A Good Samaritan van driver is fighting for life in hospital today after being dragged along a motorway by an opportunist thief he had tried to help. The 28-year-old victim stopped his VW Caddy van after seeing a lorry had overturned on the M602 motorway near Salford, Greater Manchester, at 8.30am yesterday. He got out on the hard shoulder - leaving his keys in his ignition - and walked over to see if he could help him. Good Samaritan: The driver stopped to help the driver of this overturned lorry but they then stole his van and dragged him along a motorway leaving him critically ill . Attack: The van driver is in a critical condition after the incident on the M602 motorway near Salford, pictured, . But the lorry driver then jumped in to the man's VW and drove away, prompting the stunned victim to desperately cling on to his van. Greater Manchester Police revealed the van driver is in a 'critical condition' in hospital with severe head injuries after being dragged 'some distance' down the M602 before falling off. Detectives are questioning a 43-year-old man, believed to be the lorry driver, on suspicion of attempted murder. But they are appealing for any eye-witnesses and said the white VW Caddy was driven onto the M60 towards Stockport and remains missing. A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: 'At around 8.30am on Sunday March 1  a lorry overturned on the Warrington-bound M602 slip road just outside Salford. 'The 28-year-old victim pulled his VW Caddy van over to the hard shoulder, thinking that he would be able to assist the driver of the lorry. 'He left his keys in the ignition as he went to help, only for the lorry driver to jump into his van and drive off, with the victim still clinging to the vehicle. 'The victim was dragged for some distance along the motorway before he fell off and sustained serious head injuries.' Appeal: Police are yet to find the stolen white VW Caddy, file picture, which has the registration number DY14 FPN . Detective Sergeant Julie Connor from Salford CID said: 'The injured man is in a critical condition at hospital. 'We are keen to trace anyone who witnessed this incident and to recover the stolen VW Caddy van registration number DY14 FPN'. Anyone with information is asked to call Salford CID on 0161 856 5351 quoting log number 723. Or witnesses can call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary:
Victim, 28, is critically ill with serious head injuries after incident yesterday .
He had stopped when he saw an overturned van on the M602 near Salford .
Man he stopped to help jumped into his van and he managed to cling on .
Police say  he was dragged considerable distance along the motorway .
Detectives are questioning 43-year-old on suspicion of attempted murder .
Officers want to trace VW Caddy van with registration number DY14 FPN .


Catherine McClennan, from Ainsdale, Southport, took the Trades Union Congress to court, claiming that she was stripped of her responsibilities following the birth of her third child . A TUC manager has won a payout from union bosses after it 'carved up her role and forced her out of her job' while she was away on maternity leave. Catherine McClennan, from Ainsdale, Southport, claims that she was stripped of her responsibilities at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) following the birth of her third child. The mother-of-three began working for the organisation, which fights for workers' rights, in 2006 as a senior manager in the learning and skills section at its Liverpool office. After finding out she was pregnant with her son, Allister, now three, she went on maternity leave in early 2012. But while she was away she claims many of her responsibilities had been given away to colleagues. By the time she returned to work in January 2013, she said it was as if her whole career had been taken away from her. Ms McClennan says her job was later scrapped and she was pitted against two colleagues for another position. She took redundancy in February last year and now has a new job helping to improve NHS maternity services. She argued this was discrimination and an employment tribunal in Liverpool ruled in her favour this month. Ms McClennan, 43, said: 'The TUC needs to start practising what it preaches. 'The TUC should be an exemplar employer but that couldn't be further from the truth in my case.' The TUC, which represents 54 British trade unions and campaigns for better workplace rights, denied it had discriminated against Ms McClennan. But with backing from trade union Unite, Ms McClennan took the TUC to court for maternity discrimination – leading to a five-day hearing at Liverpool Civil and Family Court this month. The mother-of-three began working for the organisation, which fights for workers' rights, in 2006 as a senior manager in the learning and skills section at its Liverpool office. By the time she returned to work in January 2013 from maternity leave, she said it was as if her whole career had been taken away from her . Ms McClennan took the TUC to court for maternity discrimination – leading to a five-day hearing at Liverpool Civil and Family Court this month . The court upheld her case and ordered the organisation to pay an undisclosed amount of compensation. She said: 'When I returned I was marginalised and sidelined. I had to fight for my responsibilities back. 'Before my maternity leave I was on an upward trajectory but when I came back it was as if my whole career had been taken off me. I continued to complain but absolutely nothing was done about it.' Ms McClennan says her job was later scrapped and she was pitted against two colleagues for another position. She took redundancy in February last year and now has a new job helping to improve NHS maternity services. Ms McClennan says her job at the Liverpool offices (pictured) was later scrapped and she was pitted against two colleagues for another position. She took redundancy in February last year and now has a new job helping to improve NHS maternity services . She said: 'I felt I was forced out. Employers should support women who come back from maternity leave but instead I was sidelined and they tried to cover this up. 'Coming back after having a child is hard enough without being subjected to discrimination. What happened is a great shame and was incredibly stressful. 'I have daughters and nieces so I felt this was a case I had to fight for the sake of future generations.' Ms McClennan's solicitor Steve Pinder, head of employment law at Liverpool-based EAD Solicitors, said: 'This case shows women who take maternity leave are still subject to difficult working conditions and still struggle to get their jobs back. 'When Catherine went back to work there was a complete absence of any plan to get her back into the workplace and she spent over a year trying to get her job back.' A TUC spokesman said: 'We vigorously contested this case but the tribunal has made an award for injury to feelings even though there was no malicious or conscious attempt to discriminate.' The TUC recently published a report called The Pregnancy Test: Ending discrimination at work for new mothers, which advised women how to cope with returning to work from maternity leave. It warned that women may face changes on their return, including having been effectively demoted while they were away, and called for an end to discrimination of working mothers. It said: 'Employers must learn lessons from pregnancy and maternity discrimination cases brought against them. 'At the moment, about half of employers fail to implement any changes following a finding of discrimination. 'Therefore, tribunals must have the power to make recommendations that an employer change their practice to protect other women from similar treatment. 'These recommendations must be enforceable against the employer.'

Summary:
Catherine McClennan was a senior manager at the union in Liverpool .
She went on maternity leave while pregnant with her third child in 2012 .
While away, she says her responsibilities were handed out to other people .
She claimed discrimination and a court upheld her claim for compensation .


