from harm.“We urge anyone with information about drug dealing to report it to us so we can continue to build intelligence and put offenders behind bars.”Stay in the loop with the latest North London news. Sign up to our MyNorthLondon newsletter HERE for daily updates and more.
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Couple who brought 50kg of Class A drugs into UK every month jailed
Traveller site given three years in Blaby after appeal
In documents sent to the council, McDonagh said the scheme would meet a “pressing accommodation need” in the district.However, the council said a number of previous applications for the site had been considered and were either refused or withdrawn.It said a similar scheme for two caravan pitches plus a dayroom was rejected by its planning committee in May 2020 and a planning inspector then dismissed an appeal against the refusal in November 2022.District councillor for planning Mike Shirley, Blaby District Council portfolio holder for planning and strategic growth, said the council was “disappointed” at the decision and said: “We have concerns about the impact any development in this location has on the Blaby conservation area.”Blaby county councillor John Bloxham said: “To say this is frustrating doesn’t even come close.”
St Ives fundraiser completes 31 marathons in 31 days
Bird told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire’s Dotty McLeod: “I was thinking that the last week to 10 days would be the hardest, but it was actually the first week to 10 days.”I think that was just my body trying to fight what I was doing.”But as she adapted to the routine, the running became easier, despite running in one of the hottest Mays on record.”We can’t be halfway through a marathon at 30C, 32C, so we would start very early in the morning, start at 06:30 in the mornings when it was so hot,” said Bird.On cooler days, she would set off at 09:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays at 09:30.
Staffordshire logistics operator promotes former apprentice to head of transport
Announcing her promotion, Palletways member Emerge said it reflected the company’s commitment to developing talent from within.
Logistics has been part of Oram’s life from an early age. Some of her earliest memories are of sitting beside her father in his truck during school holidays – an experience that set her on the road to the career she would go on to build.
Speaking about her appointment, Oram said: “I’ve grown up around the world of transport and have built my career with Emerge, so I couldn’t be prouder to be stepping into this role.
“We have a dedicated team who take real pride in what they do, and I’m excited to continue building on that as we deliver for our customers every day. It’s a privilege to lead this department, and I’m looking forward to supporting our people and helping them grow alongside the business.”
Richard Harris, Emerge managing partner, added: “Tasha’s progression is a brilliant example of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work.
“She understands our operation inside out and has earned the respect of colleagues and drivers alike.
“We’re confident she will continue to strengthen our transport offering in the years ahead.”
Warwick Trimble, Palletways UK network director, commented: “Congratulations to Tasha on this well-earned appointment.
“It’s fantastic to see a new generation of leaders rising through the logistics sector, and we’re proud that our members are helping make that happen.”
Emerge is a member of the Palletways UK pallet network and provides palletised freight distribution and logistics services from its Staffordshire base.
The company is one of more than 130 independent transport businesses operating within the Palletways UK network, which provides nationwide and international pallet distribution through a hub-and-spoke model.
Manslaughter charge over Liverpool city centre death
A man has been charged with manslaughter after the death of another man in Liverpool city centre last year.Alex Jones was found with a serious head injury close to McDonalds at the junction of Hanover Street and Ranelagh Street at about 19:35 on Friday 28 March 2025.The 34-year-old from Birmingham was taken to hospital but died the following month.Jack Dixon, 32, from Hollywood, Worcestershire has been charged with manslaughter and is due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on 19 August.
Season ticket renewals, relocation and waiting list
An exceptional 20,368 supporters have renewed their season tickets for the 2026/27 season.
Supporters who have renewed can relocate their seat between 9am on Monday 8th June and 5pm Wednesday 10th June, with more information on how to do that below.
Any unrenewed season tickets will be made available initially to supporters on the season ticket waiting list, with more information on that process below.Seat relocations
Those supporters who have renewed their season tickets will have the opportunity to relocate their seat between 9am on Monday 8th June and 5pm Wednesday 10th June.
This process can only be completed by calling the ticket office on 0371 222 1877. To assist supporters in gauging suitable availability for relocations an illustrative, real-time seat plan can be accessed here.
Please note, you must be logged in using an account with a renewed season ticket in order to access this seat plan.
