birminghammail--2020-02-06--Who will win Oscars 2020 according to scientific data - 1917, Parasite and Joker's chances revealed

It looks like the Oscars are getting more predictable ( unless we ’ re in for some major shocks on Sunday night ) .
The frontrunners in most categories are already miles ahead , clutching a brace of awards .
Based on the predictive patterns of other awards over the past 20 years , this may mean it ’ s already pretty clear who is going to win ( which could at least save you staying up till 5am to see the golden envelopes get opened ) .
This looks like the most competitive of the big awards - a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War I film 1917 looks to be ahead , with some top predictors for this category going to the Sam Mendes directed film .
The Directors Guild ’ s pick for outstanding achievement in directing predicts the winner 70 % of the time , and went to Sam Mendes this year ( although it ’ s less of a sure thing than it used to be , having picked incorrectly three times in the last five years , compared to just three times in the 15 years before that ) .
The film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which predicts the Oscar 68 % of the time ( it ’ s also picked the same winner for the last two years running ) .
South Korean film Parasite has been more popular with critics than industry insiders , but has still picked up a raft awards so far .
However , foreign language films generally don ’ t do well in the Best Picture category .
This is only the fourth foreign language film to be nominated since 2000 , and none have won - last year ’ s nominee Roma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awards , but still missed out on the Oscar .
Another potential fight between 1917 and Parasite , with Sam Mendes currently ahead .
Not only has the 1917 director won the Directors Guild Award , the best predictor of Oscar success by some way at 85 % , he ’ s also won the Bafta , which predicts the Oscar 55 % of the time , and a Golden Globe , also 55 % .
Unless the academy decides to reward critics ’ pick Bong Joon Ho , Sam Mendes is well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oscar - the Directors Guild Award has gone to the same winner as the Oscar for the past six years , and the Bafta and the Golden Globe for the past four .
However , it ’ s not unlikely that Oscar voters will give Best Film and Best Director to different films .
This happened five times between 2010 and 2019 , compared to three times between 2000 and 2009 .
Joaquin Phoenix has picked up all the awards that best predict this - winning the Screen Actors Guild awards , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time , the Critics ’ Choice , 70 % , the Bafta , 65 % , and Golden Globe for performance in a Drama , 60 % .
These four awards have agreed on the best actor eight times in the past 20 years , and in all but one of those years , the actor has gone on to win the Oscar .
The only time this hasn ’ t been the case was in 2002 , when all of the above were awarded to Russell Crowe , but the Oscar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite the actor only being favoured by the LA Film Critics .
This year ’ s winner of the LA Film Critics award was Antonio Banderas , whose performance proved popular with the awards picked by critics , suggesting that he may still have a chance at a surprise win .
As with the Best Actor award , Renee Zellweger has picked up all the awards that best predict this - a Bafta and Screen Actors Guild award , which predict the Oscar 70 % of the time , the Golden Globe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predicts the Oscar 65 % of the time , and the Critics ’ Choice award , a predictor 55 % of the time .
When all four agree , as they have done seven times in the past 20 years , the Oscar has been in the bag .
Again , for both these categories , there ’ s full agreement for the awards with the most predictive power .
Laura Dern ’ s wins at the Screen Actors Guild and Critics ’ Choice , which predict the Oscar 75 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , both 65 % , make her a likely winner .
Past results suggest if three or more agree , the winner likely has it in the bag .
All four agreed on Jennifer Hudson in 2007 , Mo ’ Nique in 2010 , Octavia Spencer in 2012 , Anne Hathaway in 2013 , Patricia Arquette in 2015 , and Viola Davis in 2017 , and Alison Janney in 2018 , and all went home with the Oscar .
Similarly , Brad Pitt has so far picked up the Golden Globe award , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time , Screen Actors Guild , 65 % , Critics ’ Choice , 60 % , and the Bafta , 58 % These awards have all agreed on Javier Bardem in 2008 , Heath Ledger in 2009 , Christoph Waltz in 2010 , Christopher Plummer in 2012 and JK Simmons in 2015 , Sam Rockwell in 2018 , and Mahershala Ali in 2019 , and on all of those occasions , the winner also won the Oscar .
And the other awards go to Best Animation is also looking fairly predictable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most awards in the run-up , including the American Cinema Editors award , which has only incorrectly predicted the Oscar once in the past 10 years ( it went for The Lego Movie in 2015 , which wasn ’ t nominated at the Oscars ) .
If Best Animation looks easy to predict , Best Documentary is much harder , with one of the films that has proved most popular at other awards , Apollo 11 , not even nominated for the Oscars .
Of those nominated , only For Sama seems the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the Bafta , which predicts the Oscar 50 % of the time Parasite may not pick up Best Film or Best Director but it ’ s very likely to win Best International Feature Film , having already secured wins in this category at the Golden Globes , Critics ’ Choice and Baftas .
In the writing awards , things look to be a bit more predictable .
The Writers Guild of America awards predict the Oscar winner for these 65 % of the time - it went for Parasite for best original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screenplay .
Both also won the awards at the Baftas , which predicts the Oscars 55 % of the time for original screenplay and 45 % for adapted .
No awards season awards have great predictive power for the music awards .
With a Golden Globe , right 55 % of the time , a Bafta and a Critics ’ Choice award , both right 50 % of the time , Hildur Guðnadóttir looks the most likely to win for Joker .
For best song , it looks like a ( I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Rocketman to win .
It ’ s the only nominee with previous award wins , having shared the Critics ’ Choice award , which predicts the Oscar 45 % of the time , and won the Golden Globe , which predicts the Oscar 50 % of the time .
The two awards have agreed five times in the past 10 years , while they have both been wrong twice.. BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR // Brad Pitt ( Once Upon a Time in Hollywood ) BEST SONG // ( I ’ m Gon na @ @ @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Claire Miller, James Rodger)

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It looks like the Oscars are getting more predictable (unless we’re in for some major shocks on Sunday night).
The frontrunners in most categories are already miles ahead, clutching a brace of awards. Based on the predictive patterns of other awards over the past 20 years, this may mean it’s already pretty clear who is going to win (which could at least save you staying up till 5am to see the golden envelopes get opened).
Best Picture
This looks like the most competitive of the big awards - a race between 1917 and Parasite.
World War I film 1917 looks to be ahead, with some top predictors for this category going to the Sam Mendes directed film. The Directors Guild’s pick for outstanding achievement in directing predicts the winner 70% of the time, and went to Sam Mendes this year (although it’s less of a sure thing than it used to be, having picked incorrectly three times in the last five years, compared to just three times in the 15 years before that).
The film also won the Producers Guild Award, which predicts the Oscar 68% of the time (it’s also picked the same winner for the last two years running).
South Korean film Parasite has been more popular with critics than industry insiders, but has still picked up a raft awards so far.
However, foreign language films generally don’t do well in the Best Picture category. This is only the fourth foreign language film to be nominated since 2000, and none have won - last year’s nominee Roma was a popular choice at most other awards, but still missed out on the Oscar.
(Image: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Best Director
Another potential fight between 1917 and Parasite, with Sam Mendes currently ahead.
Not only has the 1917 director won the Directors Guild Award, the best predictor of Oscar success by some way at 85%, he’s also won the Bafta, which predicts the Oscar 55% of the time, and a Golden Globe, also 55%.
Unless the academy decides to reward critics’ pick Bong Joon Ho, Sam Mendes is well on his way to his second directing Oscar - the Directors Guild Award has gone to the same winner as the Oscar for the past six years, and the Bafta and the Golden Globe for the past four.
However, it’s not unlikely that Oscar voters will give Best Film and Best Director to different films. This happened five times between 2010 and 2019, compared to three times between 2000 and 2009.
(Image: Warner Bros)
Best Actor
Joaquin Phoenix has picked up all the awards that best predict this - winning the Screen Actors Guild awards, which correctly predicts the Oscar 75% of the time, the Critics’ Choice, 70%, the Bafta, 65%, and Golden Globe for performance in a Drama, 60%.
These four awards have agreed on the best actor eight times in the past 20 years, and in all but one of those years, the actor has gone on to win the Oscar.
The only time this hasn’t been the case was in 2002, when all of the above were awarded to Russell Crowe, but the Oscar went to Denzel Washington in Training Day, despite the actor only being favoured by the LA Film Critics.
This year’s winner of the LA Film Critics award was Antonio Banderas, whose performance proved popular with the awards picked by critics, suggesting that he may still have a chance at a surprise win.
Best Actress
As with the Best Actor award, Renee Zellweger has picked up all the awards that best predict this - a Bafta and Screen Actors Guild award, which predict the Oscar 70% of the time, the Golden Globe for performance in a Drama, which predicts the Oscar 65% of the time, and the Critics’ Choice award, a predictor 55% of the time.
When all four agree, as they have done seven times in the past 20 years, the Oscar has been in the bag.
Best Supporting Actor and Actress
Again, for both these categories, there’s full agreement for the awards with the most predictive power.
Laura Dern’s wins at the Screen Actors Guild and Critics’ Choice, which predict the Oscar 75% of the time, and Baftas and Golden Globes, both 65%, make her a likely winner.
Past results suggest if three or more agree, the winner likely has it in the bag. All four agreed on Jennifer Hudson in 2007, Mo’Nique in 2010, Octavia Spencer in 2012, Anne Hathaway in 2013, Patricia Arquette in 2015, and Viola Davis in 2017, and Alison Janney in 2018, and all went home with the Oscar.
Similarly, Brad Pitt has so far picked up the Golden Globe award, which predicts the Oscar 75% of the time, Screen Actors Guild, 65%, Critics’ Choice, 60%, and the Bafta, 58%
These awards have all agreed on Javier Bardem in 2008, Heath Ledger in 2009, Christoph Waltz in 2010, Christopher Plummer in 2012 and JK Simmons in 2015, Sam Rockwell in 2018, and Mahershala Ali in 2019, and on all of those occasions, the winner also won the Oscar.
And the other awards go to
Best Animation is also looking fairly predictable, with Toy Story 4 picking up the most awards in the run-up, including the American Cinema Editors award, which has only incorrectly predicted the Oscar once in the past 10 years (it went for The Lego Movie in 2015, which wasn’t nominated at the Oscars).
If Best Animation looks easy to predict, Best Documentary is much harder, with one of the films that has proved most popular at other awards, Apollo 11, not even nominated for the Oscars.
Of those nominated, only For Sama seems the most likely to win, having picked up the Bafta, which predicts the Oscar 50% of the time
Parasite may not pick up Best Film or Best Director but it’s very likely to win Best International Feature Film, having already secured wins in this category at the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice and Baftas.
(Image: PA Wire)
In the writing awards, things look to be a bit more predictable. The Writers Guild of America awards predict the Oscar winner for these 65% of the time - it went for Parasite for best original screenplay and Jojo Rabbit for best adapted screenplay.
Both also won the awards at the Baftas, which predicts the Oscars 55% of the time for original screenplay and 45% for adapted.
No awards season awards have great predictive power for the music awards. With a Golden Globe, right 55% of the time, a Bafta and a Critics’ Choice award, both right 50% of the time, Hildur Guðnadóttir looks the most likely to win for Joker.
(Image: Getty Images for Palm Springs In)
For best song, it looks like a (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again from Rocketman to win. It’s the only nominee with previous award wins, having shared the Critics’ Choice award, which predicts the Oscar 45% of the time, and won the Golden Globe, which predicts the Oscar 50% of the time.
The two awards have agreed five times in the past 10 years, while they have both been wrong twice..
(Image: Profiles in History)
Our data-driven Oscar picks
BEST FILM // 1917
BEST ACTOR // Joaquin Phoenix (Joker)
BEST ACTRESS // Renee Zellweger (Judy)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR // Brad Pitt (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS // Laura Dern (Marriage Story)
BEST DIRECTOR // Sam Mendes (1917)
BEST ANIMATION // Toy Story 4
BEST DOCUMENTARY // For Sama
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE // Parasite
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY // Parasite
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY // Jojo Rabbit
BEST SCORE // Joker
BEST SONG // (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again (Rocketman)