A man accused of carrying out attacks on five separate public places had a crossbow and hundreds of rounds of ammunition stored at his house. Hong Young chose his targets at random with the first attack taking place at Arundel Mills mall, Maryland, on February 24, police said. The 35-year-old, from Beltsville, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with attempted murder and assault after police spotted a 1999 Lincoln Town car linked to him near the site. Scroll down for video . A man accused of firing at five public places in Maryland had a crossbow and hundreds of rounds of ammunition stored at his house . After searching his two-storey house they found ten weapons including several handguns. The mall shooting was the first of five attacks by Young in the last week. It involved a 61-year-old man who had the windows of his car shot out as he was driving through the shopping complex on February 24 around 7.30am. The following Saturday the footage of the Lincoln Town car was released, according to the Baltimore Sun. But police were notified of a second shooting at a Walmart in Laurel on Monday. That same day, cleaning crew staff reportedly heard gunshots around 5.10am at the AMC Theater in Columbia. Hong Young (left) has been charged with attempted murder and assault after the five attacks. Police searching his house (right) found ten weapons . After searching his two-storey house police also found a variety of ammunition kept in wooden drawers . One of the weapons discovered at the 35-year-old's home in Beltsville, Maryland was a large black gun . Tuesday, February 24, 7.30am: Arundel Mills shopping complex . Saturday, February 28: Footage of Lincoln Town car released . Monday, March 2, early morning: Walmart in Laurel . Monday, March 2, 5.10am: AMC Theater at The Mall in Columbia . Tuesday, March 3, 3pm: Intercounty Connector in Laurel . Tuesday, March 3, 5pm: National Security Agency in Fort Meade . On Tuesday a dump truck carrying two Nelson Tree specialist workers was travelling eastbound on the Intercounty Connector when it was struck by gunshots coming from a nearby wood. The attack, which happened just before 3pm, left both passengers with injuries. One was hurt by shattered glass and the other bruised from a bullet fragment, according to the Washington Post. Just two hours later the National Security Agency (NSA) in Fort Meade was targeted and several gunshots struck one of its office buildings. No injuries were reported, a spokesman for the NSA told the Daily Mail Online. A police spokesman said Young was being monitored at a nearby hospital under police guard. Investigators will look into whether Young is tied to all five incidents spread across three different Maryland counties (above map showing where the shootings took place) Police were searching for a grey or blue Lincoln Town car (above), which was spotted near some of the crime scenes. They believe it belongs to Young . He said: 'Clearly, he was continuing to do it until he got caught. 'This guy apparently has some other issues going on that our detectives continue to follow up on.' Young filed for divorce in September after nearly seven years of marriage, but the case was dismissed on Monday because his wife had not been served with documents in the case. Stephen Moyer, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary, said Young was a prison guard from January 2012 to May 2014. Surveillance videos captured the car (above) but did not determine the number plate or identity of the shooter . One attack involved the National Security Agency (NSA) in Fort Meade (above). There were no injuries to any staff, a spokesman said . He said: 'There was nothing significant about his employment. 'He was assigned to one of the medium security facilities in Jessup. He resigned. There was nothing remarkable about his file.' Investigators are working to determine a motive, but do not believe the shootings are terrorism related. It is a case with chilling similarities to the DC sniper attacks of 2002 when John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo killed ten people from a hidden firing spot in the back of their blue Chevrolet Sedan. But this time County Chief Timothy Altomare said everyone was 'alive and well'. He said: 'Most of us here probably, in some way, shape or form, are aware of the events 15 years ago with the DC sniper case. 'As soon as we started to hear about the possibility of this stuff being linked, we kicked every effort we had into overdrive.' The back-to-back shootings in Maryland on Tuesday sparked flashbacks to 2002 when a sniper, John Allen Muhammad (left) and his 17-year-old accomplice Lee Boyd Malvo (right), terrorized the Washington, DC area in a series of seemingly random shootings . Back-to-back shootings in Maryland on Tuesday sparked flashbacks to 2002 when a sniper terrorized the Washington, DC area in a series of seemingly random shootings. Ten people were killed and three injured in the October 14 shootings, which authorities eventually connected to two perpetrators working in tandem. John Allen Muhammad and his 17-year-old accomplice Lee Boyd Malvo started their spree in February 2002, with murders in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas and Washington State. The cross-country spree resulted in the deaths of seven people and left seven injured. It was only in October that they began to target the Virginia and Maryland areas immediately surrounding DC - earning the name the Beltway sniper attacks. The attacks left DC residents afraid to leave their houses for weeks. People would be shot at random and from a distance, so were never confronted with the attacker. But Muhammad apparently grew tired of the anonymity and started leaving behind objects at the crimes scenes including a Tarot card inscribed with the phrase 'Call me God'. Muhammad and Malvo's reign of terror was finally brought to an end on October 24 when they were found sleeping in a car in Myersville, Maryland and taken into custody. The following September, Muhammad went on trial for his crimes and was sentenced to death. His accomplice Malvo testified at his trial saying the two planned to shoot six people a day for 30 days - though that plan failed. When Malvo went on trial, his attorneys painted him as being under the influence of Muhammad and therefore not as equal a partner in their crimes, which is perhaps the reason he received a lesser sentence of life in prison without parole. Muhammad was executed by lethal injection on November 10, 2009.

Summary:
Ten weapons found at Hong Young's house in Beltsville, Maryland .
35-year-old arrested after five public places targeted in the last week .
Most recent shooting was at National Security Agency headquarters .
Other targets include a shopping complex, Walmart and a truck .
Mirrors Washington attacks where ten died from 'sniper' shootings in 2002 .


(CNN)A well-heeled employer goes back to his hotel after a hard(ish) day's work and finds no hot dinner on the table. He snaps, lashing out (allegedly) at the nearest underling who could be held responsible. Within days, almost 1 million people sign a petition for him not to lose his job, while the suspension of the TV program he presents loses the BBC 4 million viewers. Why is this man so popular that he can be accused of abusing his staff (not to mention members of other ethnic groups and nationalities) and seemingly get away with it? A serial offender, Jeremy Clarkson seems to enjoy a charmed life. But, with the BBC now deliberating over his future, has his luck finally run out? Not a chance. Clarkson, like so many celebrities, sees his stock grow with every controversy. Every indiscretion seems calculated to raise his profile and boost his esteem among his fervent followers that little bit further. The "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" incident, which saw the N-word slip out -- whoops, did I really hear what I think I heard? -- was designed to achieve just the right effect: offensive enough to generate howls of protest, but trivial enough for his fans to spring to his defense, crying "over-reaction" and "storm in a teacup." The presenter later apologized, saying his efforts to obscure the offending word "weren't quite good enough." On this latest occasion, was it the beleaguered producer lodging a complaint, or, like any normal person who's been punched in the face by a thug, pressing charges with the local constabulary? No, it was none other than Clarkson who willingly gave himself up to the corporation. Go on, sack me, he seemed to be saying, when he told a reporter that his dismissal "is coming, isn't it?" See how my adoring public likes that. Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho are, like Clarkson, seasoned experts in rebranding themselves (or their team) as the victims, even when they seem to have everything going for them bar the position of the stars. They have all perfected the glum, hangdog expression that invites sympathy, begging forgiveness for each misdemeanour. It makes their success all the sweeter if they can convince us that they achieved it in the face of hostility. While waiting for the BBC to deliver its verdict, Clarkson penned an article for The Sun in which he likened himself to a "dinosaur" whose time is about to run out, knowing full well that his followers will protest: no, of course you're not washed up and irrelevant, Jeremy. Britain needs you to stand up to Johnny Foreigner! It is almost tempting to wonder whether there might be a political role ahead of him should the Beeb decide to give him the push for once and for all (I use the word "political" advisedly here). The Romans had a goddess, Fama, who fanfared both good and bad deeds for all eternity. Badly behaved celebrities have their trumpets blown by the massed forces of the media, which are of course only too pleased to have such good copy. Clarkson is already assured of immortality, if only through YouTube or its futuristic equivalent, but while waiting to shuffle off this mortal coil he -- like all celebrities -- acts as a conduit of divinity. He is the chain that binds the earthly audience to the goddess Fama, and this is why we allow him to act in such a beastly way, without complaining (too much). In the east of India, holy intermediaries called Kalasis beat devotees with canes. The devotees flinch with the mortal pain, but they receive it as a blessing. Contestants on the X Factor queue all night for the opportunity to be verbally abused by Simon Cowell. Bruises, actual and emotional, are worn with pride, whether delivered by the Kalasis cane, Cowell's tongue, or Clarkson's fist (allegedly). They are blessed that are touched by celebrity. So how about Oisin Tymon, Clarkson's hapless producer, who, according to the Daily Telegraph, had to seek hospital treatment for a cut lip following the "fracas?" Had he presented poor, weary Jeremy with a nice succulent steak on his arrival that evening, he would still be languishing in the realms of the unknown. And don't feel sorry for the hotel owner either: just watch bookings at Simonstone Hall, the Yorkshire hotel where the alleged incident took place, go through the roof. They may as well start engraving that blue plaque now.

