Thursday, January 23, 2014

Drunk fan calls 999 for Fergie time

Manchester United fan calls 999 asking for Alex Ferguson

Alex Ferguson Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May after 26 years in charge of Manchester United

A drunk Manchester United fan called 999 "demanding" to speak to Sir Alex Ferguson after the club's defeat.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called at 22:30 GMT on Wednesday by a man from Crumpsall after the team lost to Sunderland in the Capital One Cup.

GMP said it "can be sad and depressing" when a football team loses a game but asked the public to "remember that 999 is to be used for emergencies only".

The force suggested contacting the club to speak to the former manager.

Manchester United lost 2-1 on penalties in the semi-final of the competition at Old Trafford under new manager David Moyes.

The man opened the call by asking to speak to Mr Ferguson before telling the call handler: "The result is all wrong, they had extra time and it was a total and utter load of rubbish."

After being asked if he needed to report a crime, the caller replied: "Yes, a crime. I want to report a crime. The crime is that Manchester United were absolutely knackered."

Towards the end of the call the man asked if the force could call him back.

Manchester United looking glum Man United missed the chance to face rivals Man City in the final at Wembley
'Try ringing Man United'

On GMP North Manchester's Facebook page, the force said: "A man from the Crumpsall area of North Manchester rang 999 in a drunken state demanding to speak to Sir Alex Ferguson about last night's result.

"Obviously, it can be a sad and depressing moment when your football team loses a game, however, can we all please remember that 999 is to be used for emergencies only.

"If you would like to speak to Sir Alex about recent football results we here at GMP Manchester North can only suggest you try ringing Manchester United FC directly as you will probably (not definitely) have a much better chance of getting through to him there rather than ringing the police," the statement added.

Diane Grandidge, GMP's business lead for call handling, said: "Silly calls like this one are thoughtless and can make a difference in a life and death situation.

"You wouldn't want your own emergency call being delayed by someone tying up a line with a hoax."

The force said the caller has been warned about inappropriate use of the 999 service, but would not face further action.


VIDEO: Farage: I don't defend 2010 manifesto

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Nigel Farage on 2010 and 2015 UKIP election manifestos

23 January 2014 Last updated at 15:58 GMT

UKIP's leader said he did not defend the party's 2010 general election manifesto, but its 2015 policies would be "similar in flavour".

Nigel Farage was being asked his party's economic polices by Andrew Neil on BBC Two's Daily Politics - about cuts, spending, pensions and the future of quangos - and he called for "flatter, simpler, lower taxes".

Full debate: Nigel Farage and Tory MP Priti Patel (on DP Facebook page)

More from the Daily and Sunday Politics: Watch full programmes from the last seven days via BBC iPlayer; 'like' us on Facebook page or 'follow' us on Twitter


Hague delays Kenyatta trial start

Uhuru Kenyatta trial: ICC delays start

Kenya's President Kenyatta in Nairobi on 12 December 2013 This is the latest in a series of hitches in President Kenyatta's trial

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta's trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been postponed.

It was to have started on 5 February but the prosecution had asked for a three-month delay after a witness withdrew and another admitted giving false evidence.

Mr Kenyatta is charged with being behind the ethnic violence surrounding the presidential election in 2007.

He denies organising the clashes in which 1,200 people died.

A court statement said the February start date would be used instead for a hearing to discuss the prosecution's request for a delay.

This is the latest in a series of problems to hit the trial of Mr Kenyatta.

The trial had been due to begin on 12 November but was put back until February after September's attack on the Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi that left at least 67 people dead.

African leaders say the trial should not be held while he is in office, as it makes it difficult for him to govern.


VIDEO: Secret of Jaguar Land Rover success

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Jaguar Land Rover's post-recession success story

23 January 2014 Last updated at 15:54 GMT

Car production in the UK has hit a six-year high, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

More than 1.5 million cars were made last year - an increase of 3.1% compared with 2012.

However, Jaguar Land Rover increased production by 11% - Operations Director Alan Volkaerts explained how the firm was able to "hit the ground running" after the recession.


Chelsea agree £11m deal for Salah

23 January 2014 Last updated at 16:01

Mohamed Salah: Chelsea agree deal to sign Basel winger

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah from Swiss champions Basel for a fee in the region of £11m.

Salah, 21, is yet to undergo a medical or agree personal terms, but is expected to move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's Premier League rivals Liverpool had held talks with Basel with hope of making Salah their first signing of the January transfer window.

The Blues agreed to sell Juan Mata to Manchester United on Wednesday.

United's club-record £37m move for Mata appears to have encouraged Chelsea to move swiftly for Salah, who would become their third signing of the January transfer window after the arrival of Nemanja Matic and Bertrand Traore.

Salah, who can operate in a variety of attacking roles, has been tracked by a number of clubs after impressive displays in the Europa League last season and this year's Champions League.

The Egypt international scored against Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2013, before getting the only goal of the game in a victory over Jose Mourinho's side in the Champions League in December.

More to follow.


