this is bbc news. i'm rebecca jones. the headlines: the premier league footballer benjamin mendy is found not guilty of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. the uk economy grew unexpectedly in november, boosted by the football world cup. it went up 0.1%. a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26—year—old ellie edwards, who was shot in merseyside on christmas eve. it comes as russia claims to have captured all of soledar —— a salt—mining town in eastern ukraine that's been the focus of intense fighting. tributes are paid to lisa marie presley, the only child of elvis, who's died at the age of 5a. royal mail customers still can't send letters and parcels overseas after a cyber

attack on the company. and coming up we will hearfrom manchester united legend eric cantona, about his new art exhibition which chronicles the relationship between sport and modern society. good afternoon. the manchester city footballer, benjamin mendy, has been found not guilty of six counts of rape, and one count of sexual assault. jurors were unable to reach a verdict on one count of rape and one of sexual assault. it follows a six—month trial at chester crown court. our north of england correspondent, danny savage, is there. tell us what happened today. we've

had this trial — tell us what happened today. we've had this trial ongoing _ tell us what happened today. we've had this trial ongoing since - tell us what happened today. we've had this trial ongoing since last - had this trial ongoing since last summer here in chester. thejury began listening to evidence back in august. they retired to consider their verdicts just before christmas and have been back for nearly two weeks since the christmas break continuing with their deliberations. after they had listened to all the evidence and sat together for some time trying to decide what their verdicts were, they did come back with some but not all verdicts on those charges. so what you had a seven of those charges including rate and sexual assault with them finding benjamin mendy unanimously not guilty on those charges. at the problem is that the failed or couldn't reach a verdict even by a majority of ten to one on two charges involving benjamin mendy, one involving attempted rate and another of rate involving two different women. so what now happens

is that benjamin mendy will now face a retrial later this year on those two charges that this jury couldn't decide upon. thejury in the two charges that this jury couldn't decide upon. the jury in the trial have now been discharged in this case is finished the now but for benjamin mendy, although he has been acquitted, and cleared of the majority of the charges, because the jury majority of the charges, because the jury couldn't decide on the other two they will have to go through the whole process again later this year on those two remaining charges. would you give us the broader background to this case? the charges he faced spanned _ background to this case? the charges he faced spanned a _ background to this case? the charges he faced spanned a three-year- background to this case? the charges he faced spanned a three-year period he faced spanned a three—year period from october 2018 to august 2021. the broad umbrella of these charges is that benjamin mendy would invite women back to his mansion in cheshire not farfrom here, a large house in country grounds and he would invite them back to parties,

some of them held illegally during lockdown, and they would have parties at his house and women came forward thereafter to say that he sexually assaulted or rates them during those gatherings. a number of them came forward, seven in total which made initial allegations. so he was —— and were coming back to the house and the prosecution said that when they were there they felt vulnerable, scared and isolated because of the remoteness of the location. they felt very vulnerable when they would pay. but the jury listened to all of that evidence and concluded that benjamin mendy was not guilty of the majority of charges that he faced. even benjamin mendy giving evidence in his own defence during the trial admitted behaving badly towards women but he denied any wrongdoing and certainly any criminal wrongdoing. denied any wrongdoing and certainly any criminalwrongdoing. he denied any wrongdoing and certainly any criminal wrongdoing. he is a manchester city footballer, he came to the uk on a record transfer fee

for a defender. he has been suspended by the club for over a year now. he is no longer paid by manchester city football club. he is also a french international and has also a french international and has a world cup winners medalfor being part of the france squad a few years ago when they won the world cup. he is a very high profile footballer. a very wealthy man. he was facing these charges. but for him with his not over yet because the jury couldn't decide on two of those charges and he now has to go through most of this again will stop but his private life was pulled over in great defeat —— detailed five months in the next trial won't be as long but again it will go into the details of his private life when it sits again later this year.- sits again later this year. thank ou for sits again later this year. thank you for that _ sits again later this year. thank you for that update. _ the uk's economy grew unexpectedly in november, boosted by the football world cup. the latest official figures were better than expected, with increased spending in pubs and bars.

let's take a look at the numbers in more detail. gross domestic product, that's the measure of all activity by businesses, government and people in the uk, rose by 0.1%, better than anticipated, despite households being squeezed by the rising cost of living. but today's figures marked a slowdown since october, which showed an increase of 0.5%. and there are concerns that soaring costs could still tip the uk into recession, the figures show uk economic output as a whole shrank by 0.3% betweenjuly and september. our business correspondent ben king has this report. a world cup full of surprises has produced another unexpected result. football fans spend more money in november celebrating in pubs or at home, helping the economy to grow by no .1% and not shrink as many economists expected. but there was not much to celebrate for many other companies.

this company saw strong sales about black friday but things have been slowing as consumers tighten their belts. people are finding things difficult. they are _ people are finding things difficult. they are worried about their basic costs_ they are worried about their basic costs of— they are worried about their basic costs of heating and fuel and the worries_ costs of heating and fuel and the worries of— costs of heating and fuel and the worries of inflation. so we can very much _ worries of inflation. so we can very much tell_ worries of inflation. so we can very much tell that there is a little bit of tension — much tell that there is a little bit of tension in consumers and we feel it ourselves — at this company in worcester, they can feel the economy slowing down. we have not had the heating on. i am very frugal— we have not had the heating on. i am very frugal with my heating and hot water _ very frugal with my heating and hot water. we — very frugal with my heating and hot water. ~ ., ., ., ., water. we have not got the heating on at the moment. _ water. we have not got the heating on at the moment. we _ water. we have not got the heating on at the moment. we can't - water. we have not got the heating on at the moment. we can't afford | on at the moment. we can't afford it. on at the moment. we can't afford it blankets. — on at the moment. we can't afford it. blankets, jumpers, _ on at the moment. we can't afford it. blankets, jumpers, scarves. - on at the moment. we can't afford it. blankets, jumpers, scarves. it. it. blankets, jumpers, scarves. hasn't really affected me it. blankets, jumpers, scarves.- hasn't really affected me because obviously— hasn't really affected me because obviously interest rates are going in the _ obviously interest rates are going in the right direction for me

personally. but ijust worry about everybody — personally. but ijust worry about everybody else who has got mortgages. october and november were both positive, meaning unless the figure for december is quite a long way down, 0.6% or more, the figure for the three months as a whole will still be positive, meaning the economy avoided falling into recession last year, but this year may be different. i don't think we have avoided a recession, we will avoid a recession, in 2023. the uk faces a significant number of challenges. cost of living pressures remain substantial, we have seen a lot of rate hikes from the bank of england and we will be seeing tax hikes in the uk too, it is a lot for an economy to cope with. the uk still has not recovered to levels seen before the pandemic unlike germany, the us at the other g7 major economies. prime minister rishi sunak pledged this month to get the economy growing again and today's figure is encouraging, but the uk faces a tough road ahead that there may be

more surprises in store. a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26 year old ellie edwards in merseyside. she was shot in the head at a pub in wallasey on christmas eve. connor chapman, who's 22, was remanded in custody. here's our north of england correspondent, judith moritz. eddie was seeing on christmas day with friends when she was shot before midnight. a gunman had opened fire at the lighthouse inn on the wirral which was busy with drinkers enjoying the festivities. despite efforts to save her, ellie died of injuries. she had been shot in the head. a relative said christmas and the family would never be the same again. last night 22—year—old connor chapman was charged with her murder. he spoke in court today to confirm his name and that he has no fixed

address. he appeared before magistrates in birkenhead this morning charged with a total of nine offences including two counts of attempted murder, three of grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm and ammunition and using a stolen car. the court heard that a converted scorpion submachinegun was used in the attack. connor chapman was not asked to enter any plea and he was remanded in custody until his next court appearance. the hearing here at widow magistrates�* court only lasted for three minutes and connor chapman stood throughout in the class will dock of courtroom number six answering as his name was put to him but giving no other details. he was wearing a grey tracksuit long hair and a beard and he stared straight ahead with his head held high. as the charges against him were read out. those charges cannot be dealt with ultimately by magistrates so this case has been committed to crown court and he will next appear before

liverpool crown court on monday. for other people have previously been arrested in connection with the shooting, of those three have been released on bail while further inquiries are carried out and the fourth has been recalled to prison on licence. russia says its forces have captured the town of soledar, a salt—mining area in eastern ukraine that�*s been the focus of intense fighting. the defence ministry in moscow said this would allow russian troops to cut off ukrainian forces in bakhmut, which they�*ve been attacking for months. there�*s been no comment from ukraine. let�*s get the latest from our correspondent in kyiv, james waterhouse. it could well be that russia ultimately does take control of the town of soledar but the benefits for it in doing so are questionable. the human cost of its quest is not. this is somewhere where we have seen some

of the bloodiest fighting. but on wednesday we had a claim from the mercenary group wagner which has been spearheading russia�*s assault on the town and they claimed on wednesday that it controlled soledar. today we have a claim from the kremlin that it in fact now is controls it through its regular army highlighting the division moscow. we have spoken to ukraine�*s military in the east and its told us it is not true and we are continuing to hold the line and fight is carrying on in what�*s left of this town. we are in a phase at the moment where russia is throwing everything for a very short term gain, again that can be used for propaganda purposes. we are seeing talked up back in russia as some kind of victory. president zelensky has talked about taking the right steps in the coming days, i wouldn�*t be surprised if we saw a tactical retreat as they try to inflict maximum casualties. aha,

tactical retreat as they try to inflict maximum casualties. a woman inflict maximum casualties. a woman in her 20s has — inflict maximum casualties. a woman in her 20s has died _ inflict maximum casualties. a woman in her 20s has died after— inflict maximum casualties. a woman in her 20s has died after a _ inflict maximum casualties. a woman in her 20s has died after a dog - in her 20s has died after a dog attack in surrey. another woman suffered tag dog bites and was taken to hospital with nonlife threatening injuries. surrey police said armed officers went to the scene and seized eight dogs.— seized eight dogs. yesterday afternoon — seized eight dogs. yesterday afternoon at _ seized eight dogs. yesterday afternoon at around - seized eight dogs. yesterday afternoon at around 2:45pml seized eight dogs. yesterday - afternoon at around 2:45pm officers afternoon at around 2:a5pm officers were called to cater to reports of dogs attacking members of the public. sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics, a 28—year—old woman from london was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. the woman is believed to have been walking a number of dogs at the time of the incident. her next of kin have been informed and will be supported by specialist officers. a second woman who received treatment for dog bites has since been discharged from hospital. a total of

eight dogs were detained by officers and they remain in the custody of police. the owners of these dogs have been identified and are being kept informed as the investigation continues. a police coding will remain in place today whilst forensic work is carried out. no arrests have been made at this time. this is a tragic incident where a young woman has sadly lost her life. and our thoughts are with her family and friends. i know that these events will be of real concern for the local community and i would like to reassure residents that we are confident that all the dogs involved are in the custody of police. whilst we continue to investigate the circumstances of what has happened. officers will remain in the area

today whilst our inquiries continue and we would urge anyone with information who has not yet spoken to the police to contact us. the headlines on bbc news... the premier league footballer benjamin mendy is found not guilty of 6 counts of rape and 1 of sexual assault. the uk economy grew unexpectedly in november, boosted by the football world cup. it went up 0.1%. a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26 year old ellie edwards, who was shot in merseyside on christmas eve. the prime minister, rishi sunak, has rejected criticism from scotland�*s first minister, nicola sturgeon, that uk plans to limit the impact of public service strikes risk inflaming industrial disputes. speaking to bbc scotland�*s political editor, glenn campbell, mr sunak said it was "right and responsible" to change the law to guarantee a basic level of service in areas like health

and education when there are strikes. the right thing when it comes to pay is to follow, as we have done, the recommendations of an independent pay body process. that is what is long established and the government has accepted the recommendations. talks are ongoing. the government has always been clear that we want to have an open door, we want to have an honest and two—way dialogue about some of the things we are all seeing and it's important that pay settlements are reasonable but also responsible for the country and that they are affordable. aren�*t you risking poisoning relations or inflaming the situation, as the first minister said, by bringing forward legislation to limit the impact of strikes? no, i don't believe that's right. i think it's entirely reasonable for people to think that even if there are strikes and when it comes to life—saving emergency treatment, whether that is in ambulances or in fire, that they can rely on a basic level of that emergency service still being provided.

our scotland correspondent lorna gordon canjoin us now. tell us a bit more about these talks between rishi sunak and nicola sturgeon? between rishi sunak and nicola sturaeon? ., ., , ., sturgeon? there are two things to look out for. _ sturgeon? there are two things to look out for, one _ sturgeon? there are two things to look out for, one is _ sturgeon? there are two things to look out for, one is the _ sturgeon? there are two things to look out for, one is the kind - sturgeon? there are two things to look out for, one is the kind of - look out for, one is the kind of symbolism of the talks and the second is the actual issues being discussed. there was an attempt i think with these private discussions to lower the temperature over the debate of the two governments come off and there is a symbolic moment in public whether to shake hands on the doorstep of bute house and then go inside and have their talks but this was very much private and away from the public view. some photos were released afterwards showing them smiling and both sides said there was a cordial exchange of views. they were areas which united

the two leaders not least the announcement of these two free ports are in scotland, there were other areas perhaps were big political differences remain. one of course is theissue differences remain. one of course is the issue of a second independence referendum for scotland. the hollywood government wants that to happen but westminster does not. another potential area of conflict is on that legislation passed in hollywood before christmas making it easierfor hollywood before christmas making it easier for people to change their gender and rishi sunak said he had potential concerns about this potential concerns about this potential impact of this law on the rest of the uk and that it was right and sensible to look at how this law might impact elsewhere. what and sensible to look at how this law might impact elsewhere. what we're doinu might impact elsewhere. what we're doing incredibly _ might impact elsewhere. what we're doing incredibly standard _ might impact elsewhere. what we're doing incredibly standard practice . doing incredibly standard practice that whenever a law is passed by the scottish— that whenever a law is passed by the scottish parliament uk government as is completely normal would consider the impact _ is completely normal would consider the impact of that law across the

entire _ the impact of that law across the entire uk — the impact of that law across the entire uk. ., ., , ,, ., entire uk. you have blocked the law on the basis — entire uk. you have blocked the law on the basis it _ entire uk. you have blocked the law on the basis it didn't _ entire uk. you have blocked the law on the basis it didn't it _ entire uk. you have blocked the law on the basis it didn't it impact - entire uk. you have blocked the law on the basis it didn't it impact uk i on the basis it didn�*t it impact uk law. on the basis it didn't it impact uk law. , , , , on the basis it didn't it impact uk law. the process is established which does _ law. the process is established which does mean _ law. the process is established which does mean that - law. the process is established which does mean that happens| law. the process is established - which does mean that happens over time and _ which does mean that happens over time and it— which does mean that happens over time and it is looked at. if a new law is_ time and it is looked at. if a new law is passed that does impact the rest of— law is passed that does impact the rest of the — law is passed that does impact the rest of the uk it is important that the uk _ rest of the uk it is important that the uk government received advice on that before _ the uk government received advice on that before deciding what to if anything. its that before deciding what to if an hina. �* , , that before deciding what to if an him. a , ,, , anything. as rishi sunak said, they miaht anything. as rishi sunak said, they mi . ht look anything. as rishi sunak said, they might look at _ anything. as rishi sunak said, they might look at the _ anything. as rishi sunak said, they might look at the laws _ anything. as rishi sunak said, they might look at the laws passed - might look at the laws passed in scotland to see how they could potentially impact the rest of the uk but what is called a section 35 order has never been used before. if the uk government decides to trigger that next week it would block for slow getting royal assent. it would be a big move, it could lead to big political arguments, be a big move, it could lead to big politicalarguments, i be a big move, it could lead to big political arguments, i don�*t think the decision if we listen to what

rishi sunak said has been completely made yet. we are looking at the advice being given very closely but they do have a time—limit in which make that decision and if they are going to block the law changing, the gender recognition law, they have to do it by the middle of next week. it would be a big move and would perhaps raise the temperature again between the two governments should they decide to do so. children in the town where arthur labinjo—hughes lived before his death are experiencing "significant harm" because of delayed responses by council services, six—year—old arthur�*s father and stepmother were jailed for his killing injune 2020. an ofsted inspection of solihull council�*s children�*s services has rated it inadequate. the council said it accepted the findings of the report.