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Confirmed: Aston Villa bosses have made this key transfer decision

Premier League bosses have voted to adopt a change to the summer transfer window , that will come into effect next season .
The change will see the summer window end on September 1 , 2020 , as opposed to the beginning of the season .
Premier League clubs voted to alter the period in which top flight clubs could sign players in 2018 .
This meant that once the season started , teams were unable to make further additions .
However , after only two windows using that format , clubs have now decided to revert to the original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The decision was made at a Shareholders ’ Meeting on Thursday , with the Premier League releasing official confirmation shortly after .
In future , the window will close on August 31 , but due to that being a UK Bank Holiday in 2020 , it will be extended by a further day .
The summer window was a busy one for Aston Villa , one that saw 12 players signed by Dean Smith at a cost of almost £150m .
They completed their business of August 1 last year , meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al will have another complete month to bring in new recruits .

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Premier League bosses have voted to adopt a change to the summer transfer window, that will come into effect next season.
The change will see the summer window end on September 1, 2020, as opposed to the beginning of the season.
Premier League clubs voted to alter the period in which top flight clubs could sign players in 2018. This meant that once the season started, teams were unable to make further additions.
However, after only two windows using that format, clubs have now decided to revert to the original date to match the rest of Europe.
The decision was made at a Shareholders’ Meeting on Thursday, with the Premier League releasing official confirmation shortly after.
In future, the window will close on August 31, but due to that being a UK Bank Holiday in 2020, it will be extended by a further day.
The summer window was a busy one for Aston Villa, one that saw 12 players signed by Dean Smith at a cost of almost £150m.
They completed their business of August 1 last year, meaning that in future seasons Christian Purslow et al will have another complete month to bring in new recruits.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Bodybuilder facing £14,000 legal bill over 'dishonest' claim he fell into pond in back garden

A bodybuilder faces a £14,000 legal bill after he submitted a `` fundamentally dishonest '' claim for damages after falling into a koi carp pond in his back garden .
Ben Bardsley , 38 , from Stockport , said the accident left him with a fear of heights but his personal injury claim was exposed when video footage emerged of him careering down Europe 's highest water slide - the 108ft ( 33m ) Verti-Go in Benidorm , Spain .
Bardsley had brought a claim against Warrington Koi & Aquatics at Manchester County Court following the accident in July 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As he inspected the work , Bardsley was struck by the bucket of the digger and was knocked into the pond .
The gym owner subsequently claimed in medical evidence that he fell with his arms outstretched , which caused injuries to his neck and back and left him unable to lift weights .
He also said the accident had led to psychological problems and that he now had an anxiety of heights .
However , insurance firm Aviva , which acted for the pond supplier , was suspicious of the claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amid a vast array of social media posts , it was shown that Bardsley had continued to lift large weights following the accident .
One such post was even published on the day he attended a medical examination which noted `` ongoing symptoms prevent him from performing activities that involved lifting '' , said law firm Clyde & Co. Mr Bardsley also posted a video of himself tackling the Verti-Go attraction at the Costa Blanca resort in which he grins at the camera and poses to show off his muscles .
He remarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons '' and shouts out to his friend filming him before he enters the slide capsule and descends at more than 62mph ( 100kph ) in just three seconds .
After he leaves the ride , he laughs with a group of children before pulling another muscles pose .
Dismissing his claim at Manchester County Court last month , Recorder Richard Hartley QC said the idea that someone going down such a slide would struggle with heights was `` nonsense '' .
The judge went on to say that Mr Bardsley was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court `` and when faced with this he should have withdrawn his claim immediately '' , said Clyde & Co .
He ruled that Bardsley was guilty of `` fundamental dishonesty in respect of his claim '' and ordered him to pay the defendant 's legal costs of £14,318 .
Damian Rourke , partner with Clyde & Co , said : `` It 's important to understand that Aviva never sought to argue that the claimant was not injured at all .
Instead , the issue was that the claimant had exaggerated both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries to the extent that the entire claim should be dismissed .
`` While the claimant damages were assessed at around £4,500 , because he sought to claim approximately four to five times that amount , he lost everything . ''
Richard Hiscocks , director of motor and casualty claims at Aviva , said : `` We are here to pay genuine claims quickly and do .
But by overstating the value and extent of his injury , Mr Bardsley sought to increase the cost of insurance for our honest customers .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs low by challenging spurious and inflated claims , and so we are pleased the court has made clear that exaggerating an injury claim is a serious offence and is not the payday some people think it could be . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Press Association, James Rodger)

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A bodybuilder faces a £14,000 legal bill after he submitted a "fundamentally dishonest" claim for damages after falling into a koi carp pond in his back garden.
Ben Bardsley, 38, from Stockport, said the accident left him with a fear of heights but his personal injury claim was exposed when video footage emerged of him careering down Europe's highest water slide - the 108ft (33m) Verti-Go in Benidorm, Spain.
Bardsley had brought a claim against Warrington Koi & Aquatics at Manchester County Court following the accident in July 2015 while the firm was digging the pond.
As he inspected the work, Bardsley was struck by the bucket of the digger and was knocked into the pond.
The gym owner subsequently claimed in medical evidence that he fell with his arms outstretched, which caused injuries to his neck and back and left him unable to lift weights.
He also said the accident had led to psychological problems and that he now had an anxiety of heights.
However, insurance firm Aviva, which acted for the pond supplier, was suspicious of the claim and instructed lawyers to investigate further.
Amid a vast array of social media posts, it was shown that Bardsley had continued to lift large weights following the accident.
One such post was even published on the day he attended a medical examination which noted "ongoing symptoms prevent him from performing activities that involved lifting", said law firm Clyde & Co.
Mr Bardsley also posted a video of himself tackling the Verti-Go attraction at the Costa Blanca resort in which he grins at the camera and poses to show off his muscles.
He remarks "there's no queue for obvious reasons" and shouts out to his friend filming him before he enters the slide capsule and descends at more than 62mph (100kph) in just three seconds.
After he leaves the ride, he laughs with a group of children before pulling another muscles pose.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Dismissing his claim at Manchester County Court last month, Recorder Richard Hartley QC said the idea that someone going down such a slide would struggle with heights was "nonsense".
The judge went on to say that Mr Bardsley was not straight with the medical experts or the court "and when faced with this he should have withdrawn his claim immediately", said Clyde & Co.
He ruled that Bardsley was guilty of "fundamental dishonesty in respect of his claim" and ordered him to pay the defendant's legal costs of £14,318.
Damian Rourke, partner with Clyde & Co, said: "It's important to understand that Aviva never sought to argue that the claimant was not injured at all. Instead, the issue was that the claimant had exaggerated both the physical and psychological effects of his injuries to the extent that the entire claim should be dismissed.
"While the claimant damages were assessed at around £4,500, because he sought to claim approximately four to five times that amount, he lost everything."
Richard Hiscocks, director of motor and casualty claims at Aviva, said: "We are here to pay genuine claims quickly and do. But by overstating the value and extent of his injury, Mr Bardsley sought to increase the cost of insurance for our honest customers.
"We have a duty to keep their costs low by challenging spurious and inflated claims, and so we are pleased the court has made clear that exaggerating an injury claim is a serious offence and is not the payday some people think it could be."