NI child diagnosed with swine flu

Swine flu: NI child taken to Scottish hospital

Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland. Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland.

A primary school child from Belfast has been diagnosed with swine flu, the BBC has learned.

The child has been transferred to a hospital in Scotland.

It is understood that the child became unwell at the weekend and was admitted to the Royal Belfast hospital for sick children.

The patient was isolated but was then transferred to a hospital in Glasgow, possibly because the child required an ECMO machine to help with breathing.

It is unclear whether the virus was picked up in Northern Ireland but the BBC understands the family had previously travelled outside the country.

Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland.

The majority of those who died had underlying health issues. Many more people were struck by the virus, but recovered.


US call for China activists' release

China corruption: US ambassador calls for campaigners' release

Zhang Xuezhong (right), a lawyer for Zhao Changqing, argues with plain-clothed policemen as he refuses to show them his identification card when he was stopped and questioned by them on his way to court to attend Mr Zhao's trial in Beijing, 23 January 2014 Mr Zhao's lawyer, Zhang Xuezhong (right) argued with plain-clothed policemen on his way to the trial

The United States has expressed concern at the trials of anti-corruption activists in China and called for them to be freed.

The US ambassador in Beijing, Gary Locke, said the cases were "retribution for their campaigns to expose official corruption".

His statement came as a second activist, Zhao Changqing, appeared in court in Beijing.

Another member of the same network, Xu Zhiyong, went on trial on Wednesday.

"I am deeply concerned that the 22 January trial of Chinese legal scholar Xu Zhiyong and the prosecution of other good-governance advocates are retribution for their public campaigns to expose official corruption and for the peaceful expression of their views," Mr Locke said in a statement.

"The United States government calls on Chinese authorities to release Xu and other political prisoners immediately, to cease any restrictions on their freedom of movement, and to guarantee them the protections and freedoms to which they are entitled under China's international human rights commitments."

Mr Locke also criticised "the mistreatment" of foreign journalists trying to cover the Xu trial.

Public order

In the second trial in as many days, Zhao Changqing appeared before judges charged with disturbing public order. He faces a possible prison sentence of up to five years.

Proceedings were adjourned after he dismissed his lawyer, Zhang Xuezhong, who told reporters that this was designed to delay the trial. Mr Zhao now has 15 days to choose a new lawyer.

Mr Zhao is a member of the New Citizens' Movement, an organisation campaigning for officials to declare their assets, led by Mr Xu. Several other members are due to be tried.

Members of the movement maintain that they were supporting President Xi Jinping's high-profile campaign against corruption, the BBC's Martin Patience in Beijing reports.

Policemen stand guard in front of a court where Chinese dissident Zhao Changqing's trial is being held in Beijing, 23 January 2014 Policemen guarded the entrance to the Beijing court when Mr Zhao's trial was held

But with the activists now on trial, the ruling Communist Party is clearly showing that it will not tolerate any challenge to its authority, our correspondent adds.

Hou Xin, another member, pleaded not guilty at her trial, her lawyer said.

Rights groups have described the crackdown on activists as hypocritical.

Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said on Tuesday: "While Xi Jinping has spoken a lot about tackling corruption and there have been some high-profile arrests, the government has harshly retaliated against those who exposed high-level corruption in the government and party."

Meanwhile, Wang Gongquan, a wealthy businessman considered a key supporter of the movement, was released on bail on Wednesday after confessing to "inciting the criminal activity of assembling a crowd to disrupt public order with Xu Zhiyong", a Beijing court said on its verified microblog.

Mr Xu's lawyer, Zhang Qingfang, described the court's posting as a "complete distortion of facts".

'A better China'

A known legal scholar, Mr Xu also campaigned on behalf of inmates on death row and families affected by tainted baby milk formula in 2009.

At his trial on Wednesday, he initially refused to speak in court because he viewed the proceedings as illegal, his lawyer said.

However, he later spoke for about 10 minutes before he was interrupted by the judge, reports said.

An account of Mr Xu's closing statement was posted online by an activist website and the Chinese language version of Radio France Internationale.

In the account, Mr Xu reportedly said: "By trying to suppress the New Citizens Movement, you are obstructing China on its path to becoming a constitutional democracy through peaceful change.

"Our faith in the idea of building a better China, one of democracy, rule of law, freedom, justice, and love, is unwavering."


Chelsea agree Salah deal with Basel

23 January 2014 Last updated at 16:01

Mohamed Salah: Chelsea agree deal to sign Basel winger

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah from Swiss champions Basel for a fee in the region of £11m.

Salah, 21, is yet to undergo a medical or agree personal terms, but is expected to move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's Premier League rivals Liverpool had held talks with Basel with hope of making Salah their first signing of the January transfer window.

The Blues agreed to sell Juan Mata to Manchester United on Wednesday.

United's club-record £37m move for Mata appears to have encouraged Chelsea to move swiftly for Salah, who would become their third signing of the January transfer window after the arrival of Nemanja Matic and Bertrand Traore.

Salah, who can operate in a variety of attacking roles, has been tracked by a number of clubs after impressive displays in the Europa League last season and this year's Champions League.