Summary:
Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson allegedly lashed out a producer, prompting BBC to cancel broadcast of program .
Clarkson, like so many celebrities, sees his stock grow with every controversy, says David Giles .
Clarkson is already assured of immortality, says Giles, adding that like all celebrities -- the presenter acts as conduit of divinity .


During a hectic week in San Sebastian, David Moyes is engrossed in all things Spanish. Whether it’s watching Real Sociedad’s next La Liga opponents on DVD, learning the language with his demanding tutor or sampling another tasty Basque speciality dish from the atmospheric pintxos bars, Moyes can’t escape it. But he does like to switch off now and again and turn his attention to the Scotland national team. He will watch Gordon Strachan’s side on the television this week as they play Northern Ireland and then the Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar. Moyes has been a manager at the highest level for more than a decade with Manchester United, Everton and now La Real, and he understands the scrutiny and intensity fellow bosses face from boardrooms, fans and media. Real Sociedad manager David Moyes has been impressed with Scotland boss Gordon Strachan . Strachan, pictured in November, is preparing his side for their match against Northern Ireland . That is why he has nothing but admiration for the job Strachan is doing. The national team sit in a decent position in Group D, in third place with seven points from four games. The weekend’s fixture should be comfortable. Moyes hopes so and believes Strachan and his players have the determination and ability to be at the party in 2016. ‘Gordon is doing a fabulous job. He has everybody believing again but it’s good that there is a measured amount of optimism and nobody in the country has any stupid levels of expectation,’ Moyes told Sportsmail. ‘We’ve had unrealistic ambitions in years gone by and it hasn’t done us any favours. ‘There is belief, and rightly so. I think we are introducing more and more young players and they have taken to it very well. ‘The more experienced players are maturing nicely and the fact a few of them have Champions League experience certainly helps. ‘All things considered, Gordon is doing a quite brilliant job. The 1-0 win against Republic of Ireland was an important victory. Gordon will want to kick on and make sure there is a win on Sunday. Darren Fletcher (far left) impressed Moyes during their time together at Manchester United . Moyes (left) worked with Fletcher (right) during his brief stint as the manager of the Manchester United . ‘But he doesn’t have a magic wand. It’s difficult being a national manager because you can’t buy a new centre half or a new left back, you have to work with what you’ve got. That means you have to get the very best out of the players, try to improve them in order to maximise their standards when they play. ‘I’m not going to add to the pressure by saying I expect Scotland to qualify. What I will say is that I hope they do. ‘We last reached a Finals 17 years ago and I was in France to support them. I was manager of Preston and also used it as an opportunity to enhance my knowledge by taking in games and sessions. ‘If we qualify for 2016, I will be there again.’ Moyes hopes two of his former players — Darren Fletcher and Steven Naismith — continue their good work at this level. Moyes signed Naismith for Everton after Rangers went into liquidation and the player exercised his right to leave for no fee. It was a no-brainer to sign him under such circumstances. The versatile star is now valued in excess of £8million. Moyes is delighted Fletcher is back in the international fold after successfully battling a chronic bowel disease. He worked with the midfielder at Old Trafford and has huge respect for him. Moyes signed Scotland international Steven Naismith for £8million from Rangers back in July 2012 . When Moyes lost his job at United in April of last year, Fletcher was one of the first on the phone to text offering sympathy and expressing regret at the way it all worked out. ‘Darren is a superb person and a great footballer,’ Moyes said. ‘I had the pleasure of working with him and he was an even better player than I thought. He was great in the dressing room, trustworthy and had the best interests of the club at heart. ‘His health problems were well documented but he never once complained. I hold Darren in high regard. I’m delighted he is relishing the responsibility of captaining West Brom. ‘Stevie Naismith is a good lad. He really has come on leaps and bounds at Everton. ‘It was always going to be difficult for him in his first year when he came from Rangers. But he has listened and developed into an important member of the Everton team because he can play a number of different roles. ‘Gordon will be pleased to have guys such as Darren and Stevie. ‘They are excellent senior professionals and the perfect examples for the new arrivals to learn from.’ Real Sociedad boss Moyes masterminded a 1-0 win over Barcelona at the beginning of January . There is genuine feeling for the Scotland set-up from Moyes. Spending a few days in his company in San Sebastian made that clear. He and his assistant, Billy McKinlay, love nothing more than chewing the fat over issues in the game back home. They have lifted La Real into the top half of La Liga with excellent results, including a 1-0 win over Barcelona. Sunday night’s 3-1 victory against Cordoba was their third win on the bounce and only an almighty collapse in their remaining 10 games would see them relegated. The remit for Moyes when he took over in mid-November was to avoid the drop at all costs. They were fifth from bottom at that stage. He is enjoying the challenge and is contracted until the summer of 2016. He would like to return to the UK at some stage and is currently the bookies’ favourite to take over from Sam Allardyce at West Ham United, but he is in no rush to leave Spain. He said: ‘I’m enjoying life here and have really tried to make an effort to adapt to the culture. ‘It’s very pleasant and everyone has been warm and courteous. ‘Billy and I both sense that the people really want us to do well. We’re trying to make them happy. ‘This is a big club and I can improve myself as a coach by being here. ‘This job also helped me get over the disappointment of what happened at Manchester United. I felt this was as good a place as any to do just that. ‘To come to La Real and work in La Liga has absolutely been the right decision.’

Summary:
David Moyes has been impressed with Scotland manager Gordon Strachan .
Strachan has brought belief back to the national team, says Moyes .
Moyes is happy to see Darren Fletcher back in the national team fold .