birminghammail--2020-02-06--'Still the same' - The brilliant interview that will impress Wolves boss Nuno

“ I ’ m still the same Luke.
” That ’ s the message from Wolverhampton Wanderers new boy Luke Matheson as he returns to hometown club Rochdale as a Premier League player .
Matheson completed a £1million move to Wolves on transfer deadline day before making a swift return to Rochdale on loan until the end of the season .
He will complete the season in League One before linking up with Wolves for pre-season in the summer .
And the 17-year-old has given a wonderful insight into the whirlwind few days which started with him passing his driving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week has been absolutely mental , '' he said .
`` On the Thursday I passed my driving test , that ’ s something I ’ ve been wanting to do since I turned 17 so that was a real buzz .
“ Signing for Wolves on the Friday was a dream come true , in the sense of signing for a Premier League club .
“ And then coming back here on the Tuesday - my first session back - and nothing ’ s changed .
I ’ m still the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here on loan and I ’ m still the same Luke .
“ I still see myself wanting to train the hardest I possibly can in every session .
Just because I ’ ve got a Premier League tag in front of my name it doesn ’ t make me see myself in any way different.
” Matheson , who joined Rochdale ’ s academy as an eight-year-old , has played 24 games under Brian Barry-Murphy this season .
“ With Bri I ’ m getting constant opportunities , ” he told Rochdale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sometimes that I ’ m still 17 .
To be given opportunities in League One , and to be starting games , is something I would never have expected at the start of the season .
“ The opportunities I ’ ve had this year - my first league start , scored my first goal , played at Old Trafford and St James ’ Park - I ’ m so thankful to the coaching staff here .
“ To be able to come back and complete the season here was something that I @ @ @ @ @ @

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“I’m still the same Luke.”
That’s the message from Wolverhampton Wanderers new boy Luke Matheson as he returns to hometown club Rochdale as a Premier League player.
Matheson completed a £1million move to Wolves on transfer deadline day before making a swift return to Rochdale on loan until the end of the season.
He will complete the season in League One before linking up with Wolves for pre-season in the summer.
And the 17-year-old has given a wonderful insight into the whirlwind few days which started with him passing his driving test last week.
“The last week has been absolutely mental," he said. "On the Thursday I passed my driving test, that’s something I’ve been wanting to do since I turned 17 so that was a real buzz.
“Signing for Wolves on the Friday was a dream come true, in the sense of signing for a Premier League club.
“And then coming back here on the Tuesday - my first session back - and nothing’s changed. I’m still the same Rochdale player, I’m back here on loan and I’m still the same Luke.
“I still see myself wanting to train the hardest I possibly can in every session. Just because I’ve got a Premier League tag in front of my name it doesn’t make me see myself in any way different.”
Matheson, who joined Rochdale’s academy as an eight-year-old, has played 24 games under Brian Barry-Murphy this season.
“With Bri I’m getting constant opportunities,” he told Rochdale’s website.“I myself forget sometimes that I’m still 17. To be given opportunities in League One, and to be starting games, is something I would never have expected at the start of the season.
“The opportunities I’ve had this year - my first league start, scored my first goal, played at Old Trafford and St James’ Park - I’m so thankful to the coaching staff here.
“To be able to come back and complete the season here was something that I really wanted to do.”


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Burglar who sexually assaulted and murdered widow, 89, before moaning he 'only got £100' jailed

Burglar Reece Dempster , 23 , who sexually assaulted and murdered an 89-year-old widow in her own home in Tottenham , has been jailed at the Old Bailey for life with a minimum term of 34 years .
Dempster , 23 , broke into the home of `` independent '' and `` feisty '' Dorothy Woolmer while she slept , in August last year .
The thug , who said he had been drinking gin and smoking crack beforehand , sexually assaulted the elderly woman - who was less than 5ft tall and had bone condition osteoporosis - and battered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflicting fatal injuries .
He fled the scene the following morning , later telling an acquaintance that he `` only got a hundred quid '' , adding : `` It was n't even worth it . ''
Dempster , who is 6ft 3in tall , changed his pleas on the third day of his trial at the Old Bailey , admitting one count of murder and two of assault by penetration .
He previously admitted burglary and manslaughter .
The court heard Mrs Woolmer suffered severe injuries to her head and groin area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home in Waltheof Gardens , Tottenham , north London , overnight between August 3 and 4 last year .
Dempster spent about seven hours in Mrs Woolmer 's home after breaking in through a back door , arming himself with a truncheon he found in the elderly victim 's downstairs cupboard while looking for cash .
He fled the scene as dawn broke , vomiting several times on the way .
Mrs Woolmer 's lifeless and bloodied body was found , semi-naked , in her bed , by her sister and a close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to answer the door for her morning newspaper .
Prosecutor Anthony Orchard QC told jurors how Dempster had carried out some gardening work for the victim the previous month , and returned to burgle it , saying he had `` cased the premises '' .
The court heard Dempster later told his former partner Nikita Richards he had been smoking crack and drinking gin .
`` I went off and I went to rob a house .
I think I hurt someone . ''
He added : `` I just blacked out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was blood everywhere .
`` It 's really bad , it 's really bad .
I was n't expecting anyone to be in there .
I 'm going to be in so much trouble . ''
Detective Inspector Garry Moncrieff described the case as `` one of the most disturbing I have ever encountered '' .
He added : `` Even the most experienced officers were shocked at the extent of the violence and the depth of the defendant 's depravity .
`` To have her life ended by this man 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dempster , of no fixed address , will be sentenced by His Honour Mr Justice Edis later .

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Burglar Reece Dempster, 23, who sexually assaulted and murdered an 89-year-old widow in her own home in Tottenham, has been jailed at the Old Bailey for life with a minimum term of 34 years.
Dempster, 23, broke into the home of "independent" and "feisty" Dorothy Woolmer while she slept, in August last year.
The thug, who said he had been drinking gin and smoking crack beforehand, sexually assaulted the elderly woman - who was less than 5ft tall and had bone condition osteoporosis - and battered her around the head and body, inflicting fatal injuries.
He fled the scene the following morning, later telling an acquaintance that he "only got a hundred quid", adding: "It wasn't even worth it."
Dempster, who is 6ft 3in tall, changed his pleas on the third day of his trial at the Old Bailey, admitting one count of murder and two of assault by penetration. He previously admitted burglary and manslaughter.
The court heard Mrs Woolmer suffered severe injuries to her head and groin area after being attacked by Dempster at her home in Waltheof Gardens, Tottenham, north London, overnight between August 3 and 4 last year.
Dempster spent about seven hours in Mrs Woolmer's home after breaking in through a back door, arming himself with a truncheon he found in the elderly victim's downstairs cupboard while looking for cash.
He fled the scene as dawn broke, vomiting several times on the way.
(Image: PA)
Mrs Woolmer's lifeless and bloodied body was found, semi-naked, in her bed, by her sister and a close friend who were concerned when she failed to answer the door for her morning newspaper.
Prosecutor Anthony Orchard QC told jurors how Dempster had carried out some gardening work for the victim the previous month, and returned to burgle it, saying he had "cased the premises".
The court heard Dempster later told his former partner Nikita Richards he had been smoking crack and drinking gin.
"I went off and I went to rob a house. I think I hurt someone."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
He added: "I just blacked out and then I turned a light on and there was blood everywhere.
"And then I ran.
"It's really bad, it's really bad. I wasn't expecting anyone to be in there. I'm going to be in so much trouble."
Detective Inspector Garry Moncrieff described the case as "one of the most disturbing I have ever encountered".
He added: "Even the most experienced officers were shocked at the extent of the violence and the depth of the defendant's depravity.
"To have her life ended by this man's monstrous acts is beyond tragic."
Dempster, of no fixed address, will be sentenced by His Honour Mr Justice Edis later.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--'Had problems' - What's in store for Birmingham City when visit Bristol City