a 75—year—old man has beenjailed for life for raping and murdering a girl almost 50 years ago, in the oldest double jeopardy case in england and wales. dennis mcgrory was 28 when he sexually assaulted, stabbed and strangled 15—year—old jacqui montgomery in islington, north london, in 1975. he was tried on circumstantial evidence in 1976, but was cleared of murder. mcgrory was tried again after swabs from ms montgomery�*s body proved to be a one—in—a—billion dna match to him. meanwhile ukraine�*s defence minister says his country has become a "de—facto member" of the nato military alliance, as western nations continue to supply weapons for the war against russia. speaking to the bbc�*s hugo bachega, oleksii reznikov said there had been a change among some allies once concerned that the military assistance could be seen as escalation by russia. this is what he said.

we have a lot of modern nato standard _ we have a lot of modern nato standard weaponry. it means that ukraine _ standard weaponry. it means that ukraine is— standard weaponry. it means that ukraine is a country and the armed forces— ukraine is a country and the armed forces and — ukraine is a country and the armed forces and our sector of security and defence became a member of nato de facto _ and defence became a member of nato de facto because we have the weaponry and the understanding how to use _ weaponry and the understanding how to use it. _ weaponry and the understanding how to use it, we have this level of communication with our partners and i am communication with our partners and i am sure _ communication with our partners and i am sure that in the next —— in the future— i am sure that in the next —— in the future we— i am sure that in the next —— in the future we will — i am sure that in the next —— in the future we will become a member of nato~ _ our defence correspondent jonathan beale is here how significant are those comments. he is in— how significant are those comments. he is in effect saying they are in

their— he is in effect saying they are in their member of note nato. ukraine is not _ their member of note nato. ukraine is not a _ their member of note nato. ukraine is not a member of nato so that is the first— is not a member of nato so that is the first thing to get clear. it's important _ the first thing to get clear. it's important to say it's not the first time _ important to say it's not the first time he — important to say it's not the first time he said this because he tweeted in october— time he said this because he tweeted in october last year with a picture of him _ in october last year with a picture of him and — in october last year with a picture of him and the nato secretary general— of him and the nato secretary general saying we have come a long way and _ general saying we have come a long way and have de factojoined the alliance — way and have de factojoined the alliance. there are reasons he would see it _ alliance. there are reasons he would see it first— alliance. there are reasons he would see it. first of all, his own country— see it. first of all, his own country are not alone, to encode it -- and _ country are not alone, to encode it —— and courage and the nato countries _ —— and courage and the nato countries to give the more weapons. we are _ countries to give the more weapons. we are not— countries to give the more weapons. we are not hearing anything from nato _ we are not hearing anything from nato itself or from governments that are members of nato. the reason that this does— are members of nato. the reason that this does play into a russian narrative _ this does play into a russian narrative wishes we are fighting against — narrative wishes we are fighting against nato and nato has made very clear that _ against nato and nato has made very clear that even if it is supplying weapons — clear that even if it is supplying weapons it is not directly involved in the _ weapons it is not directly involved in the conflict. people argue about that but— in the conflict. people argue about that but essentially the bottom line is ukraine _ that but essentially the bottom line is ukraine is not a member of nato and if— is ukraine is not a member of nato and if it— is ukraine is not a member of nato and if it was— is ukraine is not a member of nato and if it was article five would have — and if it was article five would have been declared and that is an attack— have been declared and that is an attack on — have been declared and that is an attack on one is an attack on all and to—

attack on one is an attack on all and to be — attack on one is an attack on all and to be honest the weapons would have come _ and to be honest the weapons would have come a lot sooner. does and to be honest the weapons would have come a lot sooner.— have come a lot sooner. does this ut nato have come a lot sooner. does this put nato a — have come a lot sooner. does this put nato a difficult _ have come a lot sooner. does this put nato a difficult position - have come a lot sooner. does this put nato a difficult position it - have come a lot sooner. does this put nato a difficult position it has| put nato a difficult position it has taken steps put nato a difficult position it has ta ken steps to put nato a difficult position it has taken steps to be seen very much as a part of the conflict?— a part of the conflict? given he said it before _ a part of the conflict? given he said it before and _ a part of the conflict? given he said it before and i _ a part of the conflict? given he said it before and i don't - a part of the conflict? given he said it before and i don't think| said it before and i don't think it's going _ said it before and i don't think it's going to be, if it was said beside — it's going to be, if it was said beside the nato secretary general hu-h beside the nato secretary general hugh duff to respond that it may look awkward but i don't think it's going _ look awkward but i don't think it's going to _ look awkward but i don't think it's going to alter what nato is doing and let's— going to alter what nato is doing and let's be honest it is not giving ukraine _ and let's be honest it is not giving ukraine the amount of weapons it wants— ukraine the amount of weapons it wants when it wants but it has seen a steady _ wants when it wants but it has seen a steady supply of weapons, more sophisticated weapons and the defence minister is right that gradually it has given nato equipment, notjust old russian stock— equipment, notjust old russian stock that— equipment, notjust old russian stock that eastern european countries, it had supplied sophisticated weaponry. but it's fair to say that _ sophisticated weaponry. but it's fair to say that ukraine - sophisticated weaponry. but it's fair to say that ukraine has - sophisticated weaponry. but it's i fair to say that ukraine has wanted to join nato for years.— to join nato for years. absolutely. but it to join nato for years. absolutely. ibut it won't _ to join nato for years. absolutely. but it won't be _ to join nato for years. absolutely. but it won't be a _ to join nato for years. absolutely. but it won't be a member - to join nato for years. absolutely. but it won't be a member of - to join nato for years. absolutely. but it won't be a member of nato| to join nato for years. absolutely. i but it won't be a member of nato as

the water— but it won't be a member of nato as the water is — but it won't be a member of nato as the water is continuing. country have _ the water is continuing. country have joined nato because of ukraine so we _ have joined nato because of ukraine so we have — have joined nato because of ukraine so we have seen sweden and finland 'oin so we have seen sweden and finland join nato _ so we have seen sweden and finland join nato and applying for membership, they are not yet members, because of the your dashboard in ukraine. it would be different— dashboard in ukraine. it would be different to allow ukraine because it would _ different to allow ukraine because it would mean essentially nato joining — it would mean essentially nato joining the war. it's not going to happen— joining the war. it's not going to happen any time soon even though ukraine _ happen any time soon even though ukraine has a partner status. you will always— ukraine has a partner status. you will always see ukraine at the meetings even though they are not a member~ _ meetings even though they are not a member. if— meetings even though they are not a member. . ., , meetings even though they are not a member. .., , ., member. if there comes a time when the conflict ends, _ member. if there comes a time when the conflict ends, what _ member. if there comes a time when the conflict ends, what are _ member. if there comes a time when the conflict ends, what are the - the conflict ends, what are the chances then of ukraine joining nato? chances then of ukraine “oining nato? , . , chances then of ukraine “oining nato? , ., , ., chances then of ukraine “oining nato? , ., ., nato? there is a bit of a hypothetical. _ nato? there is a bit of a hypothetical. ukraine i nato? there is a bit of a - hypothetical. ukraine wanted to nato? there is a bit of a _ hypothetical. ukraine wanted to join nato before the war and it wasn't allowed _ nato before the war and it wasn't allowed tojoin because nato before the war and it wasn't allowed to join because you nato before the war and it wasn't allowed tojoin because you need unanimity— allowed tojoin because you need unanimity among the members of nato. i unanimity among the members of nato. i don't _ unanimity among the members of nato. idon't think— unanimity among the members of nato. i don't think there's any sign at the moment that they would be

unanimity on ukraine joining. we will have — unanimity on ukraine joining. we will have to wait and see what happens — will have to wait and see what happens in the war before you can properly— happens in the war before you can properly answer that question. but given— properly answer that question. but given what is happening with russia and ukraine at the moment, it would be essentially nato joining indirectly into a wall and they have made _ indirectly into a wall and they have made clear— indirectly into a wall and they have made clear they don't want to do that at— made clear they don't want to do that at the — made clear they don't want to do that at the moment.— made clear they don't want to do that at the moment. good to talk to ou. that at the moment. good to talk to you- thank — that at the moment. good to talk to you- thank you- _ oscar winning actor kevin spacey has pleaded not guilty to seven sexual offences against one man. he�*s appearing at southwark crown court in london via video link for a plea and trial preparation hearing. the fresh charges include indecent assault, sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. the offences are alleged to have taken place between 2001 and 2005. let�*s get more now on this with our correspondent helena wilkinson who�*s

at southwark crown court. bring us up to date. it was a pretty brief hearing- _ bring us up to date. it was a pretty brief hearing. it _ bring us up to date. it was a pretty brief hearing. it was _ bring us up to date. it was a pretty brief hearing. it was called - bring us up to date. it was a pretty brief hearing. it was called a - bring us up to date. it was a pretty brief hearing. it was called a plea i brief hearing. it was called a plea and trial preparation hearing. kevin spacey did not appear in person, he appeared via video link. we don�*t know where he was when he was appearing on that link. but he did appearing on that link. but he did appear under its full name, kevin spacey fowler. the seven new charges, sexual offences, that he is facing, those were formally put to him during the brief hearing that lasted about 20 minutes and to each of those charges as they were read to him in court he replied on the video link not guilty to all seven of them. of those seven charges, three of them are counts of indecent assault, three of sexual assault and

also one of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. the hollywood actor you may remember last year pleaded not guilty to five other sexual offences against three men. that was at the old bailey. so in total kevin spacey is now facing 12 sexual offences against four men. the trial itself was due to get under way onjune the 6th. it will be a four—week trial but kevin spacey is due to appear at a pre—trial hearing in april. the next time he will appear is in april for that pre—trial hearing but that four—week trial is expected to start in june. four—week trial is expected to start injune. kevin spacey denies all 12 charges against him.

the labour leader sir keir starmer has urged rishi sunak to do a deal on post—brexit trading arrangements for northern ireland — saying that he would promise to support him if he does. speaking at queen�*s university belfast, sir keir said the prime minister should stand up to conservative mps in the european research group, and unlock the stalemate the northern ireland protocol had caused at stormont. now it�*s time for a look at the weather with chris fawkes. hello there. today is a brighter day, a day of sunny spells and showers. however, there are still concerns about flooding. we have got lots of flood warnings still in force, the majority of these in england are actually for stretches of the already flooded river severn. we have got more heavy rain on the way, as we will see in the moment. through this afternoon, not bad, a bit of rain coming into western scotland and north—west england, but otherwise most areas bright with some sunny spells and just a few isolated showers. it�*s mild. temperatures reaching a height of 11 degrees. it�*s overnight tonight that we will see heavy rain return and with as much as 70 millimetres expected over the high ground,

that rain is going to be falling on areas that are already flooded, so the flooding is likely to get worse before it gets better heading into the first part of the weekend. for the weekend, there is an improvement weather—wise. this band of rain clears its way through. cool air starts to follow from the north—west. blustery showers merging together with some strong winds for a time across north—western areas, reaching gale force. it will start to turn a good deal cooler in the north. hello this is bbc news. the headlines: the footballer benjamin mendy is found not guilty of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. the man city star faces a retrial on two further counts where the jurors could not reach verdicts. the uk economy grew unexpectedly in november — boosted by the football world cup. it went up 0.1%.

a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26—year—old ellie edwards, who was shot in merseyside on christmas eve. russia claims to have captured all of soledar — the salt—mining town in eastern ukraine that�*s been the focus of intense fighting. ukraine says its forces are still fighting in the town tributes are paid to lisa marie presley, the only child of elvis, who�*s died at the age of 5a. royal mail customers still can�*t send letters and parcels overseas — after a cyber attack on the company, sport now and a full round up, from the bbc sport centre. good afternoon. there�*s one match in the premier league tonight as aston villa take on leeds united. villa lost at home to league two stevenage in the fa cup in their last home game, but manager unai emery

says there have been improvements since he took over. we are doing some things i think so quickly very well. technically, defensively, being organised. but we have to progress as well changing a little bit our mentality, havi ambition, but realistic ambition. the players are so open to work. we are committed to work everything we are committed to work everything we are trying to do. things that have been the most difficult — things that have been the most difficult has been tojump start things that have been the most difficult has been to jump start the group _ difficult has been to jump start the group as— difficult has been to jump start the group. as a group it still hasn't come _ group. as a group it still hasn't come together the way i would like. and the _ come together the way i would like. and the lack of consistency from match _ and the lack of consistency from match to — and the lack of consistency from match to match. and then in match,

you know. _ match to match. and then in match, you know, first half and a second half can — you know, first half and a second half can look like, it's, it means that— half can look like, it's, it means that we — half can look like, it's, it means that we are _ half can look like, it's, it means that we are not able to really put this the — that we are not able to really put this the way i would want so we don't _ this the way i would want so we don't have _ this the way i would want so we don't have to talk about the table. former england defender claire rafferty says players should not routinely be weighed, as it�*s not healthy. she�*s told the bbc�*s sportsdesk podcast that this led to her developing an eating disorder from a young age. when you are being weighed constantly and it is every day you�*re being reminded, i put on 0.0whatever. you�*re aware it is not normal to be there conscious of what you look like. that is also attached to the pressure of social media, that strong athletic identity, which for me, now having retired and kind of had identity crisis almost, i think maybe that is perhaps why i... my think maybe that is perhaps why i... my image was quite important to me. because i was rewarded on on social

media with likes for looking a certain way and it is sad, isn�*t it? more of that interview on the sportdesk podcast on bbc sounds and there is more help for anyone effected on the bbcs actionline. that�*s the number on the screen there. england beat debutants wales in their opening match of the hockey world cup in india. it was an emphatic win for england 5—0. two from penalty corners scored by liam ansell. it puts england top of group d, with hosts india�*s game against spain just getting underway. the last two semi—final places at snooker�*s masters will be decided today. this is live on bbc two right now. first up this afternoon it�*s barry hawkins on the table with judd trump. still to come tonight, shaun murphy takes on stuart bingham from 7 o�*clock.

british number one cameron norrie is through to the final of the atp event in auckland. he beat the usa�*s jenson brooksby 6—3, 6—4, and now faces richard gasquet in tonight�*s final as he bids for his first title of the season, just days from the start of the australian open. but not such good news for compatriotjack draper who missed out on a first ever atp final as he lost his adelaide semi—final to south korea�*s kwon soon—woo in three sets. england wheelchair rugby league world cup winnerjames simpson has announced his retirement after 10 years in the sport. simpson took up the game after he lost both legs in an explosion whilst serving with the army in afghanistan. he led leeds to super league and challenge cup success, and was, last year, part of england�*s world cup—winning side.

that�*s all the sport for now. millions more people in england and wales could be prescribed daily cholesterol—lowering pills — statins — to cut their risk of a heart attack or stroke, under new draft guidance for the nhs. the national institute for health and care excellence says given the low cost of statins, and the possible health gains, they should be considered more often. in england, high cholesterol leads to about 7% of all deaths. i�*m nowjoined by dr paul chrisp. he is the director of the centre for guidelines at national institute for health and care excellence. a very good afternoon to you. can we just go back one step, what are statins and how do they work? so statins and how do they work? sr statins and how do they work? 5r statins are medicines that reduce

the amount of cholesterol in your blood. they have been in use for many, many years and have been shown to be very effective, particularly in people who are at high risk of heart disease and strokes. who; in people who are at high risk of heart disease and strokes. why that is? so, heart disease and strokes. why that is? so. they — heart disease and strokes. why that is? so, they reduce _ heart disease and strokes. why that is? so, they reduce the _ heart disease and strokes. why that is? so, they reduce the amount - heart disease and strokes. why that is? so, they reduce the amount of l is? so, they reduce the amount of clos cholesterol _ is? so, they reduce the amount of clos cholesterol and _ is? so, they reduce the amount of clos cholesterol and they - is? so, they reduce the amount of clos cholesterol and they can - is? so, they reduce the amount of clos cholesterol and they can lead | clos cholesterol and they can lead to your blood vessels clogging up, causing a heart attack or stroke. why do they think they should be considered more often? we why do they think they should be considered more often?- considered more often? we have looked at the, _ considered more often? we have looked at the, some _ considered more often? we have looked at the, some new - considered more often? we have looked at the, some new safety | considered more often? we have - looked at the, some new safety data and more experience with statins, as i say, they have been around for many year, we now have more insight into the relative risks and benefits of using statins. what we used to say is they should be use in people

who had a high risk of developing heart disease. now we say if you look at the possibility of side effects, particularly muscle pains, fewer people than we thought felt muscle pains, the benefits to more people in terms of reducing their risk of heart attack or stroke are greater. what we are saying is people with a low risk of developing heart disease or a stroke, they should have a conversation with their gp after they have also considered lifestyle advice, they should have that conversation about whether a statin might be right for them. i whether a statin might be right for them. ., ., , a y., whether a statin might be right for them. ., ., , y., , whether a statin might be right for them. ., ., , ,., ., them. i want to pick you up on that final oint them. i want to pick you up on that final point about _ them. i want to pick you up on that final point about lifestyle _ them. i want to pick you up on that final point about lifestyle advice, . final point about lifestyle advice, we have been talking about this issue all day on bbc news, i wondered what is your view about whether lifestyle changes can be as effective as statins. what is the evidence there? 50.