A video emerged today that claims to show Oscar Pistorius playing football in a prison yard with a notorious underworld criminal. The extraordinary footage appears to show a dramatically slimmer Pistorius enjoying a penalty shoot-out competition with Radovan Krejcir, who was last month charged with murder. The disgraced sprinter, who was jailed for five years for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, has struck up an unlikely friendship with the Czech fugitive since they became neighbours on the hospital wing at Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria. In the 90 second clip, South Africa's two most notorious prisoners are seen taking turns to play striker and goalkeeper in the facility's concrete yard which they seemingly have to themselves. Kickabout: A video emerged that claims to show Oscar Pistorius (white T-shirt) playing football in a prison yard with a notorious underworld criminal, seen here taking on the role of goalkeeper in a penalty shoot-out . Enjoying some freedom: The extraordinary footage appears to show a dramatically slimmer Pistorius enjoying a penalty shoot-out competition with Radovan Krejcir, who was last month charged with murder . Wide of the mark: Pistorius's shot misses the goal and hits a door instead. The double-amputee was jailed for five years for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013 . Incarcerated: The disgraced sprinter has struck up an unlikely friendship with Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir (right) since they became neighbours on the hospital wing at Kgosi Mampuru prison in Pretoria . The footage, shot from above on a mobile phone reportedly by a convicted robber, was published today by South Africa's Daily Sun newspaper. The pictures appear to support recent reports that the double-amputee has slimmed down dramatically since his incarceration four months ago amid fears of poisoning by other prisoners. According to jail sources, the shamed athlete is surviving on tins of baked beans, pilchards and an African vegetable dish called 'chakalaka' bought at the prison tuck shop after spurning his rations. Wearing trainers, grey shorts and a white, unbranded T-shirt that appears to swamp his lean frame, the 28-year-old's thin arms protrude from its sleeves. The images are in stark contrast to the muscle-bound track star who made history at the London Olympic games by competing against able-bodied athletes. During the day, Pistorius is required to dress in the regulation orange jump suit which is issued to all inmates at the jail. Fun and games: In the 90-second clip, South Africa's two most notorious prisoners are seen taking turns to play striker and goalkeeper in the facility's concrete yard which they seemingly have to themselves . As a prisoner on remand, heavily-built Krejcir is entitled to wear his own clothes and is dressed in a striped top and deck shoes for his knockabout game with the famous athlete . But according to a spokesman for the jail, he is entitled to dress in sports gear for his hour of daily exercise. As a prisoner on remand, heavily-built Krejcir is entitled to wear his own clothes and is dressed in a striped top and deck shoes for his knockabout game with the famous athlete. Although in the video Pistorius appears to move easily on his prostheses despite his obvious drop in weight, during his long murder trial, his doctor told the court of the pain the fallen sprinter suffers a result of wearing artificial limbs that fit poorly as a result of weight loss. The bleak yard where the men are having a kickabout shows two narrow doors, one yellow and one red, apparently used to control the exit and entry of the prison's notoriously violent large population. For the purposes of their football game, the doors provide make-shift goal posts and Pistorius shows himself to be useful in goal, deflecting the older man's attempt to score by blocking one shot with a prosthetic leg. At one point, the one-time sporting idol has to delve behind some wheelie bins to retrieve the white ball after knocking away Krejcir's strike with his hand. In apparent deference to his opponent, the Paralympic gold medalist is seen moving a concrete-weighted pole and plastic bag out of the way in order for Krejcir to have more room to take aim at the goal. The bleak yard where the men are having a kickabout shows two narrow doors, one yellow and one red, apparently used to control the exit and entry of the prison's notoriously violent large population . At one point, the one-time sporting idol has to delve behind some wheelie bins to retrieve the white ball after knocking away Krejcir's strike with his hand . When it is his own turn to take penalties, Pistorius strikes hard, but hits one of the door 'goal posts', before sprinting off to reclaim the ball – clearly relishing the short burst of speed. Prison chiefs are mindful of the threat to Pistorius's safety at the massive jail, where gangs dominate prison life and sexual and physical violence is the only means to progress up the gangs' chain of command. He spends much of his day isolated from other prisoners, but Krejcir – despite his links with violent crime – is obviously perceived to pose no danger. Last month, MailOnline exclusively revealed how Pistorius had been re-classified to a low-risk A category prisoner, entitling him to greater freedoms and privileges behind bars, including 'contact' visits, a radio and the freedom to wear jewelry. The Daily Sun newspaper, which received the footage from a prisoner inside the jail, quoted an unnamed inmate who complained that Krejcir and Pistorius were getting preferential treatment because they are both white. The paper reports that Pistorius is given mineral water, fresh fruit and tea for breakfast - treats that are not afforded to other prisoners and prepared only for him. 'We are all in prison and we must be treated the same. The colour of your skin should not be a passport to get on the sweet side of the law,' the prisoner told the paper. The noise of the prison, which houses 7,000 inmates, can be heard on the video soundtrack, drowning any exchanges between the two men. Stark: Prisoners are lined up inside the Kgosi Mumpuru 11 Management Centre during a surprise raid by prison officials checking for drugs and other contraband. Pistorius is being held in the hospital wing of jail . Grim: Prison officials search an inmate's cell. Pistorius is said to be quiet and calm in prison after an initial meltdown during his first few days when other inmates heard him sobbing himself to sleep (file picture) Krejcir, currently on trial for kidnapping, attempted murder and drug dealing, appears to enjoy the yard knockabout. The Czech fugitive is facing a long incarceration as a prisoner on remand, with a number of outstanding cases against him. Detectives said it would take years to wrap up investigations into the Czech's links with the criminal underworld including murder, drug trafficking, robbery and fraud. Krejcir currently has three court cases running against him, but as an unconvicted prisoner is entitled to greater privileges than his neighbour on the hospital wing. Krecjir's latest charge involves the murder of a Lebanese national who was shot more than 30 times when he stopped at a traffic light in Johannesburg 18 months ago. News of the unlikely friendship between the two was revealed when Krejcir wrote a letter to prison authorities complaining that a treadmill and exercise bike – that he trained on alongside Pistorius –had been removed from the corridor outside his cell. Krejcir used a false passport to move to South Africa seven years ago and has been linked to the unsolved murders of, among others, a luxury car exporter, the owner of a string of strip joints and a known drug dealer. Victim and killer: Model Reeva Steenkamp died after Pistorius fired four shots at her through a locked toilet door at his home on Valentine's Day two years ago . In 2013 he survived an attempt on his own life which involved remotely-operated guns which had been hidden - 007-style - behind the number plate of a parked car. In December, the double-amputee's brother told South Africa's YOU magazine how the athlete had hoped to begin a basketball training programme for inmates, many of whom suffer from ill health due to HIV, Aids and TB. According to Carl, Pistorius had requested a donation of basketballs from his family in order to set up the project after applying for permission from prison bosses. In October, Pistorius was convicted of culpable homicide over the death of 29 year-old Mrs Steenkamp at his home on St Valentine's Day 2013. The double-amputee shot the model four times through a locked toilet door after mistaking her for an intruder. He could be released from jail in August and allowed to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest. However, the state has appealed Pistorius' acquittal on a charge of murder. The athlete's own lawyers have challenged the ruling to allow the appeal. The next hearing in the case is due to take place on Friday.

Summary:
Video appears to show the killer athlete having a kickabout in prison yard .
Enjoys penalty shoot-out with notorious Czech 'gangster' Radovan Krejcir .
Pictures appear to support claims sprinter has dramatically slimmed down .
He struck up friendship with Krejcir after sharing gym on hospital wing .