Birmingham City take their seven-match unbeaten run to Bristol City on Friday night .
They do so buoyed by the availability of Scott Hogan - but wearied by the 120 minutes it took them to subdue Coventry City on Tuesday evening .
Blues have a decent record at Ashton Gate , having won there five times in the last decade .
However , this season they will find a confident , functional home side that has won without conceding a goal in their last four Championship matches .
We asked BristolLive ’ s Robins reporter Gregor Macgregor for his insight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get City out of their pre-Christmas malaise ?
GM : Fundamentally , had time to implement some good coaching .
Lee Johnson has a reputation as being excellent on the training pitch and the current results certainly back that up .
By being knocked out of the FA Cup at the third round it has meant that the head coach has had some extra time to work with the team on the grass - and it has shown in the last two matches , when City looked well drilled , had a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two good wins on the road .
Also , having trimmed the squad in terms of numbers and gaining Jamie Paterson back from a loan at Derby County , the spirit of the squad is high .
While recent results and three good signings have seen morale climb upwards even more .
What are Bristol City ’ s main threats ?
Who ’ s the best player ?
GM : The best player would likely be Niclas Eliasson who could well be playing in the Premier League next season one way or another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently and has been exceptional across this season , forcing his way into the side having not been a regular at the beginning of the campaign .
However , of late Nathan Baker and Famara Diedhiou have been in outstanding form and both playing key roles in the recent five wins in six .
Meanwhile , Ashley Williams , Korey Smith and Andi Weimann play key roles as experienced members of the team .
Weimann and Diedhiou will likely be the team ’ s main attackers on Friday , unless Nahki Wells has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way in .
The new recruit was on the bench against former side QPR on Saturday and may well be again against Blues .
How could Blues hurt them ?
GM : Do what they ’ ve done in six of the last eight visits ( as Blues won ) !
Birmingham have a great record this way , and the match at St Andrew ’ s earlier this season was an even affair .
Bristol City have been very good away from home - second in the league on just away games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down at Ashton Gate , where they rank 15th for home points won .
If Pep Clotet ’ s side can start well then the home crowd may get frustrated , although the fans here are bouncing given recent form and signings .
It ’ ll come down to the same tropes as ever : be clinical , stick together and defend well .
What ’ s the perception of Blues at Ashton Gate ?
GM : Not sure that anyone this way feels strongly about Birmingham City , to be honest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is doing a good job there given difficult circumstances off the pitch .
Although the fans from the other side of your city seem to have rubbed a few the wrong way at times .
Prediction time - who ’ s going to win and why ?
GM : I see another close game and City ’ s home record - of just two wins in BS3 from the last five league games - is not great .
However , the Robins are flying currently .
And buoyed by the three new additions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ televised encounter .
2-1 .

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Birmingham City take their seven-match unbeaten run to Bristol City on Friday night.
They do so buoyed by the availability of Scott Hogan - but wearied by the 120 minutes it took them to subdue Coventry City on Tuesday evening.
Blues have a decent record at Ashton Gate, having won there five times in the last decade.
However, this season they will find a confident, functional home side that has won without conceding a goal in their last four Championship matches.
We asked BristolLive’s Robins reporter Gregor Macgregor for his insight.
What has Lee Johnson done to get City out of their pre-Christmas malaise?
GM: Fundamentally, had time to implement some good coaching.
Lee Johnson has a reputation as being excellent on the training pitch and the current results certainly back that up.
By being knocked out of the FA Cup at the third round it has meant that the head coach has had some extra time to work with the team on the grass - and it has shown in the last two matches, when City looked well drilled, had a good compact team shape, and deserved their two good wins on the road.
Also, having trimmed the squad in terms of numbers and gaining Jamie Paterson back from a loan at Derby County, the spirit of the squad is high.
While recent results and three good signings have seen morale climb upwards even more.
What are Bristol City’s main threats? Who’s the best player?
GM: The best player would likely be Niclas Eliasson who could well be playing in the Premier League next season one way or another.
He leads the league in assists currently and has been exceptional across this season, forcing his way into the side having not been a regular at the beginning of the campaign.
(Image: Getty Images)
However, of late Nathan Baker and Famara Diedhiou have been in outstanding form and both playing key roles in the recent five wins in six.
Meanwhile, Ashley Williams, Korey Smith and Andi Weimann play key roles as experienced members of the team.
Weimann and Diedhiou will likely be the team’s main attackers on Friday, unless Nahki Wells has impressed enough in training to force his way in.
The new recruit was on the bench against former side QPR on Saturday and may well be again against Blues.
How could Blues hurt them?
GM: Do what they’ve done in six of the last eight visits (as Blues won)!
Birmingham have a great record this way, and the match at St Andrew’s earlier this season was an even affair.
Bristol City have been very good away from home - second in the league on just away games - but have had problems breaking sides down at Ashton Gate, where they rank 15th for home points won.
If Pep Clotet’s side can start well then the home crowd may get frustrated, although the fans here are bouncing given recent form and signings.
It’ll come down to the same tropes as ever: be clinical, stick together and defend well.
What’s the perception of Blues at Ashton Gate?
GM: Not sure that anyone this way feels strongly about Birmingham City, to be honest, apart from likely recognising that Pep Clotet is doing a good job there given difficult circumstances off the pitch.
Although the fans from the other side of your city seem to have rubbed a few the wrong way at times.
Prediction time - who’s going to win and why?
GM: I see another close game and City’s home record - of just two wins in BS3 from the last five league games - is not great.
However, the Robins are flying currently. And buoyed by the three new additions, I think they may edge this televised encounter. 2-1.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Aldi urgently recalls Muller yoghurts which may contain METAL shards

Aldi - one of the most popular supermarkets in the country - has issued an urgent product recall .
The @ @ @ @ @ stores across Birmingham , first swung open its doors in the UK way back in @ @ @ @ @ first ever store opened here in Birmingham , with now plenty more supermarkets across the @ @ @ @ @ UK .
And as the retailer wins over more and more customers , shoppers have @ @ @ @ @ item being taken off shelves .
The supermarket chain said the products - supplied by @ @ @ @ @ of metal .
On Facebook , Aldi wrote : `` Our supplier , Muller , @ @ @ @ @ a precautionary measure because they may contain small pieces of metal .
`` Customers should @ @ @ @ @ nearest store where they will receive a full refund .
`` We apologise for any @ @ @ @ @ your co-operation . ''
4088600172521 and 4088600172194 are the barcodes affected .
Affected products carry @ @ @ @ @ , 26/02/20 and 04/03/20 .

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Aldi - one of the most popular supermarkets in the country - has issued an urgent product recall.
The German budget retailer, with stores across Birmingham, first swung open its doors in the UK way back in the early 1990s.
Its first ever store opened here in Birmingham, with now plenty more supermarkets across the city, Midlands and wider UK.
And as the retailer wins over more and more customers, shoppers have been warned over one product item being taken off shelves.
The supermarket chain said the products - supplied by Muller - may contain pieces of metal.
On Facebook, Aldi wrote: "Our supplier, Muller, has recalled these product as a precautionary measure because they may contain small pieces of metal.
"Customers should return the product to their nearest store where they will receive a full refund.
"We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your co-operation."
4088600172521 and 4088600172194 are the barcodes affected.
Affected products carry best before dates of 20/02/20, 26/02/20 and 04/03/20.
Aldi operates multiple stores across Birmingham.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Dante Mullings drive-by shooting - live court updates as six go on trial for conspiracy to murder

Three men and three teenagers are due to face trial following a drive-by shooting which left a 23-year-old dead in his car .
Dante Mullings was in a parked car with two others when shots were fired from another vehicle on St Vincent Road West , Ladywood on May 7 last year .
The victim suffered a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene , while two other men were also injured .
Ihsaann Bernard , 20 , of Anerley Road , Kingstanding , Omarni Bernard-Sewell , 23 , of no fixed address , Ayuub Mahmoud , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dior Jackson , 20 , of Wadington Avenue , Great Barr , Mohammed Qadir , 18 , of Dunsink Road , Aston and a 17-year-old , who can not be identified for legal reasons , have all denied conspiracy to murder between May 5 and May 8 2019 .
They have also pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to possess a firearm between the same dates .
Follow updates from the trial below .
If you are on the go , the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Android , the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you .
Download it on iPhone and Android .
Keep up-to-date with the latest news from Birmingham Courts by joining of Facebook group here Breaking news , the latest on your football club , the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you .
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ross McCarthy, Jayne Thomson)

Three men and three teenagers are due to face trial following a drive-by shooting which left a 23-year-old dead in his car.
Dante Mullings was in a parked car with two others when shots were fired from another vehicle on St Vincent Road West, Ladywood on May 7 last year.
The victim suffered a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene, while two other men were also injured.
Ihsaann Bernard, 20, of Anerley Road, Kingstanding, Omarni Bernard-Sewell, 23, of no fixed address, Ayuub Mahmoud, 18 of Lozells Street, Lozells, Dior Jackson, 20, of Wadington Avenue, Great Barr, Mohammed Qadir, 18, of Dunsink Road, Aston and a 17-year-old, who can not be identified for legal reasons, have all denied conspiracy to murder between May 5 and May 8 2019.
They have also pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to possess a firearm between the same dates.
Follow updates from the trial below.
If you are on the go, the Birmingham Live app helps bring you closer to the latest news where you live.
Available on iPhone and Android , the app can be tailor made to bring you the latest on what matters to you.
Download it on iPhone and Android .
Keep up-to-date with the latest news from Birmingham Courts by joining of Facebook group here
Breaking news, the latest on your football club, the pick of the weeks events and the latest travel - you can tailor the app to suit you.
Our push notifications help highlight the biggest stories to you first.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Lorry and car collide at busy Ventura Park, Tamworth roundabout