effective as statins. what is the evidence there?— effective as statins. what is the evidence there? so, we know that exercise, diet, _ evidence there? so, we know that exercise, diet, a _ evidence there? so, we know that exercise, diet, a good _ evidence there? so, we know that exercise, diet, a good diet - evidence there? so, we know that exercise, diet, a good diet and - exercise, diet, a good diet and stopping smoking and reducing alcohol reduces your chance of heart disease. we are not saying everyone should take a statins. it is not instead of taking those things that you can control, you can take control of yourself to reduce your chance of having heart disease. you know, seven million people in the uk experience cardiovascular disease and it is a significant cause of disability and death. people can take their own lifestyle choices for themselves. but as we are saying in this guidance, they should have their conversation with their doctor or pharmacist and say, well, actually looking at the relative benefits of a statin and the relative... low level of side

effects, a statin might be for them. just a final thought, i know we say that statins are fairly cheap, but there would be some cost into the nhs, have you looked at that? yes. nhs, have you looked at that? yes, that is one — nhs, have you looked at that? yes, that is one of _ nhs, have you looked at that? yes, that is one of nice, _ nhs, have you looked at that? yes, that is one of nice, that is - nhs, have you looked at that? yes that is one of nice, that is what we do, we look at cost effective treatments, good value for the taxpayer a prescription for a statin, the sort we are recommending, is about £12 a year. when you balance that about the 7.5 billion a year is what cardiovascular disease costs, it is worthwhile. cardiovascular disease costs, it is worthwhile-— the bbc has learned that officials from nhs england

are to brief the health secretary about allegations of a toxic culture at one of england�*s largest hospital trusts. a bbc newsnight investigation, broadcast last year, reported widespread allegations of bullying and intimidation of staff at university hospitals birmingham. here�*s david grossman. every doctor must be registered with the general medical council. if a doctor is accused of a lapse of standards, the gmc investigate. the ultimate sanction being struck off the register. the allegation that this organisation that is essentially here to ensure that doctors behave ethically and safely is being used to intimidate doctors is being used to intimidate doctors is a serious one. by, is being used to intimidate doctors is a serious one.— is a serious one. a newsnight investigation _ is a serious one. a newsnight investigation reveals - is a serious one. a newsnight investigation reveals a - is a serious one. a newsnight| investigation reveals a culture is a serious one. a newsnight i investigation reveals a culture of fear in one of england�*s biggest hospital trusts. fear in one of england's biggest hospital trusts.— hospital trusts. last year we re orted hospital trusts. last year we reported that _ hospital trusts. last year we reported that of _ hospital trusts. last year we reported that of 26 - hospital trusts. last year we reported that of 26 doctors l hospital trusts. last year we - reported that of 26 doctors referred to the gmc by the university hospitals birmingham trust, not one had any action taken against them and we have learned that regulators

were warned about the culture there a year ago. you were warned about the culture there a ear ao. ., .., , were warned about the culture there a earauo. ., , a year ago. you could see people were being _ a year ago. you could see people were being bullied _ a year ago. you could see people were being bullied about - a year ago. you could see people were being bullied about whistlel were being bullied about whistle blowing. the the were being bullied about whistle blowing- th— blowing. the the unison it was contacted _ blowing. the the unison it was contacted by — blowing. the the unison it was contacted by members - blowing. the the unison it was contacted by members of i blowing. the the unison it was | contacted by members of staff. initially we naught it was one or two, then it was worrying, the number of people. 50 two, then it was worrying, the number of people. two, then it was worrying, the number of --eole. ., , number of people. so numerous were the concern — number of people. so numerous were the concern that _ number of people. so numerous were the concern that the _ number of people. so numerous were the concern that the euan _ number of people. so numerous were the concern that the euan union i number of people. so numerous were the concern that the euan union put i the concern that the euan union put together a report.— the concern that the euan union put together a report. people were being discouraaed together a report. people were being discouraged from _ together a report. people were being discouraged from reporting _ discouraged from reporting incidents, because the trust wanted to say they didn�*t have problems. you could see the use of disciplinary procedures against senior medics to stop them from being whistle blowers. the

senior medics to stop them from being whistle blowers.— senior medics to stop them from being whistle blowers. the cqc say they considered _ being whistle blowers. the cqc say they considered the _ being whistle blowers. the cqc say they considered the report. - being whistle blowers. the cqc say they considered the report. uhb i being whistle blowers. the cqc say i they considered the report. uhb said they considered the report. uhb said they hadn�*t received or seen a copy of the unison report. they denied that staff were bullied or intimidated by management. since our initial investigation the local health board has announced three separate reviews into the allegations we raised. the trust said they are now well under way. research says exxon mobil predicted global warming. joining me now is

our climate correspondent. essentially what the research did was mark exxon�*s homework and see how good you were at predicting how temperatures would rise. they were much better than probably the most world renowned climate scientists from naas alex in nasa. they predicted the decadal temperature rise way back when. they back in the 70s and 80s, people talked of a coming ice age. they said that not going to happen. we kicked out of cycles of that because of fossil fuel. they predict what had the carbon budget would be and how much we could emit in the atmosphere before we hit the dangerous levels

of warming. a big tick, the did well, they say. the researchers, the problem for exxon is all the while they were saying climate change suspect something we need —— isn�*t something we need to act on. climate modelling isn�*t that accurate. what the researchers say is they were muddying the waters, calling into question the validity of climate science. ~ ., , , ., science. where does this leave exxon. science. where does this leave exxon- exxon _ science. where does this leave exxon. exxon say, _ science. where does this leave exxon. exxon say, this - science. where does this leave exxon. exxon say, this claim . science. where does this leave i exxon. exxon say, this claim that we knew, they — exxon. exxon say, this claim that we knew. they knew. — exxon. exxon say, this claim that we knew, they knew, has _ exxon. exxon say, this claim that we knew, they knew, has come - exxon. exxon say, this claim that we knew, they knew, has come up i exxon. exxon say, this claim that we knew, they knew, has come up a i knew, they knew, has come up a number of times, people who claim we knew, they are wrong. they�*re adamant they�*re wrong and point to a case in america where the judge supported their position on that. they say, we are not guilty of wrong

doing, but we now acknowledge that climate change is a problem and we want to be part of solution. a big turn around from the position they were taking in the 70s and 80s, 90s when the researchers are looking at it. what is interesting is what questionles s it raise. you remember tobacco companies similarly were asked do cigarettes cause cancer and they said, we don�*t think it does. and it turned out they had internal documents that suggested they knew there was a link with cancer. similarly, will there be class actions on climate saying, you guys knew, but you didn�*t warn the public and moderate the use of fossil fuels. that is the interesting question for the future. but exxon say no wrong doing, we are part of the solution and we recognise there is an issue with climate change. thank you.

the headlines on bbc news: the premier league footballer benjamin mendy is found not guilty of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault the uk economy grew unexpectedly in november — boosted by the football world cup. it went up 0.1%. a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26—year—old ellie edwards, who was shot in merseyside on christmas eve. it�*s exactly two years since italy began holding its biggest anti—mafia trial since the 1980s. hearings have been ongoing against more than 300 suspects from one organised crime group — with charges including murder, extortion and drug—trafficking. our italy correspondent mark lowen travelled to calabria, in the south of the country, to meet some of those caught up in the mafia�*s crimes and those leading the battle against them.

it is perhaps italy�*s most dangerous commute, by italy�*s most threatened target. nicola gratteri has spent his career fighting the country�*s most powerful mafia — the �*ndrangheta. as we speed through its bastion of calabria, his five car escort follows his every move. translation: i often talk to death. you have to rationalise fear to move on. the most beautiful thing is freedom, to be able to move around alone, or to go to a barfor a coffee. i used to do these things as a boy, but in my mind there is a lot of freedom. from the lush toe of italy, the �*ndrangheta family clans have spread terror through killings and kidnappings — massacres elsewhere in europe traced back to their rivalry in calabria. today, their currency is cocaine, smuggled through gioia tauro — italy�*s busiest container port. their annual income

an estimated $60 billion. well, around one in ten of the containers that pass through this port are checked. this shipment seems to be clean, but bananas from south america are a classic method that the �*ndrangheta use to stash cocaine. their branches operate right around the world, and the group is now estimated to control up to 80% of europe�*s cocaine trade. what is inside here? this is our last seizure. we were given a rare glimpse of a recent haul — seven tonnes of cocaine. its street value, 1.4 billion euros. more than 300 �*ndrangheta suspects are now facing italy�*s biggest anti—mafia trial since the 1980s, in a special courtroom to cope with the size. it�*s crippled the mancuso clan, one of the group�*s ruthless families.

their brutality has broken sara scarpulla and her husband, whose only child matteo was blown up by the mancusos after a dispute over land. translation: he was the joy of life, a polite exceptional boy, he never said a word against us. i am proud to have been matteo�*s mother and to have had him as a son. sometimes i ask god — where were you when my son was dying? and matteo�*s girlfriend tells me, "he was there, taking matteo with him." there are few turncoats in a mafia forged in blood ties but we met one born into the group he�*s now betrayed, testifying at the mancuso trial. translation: the words repeated were always the same — kill, kill, kill. i was brought up as a child soldier,

handed a gun at a very young age. the 'ndrangheta is a monster, a multi—headed hydra. it's a matter of time but the mancuso clan will regroup and they will be back stronger than ever. and so no rest for nicola gratteri — hero to many, enemy of some, italy�*s anti—mafia crusader goes on. translation: everything in life has a price. to have had a normal life, i would have had to go slower, live like a coward, but living like a coward makes no sense to me. i don�*t think italy can be freed of the mafia. it can be reduced a lot by changing the rules of the game but it would take a revolution to combat it. the devotion, the sacrifice, for a battle italy may never stop fighting. mark lowen, bbc news, calabria.

eric cantona has co—curated an art exhibition in manchester. it chronicles the relationship between sport and modern society. eric cantona was asked if football was in danger of losing its soul. it�*s cantona was asked if football was in danger of losing its soul.— danger of losing its soul. it's not only football. — danger of losing its soul. it's not only football, it _ danger of losing its soul. it's not only football, it is _ danger of losing its soul. it's not only football, it is modern i danger of losing its soul. it's not only football, it is modern life. | only football, it is modern life. the winter olympics, the olympic games have been given to winter olympic games in asia, have been given to saudi arabia. which is unbelievable. they will build everything with artificial snow in the middle of the desert. this time when the planet is in danger, the

climate, we have to... be careful every minute and the biggest institution like olympics have given this great competition to saudi arabia. it seems that money can buy everything. but it�*s not only in sport. it is in everything. you everything. but it's not only in sport. it is in everything. you said ou sport. it is in everything. you said you would — sport. it is in everything. you said you would boycott _ sport. it is in everything. you said you would boycott the _ sport. it is in everything. you said you would boycott the world i sport. it is in everything. you said you would boycott the world cup, | you would boycott the world cup, because it was in qatar. did you really? riff because it was in qatar. did you reall ? , because it was in qatar. did you really?_ you - because it was in qatar. did you really?_ you didn't i because it was in qatar. did you i really?_ you didn't watch really? of course. you didn't watch it? i really? of course. you didn't watch it? i didn't — really? of course. you didn't watch it? | didn't watch _ really? of course. you didn't watch it? | didn't watch it. _ really? of course. you didn't watch it? | didn't watch it. my _ really? of course. you didn't watch it? i didn't watch it. my son - it? i didn't watch it. my son watched — it? i didn't watch it. my son watched it, _ it? i didn't watch it. my son watched it, because - it? i didn't watch it. my son watched it, because he i it? i didn't watch it. my son watched it, because he is i it? i didn't watch it. my son| watched it, because he is 13 it? i didn't watch it. my son i watched it, because he is 13 and it? i didn't watch it. my son - watched it, because he is 13 and he loves football. i didn�*t want him to... not watch the game, because he learned a lot about the games. but me i�*m older, i have a bit of experience and i have my point of view on things and... even if there is... didn�*t change the world, but in my little world, i can do

whatever i want. i did enough to... watch it. if i want to boy cot it, i boycott. ifeel in harmony watch it. if i want to boy cot it, i boycott. i feel in harmony with myself. boycott. i feel in harmony with m self. ., ., .,., ., , , myself. now we hear qatar might buy our club myself. now we hear qatar might buy your club manchester _ myself. now we hear qatar might buy your club manchester united - myself. now we hear qatar might buy your club manchester united or i your club manchester united or liverpool. how do you feel if that happened? i liverpool. how do you feel if that happened?— liverpool. how do you feel if that ha ened? . , ., happened? i feel if i was in england toda i happened? i feel if i was in england today i would _ happened? i feel if i was in england today i would support _ happened? i feel if i was in england today i would support a _ happened? i feel if i was in england today i would support a club - happened? i feel if i was in england today i would support a club in i happened? i feel if i was in england today i would support a club in the l today i would support a club in the second division. in the old atmosphere of football. maybe because i�*m old and a stupid guy, because i�*m old and a stupid guy, because i�*m old and a stupid guy, because i�*m too old. i love football and i love the atmosphere of football, i love the sort of football, i love the sort of football and the... i don�*t know why some clubs change their stadiums to be the biggest stadium. i think arsenal when they left highbury,

they left their soul. if arsenal when they left highbury, they left their soul.— they left their soul. if kwat and were to buy — they left their soul. if kwat and were to buy old _ they left their soul. if kwat and were to buy old trafford, i they left their soul. if kwat and | were to buy old trafford, would they left their soul. if kwat and i were to buy old trafford, would you still go and still support? iflirtatar were to buy old trafford, would you still go and still support?— still go and still support? qatar or whatever. you _ still go and still support? qatar or whatever. you have _ still go and still support? qatar or whatever. you have some - still go and still support? qatar orj whatever. you have some people, newcastle also, different, i don�*t noechlt know. of course i have my point of view, but what can i do? i can do app exhibition like this and bring kids from school, because it is sport, they will be interested by sport. and we start to speak about sport. and we start to speak about sport and then we speak about the context in 50 years ago in chile, in brazil, in england, in argentina, every where. like we did in the documentaries.— every where. like we did in the documentaries. ., ., , ., , documentaries. you want sport to be here? notjust— documentaries. you want sport to be here? not just taking _ documentaries. you want sport to be here? notjust taking the _

documentaries. you want sport to be here? notjust taking the money. i here? notjust taking the money. when villa was dictator for argentina in the world cup in 78, because they won the world cup, it was a promotion and 500 members from the stadium where they were celebrated, people would start shooting. that is important. it is important to show that to the kids, because they the future. what can i do now? i can do nothing. but maybe the kids can help us in the future. so it is important to bring the kids. ., ., ., , ., kids. now if weather. today is a bri . hter kids. now if weather. today is a brighter day. — kids. now if weather. today is a brighter day, but _ kids. now if weather. today is a brighter day, but there - kids. now if weather. today is a brighter day, but there are i kids. now if weather. today is a i brighter day, but there are concerns about flooding. here is the flooded river severn, the flood waters spreading over low lying fields and

we have flood warnings in force. the majority are for stretches of the river severn. although today is quiet, we have more heavy rain on the way from this area of low pressure that will bring more heavy rain to the flood—hit areas. for most of us today it was a bright day with some showers in western scotland and north—west england. temperatures the 11 for cardiff and london. the first signs of rain starts to arrive tonight and then overnight heavy rain, as much as 70 millimetres. that will fall on ground already suffering from flooding. so for some the flooding will get worse before it gets better. very mild air, temperatures starting off on saturday 11 in the south west. 12 in eastern and southern england. eventually some colder air does work in with blustery showers in the north—west

with gales for a time. it will turn cooler here through the afternoon. into the second half of the weekend, we have got much colder air that will be arriving as we drag some north—westerly winds. with that some wintry showers in northern scotland. this front still bringing some rain to parts of northern england. for many a bright day. but cold in the north with temperatures three or four degrees for northern scotland. there is a lot we know about next week, we know it will be cold we are frost and icy patches and snow showers down to sea—level. but this some uncertainty as to whether we see more organised systems. sunday night could just have showers like in this model. but there are some other models that develop a strong area of low pressure and we could have some heavy snow developing across parts of england and wales to take us into the first part of

monday morning. but quite a bit uncertaintyjust yet.