The Egypt international scored against Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2013, before getting the only goal of the game in a victory over Jose Mourinho's side in the Champions League in December.

More to follow.


Woman guilty of friend acid attack

Mary Konye guilty of acid attack on friend Naomi Oni

Naomi Oni before and after acid attack Naomi Oni was on her way home from work when she was attacked

A woman has been found guilty of throwing acid in the face of a friend while disguised in a veil.

Naomi Oni, 21, suffered burns to her face and chest in the attack near her home in Dagenham, east London.

Mary Konye, also 21, dressed in a veil and attacked Ms Oni after following her home, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

Konye, of Canning Town, denied throwing or casting a corrosive fluid with intent to burn, maim, disfigure, disable or do grievous bodily harm.

She attacked Ms Oni, an assistant at a Victoria's Secret lingerie shop, because she once called her ugly, the court heard.

Mary Konye, Mary Konye will be sentenced on 7 March

Following the attack on 30 December 2012, Konye pretended to give Ms Oni a shoulder to cry on.

The court heard that Ms Oni suffered serious burns to her face and chest, lost her hair and eyelashes.

Dressed in black, Konye remained calm as the jury of eight men and four women returned their verdict.

Judge David Radford warned Konye that she will face jail, saying: "I should make clear that, in my judgment, this is a case that will, in all likelihood, need a substantial custodial sentence."

He thanked the jurors for their efforts, saying they had looked at the evidence "with great thoroughness, taking your time to reach your verdict".

Ms Oni burst into tears as she left the courtroom and was hugged by friends and family.

CCTV footage obtained by police showed a figure in a niqab following Ms Oni as she left work at Westfield shopping centre in Stratford at about 23:30 GMT.

The jury heard the following day, Konye texted Ms Oni in hospital, saying: "OMG, I can't believe it."

The pair, who had been friends since secondary school, fell out in April 2011 when Ms Oni allegedly accused Konye of texting her boyfriend and called her an "ugly monster".

CCTV footage from Barking Station Mary Koyne was captured on CCTV following Naomi Oni

After the attack, Konye posted a picture of the burnt faced Freddy Krueger character from the horror film Nightmare on Elm Street, together with the message: "Who looks like Wrong Turn now?"

Following the verdict, investigating officer Det Ch Insp David Whellams said: "Konye was almost obsessively jealous of the victim's good looks and, after a previous argument between them, hatched an almost unbelievable plan to attack her with acid.

"The victim's life has been changed forever and she will always bear the scars of what happened, but she has been incredibly brave and I am pleased she has seen justice done today."

Konye will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 7 March.


NI child diagnosed with swine flu

Swine flu: NI child taken to Scottish hospital

Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland. Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland.

A primary school child from Belfast has been diagnosed with swine flu, the BBC has learned.

The child has been transferred to a hospital in Scotland.

It is understood that the child became unwell at the weekend and was admitted to the Royal Belfast hospital for sick children.

The patient was isolated but was then transferred to a hospital in Glasgow, possibly because the child required an ECMO machine to help with breathing.

It is unclear whether the virus was picked up in Northern Ireland but the BBC understands the family had previously travelled outside the country.

Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland.

The majority of those who died had underlying health issues. Many more people were struck by the virus, but recovered.


VIDEO: Actress leads Davos meditation class

Media playback is unsupported on your device

Davos 2014: Actress Goldie Hawn leads meditation class

23 January 2014 Last updated at 15:45 GMT

Hollywood actress Goldie Hawn explains her reasons for leading a session on meditation for hard-pressed business executives at the 2014 World Economic Forum in Davos.

''Stress is a killer - it thwarts productivity'' she told the BBC.


Woman guilty of friend acid attack

Mary Konye guilty of acid attack on friend Naomi Oni

Naomi Oni before and after acid attack Naomi Oni was on her way home from work when she was attacked

A woman has been found guilty of throwing acid in the face of a friend while disguised in a veil.

Naomi Oni, 21, suffered burns to her face and chest in the attack near her home in Dagenham, east London.

Mary Konye, also 21, dressed in a veil and attacked Ms Oni after following her home, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

Konye, of Canning Town, denied throwing or casting a corrosive fluid with intent to burn, maim, disfigure, disable or do grievous bodily harm.

She attacked Ms Oni, an assistant at a Victoria's Secret lingerie shop, because she once called her ugly, the court heard.

Mary Konye, Mary Konye will be sentenced on 7 March

Following the attack on 30 December 2012, Konye pretended to give Ms Oni a shoulder to cry on.

The court heard that Ms Oni suffered serious burns to her face and chest, lost her hair and eyelashes.

Dressed in black, Konye remained calm as the jury of eight men and four women returned their verdict.

Judge David Radford warned Konye that she will face jail, saying: "I should make clear that, in my judgment, this is a case that will, in all likelihood, need a substantial custodial sentence."

He thanked the jurors for their efforts, saying they had looked at the evidence "with great thoroughness, taking your time to reach your verdict".

