Stun Gun Attack On Bouncer: Image Of Suspect

Police searching for a "violent man" who gave a bouncer an electric shock with a stun gun have released a CCTV image of the suspect as they made an appeal.

The offender tried to get into a Manchester nightclub and when refused entry he became abusive with door staff, said Greater Manchester officers.

The suspect argued with the bouncers and struggled with one of them at the Liars Club on Back Bridge Street, Manchester city centre, police added.

As the bouncer was about to restrain him, the offender prodded the device on the man's arm and then left while the victim was recovering from the electric shock, the force went on.

The attack happened at about 12.45am on Tuesday October 2, 2012.

The suspect, who got into a black Mercedes, is described as being of mixed race, about 30 years old, with short dark hair.

He is about 5ft 10in tall, of athletic build and was wearing a green jacket.

Detective Sergeant Shagufta Khan said: "The consequences of this offence could have been much more severe and this violent man needs to be caught.

"I would urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to call us."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3540 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Rory McIlroy Signs Nike Deal 'Worth £156m'

Golfer Rory McIlroy has landed a major sponsorship deal with Nike, reportedly worth up to £156m.

The exact value of the agreement may not be revealed when it is formally announced in Abu Dhabi.

But reports say it will earn the 23-year-old anywhere from £62m in a five-year contract to, according to The Sun, as much as £156m over 10 years.

The larger figure would dwarf Tiger Woods' £124m 10-year deal with Nike. It is also significantly bigger than the estimated £100m lifetime deal David Beckham has with Nike's rival, Adidas.

The Northern Irish star, whose girlfriend is Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, has become hot property after winning two of golf's majors in two years, the US Open and the US PGA.

By becoming the face of Nike the player is expected to boost the sportswear firm's sales of clubs, balls and clothing in the US market, where he has a large fanbase.

However, it has been reported the star, whose partnerships have included deals with Santander, will be barred from taking other endorsements as part of the agreement.

McIlroy reportedly earned more than $13m (£8m) in prizes last season, with a further $12-15m (£7.4m-9.3m) in endorsements and appearance payments.

He is currently ranked number one in the world golf rankings, with Woods in second.

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William And Kate: Baby Due To Be Born In July

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's baby is due in July, St James' Palace has announced.

Kate's condition is also continuing to improve following her stay in hospital last month for a severe form of morning sickness, a spokesman for the couple said.

The Duchess is believed to be around 13 to 14 weeks pregnant and confirmation of the birth month means it is likely she has now had a routine 12-week scan.

"Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in July," a St James' Palace spokesman said.

"The Duchess's condition continues to improve since her stay in hospital last month."

The Duchess at an unveiling of her first official portrait last week

The announcement brings confirmation that Kate is expecting just one baby, following speculation she might have been carrying twins.

The Duchess has been suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, which causes severe vomiting during pregnancy and is more often experienced by women expecting a multiple birth.

The condition is most common in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and often eases off in the second trimester of pregnancy, which Kate is believed to be entering now.

Kate's pregnancy was announced earlier than planned on December 3 after she was admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital over the illness.

Sky News Royal Correspondent Paul Harrison said no specific due date had been revealed because traditionally a due month is announced, as was the case for Princes William and Harry.

He said: "July fits in with a lot of speculation recently - if you consider that you don't generally announce your pregnancy until 14 weeks.

"Kate and William had to because she was admitted to hospital in early December. It sits perfectly for a mid-July birth."

The new prince or princess could end up sharing a birthday with William's mother, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, who was born on July 1.

A spokesman for the couple said they were unlikely to undertake any engagements in the next few weeks because William would be concentrating on his flying with the RAF Search and Rescue Force.

The couple went on a nine-day trip to Asia and the Pacific in mid-September

He added that Kate was likely to return to engagements "in the near future".

However, once the due date draws near, any major trips - along the lines of their joint nine-day visit to Asia and the Pacific in mid-September of last year - are expected to be off the cards.

The Queen has acted to ensure the new arrival - a future King or Queen - will be entitled to be a princess if William and Kate have a daughter.