this is bbc news. the headlines: the footballer benjamin mendy is found not guilty of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. the man city star faces a retrial on two further counts where the jurors could not reach verdicts. the uk economy grew unexpectedly in november, boosted by the football world cup. it went up 0.1%. a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26—year—old ellie edwards, who was shot in merseyside on christmas eve. russia claims to have captured all of soledar, the salt—mining town in eastern ukraine that�*s been the focus of intense fighting. ukraine says its forces are still fighting in the town. and with western weapons continuing to arrive in ukraine, the country�*s defence minister tells

the bbc his country has become a de facto member of nato. tributes are paid to lisa marie presley, the only child of elvis, who�*s died at the age of 5a. royal mail customers still can�*t send letters and parcels overseas after a cyber attack on the company. hello and welcome to bbc news. the manchester city footballer, benjamin mendy, has been found not guilty of six counts of rape, and one count of sexual assault. jurors were unable to reach a verdict on one count of rape

and one of sexual assault. it follows a six—month trial at chester crown court. our north of england correspondent, danny savage, is there. we�*ve had this trial ongoing since last summer here in chester. the jury began listening to evidence back in august. they retired to consider their verdicts just before christmas and have been back for nearly two weeks since the christmas break continuing with their deliberations. after they had listened to all the evidence and sat together for some time trying to decide what their verdicts were, they did come back with some but not all verdicts on those charges. so what you had a seven of those charges including rate and sexual assault with them finding benjamin mendy unanimously not guilty on those charges. at the problem is that the failed or couldn�*t reach a verdict even by a majority of ten to one on two charges involving benjamin mendy, one involving attempted rate and another of rate involving two different women.

so what now happens is that benjamin mendy will now face a retrial later this year on those two charges that this jury couldn�*t decide upon. the jury in the trial have now been discharged in this case is finished the now but for benjamin mendy, although he has been acquitted, and cleared of the majority of the charges, because the jury couldn�*t decide on the other two they will have to go through the whole process again later this year on those two remaining charges. would you give us the broader background to this case? the charges he faced spanned a three—year period from october 2018 to august 2021. the broad umbrella of these charges is that benjamin mendy would invite women back to his mansion in cheshire not farfrom here, a large house in country grounds and he would invite them back to parties, some of them held illegally during

lockdown, and they would have parties at his house and women came forward thereafter to say that he sexually assaulted or raped them during those gatherings. a number of them came forward, seven in total which made initial allegations. they were coming back to the house and the prosecution said that when they were there they felt vulnerable, scared and isolated because of the remoteness of the location. they felt very vulnerable when they would pay. but the jury listened to all of that evidence and concluded that benjamin mendy was not guilty of the majority of charges that he faced. even benjamin mendy giving evidence in his own defence during the trial admitted behaving badly towards women but he denied any wrongdoing and certainly any criminal wrongdoing. he is a manchester city footballer, he came to the uk on a record

transfer fee for a defender. he has been suspended by the club for over a year now. he is no longer paid by manchester city football club. he is also a french international and has a world cup winners medalfor being part of the france squad a few years ago when they won the world cup. he is a very high profile footballer. a very wealthy man. he was facing these charges. but for him with his not over yet because the jury couldn�*t decide on two of those charges and he now has to go through most of this again will stop but his private life was pulled over in great defeat —— detailed five months in the next trial won�*t be as long but again it will go into the details of his private life when it sits again later this year.

his solicitor said they would like to thank the members of the jury for the dedication and commitment. she mentions he has been unanimously acquitted of eight of the ten charges. the uk�*s economy grew unexpectedly in november — boosted by the football world cup. the latest official figures were better than expected, with increased spending in pubs and bars. let�*s take a look at the numbers in more detail. gross domestic product — that�*s the measure of all activity by businesses, government and people in the uk — rose by 0.1%, better than anticipated, despite households being squeezed by the rising cost of living. but today�*s figures marked a slowdown since october — which showed an increase of 0.5%. and there are concerns that soaring costs could still tip the uk into recession — the figures show uk economic output as a whole shrank by 0.3% betweenjuly and september. our business correspondent ben king has this report.

a world cup full of surprises has produced another unexpected result. football fans spend more money in november celebrating in pubs or at home, helping the economy to grow by no .1% and not shrink as many economists expected. but there was not much to celebrate for many other companies. this company saw strong sales about black friday but things have been slowing as consumers tighten their belts. people are finding things difficult. they are worried about their basic costs of heating and fuel and the worries of inflation. so we can very much tell that there is a little bit of tension in consumers and we feel it ourselves.

higher interest rates are pushing up mortgage payments and on the streets of worcester people have felt the rising energy prices. we certainly have not had the heating on. i am very, very frugal with my heating and hot water, believe you me. we've not got the heating - at the moment and stuff like that just because we can't afford it. how do you keep warm? blankets, jumpers, scarves. yeah. it hasn�*t really affected me because obviously interest rates are going in the right direction for me, personally. but i just worry about everybody else who has got mortgages. october and november were both positive, meaning unless the figure for december is quite a long way down, 0.6% or more, the figure for the three months as a whole will still be positive, meaning the economy avoided falling into recession last year, but this year may be different. i don�*t think we have avoided a recession, we will avoid a recession, in 2023. the uk faces a significant number of challenges. cost of living pressures remain substantial, we have seen a lot

of rate hikes from the bank of england and we will be seeing tax hikes in the uk too, it is a lot for an economy to cope with. the uk still has not recovered to levels seen before the pandemic unlike germany, the us at the other g7 major economies. prime minister rishi sunak pledged this month to get the economy growing again and today�*s figure is encouraging, but the uk faces a tough road ahead that there may be more surprises in store. a recession is defined as the economy shrinking for two a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26—year—old ellie edwards in merseyside. she was shot in the head at a pub in wallasey on christmas eve. connor chapman, who�*s 22, was remanded in custody. here�*s our north of england correspondent, judith moritz. ellie was seeing friends on christmas day when she was shot before midnight. a gunman had opened fire at the lighthouse inn on the wirral

which was busy with drinkers enjoying the festivities. despite efforts to save her, ellie died of her injuries. she had been shot in the head. a relative said christmas and the family would never be the same again. last night 22—year—old connor chapman was charged with her murder. he spoke in court today to confirm his name and that he has no fixed address. he appeared before magistrates in birkenhead this morning charged with a total of nine offences including two counts of attempted murder, three of grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm and ammunition and using a stolen car. the court heard that a converted scorpion submachinegun was used in the attack. connor chapman was not asked to enter any pleas and he was remanded in custody until his next court appearance. the hearing here at wirral magistrates�* court only lasted for three minutes and connor chapman

stood throughout in the glass dock of courtroom number six answering as his name was put to him but giving no other details. he was wearing a grey tracksuit, long hair and a beard and he stared straight ahead with his head held high as the charges against him were read out. those charges cannot be dealt with ultimately by magistrates so this case has been committed to crown court and he will next appear before liverpool crown court on monday. four other people have previously been arrested in connection with the shooting. of those, three have been released on bail while further inquiries are carried out and the fourth has been recalled to prison on licence. russia says its forces have captured the town of soledar — a salt—mining area in eastern ukraine that�*s been the focus of intense fighting. the defence ministry in moscow said this would allow russian troops to cut off ukrainian forces in bakhmut, which they�*ve been attacking for months. ukrainian authorities

say their troops are still fighting in the town. from kyiv, our correspondentjames waterhouse gave us this update. this is somewhere where we have seen some of the bloodiest fighting. on wednesday we had a claim some of the bloodiest fighting. on wednesday we had a claim from some of the bloodiest fighting. on wednesday we had a claim from the wagner mercenary group which has been spearheading russians assault on the town claiming it controlled soledar. today we have a claim from the kremlin that it in fact now controls it through its regular army highlighting a growing division in moscow. we have spoken to ukraine�*s military in the east and it has told us it is not true and we are continuing to hold the line and

fighting is carrying on in what is left of the town. we are in a phase at the moment we are russia is throwing everything for a very short—term gain, a game that can be used for propaganda surfaces. we are seeing soledar being talked up in russia as some kind of victory. president zelensky has talked about taking the right steps in the coming days and i wouldn�*t be surprised if we saw a tactical retreat as they try to inflict maximum casualties. ukraine�*s defence minister says his country has become a "de—facto member" of the nato military alliance, as western nations continue to supply weapons for the war against russia. speaking to the bbc�*s hugo bachega, oleksii reznikov said there had been a change among some allies once concerned that the military assistance could be seen as escalation by russia. this is what he said. we have a lot of modern nato

standard weaponry. it means that ukraine _ standard weaponry. it means that ukraine is— standard weaponry. it means that ukraine is a country and armed forces— ukraine is a country and armed forces of— ukraine is a country and armed forces of ukraine and our sector of security— forces of ukraine and our sector of security and — forces of ukraine and our sector of security and defence became a member of nato _ security and defence became a member of nato de _ security and defence became a member of nato de facto. we have weaponry, we have _ of nato de facto. we have weaponry, we have the — of nato de facto. we have weaponry, we have the understanding how to use it, we have the understanding how to use it. we _ we have the understanding how to use it. we have _ we have the understanding how to use it, we have this level of communication with our partners and i am communication with our partners and i am sure _ communication with our partners and i am sure that in the future we will become _ i am sure that in the future we will become a — i am sure that in the future we will become a member of nato. earlier i spoke to our defence correspondent jonathan beale and he explained what oleksii reznikov�*s comments about nato actually mean. de facto would mean in law we are a member of nato and ukraine is not a member of nato and ukraine is not a member of nato and ukraine is not a member of leto. it�*s important to see if not the first time he said this because he treated in october last year with picture of him and

the nato secretary general saying we have come a long way and have de factojoined have come a long way and have de facto joined the alliance. so there are reasons why you would say it. first of all for his own country, they are not alone. to encourage other nato countries to give them a weapons. we are not hearing anything from nato itself orfrom governments that are members of nato for the reason that this does play into russian narrative which is we are fighting against nato and nato has made it very clear that even if it is supplying weapons it is not directly involved in the conflict. people will argue about that but essentially the bottom line is ukraine is not a member of nato and if it was article five would have been declared and that is an attack on one is an attack on all and to be honest the weapons would have come a lot sooner. , , , ., ., . lot sooner. does this put nato in a difficult position _ lot sooner. does this put nato in a difficult position given _ lot sooner. does this put nato in a difficult position given it _ lot sooner. does this put nato in a difficult position given it has i difficult position given it has taken steps difficult position given it has ta ken steps to difficult position given it has taken steps to be seen very much as not part of the conflict.— not part of the conflict. given he said it before _

not part of the conflict. given he said it before and _ not part of the conflict. given he said it before and if— not part of the conflict. given he said it before and if it _ not part of the conflict. given he said it before and if it was - not part of the conflict. given he said it before and if it was said l said it before and if it was said beside the nato secretary general he would have had to have responded and it would have been awkward but i don't think it's going to alter what nato is doing and let's be honest it is not giving ukraine the amount of weapons it wants when it wants but it has seen a steady supply of weapons, more sophisticated weapons and the defence minister is right that gradually it has given nato equipment notjust old russian stock that eastern european countries gave, it has supplied sophisticated weaponry. it’s gave, it has supplied sophisticated weaon . �* , i, gave, it has supplied sophisticated weaon . h i, i, gave, it has supplied sophisticated weaon . �*, i, i, i, weaponry. it's fair to say though that ukraine _ weaponry. it's fair to say though that ukraine has _ weaponry. it's fair to say though that ukraine has wanted - weaponry. it's fair to say though that ukraine has wanted to - weaponry. it's fair to say though that ukraine has wanted to join | weaponry. it's fair to say though - that ukraine has wanted to join nato for years. that ukraine has wanted to 'oin nato for ears. ~ , , that ukraine has wanted to 'oin nato for ears. , , �* that ukraine has wanted to 'oin nato for , �* �*, ., for years. absolutely. but it's not auoin to for years. absolutely. but it's not going to be _ for years. absolutely. but it's not going to be and _ for years. absolutely. but it's not going to be and a _ for years. absolutely. but it's not going to be and a member- for years. absolutely. but it's not going to be and a member whilst| for years. absolutely. but it's not. going to be and a member whilst the what is continuing. countries have joined nato because of ukraine. we've seen sweden and finland join nato or apply for membership because of the war in ukraine and russia's actions. it would be a different

thing to allow the main competent in that war alongside russia, ukraine, because it would mean essentially nato joining because it would mean essentially natojoining in the because it would mean essentially nato joining in the war. it's because it would mean essentially natojoining in the war. it's not going to happen any time soon even though ukraine has a partner status. they are not all the meetings and you will also see them at the meetings even though they're a member. ~ . . meetings even though they're a member. . . . ., . member. what are the chances of ukraine joining — member. what are the chances of ukraine joining nato _ member. what are the chances of ukraine joining nato after - member. what are the chances of ukraine joining nato after the - ukraine joining nato after the conflict ends?— ukraine joining nato after the conflict ends? that is a bit of a hypothetical- _ conflict ends? that is a bit of a hypothetical. ukraine - conflict ends? that is a bit of a hypothetical. ukraine wanted | conflict ends? that is a bit of a l hypothetical. ukraine wanted to conflict ends? that is a bit of a - hypothetical. ukraine wanted to join nato before the war and it wasn't allowed to join because you need unanimity among the 30 members of nato unanimity among the 30 members of nate and i don't think there is any sign of the moment that they would be unanimity on ukrainejoining. we will have to wait and see what happens in this war before you can properly answer that question. but given what is happening with russia and ukraine at the moment it would

be essentially nato joining indirectly and they have made clear they don't want to do that. the headlines on bbc news: the footballer benjamin mendy is found not guilty of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. the man city star faces a retrial on two further counts where the jurors could not reach verdicts. the uk economy grew unexpectedly in november — boosted by the football world cup. it went up 0.1%. a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26—year—old ellie edwards, who was shot in merseyside on christmas eve. a woman in her 20s has died after a dog attack in surrey. the woman was pronounced dead at the scene in caterham yesterday afternoon; another woman suffered dog bites and was taken to hospital with non life—threatening injuries. surrey police said armed officers went to the scene

and seized eight dogs. yesterday afternoon at around 2:45pm officers _ yesterday afternoon at around 2:45pm officers were called to caterham to reports _ officers were called to caterham to reports of — officers were called to caterham to reports of dogs attacking members of the pubtio _ reports of dogs attacking members of the public. sadly, despite the best efforts— the public. sadly, despite the best efforts of— the public. sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics, a 28—year—old women— efforts of paramedics, a 28—year—old woman from — efforts of paramedics, a 28—year—old woman from london was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. the women— pronounced dead at the scene. the woman is— pronounced dead at the scene. the woman is believed to have been walking — woman is believed to have been walking a — woman is believed to have been walking a number of dogs at the time of the _ walking a number of dogs at the time of the incident. her next of kin have _ of the incident. her next of kin have been— of the incident. her next of kin have been informed and we will be supporting them with the specialist officers _ supporting them with the specialist officers a — supporting them with the specialist officers. a second woman who received treatment the dog bites has since been _ received treatment the dog bites has since been discharged from hospital. a total— since been discharged from hospital. a total of— since been discharged from hospital. a total of eight dogs were detained by officers and they remain in the custody— by officers and they remain in the custody of— by officers and they remain in the custody of police. the owners of these _ custody of police. the owners of these dogs have been identified and

are being _ these dogs have been identified and are being kept informed as the investigation continues. a police coding _ investigation continues. a police coding will remain in place today. whilst _ coding will remain in place today. whilst forensic work is carried out. no arrests— whilst forensic work is carried out. no arrests have been made at this time _ no arrests have been made at this time this — no arrests have been made at this time this is — no arrests have been made at this time. this is a tragic incident where — time. this is a tragic incident where a _ time. this is a tragic incident where a young woman sadly lost her life. where a young woman sadly lost her life our_ where a young woman sadly lost her life. 0urthoughts where a young woman sadly lost her life. our thoughts are with her family— life. our thoughts are with her family and friends. i know that these — family and friends. i know that these events will be of real concern to the _ these events will be of real concern to the local — these events will be of real concern to the local community and i would like to— to the local community and i would like to reassure residents that we are confident that all the dogs involved — are confident that all the dogs involved are in the custody of notice — involved are in the custody of police. whilst we continue to investigate the circumstances of what _ investigate the circumstances of what has — investigate the circumstances of what has happened. officers will remain— what has happened. officers will remain in— what has happened. officers will remain in the area today whilst our inquiries _ remain in the area today whilst our inquiries continue and we would urge anyone _ inquiries continue and we would urge anyone with — inquiries continue and we would urge anyone with information to contact us. children in the town where arthur labinyo—hughes lived

before his death are experiencing "significant harm" because of delayed responses by council services, according to a new report. six—year—old arthur's father and stepmother were jailed for his killing injune 2020. an ofsted inspection of solihull council's children's services has rated it inadequate. the council said it accepted the findings of the report. a 75—year—old man has been jailed for life for raping and murdering a girl almost 50 years ago, in the oldest double jeopardy case in england and wales. dennis mcgrory was 28 when he sexually assaulted, stabbed and strangled 15—year—old jacqui montgomery in islington, north london, in 1975. he was tried on circumstantial evidence in 1976 but was cleared of murder. mcgrory was tried again after swabs from ms montgomery's body proved to be a one—in—a—billion dna match to him.