A lorry and a Ford Fiesta have collided causing tailbacks at a busy Tamworth roundabout .
The incident happened shortly before 11am this morning ( Thursday , February 6 ) at the Beefeater island in Bonehill Road .
Police are at the scene with traffic being directed .
It is believed no one is injured and neither the ambulance service nor the fire service were in attendance .
Staffordshire Police said : “ We were called at 10.55am to reports of a collision between a HGV and a silver Fiesta .
They collided causing the Fiesta to spin .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being arranged for the car.
” One eyewitness told us : “ I was walking back to the town centre from Ventura Park when I saw what had happened .
“ I heard flashing lights and a police car arrive so I knew something was up .
“ It looked like the car was on the wrong side of the road but I think they spun in the collision .
It looked like everyone was ok , people were standing up by the side and cars had stopped to help .
“ Traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t look too bad when I walked past .
I think the police have it under control .
”

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A lorry and a Ford Fiesta have collided causing tailbacks at a busy Tamworth roundabout.
The incident happened shortly before 11am this morning (Thursday, February 6) at the Beefeater island in Bonehill Road.
Police are at the scene with traffic being directed. It is believed no one is injured and neither the ambulance service nor the fire service were in attendance.
Staffordshire Police said: “We were called at 10.55am to reports of a collision between a HGV and a silver Fiesta. They collided causing the Fiesta to spin. Both parties are exchanging details and recovery is being arranged for the car.”
One eyewitness told us: “I was walking back to the town centre from Ventura Park when I saw what had happened.
“I heard flashing lights and a police car arrive so I knew something was up.
“It looked like the car was on the wrong side of the road but I think they spun in the collision. It looked like everyone was ok, people were standing up by the side and cars had stopped to help.
“Traffic was building back but it didn’t look too bad when I walked past. I think the police have it under control.”


birminghammail--2020-02-06--M&S shoppers flocking to buy incredible Valentine's Day food item

Marks and Spencer is selling something it is branding the `` love sausage '' - yes , really , for Valentine 's Day .
M & S was the talk of the nation last Valentine ’ s Day – not only for its incredible value meal deal and stunning bouquets – but also for its massive meat offering .
Selling-out in minutes – customers flocked to stores to get their hands on this truffle-infused piece of meat ( some were even seen queuing to get their hands on this Valentine ’ s Day must have .
It became social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LoveSausage bandwagon sharing pics of their successful purchase and the delight on their partners face when giving or receiving it – it also was trending on Twitter and received over 30,000 likes on M & S social channels in the first few hours .
Phillip Schofield tucked into one live on This Morning , as did Chris Evans on Virgin Radio .
This year , it 's back and joined by the ‘ Give a Little Love ’ Sausage , a twin pack of heart-shaped , truffle infused pork sausages ideal for breakfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or simply crack an egg in the middle and serve .
Kirsty Rowley – Love Sausage Product Developer - said : `` Love Sausage mania swept the UK and beyond last year , and it was a HUGE hit with our customers .
`` There may be some imitators this year ( the sincerest form of flattery ) but I am happy to say the original and BEST is BACK !
And it is joined by the perfect package of the smaller Give a Little Love Sausage . ''

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Marks and Spencer is selling something it is branding the "love sausage" - yes, really, for Valentine's Day.
M&S was the talk of the nation last Valentine’s Day – not only for its incredible value meal deal and stunning bouquets – but also for its massive meat offering.
Selling-out in minutes – customers flocked to stores to get their hands on this truffle-infused piece of meat (some were even seen queuing to get their hands on this Valentine’s Day must have.
It became social media star with many jumping on the #LoveSausage bandwagon sharing pics of their successful purchase and the delight on their partners face when giving or receiving it – it also was trending on Twitter and received over 30,000 likes on M&S social channels in the first few hours.
Phillip Schofield tucked into one live on This Morning, as did Chris Evans on Virgin Radio.
This year, it's back and joined by the ‘Give a Little Love’ Sausage, a twin pack of heart-shaped, truffle infused pork sausages ideal for breakfast – on top of muffins, crumpets, or simply crack an egg in the middle and serve.
Kirsty Rowley – Love Sausage Product Developer - said: "Love Sausage mania swept the UK and beyond last year, and it was a HUGE hit with our customers.
"There may be some imitators this year (the sincerest form of flattery) but I am happy to say the original and BEST is BACK! And it is joined by the perfect package of the smaller Give a Little Love Sausage."


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Pranzo chef flees for his life as flames tear through Sparkhill restaurant

A chef has told of the moment he awoke to 'alarms and thick smoke ' - when a severe blaze ripped through his Sparkhill restaurant .
The man , who works at Pranzo on Warwick Road and lives in accommodation above , was asleep when the fire took hold of the building on Thursday , February 6 .
He said he only awoke when alarms blared and he was faced with a wall of 'thick smoke ' when he opened the back door .
The restaurant - which has a 4.5 star rating on Tripadvisor - was gutted after flames @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building shortly before 9am .
At the height of the blaze , 34 firefighters and extra support staff were drafted in to tackle the flames .
Pictures and video from the scene showed smashed windows and debris littering the ground outside , where residents and the restaurant owner could be seen gathering at the edge of a cordon .
The fire was said to have started in the front room of the first floor , which is used as accommodation and has five rooms .
`` I was sleeping at the time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ thick smoke when I opened the back door , '' the chef , who asked not to be named , said .
`` I rang the firefighters .
There are four occupied rooms and one empty . ''
The devastated restaurant owner could be seen arriving at the burnt-out building today .
Speaking exclusively to BirminghamLive at the scene , the man said : `` I got the call from someone driving past .
I 've come to see what 's left of my restaurant .
`` I 've no idea what happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone is safe .
`` It 's not good news for what 's left of the restaurant . ''
The owner was then walked inside the gutted remains of the building by the West Midlands Fire Service incident commander and a police officer , where he was able to see the scale of the damage .
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said : `` We received 18 separate calls to Warwick Road , shortly before 9am .
Six engines , with 34 firefighters , were sent to the scene where they found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Pranzo restaurant .
`` The fire had also spread into the roof space .
`` Police were called for traffic management and a hydraulic platform was also in use .
`` By 10.17am the seat of the fire had been extinguished and teams with breathing apparatus were sent in to search the building . ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Charlotte Paxton, Stephanie Balloo)

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A chef has told of the moment he awoke to 'alarms and thick smoke' - when a severe blaze ripped through his Sparkhill restaurant.
The man, who works at Pranzo on Warwick Road and lives in accommodation above, was asleep when the fire took hold of the building on Thursday, February 6.
He said he only awoke when alarms blared and he was faced with a wall of 'thick smoke' when he opened the back door.
The restaurant - which has a 4.5 star rating on Tripadvisor - was gutted after flames tore through the first floor of the building shortly before 9am.
At the height of the blaze, 34 firefighters and extra support staff were drafted in to tackle the flames.
Pictures and video from the scene showed smashed windows and debris littering the ground outside, where residents and the restaurant owner could be seen gathering at the edge of a cordon.
The fire was said to have started in the front room of the first floor, which is used as accommodation and has five rooms.
"I was sleeping at the time. The alarm went off and there was thick smoke when I opened the back door," the chef, who asked not to be named, said.
"I rang the firefighters. There are four occupied rooms and one empty."
The devastated restaurant owner could be seen arriving at the burnt-out building today.
Speaking exclusively to BirminghamLive at the scene, the man said: "I got the call from someone driving past. I've come to see what's left of my restaurant.
"I've no idea what happened. Nobody is in the building - everyone is safe.
"It's not good news for what's left of the restaurant."
The owner was then walked inside the gutted remains of the building by the West Midlands Fire Service incident commander and a police officer, where he was able to see the scale of the damage.
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: "We received 18 separate calls to Warwick Road, shortly before 9am. Six engines, with 34 firefighters, were sent to the scene where they found a severe fire on the first floor of the Pranzo restaurant.
"The fire had also spread into the roof space.
"Police were called for traffic management and a hydraulic platform was also in use.
"By 10.17am the seat of the fire had been extinguished and teams with breathing apparatus were sent in to search the building."


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Breaking - Liam Byrne selected to take on Andy Street to be next Mayor of West Midlands

The battle to be the next Mayor of the West Midlands is officially on after Birmingham MP Liam Byrne won the nomination of Labour members as the man to take on Andy Street .
The result was announced at 11am this morning .
Leftwing firebrand Salma Yaqoob , a late and controversial addition to the selection race , and union stalwart Pete Lowe had been in the running for the post .
But Hodge Hill MP Liam Byrne was victorious , winning the backing of the majority of Labour members .
LabourList are reporting his victory came after second preferences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 49 , has been MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill since 2004 and is currently the shadow Digital Minister .
He served as a minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown .
He has been endorsed by most sitting MPs including John McDonnell , who said : `` I believe that he 's got the experience and the values to put our policies into action . ''
The battle for the nomination had been billed as a race for the 'soul ' of the Labour Party , pitching Blair-era former minister Liam Byrne against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controversial left winger Salma Yaqoob , who only joined the party last year .
The result could be a sign of voting intentions among members in the Labour leadership race - and a victory for Byrne is likely to be deemed a thumbs up for more centrist candidates Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy .
Both will be in the region on Sunday , taking part in a hustings in Dudley starring all of the candidates , and hosting their own gatherings with supporters .
Dudley councillor Lowe had been endorsed by UNISON , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Musician ’ s Union and the Labour Homelessness Campaign as well as a number of local Momentum groups .
He has stood as Labour ’ s parliamentary candidate for Stourbridge three times .
Yaqoob 's participation in the race sparked controversy , mainly because she was a former leader of the Respect Party and stood against Labour , including at the 2017 election .
She did though win the backing of the Unite union and high profile supporters included Owen Jones .
For Tory mayor incumbent Andy Street , this week has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he released plans for a 20 year , £15 billion vision for the region 's tram and rail network , and has been at the forefront of dicussions about the fate of West Midlands Trains and the HS2 project .
But from today , the battle to be the next mayor of the West Midlands will begin in earnest .
The election takes place on May 7 .
Other declared candidates are Beverley Nielsen ( Lib Dems ) and Kathryn Downs ( Greens ) .