Supporters are advised that availability in the Sir Jack Hayward and Stan Cullis Stands is limited and this also applies to central areas of the Steve Bull and Billy Wright Stands. Supporters wishing to relocate are advised to check the live plan for availability before calling to avoid disappointment.
Supporters are also asked to be patient when trying to contact the ticket office by telephone.
New season ticket sales
Any unrenewed season tickets will be made available initially to supporters on the season ticket waiting list, which includes all members from the 2025/26 season, based on their waiting list position.
Exclusive invites to purchase will be sent via email from Tuesday 9th June onwards, with sales commencing on Friday 12th June. Supporters will be advised of their position on the waiting list via email prior to Friday 5th June. A window for non-2025/26 members will follow, subject to availability.
Away season tickets
Information on renewals will be sent to existing away ticket holders via email in the coming weeks, ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Man seriously injured in stabbing at a Radcliffe on Trent beer garden | West Bridgford Wire
A man has been arrested and remains in police custody after a serious assault in the beer garden of a Radcliffe-on-Trent pub.The incident happened at the Manvers Arms pub in Main Street today on Sunday 31 May.A man, in his 30s, was stabbed in the beer garden and taken to Queen’s Medical Centre where he remains in a serious condition.A man, aged 48, has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and remains in police custody.Both victim and suspect are known to each other.There are a number of cordons in place while a thorough investigation is underway. This includes at the Manvers Arms pub.- Advertisement -Detective Inspector Luke Waller said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim who remains in hospital in a serious condition.“This was a vicious assault in front of members of the public, which will have been incredibly distressing for them to witness.“We hope that we can offer the public some reassurance that a man, in his 40s, now remains in police custody on suspicion of this serious offence.“We would also like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who saw the incident and who has not yet spoken to the police to please come forward.”Anyone with information can call 101 quoting incident number 516 of 31st May 2026 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
NHS waiting lists improving at Cambridge hospital as national target is hit
New NHS data has revealed that waiting lists across Cambridgeshire are improving and the national waiting list target has been metDavid Dubas-Fisher and Hunni Haynes Trainee multimedia reporter05:12, 01 Jun 2026NHS waiting lists are improving across Cambridgeshire, new data has revealed(Image: Getty)NHS waiting lists are improving at a Cambridge hospital, with patients getting the treatment they need quicker than they were two years ago. New NHS figures have revealed the NHS has met its national waiting list target of having at least 65 percent of patients on the waiting list for no longer than 18 weeks by March 2026.It has met that target with new data revealing that the actual proportion was 65.3 percent. Back in November 2024 – the baseline month set for comparisons – only 59.1 percent of patients on the waiting list had been waiting for less than 18 weeks. In July 2024, when Labour came to power, only 58.8 percent of the waiting list had been waiting for less than 18 weeks.Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) has also seen big improvements. Some 62.9 percent of those on waiting lists at the trust have been on them for 18 weeks or less, just behind the national average. However, that’s up from 59.1 percent in November 2024 and 58.9 percent in July 2024. The number of people waiting over a year for treatment has also seen a sharp decline.A total of 3,026 had been on the waiting list for over a year in June 2024. That has since fallen to just 941 as of March of this year. Meanwhile, the overall waiting list at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has fallen from 64,117 to 58,435 over the same time period.Using our gadget, you can see how things have improved at your local trust. Simply enter your postcode in the search box below and select a trust from the dropdown:Elsewhere in Cambridgeshire, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust had 37.2 percent of patients on waiting lists for less than 18 weeks as of May 2026. This marks a small improvement from November 2024 when 34.1 percent of patients were on waiting lists for less than 18 weeks.The North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust has 61.3 percent of patients on the waiting list for less than 18 weeks, marking a significant improvement from November 2024 when the figure was 52.3 percent. The Royal Papworth NHS Foundation Trust has the best figures of all NHS trusts in Cambridgeshire, with 78.8 percent of patients being on the waiting list for less than 18 weeks. The figure in November 2024 was 64.5 percent.Nick Kirby, interim Chief Operating Officer at CUH, said: “Teams across our hospitals are working hard to ensure more patients are seen sooner and we are pleased to see this reflected in these latest figures. Reducing long waits is key to delivering excellent care for our patients.”The overall size of the national NHS waiting list fell by over 110,000 in the last month to a total of 7.1 million. That’s also down from 7.4 million in March 2025 and 7.5 million in March 2024.NHS Chief Executive Officer, Sir Jim Mackey said: “This is a huge moment for the NHS. Hitting our targets for the first time in years hasn’t happened by accident – it’s been down to an absolutely enormous effort from NHS staff up and down the country.“Today’s achievement goes beyond a set of remarkable statistics – it shows that we’re making real inroads on the things that matter to our patients and communities.”