a 41—year—old man from sussex, mark brown, has beenjailed for the murder of two women. brown was found guilty of murdering 34—year—old leah ware, and 33—year—old alexandra morgan last month. the builder was given two life sentences, to be served concurrently, and told he would spend a minimum of 49 years in prison. oscar winning actor kevin spacey has pleaded not guilty to seven sexual offences against one man. he's appearing at southwark crown court in london via video link for a plea and trial preparation hearing. the fresh charges include indecent assault, sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. the offences are alleged to have taken place between 2001 and 2005. with the latest, here's our correspondent helena wilkinson was at southwark crown court.

it was a pretty brief hearing. it's called a plea and trial preparation hearing. kevin spacey did not appear in person, he appeared via video link. we don't know where he was when he was appearing on that link. but he did appear underhis full name, kevin spacey fowler. the seven new charges, sexual offences, that he is facing, those were formally put to him during the brief hearing that lasted about 20 minutes and to each of those charges as they were read to him in court he replied on the video link not guilty to all seven of them. of those seven charges, three of them are counts of indecent assault, three of sexual assault and also one of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. the hollywood actor you may remember

last year pleaded not guilty to five other sexual offences against three men. that was at the old bailey. so in total kevin spacey is now facing 12 sexual offences against four men. the trial itself is due to get under way onjune the 6th. it will be a four—week trial but kevin spacey is due to appear at a pre—trial hearing in april. the next time he will appear is in april for that pre—trial hearing, but that four—week trial is expected to start injune. kevin spacey denies all 12 charges against him. the prime minister, rishi sunak has rejected criticism from scotland's first minister, nicola sturgeon that uk plans to limit the impact of public service strikes risk inflaming industrial disputes.

speaking to bbc scotland's political editor, glenn campbell, mr sunak said it was "right and responsible" to change the law to guarantee a basic level of service in areas like health and education when there are strikes. the right thing when it comes to pay is to follow, as we have done, the recommendations of an independent pay body process. that is what is long established and the government has accepted the recommendations. talks are ongoing. the government has always been clear that we want to have an open door, we want to have an honest and two—way dialogue about some of the things we are all seeing and it's important that pay settlements are reasonable but also responsible for the country and that they are affordable. aren't you risking poisoning relations or inflaming the situation, as the first minister said, by bringing forward legislation to limit the impact of strikes? no, i don't believe that's right. i think it's entirely reasonable for people to think that even if there are strikes and when it comes to life—saving emergency treatment,

whether that is in ambulances or in fire, that they can rely on a basic level of that emergency service still being provided. our scotland correspondent, lorna gordon told us more about the talks between rishi sunak and nicola sturgeon that have been taking place. there are two things to look out for. one is the symbolism of the talks in the second is the actual issues being discussed. i think there was an attempt with these private discussions to lower the temperature of the debate between the two governments. often there is a symbolic moment in public way to shake hands on the doorstep of bute house and then go inside and have their talks. house and then go inside and have theirtalks. but house and then go inside and have their talks. but this was very much private and away from public view. some photos were released afterwards showing them shaking hands and both sides saying there was a cordial

exchange of views. they were areas that united the two leaders not least the announcement of these two freeport two in scotland and there were other areas where there are big political differences, one of course is the issue of a second dependence referendum in scotland. the holyrood government wants that to happen but westminster does not. another potential area of conflict is on that legislation passed in hollywood just before christmas making it easier for people to change their gender. rishi sunak said he had potential concerns about the impact of this law on the rest of the uk and that was right and sensible to look at how this law might impact elsewhere. ~ ., ., look at how this law might impact elsewhere-— elsewhere. what we are doing is incredibly standard _ elsewhere. what we are doing is incredibly standard practice, - incredibly standard practice, whenever a law is passed by the scottish— whenever a law is passed by the scottish parliament the uk

government as is completely normal would _ government as is completely normal would consider the impacts of that law across — would consider the impacts of that law across the entire uk.— law across the entire uk. blocking the law on the _ law across the entire uk. blocking the law on the basis... _ law across the entire uk. blocking the law on the basis... blocking i law across the entire uk. blocking l the law on the basis... blocking the low on the basis it intact uk law. the process is established which means— the process is established which means it — the process is established which means it does happen all the time and it— means it does happen all the time and it is— means it does happen all the time and it is looked at. with a new law is passed — and it is looked at. with a new law is passed that does impact the rest of the _ is passed that does impact the rest of the uk _ is passed that does impact the rest of the uk it is important the uk government receives advice on that before _ government receives advice on that before deciding what to do if anything. before deciding what to do if an hina. , ., ., ~' before deciding what to do if an hina. , ., ., ~ ., before deciding what to do if an him, , ., ., anything. they might look at the law assed in anything. they might look at the law passed in scotland _ anything. they might look at the law passed in scotland to _ anything. they might look at the law passed in scotland to see _ anything. they might look at the law passed in scotland to see how - anything. they might look at the law passed in scotland to see how they l passed in scotland to see how they could potentially impact the rest of the uk all the time but what is called a section 35 order has never been used before. if the uk government decides to trigger that next week it would block this law getting royal assent. it would be a big move and could lead to big

political arguments. big move and could lead to big politicalarguments. i big move and could lead to big political arguments. i don't think the decision has been completely made yet, they are looking at the advice that has been given very closely. but they do have a time limit on which to make that decision and if they are going to block the gender recognition law they have to do it by the middle of next week and it would be a big move and would perhaps raise the temperature again between the two governments should they decide to do so. the labour leader sir keir starmer has urged rishi sunak to do a deal on post—brexit trading arrangements for northern ireland — saying that he would promise to support him if he does. speaking at queen's university belfast, sir keir said the prime minister should stand up to conservative mps in the european research group, and unlock the stalemate the northern ireland protocol had caused at stormont. now it's time for a look

at the weather with chris. hello there. today is a brighter day, a day of sunny spells and showers. however, there are still concerns about flooding. we have got lots of flood warnings still in force, the majority of these in england are actually for stretches of the already flooded river severn. we have got more heavy rain on the way, as we will see in the moment. through this afternoon, not bad, a bit of rain coming into western scotland and north—west england, but otherwise most areas bright with some sunny spells and just a few isolated showers. it's mild. temperatures reaching a height of 11 degrees. it's overnight tonight that we will see heavy rain return and with as much as 70 millimetres expected over the high ground, that rain is going to be falling on areas that are already flooded, so the flooding is likely to get worse before it gets better heading into the first part of the weekend. for the weekend, there is an improvement weather—wise. this band of rain clears its way through. cool air starts to follow from the north—west. blustery showers merging together with some strong winds for a time across north—western areas, reaching gale force. it will start to turn a good deal

cooler in the north. hello this is bbc news. the headlines: the footballer benjamin mendy is found not guilty of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. the man city star faces a retrial on two further counts where the jurors could not reach verdicts. the uk economy grew unexpectedly in november — boosted by the football world cup. it went up 0.1%. a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26—year—old ellie edwards, who was shot in merseyside on christmas eve. russia claims to have captured all of soledar — the salt—mining town in eastern ukraine that's been the focus of intense fighting. ukraine says its forces are still fighting in the town. tributes are paid to

lisa marie presley, the only child of elvis, who's died at the age of 5a. royal mail customers still can't send letters and parcels overseas — after a cyber attack on the company. sport and time for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre. good afternoon. there's one match in the premier league tonight as aston villa take on leeds united. villa lost at home to league two stevenage in the fa cup in their last home game, but manager unai emery says there have been improvements since he took over. we are doing some things, i think, so quickly and very well, tactically, defensively reorganised, but we have to progress as well, change a little hit our mentality, being so aggressive in ambition

but a realistic ambition and i think the players are so open to work, they are committed to work everything we are trying to do. the things that have been the most difficult have been tojump—start development as a group. there are a lot of individuals that have grown a lot through the process but as a group it still hasn't come together the way i would like and a lack of consistency from match to match and then in march, what a first or second half can look like and vice versa, it means we are not able to really push this the way i would want so we don't have to talk about the table. newcastle boss eddie howe says he could drop midfielderjoelinton for sunday's premier league game against fulham, after his arrest for drink driving. the brazilian, who's helped howe's side to third in the table, was stopped by police during the early hours of yesterday

morning and later charged with driving whilst above the prescribed limit for alcohol. he'll appear before magistrates in the city later this month. i'm going to have to reflect and analyse on that and i will make a decision closer to the game in consultation with him and, yeah... so i'm not 100% sure. i think he knows the seriousness of the situation. obviously i can't go into too much detail in respect of the case, but i think he understands his responsibilities and we are now in a position where we are supporting him and, yeah, we also understand as a football club the seriousness of the situation. a, . , �* ,

football club the seriousness of the situation. . , 2 y situation. manchester united's donny van der beek — situation. manchester united's donny van der beek will— situation. manchester united's donny van der beek will miss _ situation. manchester united's donny van der beek will miss the _ situation. manchester united's donny van der beek will miss the rest - situation. manchester united's donny van der beek will miss the rest of - van der beek will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. erik ten hag said he is looking good in the long—term and will be back for pre—season. england beat debutants wales in their opening match of the hockey world cup in india. it was an emphatic win for england. 5-0. two from penalty corners scored by liam ansell. it puts england top of group d, with hosts india's game against spain just getting underway. the last two semi—final places at snooker�*s masters will be decided today. this is live on bbc two right now. first up this afternoon it's barry hawkins on the table with judd trump. it is trump leading 3—2. still to come tonight, shaun murphy takes on stuart bingham from 7 o'clock. england wheelchair rugby league world cup winnerjames simpson has announced his retirement after 10 years in the sport. simpson took up the game

after he lost both legs in an explosion whilst serving with the army in afghanistan. he led leeds to super league and challenge cup success, and was, last year, part of england's world cup—winning side. from a coaching perspective, the i realise that i really enjoy doing that and that is the next challenge i want to do. i want to get into the coaching, go down the coaching route and get the most out of that. i know it is challenging, but i want to be challenged and i want new challenges. ifeel if challenged and i want new challenges. i feel if i stopped playing i might lose the fire. i wanted to get what i could out of coaching. that's all the sport for now. millions more people in england

could be prescribed daily cholesterol—lowering statin pills to cut their risk of a heart attack or stroke, under new advice for the nhs. the national institute for health and care excellence says the cheap price of the tablets, and the possible health gains, mean they should be considered more often. in england, high cholesterol leads to around seven percent of all deaths. i'm nowjoined by professor liam smeeth from the london school of hygiene & tropical medicine. he is a researcher on statins and public attitudes. good to have you with us. thank you forjoining us. you are the best man then to explain to me exactly what statins are and what they do. thanks for that, statins are and what they do. thanks for that. well— statins are and what they do. thanks for that, well statins _ statins are and what they do. thanks for that, well statins are _ statins are and what they do. thanks for that, well statins are a _ for that, well statins are a medication, a drug that you take every day and they principally act by lowering your cholesterol and we know from many trials over many years and hundreds of thousands of people that they reduce your chance

of getting heart attack by well over a quarter. if you're at risk of cardiovascular disease you take statins and they reduce that risk. we know they are safe and are relatively cheap. gm we know they are safe and are relatively cheap.— we know they are safe and are relatively cheap. am i right they work by reducing _ relatively cheap. am i right they work by reducing the _ relatively cheap. am i right they work by reducing the amount. relatively cheap. am i right they work by reducing the amount of| work by reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood? that is about the esense _ cholesterol in the blood? that is about the esense of _ cholesterol in the blood? that is about the esense of it. - cholesterol in the blood? that is about the esense of it. there . cholesterol in the blood? that is| about the esense of it. there has been a great interest in statins having other effects, but principally they lower cholesterol. you mention the guidelines from nice, what do you think of the recommendation? i nice, what do you think of the recommendation?— recommendation? i think the recommendation _ recommendation? i think the recommendation has - recommendation? i think the recommendation has come i recommendation? i think the - recommendation has come about because the safety of statins is increasingly recognised. they're off patent and are cheap and it is rare to say something is cheaper than chips, but a month of statins costs

less than a bag of chips. they prevent death from cardiovascular disease. and that has always been used among people at risk of cardiovascular disease. now they are saying they should be considered as an option, not strongly recommended, for people at somewhat lower risk, either their risk is not well estimated by the existing tools. perhaps people who have just stopped smoking or being treated for hiv. but also for people who just are particularly interested in reducing their risk of heart attacks. then there is no damage to be done. fin there is no damage to be done. on to of there is no damage to be done. on top of your otherjobs, you're also a gp, i wondered if a patient came to you with say a lower risk of

heart attack or stroke, what would you as v advise ed a —— what would you as v advise ed a —— what would you advise them? late you as v advise ed a -- what would you advise them?— you advise them? we have a clear idea of what _ you advise them? we have a clear idea of what people _ you advise them? we have a clear idea of what people have - you advise them? we have a clear idea of what people have to - you advise them? we have a clear idea of what people have to do - you advise them? we have a clear idea of what people have to do to| idea of what people have to do to get healthy and stay healthy. the most important thing is to stop smoking, keep their weight within recommended limits. keep active, eat a healthy diet. all these things we know help people stay healthy. now, if people have done what they can and still remain at somewhat elevated risk of disease, statins can help and be another tool that we can help and be another tool that we can use. if people feel that is something they want to do and are happy to take a tablet each day, that would be a fine thing to do on top of the other measures. what that would be a fine thing to do on top of the other measures. what is the latest evidence _ top of the other measures. what is the latest evidence on _ top of the other measures. what is the latest evidence on potential. the latest evidence on potential side evengts? effects?-

the latest evidence on potential side evengts? effects? there has been many _ side evengts? effects? there has been many concerns _ side evengts? effects? there has been many concerns over - side evengts? effects? there has been many concerns over the - side evengts? effects? there has i been many concerns over the years about statins and side effect and a huge amount of research has gone into it and rarely they can cause a severe muscle side effect and it is very rare. it goes away when you stop the statins. slightly less rare, but still uncommon, statins can in some people cause some muscle pain and discomfort. it is a side effect that goes away if you stop the statin. there has been a lot of confusion between those statin side effects and aches and pains that even gets. just because somebody has been taking a statin and has an ache, it isn't necessarily caused by the statin. i think in the past those side effects have been a, the concern, the understandable concerns, we have not been clear on how common they are. now we are very clear indeed, these are uncommon

side effect and are versable. so it is —— reversible. side effect and are versable. so it is -- reversible.— tom hanks and john travolta are among the celebrities who've paid tribute to lisa marie presley, the only child of elvis presley, who's died at the age of 5a. she was taken to hospital in los angeles after reportedly suffering a heart attack. colin paterson looks back at her life — there is some flash photography in colin's report. zbla lisa marie two days before she died. austin buckler won an award for portraying the her father. now there is another terrible chapter to

there is another terrible chapter to the family's saga. lisa marie was fou unresponsive and rushed to hospital. the media said she had had a heart attack. it comes three year after her son took his own life. lisa marie was elvis's only child, born nine months after his wedding to his wife. she inherited his wealth at a young age. she wed michaeljackson, uniting two of the famous names in music. even appearing in a video. they were togetherfor appearing in a video. they were together for litting tle more than a year. she was married to nicholas cage for even less time. then she

launched her own music career. ads, big launched her own music career. a big music lover- — launched her own music career. a big music lover. you _ launched her own music career. a big music lover. you know, _ launched her own music career. a big music lover. you know, had - launched her own music career. 3c music lover. you know, had a huge impact on me my whole life. i didn't do it to become a pop, you know whatever. it is not a pop record. but i just sort of whatever. it is not a pop record. but ijust sort of needed to do my own thing. she but ijust sort of needed to do my own thing-— but ijust sort of needed to do my own thin. ,, ., , own thing. she also recorded duets with her dead _ own thing. she also recorded duets with her dead father _ own thing. she also recorded duets with her dead father for _ own thing. she also recorded duets with her dead father for charity. - with her dead father for charity. tom hanks, who stars in the elvis film described himself as heartbroken. fans have begun to turn up to pay tribute. once again a presley is being mourned. lisa marie presley, who's died aged 5a. people are still unable to send letters or parcels overseas with royal mail, after the firm was hit by a cyber attack on wednesday.