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The battle to be the next Mayor of the West Midlands is officially on after Birmingham MP Liam Byrne won the nomination of Labour members as the man to take on Andy Street.
The result was announced at 11am this morning.
Leftwing firebrand Salma Yaqoob, a late and controversial addition to the selection race, and union stalwart Pete Lowe had been in the running for the post.
But Hodge Hill MP Liam Byrne was victorious, winning the backing of the majority of Labour members. LabourList are reporting his victory came after second preferences were taken into account.
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
Byrne, 49, has been MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill since 2004 and is currently the shadow Digital Minister. He served as a minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
He has been endorsed by most sitting MPs including John McDonnell, who said: "I believe that he's got the experience and the values to put our policies into action."
The battle for the nomination had been billed as a race for the 'soul' of the Labour Party, pitching Blair-era former minister Liam Byrne against stalwart unionist Pete Lowe and the more controversial left winger Salma Yaqoob, who only joined the party last year.
The result could be a sign of voting intentions among members in the Labour leadership race - and a victory for Byrne is likely to be deemed a thumbs up for more centrist candidates Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy.
Both will be in the region on Sunday, taking part in a hustings in Dudley starring all of the candidates, and hosting their own gatherings with supporters.
Dudley councillor Lowe had been endorsed by UNISON, BFAWU, FBU, NUM, the Musician’s Union and the Labour Homelessness Campaign as well as a number of local Momentum groups. He has stood as Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Stourbridge three times.
Yaqoob's participation in the race sparked controversy, mainly because she was a former leader of the Respect Party and stood against Labour, including at the 2017 election. She did though win the backing of the Unite union and high profile supporters included Owen Jones.
For Tory mayor incumbent Andy Street, this week has been business as usual. Earlier this week he released plans for a 20 year, £15 billion vision for the region's tram and rail network, and has been at the forefront of dicussions about the fate of West Midlands Trains and the HS2 project.
But from today, the battle to be the next mayor of the West Midlands will begin in earnest.
The election takes place on May 7.
Other declared candidates are Beverley Nielsen (Lib Dems) and Kathryn Downs (Greens).


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Brexit Day plot 'to blow up lorry crossing Irish Sea' investigated by police

Police in Northern Ireland are investigating a potential dissident republican plot to blow up a lorry due to cross the Irish Sea on Brexit day .
The PSNI said they received a report that an explosive device was on a lorry in Belfast docks on Friday January 31 .
The report received by police claimed the ferry was due to travel to Scotland .
An intensive search was carried out and nothing was found , and the ferry sailed as planned .
On Monday , officers received a further report that a device was attached to a lorry belonging to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-day search , which involved the search of 400 vehicles , a bomb was found attached to a heavy goods vehicle in the Silverwood industrial estate in Lurgan , Co Armagh .
It was made safe by Army bomb disposal officers .
Detective Superintendent Sean Wright , from the Police Service of Northern Ireland 's terrorism investigation unit , said : `` It is clear from the information available to police that dissident republicans deliberately and recklessly attached an explosive device to a heavy goods vehicle in the full knowledge and expectation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle , road users and the wider public at serious risk of injury and possible death .
`` Had this vehicle travelled and the device had exploded at any point along the M1 , across the Westlink or into the harbour estate , the risks posed do not bear thinking about .
`` The only conclusion that we can draw is that once again dissident republicans have shown a total disregard for the community , for businesses and for wider society . ''

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Police in Northern Ireland are investigating a potential dissident republican plot to blow up a lorry due to cross the Irish Sea on Brexit day.
The PSNI said they received a report that an explosive device was on a lorry in Belfast docks on Friday January 31. The report received by police claimed the ferry was due to travel to Scotland.
An intensive search was carried out and nothing was found, and the ferry sailed as planned.
On Monday, officers received a further report that a device was attached to a lorry belonging to a named haulage company.
After a two-day search, which involved the search of 400 vehicles, a bomb was found attached to a heavy goods vehicle in the Silverwood industrial estate in Lurgan, Co Armagh.
It was made safe by Army bomb disposal officers.
Detective Superintendent Sean Wright, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's terrorism investigation unit, said: "It is clear from the information available to police that dissident republicans deliberately and recklessly attached an explosive device to a heavy goods vehicle in the full knowledge and expectation that it would put the driver of that vehicle, road users and the wider public at serious risk of injury and possible death.
"Had this vehicle travelled and the device had exploded at any point along the M1, across the Westlink or into the harbour estate, the risks posed do not bear thinking about.
"The only conclusion that we can draw is that once again dissident republicans have shown a total disregard for the community, for businesses and for wider society."


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Mrs Hinch's incredible trick to remove sticky marks - and you just need one food from your kitchen

Mrs Hinch is back with a brilliant new trick for ridding your kitchen surfaces and floors of sticky marks .
And , according to the Essex homeowner , all you need is a common household item - and you may find it in your cupboard or fridge .
Mrs Hinch has spawned an array of social networking groups all aimed at sharing brilliant cleaning tricks , tips and hacks .
Her guidance has seen her bag a legion of social media followers , with huge followings on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook .
One such social networking group is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed how mayonnaise could help you rid your surfaces of stickiness .
If you spread a spoonful of mayo - full fat , of course - on the offending surface , and leave it for 30 minutes , it 's job done .
After half an hour , just simply wipe the surface clean for a sparkling clean look .
Apparently , mixing Hellman 's with warm soapy water also works , if you then wipe it off with cooking oil .
The cleaning guru regularly goes viral with her mind-blowing nuggets of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for changing their lives .

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Mrs Hinch is back with a brilliant new trick for ridding your kitchen surfaces and floors of sticky marks.
And, according to the Essex homeowner, all you need is a common household item - and you may find it in your cupboard or fridge.
Mrs Hinch has spawned an array of social networking groups all aimed at sharing brilliant cleaning tricks, tips and hacks.
Her guidance has seen her bag a legion of social media followers, with huge followings on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
One such social networking group is the Hinch Army Cleaning Tips group, which revealed how mayonnaise could help you rid your surfaces of stickiness.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
If you spread a spoonful of mayo - full fat, of course - on the offending surface, and leave it for 30 minutes, it's job done.
After half an hour, just simply wipe the surface clean for a sparkling clean look.
Apparently, mixing Hellman's with warm soapy water also works, if you then wipe it off with cooking oil.
The cleaning guru regularly goes viral with her mind-blowing nuggets of advice - with fans regularly hailing her for changing their lives.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Abusive husband jailed for life after murdering estranged wife and daughters

An abusive husband who fled the country after murdering his `` vulnerable '' estranged wife and their two young daughters more than a decade ago has been jailed for life , with a minimum term of 40 years .
Chef Mohammed Abdul Shakur , now 46 , spent years on the run after killing 26-year-old Juli Begum and their daughters Anika and Thanha Khanum , aged five and six , on New Year 's Day in 2007 .
Shakur fled to his home country of Bangladesh on the next available flight to evade justice where he confessed his crimes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you tell the police I will murder you and your children . ''
He later moved to India , illegally , and went to ground for several years before his whereabouts became known .
Shakur denied three counts of murder but declined to give evidence in his trial .
The jury deliberated for two days to find him guilty of all the charges .
Sentencing Shakur at the Old Bailey on Thursday , Judge Richard Marks QC said : `` This was a wicked , vicious and sustained attack on two little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 4ft and 8in was a tiny woman .
`` By contrast , at around 6ft tall and well built , you were no match for her whatsoever .
`` It is difficult to imagine three more vulnerable and defenceless victims .
`` You , to this day , have not shown one iota of remorse for what you did . ''
He said : `` The tenor of your defence is that these killings were not done by you - a defence the jury saw through . ''
The judge sentenced him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the six years , six months and six days spent in custody in India and the UK .
The court heard Shakur had since `` accepted '' the jury 's findings .
He showed little emotion as the judge returned his sentence .
Police went to the family home in East Ham , east London , on January 10 2007 after concerns from Ms Begum 's relatives .
The body of 4ft 8in Ms Begum was discovered beneath a bedcover with Anika laid across her and Thanha nearby .
By the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bangladesh telling associates his father was gravely ill , but was eventually arrested in India in May 2013 before being extradited in April 2019 .
The couple had an arranged marriage in Bangladesh when Ms Begum was 19 , but Shakur had repeatedly been violent towards his wife and did not like their children much because they were not boys , the court heard .
Jurors were not told of Ms Begum 's further claim that he had raped her three or four times around the end of 2000 .
While working in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Shakur was paid cash in hand and was allowed to live above his work , jurors heard .
He sent money to his family in Bangladesh while Ms Begum received child benefits , the court heard .
The couple had rowed over his immigration status and financial contribution to the household in the run-up to the massacre , jurors were told .
Junior prosecutor Kerry Broome broke down in tears during a previous hearing as she read out how the murder impacted the victims ' distraught family .
In her statement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their mother , Karful Nessa , `` would cry in the middle of the night '' and was so depressed family members would have to sit with her .
Ms Begum said : `` She ( Ms Nessa ) suffered from depression and it affected her health .
`` She used to cry all the time , she told me all the time she could n't concentrate and could n't sleep .
`` She said she could hear Thanha and Anika crying out to her . ''
Ms Begum added : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The only thing I can think of is them , not my husband or my own children .
`` It has destroyed my life - I can not watch the television or see a film without something triggering back to what happened .
`` It will be with us for the rest of our lives . ''