Ms Oni burst into tears as she left the courtroom and was hugged by friends and family.

CCTV footage obtained by police showed a figure in a niqab following Ms Oni as she left work at Westfield shopping centre in Stratford at about 23:30 GMT.

The jury heard the following day, Konye texted Ms Oni in hospital, saying: "OMG, I can't believe it."

The pair, who had been friends since secondary school, fell out in April 2011 when Ms Oni allegedly accused Konye of texting her boyfriend and called her an "ugly monster".

CCTV footage from Barking Station Mary Koyne was captured on CCTV following Naomi Oni

After the attack, Konye posted a picture of the burnt faced Freddy Krueger character from the horror film Nightmare on Elm Street, together with the message: "Who looks like Wrong Turn now?"

Following the verdict, investigating officer Det Ch Insp David Whellams said: "Konye was almost obsessively jealous of the victim's good looks and, after a previous argument between them, hatched an almost unbelievable plan to attack her with acid.

"The victim's life has been changed forever and she will always bear the scars of what happened, but she has been incredibly brave and I am pleased she has seen justice done today."

Konye will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 7 March.


Carney: No immediate rate rise needed

Davos 2014: Carney says no immediate rate rise needed

Mark Carney

Bank of England governor Mark Carney has said there is "no immediate need to increase interest rates".

He told BBC Newsnight the case for a rate rise would be examined in next month's inflation report, but that it was important to look at the whole labour market, not just one indicator.

On Wednesday, the jobless rate fell to 7.1%, close to the 7% at which Mr Carney said he would consider a rise.

He also said the change, when it comes, would be very gradual.

Mr Carney was asked whether it was a problem that the unemployment rate had come down so much faster than the Bank of England had been expecting.

The Bank was not expecting the rate to fall to 7% for another two years.

"If our forecast is going to be wrong it's better to be wrong in that direction," he said.

He said that the 7% figure was one that he had used to capture the idea that unemployment was going to have to fall considerably before he would "even begin to think about" raising rates.

Asked by Jeremy Paxman whether he would be announcing a new threshold rate for unemployment, he said that would be a decision for the whole of the rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) but that it was "really about overall conditions in the whole labour market", and he did not want to focus on just one indicator.

He said that productivity in the labour market was also an issue and that there were still many people working fewer hours than they wanted to.

He played down the importance of the increased growth forecast from the International Monetary Fund, pointing out that "it's coming off a low base" and the economy had still not recovered to its 2008 levels.

"The worst of the crisis is behind us but the financial system is not functioning as well as it could," he said. "Uncertainty among households and businesses is still preventing investment."

Salmond meeting

Mr Carney was asked about whether he would be happy for an independent Scotland to use the pound.

He stressed that it would not be his decision and the central bank would implement whatever Parliament decided.

But he revealed that he would be visiting Scotland next week to discuss it with First Minister Alex Salmond.

Mr Carney was talking to Newsnight at the World Economic Forum, in Davos.

You can see the full interview in the programme at 22:30 GMT.


NI child diagnosed with swine flu

Swine flu: NI child taken to Scottish hospital

Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland. Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland.

A primary school child from Belfast has been diagnosed with swine flu, the BBC has learned.

The child has been transferred to a hospital in Scotland.

It is understood that the child became unwell at the weekend and was admitted to the Royal Belfast hospital for sick children.

The patient was isolated but was then transferred to a hospital in Glasgow, possibly because the child required an ECMO machine to help with breathing.

It is unclear whether the virus was picked up in Northern Ireland but the BBC understands the family had previously travelled outside the country.

Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland.

The majority of those who died had underlying health issues. Many more people were struck by the virus, but recovered.


Carney: No immediate rate rise needed

Davos 2014: Carney says no immediate rate rise needed

Mark Carney

Bank of England governor Mark Carney has said there is "no immediate need to increase interest rates".

He told BBC Newsnight the case for a rate rise would be examined in next month's inflation report, but that it was important to look at the whole labour market, not just one indicator.

On Wednesday, the jobless rate fell to 7.1%, close to the 7% at which Mr Carney said he would consider a rise.

He also said the change, when it comes, would be very gradual.

Mr Carney was asked whether it was a problem that the unemployment rate had come down so much faster than the Bank of England had been expecting.

The Bank was not expecting the rate to fall to 7% for another two years.

"If our forecast is going to be wrong it's better to be wrong in that direction," he said.

He said that the 7% figure was one that he had used to capture the idea that unemployment was going to have to fall considerably before he would "even begin to think about" raising rates.

Asked by Jeremy Paxman whether he would be announcing a new threshold rate for unemployment, he said that would be a decision for the whole of the rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) but that it was "really about overall conditions in the whole labour market", and he did not want to focus on just one indicator.

He said that productivity in the labour market was also an issue and that there were still many people working fewer hours than they wanted to.

He played down the importance of the increased growth forecast from the International Monetary Fund, pointing out that "it's coming off a low base" and the economy had still not recovered to its 2008 levels.

"The worst of the crisis is behind us but the financial system is not functioning as well as it could," he said. "Uncertainty among households and businesses is still preventing investment."