Under past rules, a daughter would have been styled Lady instead and not known as Her Royal Highness - only a first-born boy born to the Cambridges would automatically have become a prince.

The Queen has issued a Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm declaring: "All the children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales should have and enjoy the style, title and attribute of royal highness with the titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their Christian names or with such other titles of honour."

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EastEnders Actress Killed 'After Brother Row'

Former EastEnders actress Gemma McCluskie was beaten to death by her brother after a row over an overflowing sink, a court has heard.

Cannabis-smoking Tony McCluskie had left taps on at the London flat they shared and Miss McCluskie, 29, thought this was the "last straw".

She drove home to ask him to leave but was never seen alive again, the Old Bailey was told.

Jurors were told McCluskie killed his sister, cut up her body and dumped her remains in a canal - before leading police on a "wild goose chase" after reporting her missing last March.

McCluskie, 35, of Pelter Street, Shoreditch, east London, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies murder.

He says that he "blanked out" after arguing with her and has no recollection of killing her, the court heard.

Miss McCluskie played Kerry Skinner, the niece of Ethel Skinner, in the BBC soap in 2001.

Crispin Aylett, QC, prosecuting, said: "For some time, there had been tension between Miss McCluskie and her brother.

"To Gemma, this was largely as a result of the defendant's habitual use of cannabis - and its most toxic form, skunk.

"Gemma told a friend 'He's permanently stoned. He puts a spliff in his mouth first thing in the morning and doesn't know what he's doing'."

He said Miss McCluskie had discovered her brother had left taps on in the sink on Thursday, March 1 of last year and was "exasperated". Her friends later heard her arguing on the phone with her brother.

Mr Aylett said: "It is clear that Gemma regarded this incident as the last straw and that she wanted the defendant to move out."

The next day, McCluskie sent his sister a text pretending she was still alive and ending "Love ya xx", the court heard.

Her friends became concerned when they were unable to reach her and called or sent texts to the defendant, asking if he had heard from her.

He reported her missing to police, who classed her disappearance as low-risk based on details given by her brother.

The following Sunday, McCluskie told officers that a former boyfriend owed her money.

One hundred of her friends held a meeting in a local pub and then distributed leaflets appealing for help.

Her brother did not turn up at the pub until after the meeting had broken up, said Mr Aylett.

On the following Tuesday, a woman on a barge on the canal in Hackney, east London, noticed a floating suitcase. It hit the vessel and sprung open.

Mr Aylett said: "Inside was a female torso, no legs, no arms and no head." Miss McCluskie had been identified by a small tattoo on her body.

Over the next fortnight, her arms and legs were recovered separately from the water.

But her head, which had been dumped in the canal at the same time, was not found until September.

Mr Aylett said McCluskie told police that his sister had been seen in a kebab shop after she went missing, and that she had visited their mother in hospital.

But scientists had found blood in the bathroom and a blood-stained knife in the kitchen of the flat.

Police discovered that a man with a suitcase, who matched McCluskie's description, had taken a minicab to the canal the day after his sister disappeared.

Blood was found in the boot of the car, Mr Aylett said, and McCluskie's father and brother "no doubt with heavy hearts" said they recognised him from CCTV.

Mr Aylett continued: "The defendant must have killed Gemma, no doubt in the course of a quarrel."

Bruises were found on Miss McCluskie's arms and legs made before she died, and there were signs she had been struck over the head at least twice with a blunt instrument.

Mr Aylett said the prosecution did not accept the defendant's claims that he did not know how he killed his sister, nor remember cutting up and dumping her body.

"No doubt he did it in the heat of the moment, no doubt he soon came to regret what he had done," added Mr Aylett.

"He did everything he could to put himself beyond suspicion."

The trial continues.

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Silvio Berlusconi Fails To Get Trial Delayed

The belly dancer who Silvio Berlusconi is accused of paying for sex when she was underage has been told she no longer has to attend his trial.