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An abusive husband who fled the country after murdering his "vulnerable" estranged wife and their two young daughters more than a decade ago has been jailed for life, with a minimum term of 40 years.
Chef Mohammed Abdul Shakur, now 46, spent years on the run after killing 26-year-old Juli Begum and their daughters Anika and Thanha Khanum, aged five and six, on New Year's Day in 2007.
Shakur fled to his home country of Bangladesh on the next available flight to evade justice where he confessed his crimes to his sister-in-law, warning her: "If you tell the police I will murder you and your children."
He later moved to India, illegally, and went to ground for several years before his whereabouts became known.
Shakur denied three counts of murder but declined to give evidence in his trial.
The jury deliberated for two days to find him guilty of all the charges.
Sentencing Shakur at the Old Bailey on Thursday, Judge Richard Marks QC said: "This was a wicked, vicious and sustained attack on two little girls, and on your wife who at 4ft and 8in was a tiny woman.
"By contrast, at around 6ft tall and well built, you were no match for her whatsoever.
"It is difficult to imagine three more vulnerable and defenceless victims.
"You, to this day, have not shown one iota of remorse for what you did."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
He said: "The tenor of your defence is that these killings were not done by you - a defence the jury saw through."
The judge sentenced him to a 40-year jail term, less the six years, six months and six days spent in custody in India and the UK.
The court heard Shakur had since "accepted" the jury's findings.
He showed little emotion as the judge returned his sentence.
Police went to the family home in East Ham, east London, on January 10 2007 after concerns from Ms Begum's relatives.
The body of 4ft 8in Ms Begum was discovered beneath a bedcover with Anika laid across her and Thanha nearby.
By the end of the week, Shakur had fled to Bangladesh telling associates his father was gravely ill, but was eventually arrested in India in May 2013 before being extradited in April 2019.
The couple had an arranged marriage in Bangladesh when Ms Begum was 19, but Shakur had repeatedly been violent towards his wife and did not like their children much because they were not boys, the court heard.
Jurors were not told of Ms Begum's further claim that he had raped her three or four times around the end of 2000.
While working in an Indian restaurant in Frimley, Surrey, Shakur was paid cash in hand and was allowed to live above his work, jurors heard.
He sent money to his family in Bangladesh while Ms Begum received child benefits, the court heard.
The couple had rowed over his immigration status and financial contribution to the household in the run-up to the massacre, jurors were told.
Junior prosecutor Kerry Broome broke down in tears during a previous hearing as she read out how the murder impacted the victims' distraught family.
In her statement, Ms Begum's sister Sheli described how their mother, Karful Nessa, "would cry in the middle of the night" and was so depressed family members would have to sit with her.
Ms Begum said: "She (Ms Nessa) suffered from depression and it affected her health.
"She used to cry all the time, she told me all the time she couldn't concentrate and couldn't sleep.
"She said she could hear Thanha and Anika crying out to her."
Ms Begum added: "I see them in my mind.
"The only thing I can think of is them, not my husband or my own children.
"It has destroyed my life - I cannot watch the television or see a film without something triggering back to what happened.
"It will be with us for the rest of our lives."


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Apology after families not told relatives would be reburied during HS2 work

A representative for the Church Commissioners has apologised after individuals were not told that their relatives were to be reburied due to HS2 construction work .
Second Church Estates Commissioner Andrew Selous said he was `` extremely sorry '' that a woman had found out about the exhumation of her great-great-grandfather by accident .
Mr Selous told MPs that individuals will be reburied `` as near as possible to the original graveyards '' and that , under the deal between Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and the Archbishops ' Council , HS2 must provide a memorial for all those re-interred .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of one of his constituents is buried at St Mary 's in Stoke Mandeville and was `` very distressed to have learned by accident that the graves were to be exhumed by construction work linked to HS2 '' .
Mr Butler ( Aylesbury ) said : `` How will the Church of England monitor to ensure the exhumations are carried out in the way that Mr Selous has just described , even from deconsecrated land ? ''
In his first appearance in the role , Mr Selous said : `` I recognise the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell Mr Butler that an agreement has been reached between the Secretary of State for Transport and the Archbishops ' Council about the exhumation of graves and the reburial of remains in consecrated ground .
`` And I can assure Mr Butler that this will be done with dignity and respect . ''
He added : `` Can I say that I am extremely sorry that ( the woman ) found out about the exhumation of her great-great-grandfather by accident . ''
Mr Selous said the location of the consecrated ground will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I can tell Mr Butler that , in all cases , this will be as near as possible to the original graveyards and the law requires that HS2 put up a memorial for all those who are reinterred , '' he added .

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A representative for the Church Commissioners has apologised after individuals were not told that their relatives were to be reburied due to HS2 construction work.
Second Church Estates Commissioner Andrew Selous said he was "extremely sorry" that a woman had found out about the exhumation of her great-great-grandfather by accident.
Mr Selous told MPs that individuals will be reburied "as near as possible to the original graveyards" and that, under the deal between Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and the Archbishops' Council, HS2 must provide a memorial for all those re-interred.
Tory MP Robert Butler said the great-great-grandfather of one of his constituents is buried at St Mary's in Stoke Mandeville and was "very distressed to have learned by accident that the graves were to be exhumed by construction work linked to HS2".
Mr Butler (Aylesbury) said: "How will the Church of England monitor to ensure the exhumations are carried out in the way that Mr Selous has just described, even from deconsecrated land?"
In his first appearance in the role, Mr Selous said: "I recognise the sensitivities in this issue and I can tell Mr Butler that an agreement has been reached between the Secretary of State for Transport and the Archbishops' Council about the exhumation of graves and the reburial of remains in consecrated ground.
"And I can assure Mr Butler that this will be done with dignity and respect."
(Image: PA)
He added: "Can I say that I am extremely sorry that (the woman) found out about the exhumation of her great-great-grandfather by accident."
Mr Selous said the location of the consecrated ground will be announced "in due course".
"I can tell Mr Butler that, in all cases, this will be as near as possible to the original graveyards and the law requires that HS2 put up a memorial for all those who are reinterred," he added.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--'Unbelievable' - Dean Smith favourite offers this Aston Villa Premier League prediction

Dean Smith is the man to guide Aston Villa to Premier League survival this season .
That 's the view of Alan Judge , who spent some of his best years under Smith when he was in charge at Brentford .
Judge was at Griffin Park for the duration of Smith 's stay with the Bees and has seen first hand the impact he can have on a squad .
Villa sit one place and one point ahead of the Premier League relegation zone , with just 13 games left to secure a second season back in the top flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Football , has backed Smith to turn some 'unbelievable ' performances into enough points to stay up .
`` I worked well with Dean before I broke my leg and as a person I got on really well with him , '' Judge said .
`` He is an easy man to talk to and he likes playing proper football , so I really enjoyed my time under him .
`` Villa are struggling at the moment but they brought in a lot of players over the summer and it takes some time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them play a number of times this season and they have had some unbelievable performances and I think Dean has got a good coaching staff behind him , so I think they will stay up . ''

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Dean Smith is the man to guide Aston Villa to Premier League survival this season.
That's the view of Alan Judge, who spent some of his best years under Smith when he was in charge at Brentford.
Judge was at Griffin Park for the duration of Smith's stay with the Bees and has seen first hand the impact he can have on a squad.
Villa sit one place and one point ahead of the Premier League relegation zone, with just 13 games left to secure a second season back in the top flight.
And Judge, speaking to Tribal Football, has backed Smith to turn some 'unbelievable' performances into enough points to stay up.
"I worked well with Dean before I broke my leg and as a person I got on really well with him," Judge said.
"He is an easy man to talk to and he likes playing proper football, so I really enjoyed my time under him.
"Villa are struggling at the moment but they brought in a lot of players over the summer and it takes some time to gel.
"I have seen them play a number of times this season and they have had some unbelievable performances and I think Dean has got a good coaching staff behind him, so I think they will stay up."


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Jack Grealish uses emojis to have his say on that Newcastle United celebration

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has waded into the mass debate about the lewd Newcastle United fan 's celebration .
A supporter was caught on live television getting his penis out after Newcastle scored against Oxford United midweek and the clip went viral .
The fan was seen spinning his private parts in a circle to celebrate Allan Saint-Maximin ’ s stoppage time winner in the FA Cup fourth round replay at the Kassam Stadium .
Grealish joined a Twitter thread about punishments dished out to football fans .
Contrary to reports on social media , the Newcastle supporter has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ football and the north east club are helping police who are looking to speak to the individual .
A Newcastle spokesman said on Thursday : “ We are aware of footage showing the clearly inappropriate actions of a supporter during the closing stages of Tuesday night ’ s Emirates FA Cup fourth round replay at Oxford United .
“ We have been asked to assist the police in their efforts to identify the supporter in question and we will provide our full support.
” Grealish tweeted using an aubergine emoji and wrote : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( penis ) out gets a lifetime ban ” .