Salmond meeting

Mr Carney was asked about whether he would be happy for an independent Scotland to use the pound.

He stressed that it would not be his decision and the central bank would implement whatever Parliament decided.

But he revealed that he would be visiting Scotland next week to discuss it with First Minister Alex Salmond.

Mr Carney was talking to Newsnight at the World Economic Forum, in Davos.

You can see the full interview in the programme at 22:30 GMT.


VIDEO: Actress leads Davos meditation class

Media playback is unsupported on your device

Davos 2014: Actress Goldie Hawn leads meditation class

23 January 2014 Last updated at 15:45 GMT

Hollywood actress Goldie Hawn explains her reasons for leading a session on meditation for hard-pressed business executives at the 2014 World Economic Forum in Davos.

''Stress is a killer - it thwarts productivity'' she told the BBC.


Chelsea agree Salah deal with Basel

23 January 2014 Last updated at 16:01

Mohamed Salah: Chelsea agree deal to sign Basel winger

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah from Swiss champions Basel for a fee in the region of £11m.

Salah, 21, is yet to undergo a medical or agree personal terms, but is expected to move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's Premier League rivals Liverpool had held talks with Basel with hope of making Salah their first signing of the January transfer window.

The Blues agreed to sell Juan Mata to Manchester United on Wednesday.

United's club-record £37m move for Mata appears to have encouraged Chelsea to move swiftly for Salah, who would become their third signing of the January transfer window after the arrival of Nemanja Matic and Bertrand Traore.

Salah, who can operate in a variety of attacking roles, has been tracked by a number of clubs after impressive displays in the Europa League last season and this year's Champions League.

The Egypt international scored against Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2013, before getting the only goal of the game in a victory over Jose Mourinho's side in the Champions League in December.

More to follow.


Woman guilty of friend acid attack

Mary Konye guilty of acid attack on friend Naomi Oni

Naomi Oni before and after acid attack Naomi Oni was on her way home from work when she was attacked

A woman has been found guilty of throwing acid in the face of a friend while disguised in a veil.

Naomi Oni, 21, suffered burns to her face and chest in the attack near her home in Dagenham, east London.

Mary Konye, also 21, dressed in a veil and attacked Ms Oni after following her home, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

Konye, of Canning Town, denied throwing or casting a corrosive fluid with intent to burn, maim, disfigure, disable or do grievous bodily harm.

She attacked Ms Oni, an assistant at a Victoria's Secret lingerie shop, because she once called her ugly, the court heard.

Mary Konye, Mary Konye will be sentenced on 7 March

Following the attack on 30 December 2012, Konye pretended to give Ms Oni a shoulder to cry on.

The court heard that Ms Oni suffered serious burns to her face and chest, lost her hair and eyelashes.

Dressed in black, Konye remained calm as the jury of eight men and four women returned their verdict.

Judge David Radford warned Konye that she will face jail, saying: "I should make clear that, in my judgment, this is a case that will, in all likelihood, need a substantial custodial sentence."

He thanked the jurors for their efforts, saying they had looked at the evidence "with great thoroughness, taking your time to reach your verdict".

Ms Oni burst into tears as she left the courtroom and was hugged by friends and family.

CCTV footage obtained by police showed a figure in a niqab following Ms Oni as she left work at Westfield shopping centre in Stratford at about 23:30 GMT.

The jury heard the following day, Konye texted Ms Oni in hospital, saying: "OMG, I can't believe it."

The pair, who had been friends since secondary school, fell out in April 2011 when Ms Oni allegedly accused Konye of texting her boyfriend and called her an "ugly monster".

CCTV footage from Barking Station Mary Koyne was captured on CCTV following Naomi Oni

After the attack, Konye posted a picture of the burnt faced Freddy Krueger character from the horror film Nightmare on Elm Street, together with the message: "Who looks like Wrong Turn now?"

Following the verdict, investigating officer Det Ch Insp David Whellams said: "Konye was almost obsessively jealous of the victim's good looks and, after a previous argument between them, hatched an almost unbelievable plan to attack her with acid.

"The victim's life has been changed forever and she will always bear the scars of what happened, but she has been incredibly brave and I am pleased she has seen justice done today."

Konye will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 7 March.


Woman guilty of friend acid attack

Mary Konye guilty of acid attack on friend Naomi Oni

Naomi Oni before and after acid attack Naomi Oni was on her way home from work when she was attacked

A woman has been found guilty of throwing acid in the face of a friend while disguised in a veil.

Naomi Oni, 21, suffered burns to her face and chest in the attack near her home in Dagenham, east London.

Mary Konye, also 21, dressed in a veil and attacked Ms Oni after following her home, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

Konye, of Canning Town, denied throwing or casting a corrosive fluid with intent to burn, maim, disfigure, disable or do grievous bodily harm.

She attacked Ms Oni, an assistant at a Victoria's Secret lingerie shop, because she once called her ugly, the court heard.