it's believed royal mail is being held to ransom by criminals with suspected links to russia. this is the ransom note that greeted staff trying to log into their computers at royal mail. "your files and data are encrypted," it says, with links to the cyber criminals' darknet website. a short and matter—of—fact message that belies the chaos caused inside royal mail's international sorting offices. since wednesday, the company has said it can't send packages or letters abroad. the company hasn't commented on the ransomware situation, saying only that it is a "cyber incident". but a source close to the investigation has confirmed they are being held to ransom by cyber criminals. ransomware attacks are sadly a persistent problem, with organisations getting hacked and paying out to cyber criminals almost daily, but what's happening here is especially serious. royal mail is deemed as the uk's critical national infrastructure, and staff here tell me it's chaos inside.

a ransomware attack can be an existential threat for an organisation. it can literally close the doors of an organisation and put them out of business. now, in the case of royal mail, i don't want to panic anyone, that's extremely unlikely to happen because only certain systems have been locked out and royal mail have already indicated that they have some workarounds they're working on. but for organisations generally, ransomware can be a very, very big problem. meanwhile, customers are left not knowing what to do with their post. i've got people, family out there in america. i tried to send them some stuff. i got a pair of shoes i tried to send off today, couldn't send it. lockbit ransomware crew is one of the most prolific cybercrime groups in the world. operating on russian hacking forums, they're thought to be rooted in the country, which has long been accused of harbouring these groups. the fbi estimates that lockbit has extorted tens of millions of pounds since 2020. royal mail nowjoins the list of more than a thousand organisations to fall victim to these ruthless hackers. joe tidy, bbc news.

the headlines on bbc news: the footballer benjamin mendy is found not guilty of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. the man city star faces a retrial on two further counts where the jurors could not reach verdicts. the uk economy grew unexpectedly in november — boosted by the football world cup. it went up 0.1%. a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26—year—old ellie edwards, who was shot in merseyside on christmas eve. a new study claims that the oil and gas giant, exxonmobil, successfully forecast the impact of fossil fuels on the climate — decades before it publicly acknowledged the risks. the researchers say exxon's work, some of it from the late 19705, proved "startingly accurate" at predicting how much warming would occur.

exxon denies the allegations. earlier i spoke to our climate editorjustin rowlatt who had the latest. essentially what these researchers did was mark exxon's homework and look at the studies you did and see how good you were at predicting how temperature would rise. they were better than probably the most world renowned climate scientists at nasa. they were outperforming his models by a considerable margin. they predicted the temperature rise, 0.2 degrees a decade. in the 70s and 805, people degrees a decade. in the 705 and 805, people talked of a coming ice age. they said that won't happen. we are kicked out of that cycle as a result of fossil fuel emissions.

they predicted how much carbon we could emit before we hit the dangerous levels of warming, 2 degrees. so you know a big tick, did well. the researchers, the problem for exxon i5 well. the researchers, the problem for exxon is all the while publicly they were saying climate change isn't something we need to act on, climate modelling isn't that accurate. what the researchers say is they were muddying the waters, calling into question the validity of climate science, but in house they were doing it better than almost anyone.— they were doing it better than almost anyone. exxon deny the claims. almost anyone. exxon deny the claims they — almost anyone. exxon deny the claims. they say _ almost anyone. exxon deny the claims. they say the _ almost anyone. exxon deny the claims. they say the claim - almost anyone. exxon deny the claims. they say the claim we | almost anyone. exxon deny the - claims. they say the claim we knew has come up _ claims. they say the claim we knew has come up recent _ claims. they say the claim we knew has come up recent types _ claims. they say the claim we knew has come up recent types and - claims. they say the claim we knewj has come up recent types and every time we say people who claim we knew, they are wrong. so they're adamant they're wrong and point to a case in america where the judge supported their position on that.

the other thing they say that is interesting, they say we are not guilty of wrong doing, was looking to the future, we recognise climate change is a problem. a big turn around from the position they were taking back in the 705, 805, 905. but what is interesting here is what questions it raised about the future. probably you remember the tobacco companies and tobacco companies similarly were asked, you know, do cigarettes cause cancer. they said, as far as we know, we don't think it does. then it turned out they had internal documents that said they knew. so will there be similar class actions on climate, saying you knew and didn't moderate the use of fossil fuels. exxon

though say no wrong doing and we are part of the solution and we recognise the problem of climate change. a man has pleaded guilty to throwing an egg at king charles during a walkabout in luton in december. harry may appeared at westminster magistrates' court this morning, charged with a public order offence. jon ironmonger was in court. not two months on the throne, charles iii became the target of a volley of eggs thrown from a crowd during a walk about in york. all three of them missed and the king carried on undeterred. weeks later on 6th december, another egg was hurled towards his majesty in luton town centre and landed a few metres behind him. video footage shows protection officers scrambling to shield the 7li—year—old, who again appeared unfazed. today the luton egg—thrower, harry spartacus may, who is 21, from luton, pleaded

guilty to a public order office. guilty to a public order offence. the court heard harry may told police he thought it was in poor taste for his majesty to visit a deprived area like luton and wanted to make a point of this. he said he hadn't intended to throw the egg at the king, just near by. inside a jacket he was wearing at the time officers found a soup tin containing a second egg, which had cracked. mr may's lawyer said the defendant, who acts as a carerfor his grandparents, was remorseful and had never been in trouble with the police before. i've got a train to catch. why did you do it harry and are you regretful now? he is sorry, but we don't want him to talk on camera at the moment. the magistrate said the attack was planned and targeted. he imposed a fine of £100 and ordered may to pay costs of £125. buckingham palace has been approached for comment. few people have been able to light up a football

pitch like eric cantona. but now eric's co—curated an art exhibition. it's being shown in his adoptive city of manchester called from moss side to marseille, alongside local artist michael browne. it chronicles the relationship between sport and modern society. eric's been speaking to the today programme's nick robinson, who asked him if football is in danger of losing its soul? it is not only football, it is modern life. the winter olympics, asian olympic games have been given to, winter olympic games in asia, have been given to saudi arabia. which is unbelievable. they will build everything with the artificial snow in the middle of the desert. at this time when the planet is in danger, the climate, we have to be careful every minute of it. and biggest institution like olympics

give, have given this great competition to saudi arabia. so it seems that money can buy everything. but it's not only in sport. it is in everything. but it's not only in sport. it is in everything-— everything. you said you would bo cott everything. you said you would boycott the _ everything. you said you would boycott the world _ everything. you said you would boycott the world cup, - everything. you said you would| boycott the world cup, because everything. you said you would i boycott the world cup, because it was in qatar. did you really? riff was in qatar. did you really? of course i did. you _ was in qatar. did you really? of course i did. you didn't - was in qatar. did you really? of course i did. you didn't watch i was in qatar. did you really? of| course i did. you didn't watch it? no, m course i did. you didn't watch it? no. my son _ course i did. you didn't watch it? no, my son watched _ course i did. you didn't watch it? no, my son watched it, - course i did. you didn't watch it? no, my son watched it, because | course i did. you didn't watch it? i no, my son watched it, because he course i did. you didn't watch it? - no, my son watched it, because he is 13, he loves football, he learned about the games. i didn't want him to... not watch the game, because he learned a lot about the games. but me i'm older and i have a bit of experience and i have my point of view on things and... even if there is... didn't change the world, but in my little world can i do whatever i want. i didn't have to watch it. if i want to boycott it, i boycott

it. ifeel in perfect if i want to boycott it, i boycott it. i feel in perfect harmony with myself. now we hear qatar might buy your club manchester united or they might buy liverpool, how do you feel? ifeel that if might buy liverpool, how do you feel? i feel that if i was in england today, i will support a club in the second division i think. in a very old atmosphere of football. maybe because i'm old and i'm a stupid guy because i'm too old, i don't know. i love football and i love the atmosphere of football. i love the atmosphere of football. i love the atmosphere of football. i love the soul of football. i don't know why some clubs change their stadiums to be the biggest stadium. i think arsenal when they left highbury, they left their soul. if qatar were to buy old trafford would you still go? would you still

support? you still go? would you still su oft? ,,., ., you still go? would you still su -ort? , ., ., ., you still go? would you still su ort? . ., ., ., ., you still go? would you still su . ort? ., ., ., ., ., ., support? qatar, or whatever. you have some — support? qatar, or whatever. you have some people, _ support? qatar, or whatever. you have some people, newcastle - support? qatar, or whatever. you l have some people, newcastle also, different, i don't know. i don't know. of course i have my point of view, but what i can do? i can do... i do view, but what i can do? i can do... ido an view, but what i can do? i can do... i do an exhibition like this and bring kids from school, you know? because it's sport, they will be interested by sport. and we start to speak about sport and then we speak about the context in 50 years ago in chile, in brazil in england, in argentina, like we did in documentaries.- argentina, like we did in documentaries. ., ., , argentina, like we did in documentaries. ., ., ., , documentaries. you want sport to be heroes, documentaries. you want sport to be heroes. not — documentaries. you want sport to be heroes. notiust _ documentaries. you want sport to be heroes, not just taking _ documentaries. you want sport to be heroes, not just taking the _ documentaries. you want sport to be heroes, notjust taking the money. l heroes, notjust taking the money. when there was a dictator in argentina for the world cup in 78

and because they won the world cup it was a promotion and 500 in the stadium were celebrating in the world cup and people were tortured and murdered. that is important. so it is important to show that to the kids, because they are the future. what can i do now? can i do nothing, but maybe the kids can help us in the future. it is important to bring the future. it is important to bring the kids. now it's time for a look at the weather with chris fawkes. today was a brighter day with passing showers. but there are still concerns about flooding. here is the flooded river severn. the flood waters spreading over low lying fields. and we have flood warnings still in force. the majority are for stretches of river severn. we have more heavy rain on the way tonight and into saturday from this area of

low pressure that will bring more heavy rain to the flood—hit areas. today for most a bright day. a few showers around, some longer er spells of rain in scotland. temperatures mild at 11 for cardiff and london. the first signs of the rain starts to arrive tonight and heavy rain, as much as 70 millimetres over the high ground. it will fall on areas already suffering flooding. forsome will fall on areas already suffering flooding. for some communities the flooding. for some communities the flooding will get worse before it gets better. very mild air with temperatures starting off saturday morning 11 in the south west. highs of 12 expected across eastern and southern england. eventually some colder air works in. blustery showers in the north with gales developing and it will turn cooler in the afternoon. into the second half of the weekend we have much colder air arriving as we drag in

north—westerly winds. the weather will turn colder. with that some wintry showers in northern scotland. this front still bringing some rain into northern england. for many a bright enough day. cold though across the north with temperatures three or four degrees for northern scotland. there is a lot we do know about the weather into next week. we know it will be colder and there will be widespread frost with snow showers all the way down to sea—level. but this some uncertainty. sunday night we could have showers like in this model. but other models have wintry weather. but a bit of uncertaintyjust yet.

this is bbc news. the headlines: the footballer benjamin mendy is found not guilty of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. the man city star faces a retrial on two further counts where the jurors could not reach verdicts. the uk economy grew unexpectedly in november, boosted by the football world cup. it went up 0.1%. a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26—year—old ellie edwards, who was shot in merseyside on christmas eve. russia claims to have captured all of soledar, the salt—mining town in eastern ukraine that's been the focus of intense fighting. ukraine says its forces are still fighting in the town. and with western weapons continuing to arrive in ukraine, the country's defence minister tells the bbc his country has

become a de facto member of nato. tributes are paid to lisa marie presley, the only child of elvis, who's died at the age of 5a. royal mail customers still can't send letters and parcels overseas after a cyber attack on the company. good afternoon. the manchester city footballer, benjamin mendy, has been found not guilty of six counts of rape, and one count of sexual assault. jurors were unable to reach a verdict on one count of rape and one of sexual assault. it follows a six—month trial at chester crown court. our north of england correspondent,

danny savage is there. we've had this trial ongoing since last summer here in chester. the jury began listening to evidence back in august. they retired to consider their verdicts just before christmas and have been back for nearly two weeks since the christmas break continuing with their deliberations. after they had listened to all the evidence and sat together for some time trying to decide what their verdicts were, they did come back with some, but not all verdicts on those charges. so you had seven of those charges, including rape and sexual assault, with them finding benjamin mendy unanimously not guilty on those charges. but the problem is that they failed or couldn't reach a verdict even by a majority of ten to one on two charges involving benjamin mendy, one involving attempted rape and another of rape involving two different women.

so what happens now is that benjamin mendy will now face a retrial later this year on those two charges that this jury couldn't decide upon. the jury in the trial have now been discharged and this case is finished for now, but for benjamin mendy, although he has been acquitted and cleared of the majority of the charges, because the jury couldn't decide on the other two, he will have to go through the whole process again later this year on those two remaining charges. would you give us the broader background to this case? the charges he faced spanned a three—year period from october 2018 to august 2021. the broad umbrella of these charges is that benjamin mendy would invite women back to his mansion in cheshire, not farfrom here, a large house in country grounds, and he would invite them back to parties, some of them held illegally during lockdown, and they would have parties

at his house and women came forward thereafter to say that he sexually assaulted or raped them during those gatherings. a number of them came forward, seven in total which made initial allegations. they were coming back to the house and the prosecution said that when they were there they felt vulnerable, scared and isolated because of the remoteness of the location. they felt very vulnerable when they were there. but the jury listened to all of that evidence and concluded that benjamin mendy was not guilty of the majority of charges that he faced. even benjamin mendy, giving evidence in his own defence during the trial, admitted behaving badly towards women, but he denied any wrongdoing and certainly any criminal wrongdoing. he is a manchester city footballer, he came to the uk on a record transfer fee for a defender.

he has been suspended by the club for over a year now. he is no longer paid by manchester city football club. he is also a french international and has a world cup winners medal for being part of the france squad a few years ago when they won the world cup. he is a very high profile footballer, a very wealthy man. he was facing these charges. but for him, this is not over yet because the jury couldn't decide on two of those charges and he now has to go through most of this again. but his private life was poured over in great detail during the last five months. the next trial won't be as long, but again it will go into the details of his private life when it sits again later this year. we've received a statement from benjamin mendy�*s solicitorjenny wiltshire, who says that her client would like to thank the members of the jury for their dedication and commitment and says he thanks everyone who supported him. she goes on to mention that mr mendy

is delighted that he's been unanimously acquitted of eight of the 10 charges he faced and that he looks forward to clearing his name in relation to the other two charges. the uk's economy grew unexpectedly in november, boosted by the football world cup. the latest official figures were better than expected, with increased spending in pubs and bars. let's take a look at the numbers in more detail. gross domestic product, that's the measure of all activity by businesses, government and people in the uk, rose by 0.1%, better than anticipated, despite households being squeezed by the rising cost of living. but today's figures marked a slowdown since october, which showed an increase of 0.5%. and there are concerns that soaring costs could still tip the uk into recession. the figures show uk economic output as a whole shrank by 0.3% between july and september.