Lawyers for the former Italian prime minister made a late submission asking that Karima el-Mahroug, also known as Ruby The Heart Stealer, be dismissed.

The 20-year-old Moroccan had shown up at the courtroom in Milan having previously failed to turn up twice.

Berlusconi is accused of paying for sex with Ms El Mahroug when she was underage and then trying to cover it up. She was said to be 17 at the time. Both deny sexual contact.

Ms El Mahroug had been due to appear as a witness for the defence, but Berlusconi's lawyer announced they no longer needed to hear her evidence.

Berlusconi is in the middle of an election campaign.

Judges hearing the trial agreed, but decided the 76-year-old's trial would have to go ahead, despite his lawyers asking for it to be postponed.

They deliberated for four hours before delivering their decision.

The former Italian premier's lawyer, Niccolo Ghedini, had filed a motion to suspend the proceedings shortly after they started, saying it was impossible for his client to defend himself properly while he was involved in an election campaign.

Italy is in the middle of a campaign to choose a new government. Berlusconi is leading the centre-right wing People of Freedom party (PDL) and would become prime minister again if the party won.

Mr Ghedini said he wanted "to avoid the possibility of the trial influencing the campaign", as any development would have repercussions in the media.

Because Ms El-Mahroug had failed to attend court previously, there were fears she would not turn up for her latest appearance.

But just before the hearing got under way in at Milan's Central Court, she arrived with her lawyer wearing a dark coat with fur trim and carrying a Louis Vuitton handbag.

She had to fight her way through a jostling scrum of photographers in order to get into the court.

Ms El-Mahroug was due to be the last witness due to testify. Because she now doesn't have to testify, a verdict could come before the two polling days on February 24 and 25.

She had previously told her lawyer she could not attend because she was on holiday in Mexico. The prosecution alleged her earlier absence was a "stalling tactic" aimed at delaying the verdict.

Berlusconi faces up to 15 years in jail if he is found guilty. However, he is entitled to two appeals which could take several months or even years. Those over 70 are also less likely to face prison.

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April's Death: Bridger 'Probably Responsible'

By Mike McCarthy, Sky News Correspondent

The man accused of the abduction and murder of April Jones has pleaded not guilty, though his barrister says he is "probably responsible" for her death.

Mark Bridger, 47, sat in the dock at Mold Crown Court flanked by two security guards as details of the charges were read out. 

He clearly replied "not guilty" as five-year-old April's parents stared into the glass-fronted dock.

The judge made an order under the Contempt of Court Act that none of the evidence mentioned should be publicly reported.

But he added that Bridger's barrister's statement that the former lifeguard was "probably responsible" for April's death could be reported.

Earlier the murmurings from people gathering in Court One were silenced as Mr and Mrs Jones walked in with police family liaison officers.

Mrs Jones shook her head as Bridger was led back into custody by court officers after the hearing.

As well as facing charges of abducting and murdering April, he is also accused of unlawfully disposing of and concealing her body with intent to pervert the course of justice.

April's parents leave court after attending the hearing

The girl was last seen playing on her bike on Machynlleth's Bryn-y-Gog estate, in north Wales, where she lived, on October 1 last year.

Her disappearance sparked an outpouring of public support, with hundreds of people joining the search in the early days. 

On the day she went missing, Mr and Mrs Jones had allowed April to play out late as a treat after she received a glowing report from school.

Bridger was arrested the following day.

Officers resumed efforts to find April's body on January 7 after a two-week break.

In December, Superintendent Ian John, who is heading the search, said it would continue on the same scale and with equal numbers into the new year.

Just before Christmas her parents made an emotional plea on Facebook which said: "We just want you home for Christmas."

The message continued: "11 weeks now my baby April been missing. It's so hard you not here running around asking how long before Father Christmas is coming + you trying to open your present + try and help us wrap presents for family + friends ... please come home."

Bridger, who appeared in court wearing jeans and a navy sweater, will face trial next month.

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Man Admits Murdering Vet Catherine Gowing

A man has admitted murdering Irish vet Catherine Gowing, who went missing in North Wales last year.