Mary Konye, Mary Konye will be sentenced on 7 March

Following the attack on 30 December 2012, Konye pretended to give Ms Oni a shoulder to cry on.

The court heard that Ms Oni suffered serious burns to her face and chest, lost her hair and eyelashes.

Dressed in black, Konye remained calm as the jury of eight men and four women returned their verdict.

Judge David Radford warned Konye that she will face jail, saying: "I should make clear that, in my judgment, this is a case that will, in all likelihood, need a substantial custodial sentence."

He thanked the jurors for their efforts, saying they had looked at the evidence "with great thoroughness, taking your time to reach your verdict".

Ms Oni burst into tears as she left the courtroom and was hugged by friends and family.

CCTV footage obtained by police showed a figure in a niqab following Ms Oni as she left work at Westfield shopping centre in Stratford at about 23:30 GMT.

The jury heard the following day, Konye texted Ms Oni in hospital, saying: "OMG, I can't believe it."

The pair, who had been friends since secondary school, fell out in April 2011 when Ms Oni allegedly accused Konye of texting her boyfriend and called her an "ugly monster".

CCTV footage from Barking Station Mary Koyne was captured on CCTV following Naomi Oni

After the attack, Konye posted a picture of the burnt faced Freddy Krueger character from the horror film Nightmare on Elm Street, together with the message: "Who looks like Wrong Turn now?"

Following the verdict, investigating officer Det Ch Insp David Whellams said: "Konye was almost obsessively jealous of the victim's good looks and, after a previous argument between them, hatched an almost unbelievable plan to attack her with acid.

"The victim's life has been changed forever and she will always bear the scars of what happened, but she has been incredibly brave and I am pleased she has seen justice done today."

Konye will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 7 March.


NI child diagnosed with swine flu

Swine flu: NI child taken to Scottish hospital

Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland. Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland.

A primary school child from Belfast has been diagnosed with swine flu, the BBC has learned.

The child has been transferred to a hospital in Scotland.

It is understood that the child became unwell at the weekend and was admitted to the Royal Belfast hospital for sick children.

The patient was isolated but was then transferred to a hospital in Glasgow, possibly because the child required an ECMO machine to help with breathing.

It is unclear whether the virus was picked up in Northern Ireland but the BBC understands the family had previously travelled outside the country.

Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland.

The majority of those who died had underlying health issues. Many more people were struck by the virus, but recovered.


VIDEO: Actress leads Davos meditation class

Media playback is unsupported on your device

Davos 2014: Actress Goldie Hawn leads meditation class

23 January 2014 Last updated at 15:45 GMT

Hollywood actress Goldie Hawn explains her reasons for leading a session on meditation for hard-pressed business executives at the 2014 World Economic Forum in Davos.

''Stress is a killer - it thwarts productivity'' she told the BBC.


Bieber held for 'drunk road racing'

Justin Bieber arrested in Miami Beach for 'drunk road racing'

Police mugshot of Justin Bieber. 23 Jan 2014 Miami Beach Police tweeted this mugshot of Justin Bieber after his arrest

Justin Bieber has been arrested in Miami and accused of road racing and driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs.

Miami Beach Police said the Canadian pop star was detained after racing on a street early on Thursday.

Police said he initially did not co-operate when pulled over and was charged with resisting arrest without violence.

The 19-year-old has had several run-ins with police in recent years.

The arrest comes a week after his home in Los Angeles was searched by police following allegations he had thrown eggs at his neighbour's house.

He was accused of causing significant damage to the property. One member of his entourage was arrested for alleged drug possession following the search.

In the latest incident, police said the singer had been driving a yellow Lamborghini when he was arrested in the early hours of Thursday.

The Miami Herald reported that members of the musician's entourage had apparently used their cars to block traffic on Pine Tree Drive at 26th Street, effectively creating a drag strip.

Police say the star didn't co-operate at first, questioning why he had been stopped. He also had an invalid Georgia driver's licence, officers said.

Chief Ray Martinez: "Mr Bieber smelled strongly of alcohol"

The driver of a second car, a red Ferrari, was also arrested and both cars impounded, said Miami Dade-Police spokesman Sgt Bobby Hernandez.

Police later named the other driver as an R&B singer known as Khalil.

"During the investigation Mr Bieber made statements that he had consumed some alcohol, that he had been smoking marijuana and consumed some prescription medication," said Miami Beach police chief Raymond Martinez.

"They were starting from a stop position and they were accelerating to a high rate of speed, going almost double the speed limit... in that area."

The street where police say the singer was racing is a residential area in mid-Miami Beach.

Impounded cars in Miami. 23 Jan 2014 A Lamborghini, right, and a Ferrari were both impounded by Miami police

Small apartment buildings are along one side of the street and on the other side are a high school, a youth centre, a golf course and a fire station.

In 2013, the singer was asked to remove graffiti he had left on the wall of a hotel in Australia. That came a month after he was charged in Brazil over a similar offence.

In 2012 he faced accusations of reckless driving, although prosecutors declined to press charges.

Justin Bieber lives in a gated community in Calabasas, about 30 miles north-west of central Los Angeles.