our business correspondent ben king has this report. a world cup full of surprises has produced another unexpected result. football fans spend more money in november celebrating in pubs or at home, helping the economy to grow by no .1% and not shrink as many economists expected. but there was not much to celebrate for many other companies. this company saw strong sales about black friday but things have been slowing as consumers tighten their belts. people are finding things difficult. they are worried about their basic costs of heating and fuel and the worries of inflation. so we can very much tell that there is a little bit of tension in consumers and we feel it ourselves. higher interest rates are pushing up mortgage payments and on the streets

of worcester people have felt the rising energy prices. we certainly have not had the heating on. i am very, very frugal with my heating and hot water, believe you me. we've not got the heating - at the moment and stuff like that just because we can't afford it. how do you keep warm? blankets, jumpers, scarves. yeah. it hasn't really affected me because obviously interest rates are going in the right direction for me, personally. but i just worry about everybody else who has got mortgages. october and november were both positive, meaning unless the figure for december is quite a long way down, 0.6% or more, the figure for the three months as a whole will still be positive, meaning the economy avoided falling into recession last year, but this year may be different. i don't think we have avoided a recession, we will avoid a recession, in 2023. the uk faces a significant number of challenges. cost of living pressures remain substantial, we have seen a lot

of rate hikes from the bank of england and we will be seeing tax hikes in the uk too, it is a lot for an economy to cope with. the uk still has not recovered to levels seen before the pandemic unlike germany, the us at the other g7 major economies. prime minister rishi sunak pledged this month to get the economy growing again and today's figure is encouraging, but the uk faces a tough road ahead that there may be more surprises in store. a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26—year—old ellie edwards in merseyside. she was shot in the head at a pub in wallasey on christmas eve. connor chapman, who's 22, was remanded in custody. here's our north of england correspondent, judith moritz. ellie edwards was seeing in christmas day with freinds when she was shot before midnight. a gunman had opened fire at the lighthouse inn on the wirral which was busy with drinkers

enjoying the festivities. despite efforts to save her, ellie died of her injuries. she had been shot in the head. her relatives said christmas and the family would never be the same again. last night 22—year—old connor chapman was charged with her murder. he spoke in court today to confirm his name and that he has no fixed address. he appeared before magistrates in birkenhead this morning charged with a total of nine offences including two counts of attempted murder, three of grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm and ammunition and using a stolen car. the court heard that a converted scorpion submachinegun was used in the attack. connor chapman was not asked to enter any pleas and he was remanded in custody until his next court appearance. the hearing here at wirral magistrates' court only lasted for three minutes and connor chapman stood throughout in the glass dock of courtroom number six answering

as his name was put to him but giving no other details. he was wearing a grey tracksuit, long hair and a beard and he stared straight ahead with his head held high as the charges against him were read out. those charges cannot be dealt with ultimately by magistrates so this case has been committed to crown court and he will next appear before liverpool crown court on monday. four other people have previously been arrested in connection with the shooting. of those, three have been released on bail while further inquiries are carried out and the fourth has been recalled to prison on licence. russia says its forces have captured the town of soledar, a salt—mining area in eastern ukraine that's been the focus of intense fighting. the defence ministry in moscow said this would allow russian troops to cut off ukrainian forces in bakhmut, which they've been attacking for months. ukrainian authorities say their troops are still fighting in the town.

from kyiv, our correspondentjames waterhouse gave us this update. it could well be that russia ultimately does take control of the town of soledar. but the benefits for it in doing so are questionable. the human cost of its quest is not. this is somewhere where we have seen some of the bloodiest fighting. on wednesday we had a claim from the wagner mercenary group which has been spearheading russia's assault on the town claiming it controlled soledar. today we have a claim from the kremlin that it in fact now controls it through its regular army, highlighting a growing division in moscow. we have spoken to ukraine's military in the east and it has told us it is not true and we are continuing to hold the line and fighting is carrying on in what is left of the town. we are in a phase at the moment we are russia is throwing everything for a very short—term gain, a gain that can be used

for propaganda purposes. we are seeing soledar being talked up in russia as some kind of victory. president zelensky has talked about taking the right steps in the coming days and i wouldn't be surprised if we saw a tactical retreat as they try to inflict maximum casualties. ukraine's defence minister says his country has become a "de—facto member" of the nato military alliance, as western nations continue to supply weapons for the war against russia. speaking to the bbc�*s hugo bachega, oleksii reznikov said there had been a change among some allies once concerned that the military assistance could be seen as escalation by russia. this is what he said. we have a lot of modern nato standard weaponry. it means that ukraine is a country and the armed forces of ukraine and our sector of security and defence became a member of nato de facto.

we have weaponry, we have the understanding how to use it, we have this level of communication with our partners and i am sure that in the future we will become a member of nato. let's speak now to malcolm chalmers, deputy director—general at rusi, a defence and security think tank. ukraine's defence minister says his country has become a de facto member of nato. is he right? i country has become a de facto member of nato. is he right?— of nato. is he right? i don't think he is. if of nato. is he right? i don't think he is- if it— of nato. is he right? i don't think he is. if it was _ of nato. is he right? i don't think he is. if it was poland _ of nato. is he right? i don't think he is. if it was poland or- of nato. is he right? i don't think he is. if it was poland or estonia | he is. if it was poland or estonia or the _ he is. if it was poland or estonia or the uk— he is. if it was poland or estonia or the uk that _ he is. if it was poland or estonia or the uk that had _ he is. if it was poland or estonia or the uk that had been - he is. if it was poland or estonia i or the uk that had been embedded he is. if it was poland or estonia - or the uk that had been embedded by russia _ or the uk that had been embedded by russia this year —

or the uk that had been embedded by russia this year then _ or the uk that had been embedded by russia this year then they _ or the uk that had been embedded by russia this year then they would - or the uk that had been embedded by russia this year then they would be i russia this year then they would be british— russia this year then they would be british and — russia this year then they would be british and french _ russia this year then they would be british and french and _ russia this year then they would be british and french and other- russia this year then they would be british and french and other forcesl british and french and other forces fighting _ british and french and other forces fighting directly— british and french and other forces fighting directly on _ british and french and other forces fighting directly on the _ british and french and other forces fighting directly on the wall. - british and french and other forces fighting directly on the wall. our. fighting directly on the wall. our territory— fighting directly on the wall. our territory would _ fighting directly on the wall. our territory would be _ fighting directly on the wall. our territory would be part _ fighting directly on the wall. our territory would be part of- fighting directly on the wall. our territory would be part of that i fighting directly on the wall. our. territory would be part of that war, russian _ territory would be part of that war, russian territory _ territory would be part of that war, russian territory would _ territory would be part of that war, russian territory would be - territory would be part of that war, russian territory would be part - territory would be part of that war, russian territory would be part of. russian territory would be part of the war~ — russian territory would be part of the war~ what _ russian territory would be part of the war. what is _ russian territory would be part of the war. what is happening - russian territory would be part of the war. what is happening herel russian territory would be part of. the war. what is happening here is different — the war. what is happening here is different an — the war. what is happening here is different. an unprecedented - the war. what is happening here is different. an unprecedented levell the war. what is happening here is. different. an unprecedented level of military— different. an unprecedented level of military assistance _ different. an unprecedented level of military assistance to _ different. an unprecedented level of military assistance to ukraine - different. an unprecedented level of military assistance to ukraine from i military assistance to ukraine from nato members _ military assistance to ukraine from nato members but _ military assistance to ukraine from nato members but our— military assistance to ukraine from nato members but our forces - military assistance to ukraine from nato members but our forces are i military assistance to ukraine from i nato members but our forces are not fighting _ nato members but our forces are not fighting in— nato members but our forces are not fighting in ukraine _ nato members but our forces are not fighting in ukraine and _ nato members but our forces are not fighting in ukraine and russian - fighting in ukraine and russian forces — fighting in ukraine and russian forces are _ fighting in ukraine and russian forces are not _ fighting in ukraine and russian forces are not attacking - fighting in ukraine and russian forces are not attacking nato i fighting in ukraine and russian - forces are not attacking nato member states _ forces are not attacking nato member states but _ forces are not attacking nato member states but of— forces are not attacking nato member states. but of course _ forces are not attacking nato member states. but of course i _ forces are not attacking nato member states. but of course i can't _ forces are not attacking nato member states. but of course i can't think- states. but of course i can't think of any— states. but of course i can't think of any cases— states. but of course i can't think of any cases historically- states. but of course i can't think of any cases historically since - states. but of course i can't think. of any cases historically since nato was born— of any cases historically since nato was born where _ of any cases historically since nato was born where there _ of any cases historically since nato was born where there has - of any cases historically since nato was born where there has been - of any cases historically since nato i was born where there has been such of any cases historically since nato . was born where there has been such a lot of— was born where there has been such a lot of assistance _ was born where there has been such a lot of assistance to _ was born where there has been such a lot of assistance to a _ was born where there has been such a lot of assistance to a nonmember - lot of assistance to a nonmember state _ lot of assistance to a nonmember state ukraine _ lot of assistance to a nonmember state. ukraine is— lot of assistance to a nonmember state. ukraine is not _ lot of assistance to a nonmember state. ukraine is not at _ lot of assistance to a nonmember state. ukraine is not at present. lot of assistance to a nonmember state. ukraine is not at present a| state. ukraine is not at present a member— state. ukraine is not at present a member of— state. ukraine is not at present a member of nato. _ state. ukraine is not at present a member of nato. do _ state. ukraine is not at present a member of nato._ state. ukraine is not at present a member of nato. do these comments risk triggering — member of nato. do these comments risk triggering a _ member of nato. do these comments risk triggering a response _ member of nato. do these comments risk triggering a response from - risk triggering a response from russia? i risk triggering a response from russia? ., ., , , ., ~ ., russia? i am not sure they do. a lot of rhetoric — russia? i am not sure they do. a lot of rhetoric you _ russia? i am not sure they do. a lot of rhetoric you get _ russia? i am not sure they do. a lot of rhetoric you get from _ russia? i am not sure they do. a lot of rhetoric you get from russia - of rhetoric you get from russia which — of rhetoric you get from russia which already— of rhetoric you get from russia which already says _ of rhetoric you get from russia which already says they- of rhetoric you get from russia which already says they are - of rhetoric you get from russia which already says they are in i of rhetoric you get from russia - which already says they are in a war with nato—

which already says they are in a war with nato so— which already says they are in a war with nato so at— which already says they are in a war with nato so at a _ which already says they are in a war with nato so at a rhetorical- which already says they are in a war with nato so at a rhetorical level. with nato so at a rhetorical level both _ with nato so at a rhetorical level both sides. _ with nato so at a rhetorical level both sides. we _ with nato so at a rhetorical level both sides, we had _ with nato so at a rhetorical level both sides, we had a _ with nato so at a rhetorical level both sides, we had a bit - with nato so at a rhetorical level both sides, we had a bit of- with nato so at a rhetorical level both sides, we had a bit of this. both sides, we had a bit of this going _ both sides, we had a bit of this going on — both sides, we had a bit of this going on. russia _ both sides, we had a bit of this going on. russia is— both sides, we had a bit of this going on. russia is so- both sides, we had a bit of this going on. russia is so far- both sides, we had a bit of this going on. russia is so far veryl going on. russia is so far very careful— going on. russia is so far very careful not— going on. russia is so far very careful not to _ going on. russia is so far very careful not to take _ going on. russia is so far very careful not to take action - going on. russia is so far very. careful not to take action which would — careful not to take action which would risk— careful not to take action which would risk bringing _ careful not to take action which would risk bringing into - careful not to take action which would risk bringing into direct. would risk bringing into direct military— would risk bringing into direct military conflict— would risk bringing into direct military conflict with - would risk bringing into direct military conflict with nato - would risk bringing into direct- military conflict with nato member states _ military conflict with nato member states if— military conflict with nato member states. if russia _ military conflict with nato member states. if russia got _ military conflict with nato member states. if russia got into— military conflict with nato member states. if russia got into a - states. if russia got into a conventional— states. if russia got into a conventional war- states. if russia got into a conventional war with - states. if russia got into a| conventional war with nato states. if russia got into a - conventional war with nato then states. if russia got into a _ conventional war with nato then they would _ conventional war with nato then they would lose _ conventional war with nato then they would lose it — conventional war with nato then they would lose it in — conventional war with nato then they would lose it in short— conventional war with nato then they would lose it in short order. - conventional war with nato then they would lose it in short order. the - would lose it in short order. the whole _ would lose it in short order. the whole of — would lose it in short order. the whole of the _ would lose it in short order. the whole of the russian _ would lose it in short order. the whole of the russian military. whole of the russian military position— whole of the russian military position and _ whole of the russian military position and its _ whole of the russian military position and its own - whole of the russian military position and its own territoryj whole of the russian military. position and its own territory in ukraine — position and its own territory in ukraine would _ position and its own territory in ukraine would be _ position and its own territory in ukraine would be under- position and its own territory in ukraine would be under threat. position and its own territory in i ukraine would be under threat. so russia _ ukraine would be under threat. so russia has— ukraine would be under threat. so russia has a — ukraine would be under threat. so russia has a strong _ ukraine would be under threat. so russia has a strong reasons - ukraine would be under threat. so russia has a strong reasons for. ukraine would be under threat. so russia has a strong reasons for a i russia has a strong reasons for a string _ russia has a strong reasons for a string one — russia has a strong reasons for a string one of— russia has a strong reasons for a string. one of the _ russia has a strong reasons for a string. one of the reasons- russia has a strong reasons for a string. one of the reasons why i russia has a strong reasons for a i string. one of the reasons why nato are united _ string. one of the reasons why nato are united in— string. one of the reasons why nato are united in this _ string. one of the reasons why nato are united in this endeavour- string. one of the reasons why nato are united in this endeavour is - are united in this endeavour is because — are united in this endeavour is because all— are united in this endeavour is because all member— are united in this endeavour is because all member states . are united in this endeavour is| because all member states are committed _ because all member states are committed to _ because all member states are committed to doing _ because all member states are committed to doing what - because all member states are committed to doing what theyl because all member states are i committed to doing what they can because all member states are - committed to doing what they can to help ukraine — committed to doing what they can to help ukraine win— committed to doing what they can to help ukraine win but— committed to doing what they can to help ukraine win but also _ committed to doing what they can to help ukraine win but also to - committed to doing what they can to help ukraine win but also to do - committed to doing what they can to

help ukraine win but also to do so i help ukraine win but also to do so in a way— help ukraine win but also to do so in a way that— help ukraine win but also to do so in a way that reduces _ help ukraine win but also to do so in a way that reduces the - help ukraine win but also to do so in a way that reduces the risks - help ukraine win but also to do so in a way that reduces the risks of| in a way that reduces the risks of escalation— in a way that reduces the risks of escalation to _ in a way that reduces the risks of escalation to a _ in a way that reduces the risks of escalation to a wider _ in a way that reduces the risks of escalation to a wider war. - in a way that reduces the risks of escalation to a wider war. the i escalation to a wider war. the nuclear— escalation to a wider war. the nuclear dimension— escalation to a wider war. the nuclear dimension would - escalation to a wider war. the nuclear dimension would be i nuclear dimension would be introduced _ nuclear dimension would be introduced then, _ nuclear dimension would be introduced then, it- nuclear dimension would be introduced then, it would i nuclear dimension would be i introduced then, it would not necessarily— introduced then, it would not necessarily escalator- introduced then, it would not necessarily escalator that - introduced then, it would not i necessarily escalator that level introduced then, it would not - necessarily escalator that level but the risks _ necessarily escalator that level but the risks would _ necessarily escalator that level but the risks would be _ necessarily escalator that level but the risks would be greater. - necessarily escalator that level but the risks would be greater. what. necessarily escalator that level butj the risks would be greater. what is remarkable — the risks would be greater. what is remarkable about _ the risks would be greater. what is remarkable about this _ the risks would be greater. what is remarkable about this conflict - the risks would be greater. what is remarkable about this conflict of. remarkable about this conflict of course _ remarkable about this conflict of course is — remarkable about this conflict of course is that _ remarkable about this conflict of course is that despite _ remarkable about this conflict of course is that despite nato - course is that despite nato countries _ course is that despite nato countries not _ course is that despite nato countries not participatingl countries not participating directly. _ countries not participating directly, ukraine - countries not participating directly, ukraine is- countries not participating. directly, ukraine is managing countries not participating - directly, ukraine is managing to hold its— directly, ukraine is managing to hold its own _ directly, ukraine is managing to hold its own against _ directly, ukraine is managing to hold its own against one - directly, ukraine is managing to hold its own against one of- directly, ukraine is managing to hold its own against one of thel hold its own against one of the world's — hold its own against one of the world's military _ hold its own against one of the world's military superpowers i hold its own against one of the i world's military superpowers and it's a _ world's military superpowers and it's a reflection _ world's military superpowers and it's a reflection of— world's military superpowers and it's a reflection of russia - world's military superpowers and it's a reflection of russia being i it's a reflection of russia being weak— it's a reflection of russia being weak but — it's a reflection of russia being weak but also _ it's a reflection of russia being weak but also a _ it's a reflection of russia being weak but also a reflection - it's a reflection of russia being weak but also a reflection of. weak but also a reflection of ukrainian _ weak but also a reflection of ukrainian courage _ weak but also a reflection of ukrainian courage and - weak but also a reflection of ukrainian courage and will. weak but also a reflection of i ukrainian courage and will and military— ukrainian courage and will and military skill. _ ukrainian courage and will and military skill. [— ukrainian courage and will and military skill.— ukrainian courage and will and military skill. i want to move on the small— military skill. i want to move on the small town _ military skill. i want to move on the small town of _ military skill. i want to move on the small town of in _ military skill. i want to move on the small town of in eastern - military skill. i want to move on - the small town of in eastern ukraine which does appear to be the one place that ukraine are struggling to hold onto. the russians are saying they have taken control of the town, they have taken control of the town,