The 37-year-old's body has never been fully recovered, although remains were found at two rural locations near her home in Flintshire, north Wales, and near Chester.

Clive Sharp, 46, of no fixed address, has pleaded guilty to her murder at a hearing at Mold Crown Court. His sentencing has been adjourned to February 25.

The judge said that he would not need pre-sentence or psychiatric reports and said that clearly there could only be one sentence, that of life imprisonment.

But he said the minimum length of the sentence was something he would need to think about.

Ms Gowing was living in New Brighton, Flintshire, when she disappeared on October 12, 2012.

She had been working at a vet's practice in Mold.

She was last seen since at about 8pm on the day she went missing when she was picked up on CCTV leaving an Asda supermarket in Queensferry.

Her burned-out car was found in a disused quarry near her home a week later.

It took nearly three weeks before two sets of remains, later identified as Ms Gowing's, were discovered in a shallow pool in Sealand, Flintshire, and at Higher Ferry, next to the River Dee, in Chester.

Her murder is said to have taken place sometime between October 11 and October 17 in North Wales.

More than 300 people attended a remembrance service in Kinnitty, County Offaly, in the Irish Republic, earlier this month.

Her sister Emma told a packed church that she was "the closest person to perfection", she knew.

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Apple Shares Drop On Weak iPhone Demand Report

Shares in Apple have fallen after a newspaper report said orders were cut for spare parts due to unexpectedly weak demand for the iPhone 5.

Apple's share price dropped in early pre-market trading by almost 4% to below $500 (£310) - a place the company was around a year ago and well below the year-long peak of $705 (£430).

Shares rallied slightly after the opening bell.

The Wall Street Journal said two unnamed sources told it that Apple's first-quarter orders for iPhone 5 screens have dropped to about half of what the company had planned.

The report indicated one source also said the US-based firm had cut orders for other components, and that the order cut occurred last month.

Apple did not immediately reply to requests for a comment.

Samsung's Galaxy S III - the firm has sold more smartphones than Apple

The move is seen by analysts as a sign that new iPhone sales have been worse than expected as demand wanes.

Apple, the world's most valuable technology firm, has been facing increased competition from Samsung and other makers of smartphones that run Google's Android operating system.

South Korea's Samsung has already overtaken Apple as the world's largest smartphone vendor by market share, with some 50% greater unit movement.

Android devices accounted for 75% of smartphone shipments during the three months ending in September, up from 58% at the same time in 2011, according to the research firm IDC.

The iPhone's share stood at 15% in September, up from 14% in the previous year.

Google says more than 500 million Android devices have been activated since the software's release four years ago.

By comparison, Apple had sold about 271 million iPhones up to the end of last September.

Apple has also had to recently weather criticism of the conditions of its workers at massive production facilities in China, which are operated by Taiwan's Foxconn.

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Snow: Cold Snap Brings Fears Of Travel Chaos

A heavier band of snow is on its way prompting fears of travel chaos in parts of Britain as people return home from work.

The worst affected areas are expected to be North East England, Yorkshire, East Anglia and the East Midlands, with up to 10cm (4in) of snow predicted to fall on higher ground.

The Met Office has issued amber warnings for these areas, highlighting the hazardous conditions and likelihood of disruption to travel services caused by the ice, snow and freezing temperatures.

There are also eight yellow warnings covering parts of England and Scotland, making people aware of possible disruption.

A dusting of snow was earlier reported in the Midlands, southeast England, Yorkshire and parts of Scotland.

A heavier band of sleet and snow is expected to move eastwards across the country, with

Amber and yellow warnings have been issued in the UK

Central England will generally see up to 5cm (2in) of snow with temperatures hovering around 1C (33.8F).

The second highest ice and snow alert - level three - is in force for the whole of England - with a 90% chance of severe cold conditions between now and Friday and temperatures falling to below zero overnight.

Sky News weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said: "Central and eastern parts of England will have snow showers this morning, perhaps quite sleety in parts of the Midlands.