Prisoner van with Justin Bieber drives through Miami. 23 Jan 2014 TV cameras followed a police van believed to contain the star

Carney: No immediate rate rise needed

Davos 2014: Carney says no immediate rate rise needed

Mark Carney

Bank of England governor Mark Carney has said there is "no immediate need to increase interest rates".

He told BBC Newsnight the case for a rate rise would be examined in next month's inflation report, but that it was important to look at the whole labour market, not just one indicator.

On Wednesday, the jobless rate fell to 7.1%, close to the 7% at which Mr Carney said he would consider a rise.

He also said the change, when it comes, would be very gradual.

Mr Carney was asked whether it was a problem that the unemployment rate had come down so much faster than the Bank of England had been expecting.

The Bank was not expecting the rate to fall to 7% for another two years.

"If our forecast is going to be wrong it's better to be wrong in that direction," he said.

He said that the 7% figure was one that he had used to capture the idea that unemployment was going to have to fall considerably before he would "even begin to think about" raising rates.

Asked by Jeremy Paxman whether he would be announcing a new threshold rate for unemployment, he said that would be a decision for the whole of the rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) but that it was "really about overall conditions in the whole labour market", and he did not want to focus on just one indicator.

He said that productivity in the labour market was also an issue and that there were still many people working fewer hours than they wanted to.

He played down the importance of the increased growth forecast from the International Monetary Fund, pointing out that "it's coming off a low base" and the economy had still not recovered to its 2008 levels.

"The worst of the crisis is behind us but the financial system is not functioning as well as it could," he said. "Uncertainty among households and businesses is still preventing investment."

Salmond meeting

Mr Carney was asked about whether he would be happy for an independent Scotland to use the pound.

He stressed that it would not be his decision and the central bank would implement whatever Parliament decided.

But he revealed that he would be visiting Scotland next week to discuss it with First Minister Alex Salmond.

Mr Carney was talking to Newsnight at the World Economic Forum, in Davos.

You can see the full interview in the programme at 22:30 GMT.


NI child diagnosed with swine flu

Swine flu: NI child taken to Scottish hospital

Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland. Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland.

A primary school child from Belfast has been diagnosed with swine flu, the BBC has learned.

The child has been transferred to a hospital in Scotland.

It is understood that the child became unwell at the weekend and was admitted to the Royal Belfast hospital for sick children.

The patient was isolated but was then transferred to a hospital in Glasgow, possibly because the child required an ECMO machine to help with breathing.

It is unclear whether the virus was picked up in Northern Ireland but the BBC understands the family had previously travelled outside the country.

Three years ago an outbreak of swine flu killed almost 30 people in Northern Ireland.

The majority of those who died had underlying health issues. Many more people were struck by the virus, but recovered.


Bieber held for 'drunk road racing'

Justin Bieber arrested in Miami Beach for 'drunk road racing'

Police mugshot of Justin Bieber. 23 Jan 2014 Miami Beach Police tweeted this mugshot of Justin Bieber after his arrest

Justin Bieber has been arrested in Miami and accused of road racing and driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs.

Miami Beach Police said the Canadian pop star was detained after racing on a street early on Thursday.

Police said he initially did not co-operate when pulled over and was charged with resisting arrest without violence.

The 19-year-old has had several run-ins with police in recent years.

The arrest comes a week after his home in Los Angeles was searched by police following allegations he had thrown eggs at his neighbour's house.

He was accused of causing significant damage to the property. One member of his entourage was arrested for alleged drug possession following the search.

In the latest incident, police said the singer had been driving a yellow Lamborghini when he was arrested in the early hours of Thursday.

The Miami Herald reported that members of the musician's entourage had apparently used their cars to block traffic on Pine Tree Drive at 26th Street, effectively creating a drag strip.

Police say the star didn't co-operate at first, questioning why he had been stopped. He also had an invalid Georgia driver's licence, officers said.

Chief Ray Martinez: "Mr Bieber smelled strongly of alcohol"

The driver of a second car, a red Ferrari, was also arrested and both cars impounded, said Miami Dade-Police spokesman Sgt Bobby Hernandez.

Police later named the other driver as an R&B singer known as Khalil.

"During the investigation Mr Bieber made statements that he had consumed some alcohol, that he had been smoking marijuana and consumed some prescription medication," said Miami Beach police chief Raymond Martinez.

"They were starting from a stop position and they were accelerating to a high rate of speed, going almost double the speed limit... in that area."

The street where police say the singer was racing is a residential area in mid-Miami Beach.

Impounded cars in Miami. 23 Jan 2014 A Lamborghini, right, and a Ferrari were both impounded by Miami police

Small apartment buildings are along one side of the street and on the other side are a high school, a youth centre, a golf course and a fire station.

In 2013, the singer was asked to remove graffiti he had left on the wall of a hotel in Australia. That came a month after he was charged in Brazil over a similar offence.

In 2012 he faced accusations of reckless driving, although prosecutors declined to press charges.