A fifth student at Wesleyan University has been arrested in connection with a 'bad batch' of party drug Molly that resulted in the hospitalization of 12 people, including two in a critical condition. Abhimanyu Janamanchi, 21, was among those treated at Hartford Hospital, 20 miles north of the college's campus in Middletown, Connecticut, on February 22 after taking the popular stimulant. He surrendered to police Friday morning on a warrant for drug charges relating to the particular batch of Molly, which officials believe may have included a mix of various designer drug chemicals. Now, he has been charged with distribution of a hallucinogen, possession of a hallucinogen and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, among other counts. Fifth suspect: Abhimanyu Janamanchi (pictured in his mug shot), 21, has been arrested in connection with a 'bad batch' of drug Molly that resulted in the hospitalization of 12 people, including two in a critical condition . Other suspects: Last month, four other students were charged in connection with the drug overdoses. They included Eric Lonergan (left), 22, of Rio de Janeiro,  and Rama Agha Al Nakib (right), 20, a Syrian national . Also detained: The other two suspects are Zachary Kramer (left), 21, of Bethesda, Maryland, who was also released last month after posting a $5,000 bond, and Andrew Olson (right), of Atascadero, California . He has also been suspended from Wesleyan. 'Given the nature of the charges, we immediately suspended this student pending a formal hearing,' college spokesman Lauren Rubenstein said. 'Wesleyan takes very seriously allegations concerning the distribution of dangerous drugs.' Janamanchi, from Rockville, Maryland, is the fifth student to be arrested over the on-campus drug overdoses, which affected ten students at the private liberal arts school, as well as two visitors. Some of the victims had attended a rave music show on the night of February 21. The calls for medical attention began the next morning. Four students were transported to Hartford Hospital. One student was found unresponsive with no vital signs and was revived by paramedics who used six defibrillator shocks and numerous chest compressions, according to court affidavits. The student and another victim were described as being in a 'critical condition'. Last week, the family of the only person who remained in the hospital said that 'against all odds', they would survive. College: All five defendants have been suspended from Wesleyan (pictured), a private liberal arts school . Court appearance: The overdoses affected ten students at Wesleyan, as well as two visitors. Above, Lonergan is pictured during his arraignment for possession of controlled substances and other charges on February 25 . Arraignment: Nakib stands during her arraignment at Middletown, Connecticut, Superior Court after her arrest . Victims who were in a less serious condition were treated at Middlesex Hospital. Following the overdoses, Wesleyan's president has urged students to 'turn in the drug dealers' via letter. Last week, four other students were charged in connection with the drug overdoses. They included Eric Lonergan, 22, of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Rama Agha Al Nakib, 20, a Syrian national. Both suspects were later released after posting $50,000 bonds. The other two suspects are Zachary Kramer, 21, of Bethesda, Maryland, who posted a $5,000 bond, and Andrew Olson, of California. Like Janamanchis, all four students have been suspended. In court last Wednesday, Jennifer Zito, Kramer's lawyer, asked the public to reserve judgment. Somber: Following the overdoses, Wesleyan's president has urged students to 'turn in the drug dealers' via letter. Above, Kramer is flanked by a court official and his attorney during his arraignment on February 25 . Dangerous: Molly (file picture) is a term used to describe a refined form of Ecstasy, a synthetic drug also known as MDMA, which can drive up body temperature and cause liver, kidney or cardiovascular failure . 'These are very, very bright students, who have bright futures ahead of them and we certainly don't want to make any judgments at this time,' she said. Molly is a term used to describe a refined form of Ecstasy, a synthetic drug also known as MDMA, which can drive up body temperature and cause liver, kidney or cardiovascular failure. But experts say it often is cut with other drugs that can make the health risks unpredictable. Ms Rubenstein said Wesleyan, which has 3,200 students, would 'continue to cooperate with state and local officials to do everything we can to make our community as safe as possible'. Janamanchi's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Summary:
On February 22, ten Wesleyan University students and two visitors fell ill .
They had all taken 'bad batch' of party drug Molly, or MDMA, officials say .
One victim found unresponsive with no vital signs and had to be revived .
On Friday, fifth suspect in  overdoses surrendered to Connecticut police .
Abhimanyu Janamanchi has now been charged on various drug counts .
Last week, four others - three male students, one female - also arrested .


A Lib Dem councillor has apologised 'unreservedly' after he was caught playing Scrabble during a meeting. Martin Elengorn was snapped playing the game on his iPad by a Tory rival on Richmond Council who circulated the picture among council colleagues. Councillor Elengorn spent ten minutes playing Scrabble at the budget meeting before a party colleague passed him a note warning he had been rumbled. Martin Elengorn was snapped playing the game on his iPad by a Tory rival on Richmond Council who circulated the picture among council colleagues . And the 70-year-old  admitted the furore that followed has put him off the game. He told the MailOnline that he had 'sought solace' in the app during an opening speech by Conservative deputy council leader Geoffrey Samuel. 'Councillor Samuel was giving a speech in a bombastic and aggressive manor and, to be somewhat blunt, I'd run our of budget agendas and I unwisely sought solace in the Scrabble board,' he said. 'I admit it could be seen as (not representing those who voted for him). I do apologise unreservedly if it created the wrong impression. The councillor and keen Scrabble player said the incident had put him off playing the game for the foreseeable future . 'In fact I was listening to every word he said.' Mr Samuel, who was opening the annual budget and council tax meeting, called Mr Elengorn's behaviour 'outrageous'. 'He is paid, not an inconsiderable amount of money, to represent his residents and not play silly games. 'This is typical of his arrogant attitude and the flippant way he takes his public duties. 'If it was me, I would consider stepping down.' Conservative councillor Helen Hill, who took the photograph, said she was 'shocked' when she noticed him playing the game. Councillor Helen Hill (left) was 'shocked' to see Councillor Elengorn (right) playing Scrabble during the budget meeting and took the photograph . 'It was certainly a bit of a surprise,' she said. 'I didn't think it as a great idea to do right in he middle of a council meeting for the budget.' Councillor Hill said she decided to take the photograph as 'a comment on what he was doing when he should have been listening. 'He is just an eccentric individual,' she added. Lib-Dem leader Stephen Knight said: 'I think Martin recognises it was not the wisest thing to be doing in a council meeting. Tory MP Nigel Mills was forced to apologise after he was caught playing games on his iPad during a select committee hearing last December - as the Commons authorities launched a mole hunt for whoever caught him on camera. Photographs published by The Sun showed Nigel Mills enjoying online hit Candy Crush Saga during a Work and Pensions Committee evidence session. The Amber Valley MP, who has been issued with a tablet at the taxpayers' expense, initially told the newspaper he would merely 'try' not to be diverted by the game again. But in a statement  he said: 'I apologise unreservedly for my behaviour at the committee meeting and realise it fell short of what is expected of a Member of Parliament.' 'But I'd like to think people would be more interested in the content of the meeting than whether people were playing Scrabble.' Councillor Elengorn, who was a 'competent' Scrabble player said the whole incident had put him off wanting to play again. 'I have a routine, once a fortnight my brother and I play Scrabble- but he usually wins.' 'But I didn't look at the game again for a few days after this, I was rather put off it for a while.' John O'Connell, director of the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: 'Councillors receive a hefty allowance to represent the views of their constituents and hold the council to account — neither of which are achieved by playing Scrabble.' A spokesman for Richmond Council said they would not be commenting on the incident. It comes just weeks after Conservative councillor Eric Nicholson came underfire for spending two hours on his mobile phone during a debate at Kendal County Hall in Cumbria. The member for Cockermouth North played solitaire, checked his bank account and caught up with emails while hiding his Blackberry under the table during the meeting where a rise in council tax was being discussed. Mr Nicholson, who was elected in 1997, admitted after the meeting that he had been using his phone but insisted he was still 'concentrating'. Two months earlier, Tory MP Nigel Mills admitted having a ‘game or two’ of Candy Crush on his taxpayer-funded iPad during an important meeting in Parliament. Mr Mills, the MP for Amber Valley in Derbyshire, was supposed to be listening to experts give evidence at a meeting of the Commons Work and Pensions Committee in December. However, he spent much of the two-and-a-half-hour meeting closely studying his iPad and swiping the screen as he tried to complete levels of the popular game.