"This afternoon there will be further rain, sleet and snow for central and eastern England, southern areas most likely to have rain or sleet.

"Rain and sleet as well for Wales and western England first thing. Once this clears south-eastwards, it'll be drier and brighter for the afternoon but with some showers, some of which will be heavy and wintry."

Children play on their sledge in Bingham, Nottinghamshire

Greater Anglia trains has warned of disruptions to services after placing speed restrictions on some lines because of snow.

It said trains between London Liverpool Street and Cambridge, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich may be delayed by up to 30 minutes, while some early evening services face cancellation.

Leeds Bradford Airport reported severe weather was causing disruption to its flight schedule - but it later removed the warning from its website.

Staff at Heathrow Airport monitored the weather closely but no flights were cancelled due to the weather.

The Highways Agency reported no major problems overnight, but are still braced for potential adverse weather conditions to come.

The agency has said it is "well prepared" for winter conditions.

Eastergate, West Sussex, by Sky News viewer Grannygill

A spokeswoman said: "We have a fleet of 500 state-of-the-art winter vehicles on standby, supported by tried-and-tested winter resilience plans.

"We have reviewed salt stock levels and taken action where needed to enhance our resilience and we have again established a reserve salt stock to help ensure that there is enough salt to deal with severe winter.

"Our roads will be treated whenever there is a risk of ice or snow. However, even when roads have been treated, drivers should still take care, especially on stretches where the local road layout or landscape means there could be a greater risk of ice forming."

Looking ahead to Tuesday, Ghaffar said it would be "cold again but most places will be dry with sunshine. There will be wintry showers down the east coasts with the chance of some heavier snow across Kent".

"Wintry showers as well across western coasts, especially for Wales and south-west England."

Temperatures are expected to drop further to around -8C on Wednesday night with the possibility of more light snow flurries.

:: Send us your photos or videos of the snow where you are.

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Devon Tugboat Crash: Boat It Was Towing Sinks

A salvage operation to save a tugboat carrying 200 tons of diesel off the Devon coast is "going well".

Eight people had to be rescued from Christos 22 which is at risk of sinking off the Devon coast after a collision with a vessel it was towing.

The boat, which was travelling from Germany to Turkey, was damaged as it tried to anchor a mile off Hope's Nose in Torbay.

The towed vessel, which was also damaged and began taking in water rapidly, has been allowed to sink.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman said: "Attention has now turned to the towed vessel, an ex-German naval training ship the Emsstrom, which had been listing too heavily for salvors to get on board.

"This vessel has now sunk, approximately 2.5 nautical miles east by north from Hope's Nose, Torquay, in 23 metres (75ft) of water.

The crash happened near Hope's Nose

"This ship is empty and is not a pollution risk."

Engineers and seaman are on board the Christos 22 and are pumping water from the vessel.

Divers have also been deployed to inspect and repair the hull of the damaged vessel.

The spokeswoman also moved to allay fears of a major diesel spill involving the tugboat, saying:  "The tug Christos 22, damaged after the vessel it was towing collided into its side off Torbay yesterday, is now stable with risk of pollution very low.

"The pumping out of water continues to go well.

"The situation is more stable and it was confirmed at first light that there is no report of pollution. Salvors are onboard the tug Christos 22, pumping operations continue to go well. Divers now deployed to inspect and repair."

The watch manager at Brixham Coastguard praised the efforts of HMS Severn and HMS Lancaster, saying their quick response was likely to have saved the boat.

A Brixham Coastguard spokesman previously said: "The problem is this is happening quite close to shore and if this boat sinks there could be a big pollution problem.

"There is a lot of diesel on the boat, and there's a good chance the diesel would leak if it sinks.

"It would contaminate the local beaches - all this part of the coast is a holiday coastline. It is also a fishing area and would impact on the local birds and wildlife."

Christos 22 had pulled into the coastline in order to check a problem with the tow at around 7pm last night when it was hit and began taking on water rapidly.

Torbay Life Boat and Exmouth Life Boat were the first to respond to a May Day call, rescuing six of the eight crew who were unhurt.

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