Justin Bieber lives in a gated community in Calabasas, about 30 miles north-west of central Los Angeles.

Prisoner van with Justin Bieber drives through Miami. 23 Jan 2014 TV cameras followed a police van believed to contain the star

Woman guilty of friend acid attack

Mary Konye guilty of acid attack on friend Naomi Oni

Naomi Oni before and after acid attack Naomi Oni was on her way home from work when she was attacked

A woman has been found guilty of throwing acid in the face of a friend while disguised in a veil.

Naomi Oni, 21, suffered burns to her face and chest in the attack near her home in Dagenham, east London.

Mary Konye, also 21, dressed in a veil and attacked Ms Oni after following her home, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

Konye, of Canning Town, denied throwing or casting a corrosive fluid with intent to burn, maim, disfigure, disable or do grievous bodily harm.

She attacked Ms Oni, an assistant at a Victoria's Secret lingerie shop, because she once called her ugly, the court heard.

Mary Konye, Mary Konye will be sentenced on 7 March

Following the attack on 30 December 2012, Konye pretended to give Ms Oni a shoulder to cry on.

The court heard that Ms Oni suffered serious burns to her face and chest, lost her hair and eyelashes.

Dressed in black, Konye remained calm as the jury of eight men and four women returned their verdict.

Judge David Radford warned Konye that she will face jail, saying: "I should make clear that, in my judgment, this is a case that will, in all likelihood, need a substantial custodial sentence."

He thanked the jurors for their efforts, saying they had looked at the evidence "with great thoroughness, taking your time to reach your verdict".

Ms Oni burst into tears as she left the courtroom and was hugged by friends and family.

CCTV footage obtained by police showed a figure in a niqab following Ms Oni as she left work at Westfield shopping centre in Stratford at about 23:30 GMT.

The jury heard the following day, Konye texted Ms Oni in hospital, saying: "OMG, I can't believe it."

The pair, who had been friends since secondary school, fell out in April 2011 when Ms Oni allegedly accused Konye of texting her boyfriend and called her an "ugly monster".

CCTV footage from Barking Station Mary Koyne was captured on CCTV following Naomi Oni

After the attack, Konye posted a picture of the burnt faced Freddy Krueger character from the horror film Nightmare on Elm Street, together with the message: "Who looks like Wrong Turn now?"

Following the verdict, investigating officer Det Ch Insp David Whellams said: "Konye was almost obsessively jealous of the victim's good looks and, after a previous argument between them, hatched an almost unbelievable plan to attack her with acid.

"The victim's life has been changed forever and she will always bear the scars of what happened, but she has been incredibly brave and I am pleased she has seen justice done today."

Konye will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 7 March.


Bieber held for 'drunk drag-racing'

Justin Bieber arrested in Miami Beach for 'drunk road racing'

Justin Bieber (file image) Justin Bieber has had several run-ins with police in recent years

Justin Bieber has been arrested in Miami accused of road racing and driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs.

Miami Beach Police said the Canadian pop star was detained after racing on a street early on Thursday.

Police said he initially did not co-operate when pulled over and was charged with resisting arrest without violence.

The 19-year-old has had several run-ins with police in recent years.

The arrest comes a week after his home in Los Angeles was searched by police following allegations he had thrown eggs at his neighbour's house.

Chief Ray Martinez: "Mr Bieber smelled strongly of alcohol"

He was accused of causing significant damage to the property. One member of his entourage was arrested for alleged drug possession following the search.

In the latest incident, police said the singer had been driving a yellow Lamborghini when he was arrested in the early hours of Thursday.

The Miami Herald reported that members of the musician's entourage had apparently used their cars to block traffic on Pine Tree Drive at 26th Street, effectively creating a drag strip.

Police say the star didn't co-operate at first, questioning why he had been stopped. He also had an invalid Georgia driver's licence, officers said.

Impounded cars in Miami. 23 Jan 2014 A Lamborghini, right, and a Ferrari were both impounded by Miami police

The driver of a second car, a red Ferrari, was also arrested and both cars impounded, said Miami Dade-Police spokesman Sgt Bobby Hernandez.

Police later named the other driver as an R&B singer known as Khalil.

"During the investigation Mr Bieber made statements that he had consumed some alcohol, that he had been smoking marijuana and consumed some prescription medication," said Miami Beach police chief Raymond Martinez.

"They were starting from a stop position and they were accelerating to a high rate of speed, going almost double the speed limit... in that area."

The street where police say the singer was racing is a residential area in mid-Miami Beach.

Small apartment buildings are along one side of the street and on the other side are a high school, a youth centre, a golf course and a fire station.

In 2013, the singer was asked to remove graffiti he had left on the wall of a hotel in Australia. That came a month after he was charged in Brazil over a similar offence.

In 2012 he faced accusations of reckless driving, although prosecutors declined to press charges.

Justin Bieber lives in a gated community in Calabasas, about 30 miles north-west of central Los Angeles.

Prisoner van with Justin Bieber drives through Miami. 23 Jan 2014 TV cameras followed a police van believed to contain the star