Summary:
Martin Elengorn was snapped playing Scrabble at  Richmond Council .
Tory rival Helen Hill was 'shocked' when noticed him playing the game .
Elengorn has since apologised 'unreservedly' to his local residents .
Politican said the incident had put him off playing forforeseeable future .


NHS boss Karl Perryman, 52, was warned he faces jail after being found guilty of stalking female colleague Joanne O'Neill . A senior NHS manager who bombarded a female colleague with poison pen letters after she rejected his advances is facing jail. Karl Perryman was head of complaints and legal services at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King's Lynn, Norfolk, when he sent the 'dark and spiteful' notes to junior colleague Joanne O'Neill. Posing as a Christian woman, he also wrote to her partner, mother, the hospital and human resources manager accusing her of sleeping her way to the top. Perryman recruited Miss O'Neill as his 'prodigy,' but turned on her when she began a relationship with the hospital's deputy director of ICT Michael Brown, who she has since married. The letters had a devastating effect on 39-year-old Miss O'Neill who left her family and friends as she moved more than 200 miles away to escape Perryman. He was caught when officers found part of one of the letters on his computer. Married Perryman was found guilty at King's Lynn Crown Court of one count of stalking and one count of intimidating a witness - Ms O'Neill's mother Margaret Titmarsh. Miss O'Neill was initially turned down for a job after an interview at the hospital, King's Lynn Crown Court was told. But Perryman  called her afterwards to say he was 'so impressed with her as a candidate that he would do his damnedest to get her a job'. A couple of months later she began working in his department and he promised to 'take her under his wing'. He described her as his 'prodigy' and she soon began covering his job when he was on leave. The two shared friendly 'banter' but the relationship soured when he allegedly purchased a necklace for her from jewellers Ernest Jones and she refused the gift. The first anonymous letter arrived at the hospital in December 2012 and said Mr Brown had been 'bragging' about having sex with Miss O'Neill and another female member of staff. It claimed: 'Both of these women are allowed to dress like hookers in short skirts and dresses… they are dressing like tarts. This is a hospital, not a knocking shop.' Perryman, 52, was the head of complaints and legal services at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, pictured, when he turned on his 'prodigy' One said: 'She has had many promotions she does not deserve even though she has been described as next to useless by senior clinicians… one manager even said she is sleeping her way to the top.' A few days later Miss O'Neill received a letter which accused her of 'plotting and scheming' for her own advantage. It warned: 'You will reap what you sow… we will listen to your corridor conversations, when you're in the bathroom, so we can get firm evidence for your partner with what you've done.' Miss O'Neill, who is now married to Mr Brown, told the jury Perryman, who was her line manager, said he would 'destroy' her if she told anyone about his bullying. She said: 'He made me feel like he got me the job, I had to be loyal and I owed him. 'He said there were women who didn't like the way I looked, his wife wouldn't like me because I was just his type, petite and blonde. The court heard police traced the letters to Perryman and found drafts on his computer. After his arrest he allegedly approached Mrs Titmarsh and threatened 'You don't know what's coming to you' while making a 'thumb across the throat' gesture. Perryman was warned to expect jail when he returns to King's Lynn Crown Court, pictured, for sentence next month . After the guilty verdicts, Judge Nicholas Coleman adjourned sentencing until April 17, but warned Perryman to expect to be jailed. He told him: 'I'm quite sure that you will continue to deny the allegations but I am satisfied the jury are entirely right in their decisions.' He added that the only question relating to Perryman's sentence is how long he will be jailed for. Perryman, of King's Lynn, Cambs., stood emotionless in the dock as the verdict was read to him. He was released on bail with a tag and ordered to obey a night time curfew. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital refused to confirm Perryman's employment status. Director of Human Resources Gerry Dryden said: 'The Trust acknowledges the verdict of the court in respect of its employee Karl Perryman. 'The Trust will now carefully consider the verdict and take such steps as it considers appropriate in the circumstances. 'It would be inappropriate for the Trust to comment further on this case at this time.'

Summary:
Karl Perryman convicted of stalking and witness intimidation by a jury .
52-year-old turned on Joanne O'Neill when she spurned his advances .
Pair were colleagues at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk .
Perryman was the hospital's head of complaints and legal services .
Wrote vile letters accusing Miss O'Neill of sleeping her way to the top .
She was forced to move more than 200 miles away to escape him .
Judge warned Perry to expect jail when he is sentenced next month .


Katie Hopkins has been reported to police by Labour MP Simon Danczuk over claims she incited racial hatred in tweets linking Pakistani men to the Rochdale child sex abuse scandal . Outspoken former reality TV star Katie Hopkins has accused the Labour MP Simon Danczuk of reporting her to the police  to deflect attention from being 'caught watching porn'. Mr Danczuk said he had received death threats after asking Manchester Police Commissioner  Tony Lloyd to investigate whether Ms Hopkins had incited racial hatred in a series of tweets linking Pakistani men to the Rochdale child sex abuse scandal. Ms Hopkins sent the tweets after Mr Danczuk attended the raising of a Pakistani flag over the town hall for half an hour on March 23 to mark Pakistan's National Day. Ms Hopkins posted a series of messages to her account after the MP tweeted a picture of himself at the event. In response the controversial columnist sent a picture of eight men convicted of child exploitation offences, asking Mr Danczuk if they were his friends too. Mr Danczuk said the messages were 'inciting racial hatred'. He told LBC radio tonight that he had seen the police today and will do so again tomorrow and revealed he had received death threats as a result. Ms Hopkins sounded unconcerned and said she laughed when she heard Mr Danczuk had reported her to the police. She said she will stand up herself and 'defend the right of British people to have the Union flag flying'. She added that Mr Danczuk is 'wasting police time'. The businesswoman said Mr Danczuk was just covering up the fact that he had been 'caught watching porn' and because he has a wafer thin majority and 'needs the Pakistani vote'. It came after Mr Danczuk this weekend confessed to watching pornography but insisted voters want politicians who 'live in the real world'. The husband of selfie-loving Karen Danczuk was spotted favouriting hard-core porn on Twitter - but blamed it on a fault with his iPhone. However, the 48-year-old was unembarrassed about the gaffe. He stressed he does not use porn regularly, but insisted: 'I am a man of the world and it is part of life, many people do.' Mr Danczuk tonight dismissed Ms Hopkins' claim that he had only reported her to cover up his embarrassment. But Ms Hopkins said she stood by her comments saying: 'For me, in somewhere like Rochdale, you can't raise a Pakistani flag and talk about community cohesion in the same sentence.' 'If we look at why someone didn't call the police earlier when our white girls were being attacked by these gentlemen, if someone had called the police earlier then that would have been a good thing wouldn't it?' Hopkins is said to have started sending the tweets after Mr Danczuk attended the raising of a Pakistani flag over the town hall for half an hour on March 23 to mark Pakistan's National Day . Mr Danczuk said Rochdale has faced up to the 'heinous crime' of child grooming 'in a way that's managed to keep our communities together'. He said: 'That's why Katie Hopkins' crass comments are not helpful. They are a clear attempt to divide communities, undo three years of hard work and make an unfair and racist generalisation that anyone of Pakistani origin is a child abuser. 'To equate the Pakistan flag with child abuse, as she has done on social media over the last week, is absurd and it creates a dangerous environment where extreme intolerance becomes acceptable. 'We have already seen taxi drivers stabbed in the face in race hate attacks and I'm not prepared to allow people like Hopkins, who know nothing about our town, to stir up tensions in such a dangerously provocative way that could lead to innocent people being attacked by extremists. 'As a result of her comments last week, I have been threatened by extremists and hard right groups have pledged to march on our town. I am a strong supporter of free speech but it has to be responsible - and that's why we have laws to prevent people deliberately provoking hatred of a racial group.' Earlier this week Ms Hopkins sparked outrage after being accused of making a Holocaust joke aimed at the wife of Ed Miliband – even though his Jewish parents fled from the Nazis. 'Raising a Pakistani flag in Rochdale is not helping community cohesion,' she added in another. 'It is inflammatory. @SimonDanczuk you & your party disgust me' She wrote: 'Are these your friends too @SimonDanczuk? Is this why you are raising the Pakistani flag in Rochdale? 77 years inside' The controversial TV pundit faced calls for her arrest after saying the Labour leader could 'gas' his wife   Justine  in a message on Friday. She tweeted: 'Pollsters say Justine is the least popular of party wives. He might stick her head in the oven and turn on the gas.' The outspoken star was then bombarded with hundreds of furious messages condemning her 'vile' tweet, with one saying: 'You really are a deplorable and scummy piece of excrement.' She has also courted controversy this week for her comments about the Germanwings disaster. The TV pundit tweeted saying: 'Sympathy for the co-pilot is making me angry. If you are suicidal, for goodness sake top yourself in private. Attention seeking b******s.' The controversial TV pundit faced calls for her arrest after saying the Labour leader could 'gas' his wife Justine (pictured together) She followed this up with a number of tweets about depression, including: 'Most depression is just genuine sadness at a social situation. Like being caught in torrential rain with a bag from Primark.' Meanwhile, Mr Danczuk confessed yesterday to watching pornography. The husband of selfie-loving Karen Danczuk was spotted favouriting hard-core porn on Twitter - but blamed it on a fault with his iPhone. However, the 48-year-old was unembarrassed about the gaffe. He stressed he does not use porn regularly, but insisted: 'I am a man of the world and it is part of life, many people do.'