Live: Stoke-on-Trent house fire
Firefighters are tackling a house fire. They are on Pinnox Street, in Tunstall.StokeonTrentLive was made aware of the incident at 7.45pm tonight. Now Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to ‘avoid the area’.A fire service spokesman said: “We have crews in attendance at an incident on Pinnox Street, Tunstall, where we are responding to a property fire. Please avoid the area.”StokeonTrentLive has approached Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service for further statements.This is a live blog. For the very latest on this house fire follow our life blog below.
Liverpool Council on Track for Budget Surplus
Liverpool City Council is on track to end the financial year bang on budget, delivering a healthy surplus and maintaining strong cash in the bank.The Quarter Three Budget Review confirms Council’s financial position remains sound, with a projected Net Cost of Services (NCOS) surplus of $781,000, closely aligned with the original budgeted surplus of $798,000.Council’s operating performance continues to strengthen, with a $2.6 million increase in operating revenue and a $800,000 reduction in expenditure, reflecting disciplined financial management and careful planning.Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the figures reinforce that Liverpool City Council is a stable, well-run organisation.”When a council finishes on budget, delivers a surplus and maintains strong reserves, it’s a clear sign the organisation is functional,” he said.”This is the hallmark of a council that is focused, responsible and delivering real outcomes for its community.”Council is also continuing to invest in local infrastructure, with a $208.3 million capital works program and more than $100 million already delivered this financial year across roads, drainage, parks and community facilities.By 30 June 2026, Council is projected to hold $433.7 million in cash and investments, while meeting all three key financial covenants relating to loan agreements, well above required benchmarks.Mayor Mannoun said the result shows a council that is doing its job and doing it well and Council’s financial staff should be congratulated for ending the year bang on budget.”We are set to finish the year exactly where we said we would: on budget, despite severe challenges, with a surplus and cash in the bank,” Mayor Mannoun said.”That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of strong leadership, good governance and a team focused on delivering for the community.”Mayor Mannoun said sound financial management underpins everything Council delivers.”Good financial management is not optional, it’s essential,” he said.”It means we can keep investing in the services and infrastructure our community relies on, while staying financially sustainable for the long term.”BACKGROUND – Liverpool City Council Q3 Budget Review 2025–26The financial results reflect careful budgeting, disciplined expenditure and strong governance, aligned with NSW Office of Local Government reporting requirements.Council’s financial management approach supports the continued delivery of essential services, infrastructure investment and long-term sustainability.The Quarter 3 review complies with Section 203 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, ensuring transparency, accountability and regulatory compliance.Financial DetailsLiverpool City Council’s Quarter Three Budget Review (to 31 March 2026) confirms the organisation remains in a strong and stable financial position.Council is projecting a Net Cost of Services (NCOS) surplus of $781,000, closely aligned with the original budgeted surplus of $798,000.The Responsible Accounting Officer has assessed Council’s financial position as satisfactory, with improved results compared to earlier projections.Operating performance remains solid, with: A $2.6 million increase in operating revenueA $0.8 million reduction in operating expenditureTotal operating revenue projected at $289.3 millionTotal operating expenditure projected at $288.5 millionCouncil’s capital works program has been revised from $248.7 million to $208.3 million, reflecting updated delivery timelines and project adjustments. Year-to-date capital spend (to 31 March 2026): $100.6 millionContinued investment in key areas including roads, drainage, parks and community infrastructure.
Council is forecast to hold $433.7 million in cash and investments by 30 June 2026, including: $386.0 million in externally restricted reserves$41.0 million in internally restricted reserves$6.7 million in unrestricted cash
Council is expected to meet all three key financial covenants relating to loan agreements, demonstrating strong financial sustainability: Debt Service Cover Ratio: 2.10 (benchmark >1.5)Interest Cover Ratio: 6.28 months (benchmark >3 months)Unrestricted Cash Expense Cover Ratio: 3.59 months (benchmark >2 months)