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Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has waded into the mass debate about the lewd Newcastle United fan's celebration.
A supporter was caught on live television getting his penis out after Newcastle scored against Oxford United midweek and the clip went viral.
The fan was seen spinning his private parts in a circle to celebrate Allan Saint-Maximin’s stoppage time winner in the FA Cup fourth round replay at the Kassam Stadium.
Grealish joined a Twitter thread about punishments dished out to football fans.
Contrary to reports on social media, the Newcastle supporter has not been handed a lifetime ban from football and the north east club are helping police who are looking to speak to the individual.
A Newcastle spokesman said on Thursday: “We are aware of footage showing the clearly inappropriate actions of a supporter during the closing stages of Tuesday night’s Emirates FA Cup fourth round replay at Oxford United.
“We have been asked to assist the police in their efforts to identify the supporter in question and we will provide our full support.”
(Image: Twitter / @JackGrealish)
Grealish tweeted using an aubergine emoji and wrote: “But the guy who got his (penis) out gets a lifetime ban”.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Road closed as boy suffers serious head injury in horror two-car smash in Oldbury

A major road has been sealed off by police after a youngster suffered a serious head injury during a horror two-car crash in Oldbury .
West Midlands Police have confirmed Wolverhampton Road in Oldbury is to remain closed for a number of hours after following the smash at around 8.30pm on Thursday , February 6 .
The boy – who has not been named – has suffered a serious head injury , a spokesman for West Midlands Police has confirmed .
There are several other casualties following the southbound carriageway collision , the spokesman added .
Motorists have been urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - including medics and fire crews - work at the scene , which is close to Pound Road in Quinton .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police added that it was likely to remain closed for some time .
They said : “ We 're at scene of a serious collision on the s-bound stretch of the Wolverhampton Road , A4123 , in Oldbury .
Two cars involved .
Boy has suffered a serious head injury .
Several other casualties .
Road closed at Pound Rd towards Quinton .
Likely shut for few @ @ @ @ @ @

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A major road has been sealed off by police after a youngster suffered a serious head injury during a horror two-car crash in Oldbury.
West Midlands Police have confirmed Wolverhampton Road in Oldbury is to remain closed for a number of hours after following the smash at around 8.30pm on Thursday, February 6.
The boy – who has not been named – has suffered a serious head injury, a spokesman for West Midlands Police has confirmed.
There are several other casualties following the southbound carriageway collision, the spokesman added.
Motorists have been urged to avoid the area as emergency crews - including medics and fire crews - work at the scene, which is close to Pound Road in Quinton.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police added that it was likely to remain closed for some time.
They said : “We're at scene of a serious collision on the s-bound stretch of the Wolverhampton Road, A4123, in Oldbury. Two cars involved. Boy has suffered a serious head injury. Several other casualties. Road closed at Pound Rd towards Quinton. Likely shut for few hours. Please avoid.”


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Gemma Collins leaves fans gobsmacked after 'unrecognisable' haircut

Gemma Collins has left fans utterly stunned by flaunting her new hairstyle .
The 39-year-old star was at the centre of plenty of controversy last year .
Gemma , who calls herself The GC , sparked controversy on Dancing on Ice this time 12 months ago .
She did n't let her spat with judge Jason Gardiner hold her back , however , with her own reality TV series Diva Forever not long behind it .
Now , Gemma routinely keeps her fans updated with her life over Twitter and Facebook , after winning a legion of loyal followers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , aged 39 , headed over to the USA to film scenes for Diva Forever , which aired on ITVBe .
And now she 's back on British shores , Gemma has decided to ditch her signature blonde locks for a shorter cut .
Flaunting her new hairstyle , Gemma wowed fans - with many saying she looked unrecognisable .
She wrote on Instagram : `` Thank you so much @ ryan_paulantony for my colour and cut today @ makeupbybayley @ paulantonyhair_ '' One replied `` Wow !
!
!
I love it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with : `` Omg gem wow !
!
!
!
Loveee this . ''
Others were equally enamoured , with one branding it `` wow '' , another calling it `` so beautiful '' , and a third saying : `` Wowzers . ''
`` You look like a different person x so beautiful x '' another wrote .
Gemma was also branded `` beautiful '' by other fans .

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Gemma Collins has left fans utterly stunned by flaunting her new hairstyle.
The 39-year-old star was at the centre of plenty of controversy last year.
Gemma, who calls herself The GC, sparked controversy on Dancing on Ice this time 12 months ago.
She didn't let her spat with judge Jason Gardiner hold her back, however, with her own reality TV series Diva Forever not long behind it.
Now, Gemma routinely keeps her fans updated with her life over Twitter and Facebook, after winning a legion of loyal followers.
The former Only Way Is Essex star, aged 39, headed over to the USA to film scenes for Diva Forever, which aired on ITVBe.
And now she's back on British shores, Gemma has decided to ditch her signature blonde locks for a shorter cut.
Flaunting her new hairstyle, Gemma wowed fans - with many saying she looked unrecognisable.
She wrote on Instagram: "Thank you so much @ryan_paulantony for my colour and cut today @makeupbybayley @paulantonyhair_"
One replied "Wow!!! I love it!" while a second chipped in with: "Omg gem wow!!!! Loveee this."
Others were equally enamoured, with one branding it "wow", another calling it "so beautiful", and a third saying: "Wowzers."
"You look like a different person x so beautiful x" another wrote.
Gemma was also branded "beautiful" by other fans.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Aston Villa transfer news LIVE: Man Utd's Grealish excitement as Piatek decision explained

Hello and welcome to Thursday 's LIVE coverage of Aston Villa from BirminghamLive .
We will be keeping you in @ @ @ @ @ latest transfer rumours today as Dean Smith 's side continue to be linked with moves @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
Fenerbahce striker Vedat Muriqi is the latest name in the frame and we @ @ @ @ @ and when they happen to that one .
Plus there will be all the latest @ @ @ @ @ playmaker linked with two huge , new suitors .
Villa are n't back in action @ @ @ @ @ when they host Tottenham Hotspur so there 's plenty of time to digest the Bournemouth @ @ @ @ @ Jose Mourinho 's side .
Make sure you stick with us on the blog below @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shane Ireland, Ben Husband)

Hello and welcome to Monday's LIVE Aston Villa coverage from BirminghamLive.
We will be keeping you up to date with all the latest Villa news and views as Dean Smith's side take a well-earned weekend off from their battle against relegation.
Villa are still in 17th place after the Premier League's weekend fixtures as they prepare for Sunday's visit of Jose Mourinho's Tottenham.
We'll be building up to that clash and bringing all the latest news and rumours regarding potential summer signings.
And we will keep up in the loop with any developments regarding Jack Grealish, with the skipper heavily linked with a move to Manchester United again last night.


birminghammail--2020-02-06--Chinese doctor Li Wenliang who issued chilling coronavirus warning dies

A Chinese doctor who got into trouble with authorities for issuing an early warning about the coronavirus outbreak has died after contracting the illness , a hospital reported .
The Wuhan Central Hospital said on its social media account that Dr Li Wenliang , a 34-year-old ophthalmologist , was `` unfortunately infected during the fight against the pneumonia epidemic of the new coronavirus infection '' .
`` We deeply regret and mourn this , '' it added .
Mr Li was reprimanded by local police for `` spreading rumours '' about the illness in late December , according to news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan , has now infected over 28,200 people globally and killed more than 560 .
The World Health Organisation tweeted : `` We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Li Wenliang .
We all need to celebrate work that he did '' on the virus .
Within a half-hour of announcing earlier Friday that Mr Li was in critical condition , the hospital received nearly 500,000 comments on its social media post , many of them from people hoping he would pull through .
One wrote : `` We are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting for a miracle . ''
Meanwhile , a newborn became the youngest known person infected with the virus .
China finished building a second new hospital Thursday to isolate and treat patients and moved people with milder symptoms into makeshift quarantine centres at sports arenas , exhibition halls and other public spaces .
And testing of a new antiviral drug was set to begin on patients .

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A Chinese doctor who got into trouble with authorities for issuing an early warning about the coronavirus outbreak has died after contracting the illness, a hospital reported.
The Wuhan Central Hospital said on its social media account that Dr Li Wenliang, a 34-year-old ophthalmologist, was "unfortunately infected during the fight against the pneumonia epidemic of the new coronavirus infection".
"We deeply regret and mourn this," it added.
Mr Li was reprimanded by local police for "spreading rumours" about the illness in late December, according to news reports.
The outbreak, centred in Wuhan, has now infected over 28,200 people globally and killed more than 560.
The World Health Organisation tweeted: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Li Wenliang. We all need to celebrate work that he did" on the virus.
Within a half-hour of announcing earlier Friday that Mr Li was in critical condition, the hospital received nearly 500,000 comments on its social media post, many of them from people hoping he would pull through.
One wrote: "We are not going to bed. We are here waiting for a miracle."
Meanwhile, a newborn became the youngest known person infected with the virus. China finished building a second new hospital Thursday to isolate and treat patients and moved people with milder symptoms into makeshift quarantine centres at sports arenas, exhibition halls and other public spaces. And testing of a new antiviral drug was set to begin on patients.