Summary:
Katie Hopkins has been reported to police by Labour MP Simon Danczuk .
She tweeted linking Pakistani men to the Rochdale child sex abuse scandal .
Comes after Mr Danczuk attended raising of a Pakistani flag on March 23 .
The  columnist sent a picture to the MP of men convicted of child abuse .
Tonight Mr Danczuk revealed he had received death threats over the row .
But Ms Hopkins said he was only covering up being caught watching porn .


(CNN)Vladimir Putin lies. Blatantly. Publicly. And, apparently, without chagrin. But a year since the annexation of Crimea, what does that mean for the West's ability to deal with him regarding Ukraine? In February 2014, "little green men" -- the Ukrainian term for professional soldiers wearing Russian combat fatigues but no identifying insignia -- seized key installations and checkpoints around Crimea. The Russian President's website reported the following exchange at a March 4, 2014, news conference: . Question:  "The people who were blocking the Ukrainian army units in Crimea were wearing uniforms that strongly resembled the Russian army uniform. Were those Russian soldiers, Russian military?" Vladimir Putin:  "Why don't you take a look at the post-Soviet states?  There are many uniforms there that are similar. You can go to a store and buy any kind of uniform." Question:  "But were they Russian soldiers or not?" Vladimir Putin:  "Those were local self-defense units." Within weeks, Putin admitted they were Russian troops. At the same news conference, Putin said he saw no possibility of Crimea joining Russia and said Moscow would do nothing to "provoke" that. Two weeks later, he presided as the Russian parliament passed legislation annexing Crimea. In a documentary shown on Russian television last Sunday, Putin said he gave the order to take Crimea on February 23, 2014. So, it is clear that Putin can and does lie. But with that in mind, how should Western leaders who must deal with him actually do so? First of all, they should bear in mind Ronald Reagan's "trust but verify" dictum. Second, while Putin may play fast and loose with the truth, he appears to be a rational actor who calculates costs and benefits. The challenge for the West is to structure agreements so that it remains in his interest to observe them. Take the 2010 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, which limits U.S. and Russian strategic forces to no more than 1,550 deployed strategic warheads on 700 deployed missiles and bombers. The agreement requires data exchanges, notifications and on-site inspections. The Russians might be able to cheat a little, but not in a way that would give them a militarily significant edge without the United States having time to react. And the Kremlin has incentives to observe the treaty. If Russia violated it, the United States could relatively quickly add 1,000 strategic nuclear warheads to its deployed ballistic missile force. The U.S. government concluded last summer that Russia violated a 1987 treaty by testing a banned intermediate-range ground-launched cruise missile. As far as is publicly known, Moscow has not taken the more serious step of deploying the missile. Washington now seeks to persuade Russia to come back into full compliance and has threatened a variety of costs, including possible military countermeasures -- on top of the opprobrium of Russia's European and Asian neighbors, who would be targeted by such a missile. (It could reach little, if any, of the United States.) The costs of noncompliance for Moscow could be significant. The question now topping the agenda is whether the West can trust any Russian promises regarding a settlement to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Sadly, the track record offers little encouragement. Russia effectively did nothing to implement the first Minsk ceasefire, which was agreed to last September. It did not withdraw its military equipment or secure the Ukraine-Russia border. The Minsk II ceasefire reached in February fared little better at the outset. A Kremlin spokesman dismissed the idea that Russia was a party to the agreement -- even though Russia's ambassador signed it. Russian forces backed those of the separatists attacking the Ukrainian town of Debaltseve in the first days after the ceasefire supposedly had begun. (Putin's continual denials that Russian troops are in eastern Ukraine have zero credibility after the Crimea case.) Since then, the ceasefire seems to have taken better hold, though it remains fragile at best. At the same time, concern has grown that the port city of Mariupol could be the next separatist/Russian target. What can the West do to stabilize the ceasefire?  An assault on Mariupol (or elsewhere in eastern Ukraine) would probably trigger severe costs in the form of a new round of Western economic sanctions on Russia and the provision to Ukraine of greater military assistance, including defensive arms. As Hans Binnendijk and John Herbst recently suggested in The New York Times, the United States and European Union should tell the Russians now what costs would be imposed if there is an assault on Mariupol, in order to help deter such an attack. The West may not be able to trust Putin on the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. But it can do more to raise the potential costs and affect his calculation, and hopefully dissuade him from further military action that would probably bring down the entire Minsk II agreement.

Summary:
Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014 .
Steven Pifer: Russia did nothing to implement the first Minsk ceasefire .


James DeGale must travel to Boston for his long-awaited world title challenge when he faces Andre Dirrell on May 23. The London super-middleweight will take on Dirrell for the IBF belt vacated by Carl Froch earlier this year. DeGale is bidding to become the first British Olympic gold medalist to win a world title, seven years after the Beijing Games. James DeGale will fight Andre Dirrell in Boston on May 23 for the IBF super-middleweight title . The 29-year-old had hoped for home advantage but his promoter Eddie Hearn lost out when the fight went to purse bids earlier this month. DeGale will, however, earn a minimum of $1.5million (£1m) from the bout. DeGale will fight for the IBF belt which was vacated by Carl Froch . Andre Dirrell has lost one professional fight in his career - to Carl Froch back in 2009 . 'Andre Dirrell is a very, very good opponent,'he told Sky Sports News. 'He's tall, a tricky southpaw and he's a bit like me. People say our styles will clash but I think we'll gell. We're both ambitious, there's a lot on the line.' Dirrell is no stranger to British fans after losing a split decision to Froch in Nottingham in 2009, his only professional defeat to date. The 31-year-old has fought just six times since, but enjoyed three routine victories last year.

Summary:
James DeGale will face Andre Dirrell on May 23 in Boston .
The IBF belt was vacated by Carl Froch earlier this year .
DeGale is bidding to become the first British Olympic gold medalist to win a world title .
CLICK HERE for all the latest news from the world of boxing .


Positive message: The Chancellor, pictured today in Tilbury, has portrayed Britain as ‘the comeback country’ with better times ahead . George Osborne yesterday used his final Budget before the election to help savers, low earners and homebuyers. Seizing on a run of excellent economic news, the Chancellor portrayed Britain as ‘the comeback country’ with better times ahead. He sought to blunt Labour’s lines of attack – notably on living standards – by declaring that families will be £900 better off this year than they were in 2010. By easing back his austerity plans to match the level of state spending under Tony Blair in 2000, he rubbished the Opposition’s apocalyptic warnings of a return to the 1930s. Tax cuts will be paid for in part by a £5billion double strike on the banks. Mr Osborne put thrift and home ownership at the heart of his nakedly political statement and said the ‘sun is starting to shine’. He delighted Tory MPs with a surprise announcement that 95 per cent of savers – many of them pensioners punished by years of low interest rates – are to be freed from paying tax on their life savings. A new personal savings allowance will mean they can earn up to £1,000 in interest without paying tax. With most accounts paying around 1 per cent, this would mean nest-eggs of up to £100,000 would be exempt. Other measures in Mr Osborne’s sixth Budget included: . Mr Osborne also sought to dispel perceptions that the Tories were friends of the rich by cutting pension tax relief for the best-off. With just 50 days to go to the election, he allowed himself a pat on the back for ‘historic’ jobs figures, published ahead of the Budget. There are now 30.9million people in work – an all-time high – with the coalition overseeing the creation of 1,600 jobs a day over the past year. Revealed: Mail analysis of the budget reveals how tax and National Insurance changes from April will affect your income from April . Debate: Sky News host Eamonn Holmes took the Chancellor to task in a series of post-Budget interviews given this morning . The public sector payroll is down to 5.4million, or 17 per cent of the workforce, a record low. But in a significant rebalancing of the economy, there are 2.3million more in private sector jobs than 2010. While Labour’s Ed Miliband had wanted the UK to follow the policy measures of socialist France, the British economy was now growing at seven times its rate, Mr Osborne said.Scroll down for video . And though Labour had claimed austerity measures would mean a million more unemployed, the ‘great county’ of Yorkshire had created more jobs than the whole of France on its own. ‘The sun is starting to shine – and we are fixing the roof,’ the Chancellor told MPs. ‘We took difficult decisions in the teeth of opposition and it worked. Britain is walking tall again. ‘Five years ago, our economy had suffered a collapse greater than almost any country. Today, I can confirm: in the last year we have grown faster than any other major advanced economy in the world. ‘The critical choice facing the country now is this: do we return to the chaos of the past? Or do we say to the British people, let’s work through the plan that is delivering for you? ‘We choose the future. Our goal is for Britain to become the most prosperous economy in the world.’ George Osborne, pictured holding up his Budget briefcase for the cameras outside 11 Downing Street, yesterday used his final Budget before the election to help savers, low earners and homebuyers . Labour leader Mr Miliband said Mr Osborne had ‘failed working families’ and stuck to his claim that households are on average £1,600 a year worse off . Mr Osborne hailed better than expected growth figures, which suggest the economy will expand by 2.5 per cent this year. He also announced that the Government had met its target set in 2010 to see national debt falling as a share of national income by the time of the next election. The Chancellor said the beneficial effect on the public finances of lower inflation, plus a sell-off of a chunk of mortgage debts nationalised in the financial crisis, meant he could pay down some of Britain’s vast debt pile. He also said he would end the squeeze on public spending a year earlier than planned. By 2019, public spending would be growing again in line with the economy. Acknowledging the pain of years of austerity, the Chancellor said ‘the hard work and sacrifice of the British people has paid off’. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility said public spending faces a ‘rollercoaster’ ride, with tough cuts between 2016 and 2018 followed by a surge in spending at the end of the decade. Labour leader Mr Miliband said Mr Osborne had ‘failed working families’ and stuck to his claim that households are on average £1,600 a year worse off. ‘This is a Budget that people won’t believe from a government that is not on their side,’ Mr Miliband told MPs. ‘Five years ago, what did the Chancellor say – “we will balance the books in five years”. No ifs, no buts – just like the immigration pledge. The only thing long term about his plan is that it will take twice as long to balance the books. That is the reality.’ Though the Tories have vowed to maintain protection for the NHS budget, Mr Miliband claimed they must have a ‘secret plan’ to cut it because ‘colossal’ cuts to other areas of spending would not otherwise be deliverable. The Lib Dems, who will today set out alternative plans for the years after 2016, claimed credit for the hikes in the personal income tax allowance.

Summary:
George Osborne had portrayed Britain as ‘comeback country’ with better times ahead in his sixth budget .
Chancellor has said that families will be £900 better off this year, compared to when Coalition started in 2010 .
Proposed tax cuts will be paid for in part by £5billion double strike on banks, including rise in bank levy .
He also pledged that 95% will be freed from paying tax on their life saving, by abolishing tax on first £1,000 .
Government will add £50 to every £200 saved in new first-time buyer Isa to help people build up a deposit for a home .
There will be 1p off beer and an extension on longest freeze in fuel duty - the longest run for more than 20 years .
George Osborne said: ‘The sun is starting to shine – we are fixing the roof. ‘We took difficult decisions in the teeth of opposition and it worked. Britain is walking tall again'
Labour leader Ed Miliband claimed Chancellor had 'failed working families' and said: 'This is a Budget that people won’t believe from a government that is not on their side'
A new ‘help-to-buy Isa’ for first-time homebuyers with the Government adding £50 to every £200 saved for a deposit; .
A rise in the income tax allowance to £10,800 next year and to £11,000 by 2017, meaning 5.4million people will have been taken out of tax; .
Relief for those paying the 40p higher rate with the first above-inflation rise in the threshold in seven years; .
Drinkers being given 1p off beer and drivers being granted an extension of the longest freeze in fuel duty for over 20 years. Mr Osborne said the Tories had cut £10 off a tank of fuel; .
An expected change in the law to give five million pensioners the right to cash in their annuities without punitive charges; .
An increase in a new transferable tax allowance for married couples; .
A hike in the annual ISA savings limit to £15,240 and rights to move money in and out without penalty; .
Annual paper tax returns to be replaced by digital accounts; .
A review of the business rate system blamed for damaging high streets; .
A £1.25billion boost for mental health services on the NHS.