the ukrainians are saying they are still fighting. do you have any sense of what's going on? ida. still fighting. do you have any sense of what's going on? no. i would like _ sense of what's going on? no. i would like to _ sense of what's going on? no. i would like to add _ sense of what's going on? no. i would like to add to _ sense of what's going on? no. i would like to add to any - sense of what's going on? no. i would like to add to any of - sense of what's going on? no. i would like to add to any of the l would like to add to any of the analysis— would like to add to any of the analysis you've _ would like to add to any of the analysis you've heard - would like to add to any of the analysis you've heard on - would like to add to any of the analysis you've heard on that. | would like to add to any of the - analysis you've heard on that. what i would _ analysis you've heard on that. what i would say — analysis you've heard on that. what i would say is — analysis you've heard on that. what i would say is that _ analysis you've heard on that. what i would say is that this _ analysis you've heard on that. what i would say is that this is _ analysis you've heard on that. what i would say is that this is partly - analysis you've heard on that. what i would say is that this is partly a i i would say is that this is partly a war of— i would say is that this is partly a war of territory— i would say is that this is partly a war of territory and _ i would say is that this is partly a war of territory and exactly - i would say is that this is partly a | war of territory and exactly where the lines — war of territory and exactly where the lines are _ war of territory and exactly where the lines are but _ war of territory and exactly where the lines are but it's _ war of territory and exactly where the lines are but it's also - war of territory and exactly where the lines are but it's also a - war of territory and exactly where the lines are but it's also a war. war of territory and exactly where the lines are but it's also a war ofj the lines are but it's also a war of attrition — the lines are but it's also a war of attrition where _ the lines are but it's also a war of attrition where both _ the lines are but it's also a war of attrition where both sides - the lines are but it's also a war of attrition where both sides have i attrition where both sides have limited — attrition where both sides have limited resources _ attrition where both sides have limited resources of _ attrition where both sides have limited resources of people - attrition where both sides have| limited resources of people but attrition where both sides have - limited resources of people but even more _ limited resources of people but even more of— limited resources of people but even more of equipment _ limited resources of people but even more of equipment and _ limited resources of people but even more of equipment and fuel - limited resources of people but even more of equipment and fuel and - more of equipment and fuel and munitions— more of equipment and fuel and munitions and _ more of equipment and fuel and munitions and if— more of equipment and fuel and munitions and if russia - more of equipment and fuel and munitions and if russia pays - more of equipment and fuel and munitions and if russia pays toi munitions and if russia pays to greater— munitions and if russia pays to greater price _ munitions and if russia pays to greater price for— munitions and if russia pays to greater price for what - munitions and if russia pays to greater price for what may- munitions and if russia pays to greater price for what may be i munitions and if russia pays toj greater price for what may be a small-town _ greater price for what may be a small—town material— greater price for what may be a small—town material advance i greater price for what may be a i small—town material advance it's greater price for what may be a - small—town material advance it's not to the _ small—town material advance it's not to the advantage _ they still have a very long front line with — they still have a very long front line with ukraine _ they still have a very long front line with ukraine and _ they still have a very long front line with ukraine and there - they still have a very long front line with ukraine and there is i they still have a very long front i line with ukraine and there is real potential— line with ukraine and there is real potential for — line with ukraine and there is real potential for ukrainian _ potential for ukrainian counteroffensive - potential for ukrainian counteroffensive is - potential for ukrainian counteroffensive is ini potential for ukrainian i counteroffensive is in the potential for ukrainian - counteroffensive is in the weeks potential for ukrainian _

counteroffensive is in the weeks to come _ counteroffensive is in the weeks to come which — counteroffensive is in the weeks to come which will— counteroffensive is in the weeks to come which will take _ counteroffensive is in the weeks to come which will take advantage. . counteroffensive is in the weeks to come which will take advantage. ii come which will take advantage. wondered if you could just help come which will take advantage.“ wondered if you could just help us finally understand why this town of soledar which has about 10,000 people or did have before the conflict started, why is it the focus of such fierce fighting? there is no easy answer— focus of such fierce fighting? there is no easy answer to _ focus of such fierce fighting? there is no easy answer to that _ focus of such fierce fighting? there is no easy answer to that question. most— is no easy answer to that question. most of— is no easy answer to that question. most of all— is no easy answer to that question. most of all it — is no easy answer to that question. most of all it is _ is no easy answer to that question. most of all it is a _ is no easy answer to that question. most of all it is a place _ is no easy answer to that question. most of all it is a place which - is no easy answer to that question. most of all it is a place which way i most of all it is a place which way the wagner— most of all it is a place which way the wagner forces _ most of all it is a place which way the wagner forces which - most of all it is a place which way the wagner forces which are - most of all it is a place which way - the wagner forces which are separate from the _ the wagner forces which are separate from the russian _ the wagner forces which are separate from the russian army, _ the wagner forces which are separate from the russian army, have - the wagner forces which are separate from the russian army, have been i from the russian army, have been focusing _ from the russian army, have been focusing a — from the russian army, have been focusing a lot _ from the russian army, have been focusing a lot of _ from the russian army, have been focusing a lot of their— from the russian army, have been focusing a lot of their effort. - from the russian army, have been focusing a lot of their effort. theyl focusing a lot of their effort. they have _ focusing a lot of their effort. they have been— focusing a lot of their effort. they have been bringing _ focusing a lot of their effort. they have been bringing in— focusing a lot of their effort. they have been bringing in large - focusing a lot of their effort. they. have been bringing in large numbers of ex-convicts — have been bringing in large numbers of ex—convicts and _ have been bringing in large numbers of ex—convicts and they _ have been bringing in large numbers of ex—convicts and they have - have been bringing in large numbers of ex—convicts and they have been i of ex—convicts and they have been taking _ of ex—convicts and they have been taking very — of ex—convicts and they have been taking very heavy _ of ex—convicts and they have been taking very heavy casualties - of ex—convicts and they have been taking very heavy casualties and i taking very heavy casualties and there _ taking very heavy casualties and there is— taking very heavy casualties and there is clearly— taking very heavy casualties and there is clearly an _ taking very heavy casualties and there is clearly an internal- taking very heavy casualties andi there is clearly an internal power struggle — there is clearly an internal power struggle in— there is clearly an internal power struggle in that _ there is clearly an internal power struggle in that area _ there is clearly an internal power struggle in that area between - there is clearly an internal power| struggle in that area between the wagner— struggle in that area between the wagner force _ struggle in that area between the wagner force and _ struggle in that area between the wagner force and the _ struggle in that area between the wagner force and the regular- struggle in that area between the - wagner force and the regular russian army _ wagner force and the regular russian army it's _ wagner force and the regular russian army. it's very—

wagner force and the regular russian army. it's very interesting _ wagner force and the regular russian army. it's very interesting that - army. it's very interesting that it's a _ army. it's very interesting that it's a reflection _ army. it's very interesting that it's a reflection of— army. it's very interesting that it's a reflection of the - army. it's very interesting that it's a reflection of the growingl it's a reflection of the growing tensions— it's a reflection of the growing tensions in— it's a reflection of the growing tensions in moscow _ it's a reflection of the growing tensions in moscow as - it's a reflection of the growing tensions in moscow as a - it's a reflection of the growingl tensions in moscow as a result it's a reflection of the growing i tensions in moscow as a result of the failure — tensions in moscow as a result of the failure. they _ tensions in moscow as a result of the failure. they did _ tensions in moscow as a result of the failure. they did not- tensions in moscow as a result of the failure. they did not expect i the failure. they did not expect today. — the failure. they did not expect today. russia _ the failure. they did not expect today, russia would _ the failure. they did not expect today, russia would have - the failure. they did not expect - today, russia would have expected to be in control— today, russia would have expected to be in control of— today, russia would have expected to be in control of almost _ today, russia would have expected to be in control of almost all— today, russia would have expected to be in control of almost all of- be in control of almost all of ukraine _ be in control of almost all of ukraine and _ be in control of almost all of ukraine and instead - be in control of almost all of ukraine and instead they. be in control of almost all of| ukraine and instead they are struggling _ ukraine and instead they are struggling to _ ukraine and instead they are struggling to hold _ ukraine and instead they are struggling to hold on- ukraine and instead they are struggling to hold on for- ukraine and instead they are struggling to hold on for to i ukraine and instead they are i struggling to hold on for to take small— struggling to hold on for to take small areas _ struggling to hold on for to take small areas.— struggling to hold on for to take small areas. ., ~ , ., , . the headlines on bbc news: the footballer benjamin mendy is found not guilty of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. the man city star faces a retrial on two further counts where the jurors could not reach verdicts. the uk economy grew unexpectedly in november, boosted by the football world cup. it went up 0.1%, a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26—year—old ellie edwards, who was shot in merseyside on christmas eve.

a woman in her 205 has died after a dog attack in surrey. the woman was pronounced dead at the scene in caterham yesterday afternoon. another woman suffered dog bites and was taken to hospital with non life—threatening injuries. surrey police said armed officers went to the scene and seized eight dogs. yesterday afternoon at around 2:45pm officers were called to caterham to reports of dogs attacking members of the public. sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics, a 28—year—old woman from london was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. the woman is believed to have been walking a number of dogs at the time of the incident. her next of kin have been informed and we will be supporting them with the specialist officers. a second woman who received

treatment the dog bites has since been discharged from hospital. a total of eight dogs were detained by officers and they remain in the custody of police. the owners of these dogs have been identified and are being kept informed as the investigation continues. a police coding will remain in place today whilst forensic work is carried out. no arrests have been made at this time. this is a tragic incident where a young woman sadly lost her life. our thoughts are with her family and friends. i know that these events will be of real concern to the local community and i would like to reassure residents that we are confident that all the dogs involved are in the custody of police whilst we continue to investigate the circumstances of what has happened.

officers will remain in the area today whilst our inquiries continue and we would urge anyone with information to contact us. children in the town where arthur labinyo—hughes lived before his death are experiencing "significant harm" because of delayed responses by council services, according to a new report. six—year—old arthur's father and stepmother were jailed for his killing injune 2020. an ofsted inspection of solihull council's children's services has rated it inadequate. the council said it accepted the findings of the report. a 75 year old man has beenjailed for life for raping and murdering a girl almost 50 years ago, in the oldest double jeopardy case in england and wales. dennis mcgrory was 28 when he sexually assaulted, stabbed and strangled 15—year—old jacqui montgomery in islington,

north london, in 1975. he was tried on circumstantial evidence in 1976 but was cleared of murder. mcgrory was tried again after swabs from ms montgomery's body proved to be a one—in—a—billion dna match to him. a 41—year—old man from sussex, mark brown, has beenjailed for the murder of two women. brown was found guilty of murdering 34—year—old leah ware, and 33—year—old alexandra morgan last month. the builder was given two life sentences, to be served concurrently, and told he would spend a minimum of 49 years in prison. ajudge in new york has ordered donald trump's family real estate company to pay a fine of one point six million dollars for tax fraud, after being found guilty last month of tax fraud. the manhattan criminal court

imposed the sentence, after jurors found two trump organization affiliates guilty of 17 criminal charges last month. the penalty was the maximum thejudge could have imposed. neither the former us president or any family member was personally charged. for the latest, we arejoined now by our north america correspondent, samira hussain. tell us a little bit more about why the trump organisation has been fined? �* . , the trump organisation has been fined? �* ., , , ., ., fined? after a lengthy investigation what prosecutors _ fined? after a lengthy investigation what prosecutors alleged _ fined? after a lengthy investigation what prosecutors alleged and - what prosecutors alleged and eventually convinced a jury that the trump organisation had been involved in a scheme to evade taxes by giving some of their top executives some of the book benefits like cars and run apartments and even straight up cash. all of that was to try and avoid paying taxes and at federal

level and even at the new york city level and even at the new york city level and even at the new york city level a big no no of course and they were eventually found guilty not only of fraud but even of what you would call cooking the books of falsifying some of their accounting. in total they will find only $1.6 million which to be clear is nothing but a drop in the hat for the trump organisation. but it was in fact the maximum allowed by new york law. to be clear, the former president has not been charged himself but does this harm him in any way? the former resident this harm him in any way? the former president nor— this harm him in any way? the former president nor any _ this harm him in any way? the former president nor any of _ this harm him in any way? the former president nor any of his _ this harm him in any way? the former president nor any of his family - president nor any of his family members were implicated or charged directly. but don't forget, the trump organisation bay is the name of the former president himself and although he was not named the company from which he has derived his fortunes or from which he has

made his fortunes and made his name now is guilty of a criminal offence. the former president has put his hat in the ring for the next presidency in the ring for the next presidency in 2024 and so far being the only person who is actually voiced that he wants to become the next president of the united states again is right now in some ways the presumptive nominee.- is right now in some ways the presumptive nominee. thank you for that. tom hanks and john travolta are among the celebrities who've paid tribute to lisa marie presley, the only child of elvis presley, who's died at the age of 54. she was taken to hospital in los angeles after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest. colin paterson looks back at her life — there is some flash photography in colin's report. lisa marie presley on the red carpet of the golden globes on tuesday evening, two days before she died.

that night, austin butler won a best actor globe for playing her father elvis in baz luhrmann's biopic. the film deals with the tragic end to elvis's life. now, there is yet another terrible chapter to the family's saga. on thursday, lisa marie presley was found unresponsive at her home in calabasas, california and rushed to hospital. the us media said that she'd had a heart attack. this comes just three years after her son, ben keough, took his own life, after having spoken about the pressures of being a presley. lisa marie was elvis's only child, born exactly nine months to the day after his wedding to priscilla. she was nine when elvis died, making her thejoint heir to the estate and inhabiting the lot at 25. they were four marriages, 20 days after the first ended she married michaeljackson, uniting two of the most famous names in music and appearing in one of his videos. they were together for little more than a year.

her marriage to oscar—winning actor nicolas cage was even shorter, 108 days. in 2003, lisa marie presley launched her own music career, making the uk top 20 with lights out. a big music lover, had a huge impact on the whole life, i didn't do it to become a part whatever, it is not a pop record, but i needed to do my own thing. she also recorded duets with her dead father for charity. tom hanks, who started the elvis film, was one of the 30 pay tribute, describing himself as absolutely heartbroken. nicolas cage said lisa had the greatest laugh of anyone i ever met. fans have begun to turn up at graceland to pay tribute, once again a presley

is being mourned. lisa marie presley, who's died aged 54. now it's time for a look at the weather with chris. the weather causing problems. we have seen lots of heavy rain and we are seeing the impacts of that at the moment in terms of a number of flood warnings being in force. this is the river severn and you can see a lot of water in the field. there are loads of flood warnings in force in the majority of them are a long stretches of the river seven but we have more heavy rain to come overnight. wales and south—west england are looking at up to 70 mil images of rain. that is not going to help and is more likely to make the flooding worse. it might even disrupt transport plans as well. roads and rails have been accepted

—— affected. a typical day to start with on saturday. the ring will clear out of the way but the flooding could worsen. rain returns to northern ireland and scotland in north—west eglin with strong winds reaching gainful —— they'll post and it will start to feel cool across northern areas of the country but still quite mild in the south. hi —— highs of around 12. hello this is bbc news. the headlines: the footballer benjamin mendy is found not guilty of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. the man city star faces a retrial on two further counts where the jurors could not reach verdicts. the uk economy grew unexpectedly in november — boosted by the football world cup. it went up 0.1%. a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26—year—old ellie edwards, who was shot in merseyside on christmas eve. russia claims to have

captured all of soledar — the salt—mining town in eastern ukraine that's been the focus ukraine says its forces are still fighting in the town. tributes are paid to lisa marie presley, the only child of elvis, who's died at the age of 54. royal mail customers still can't send letters and parcels overseas — after a cyber attack on the company. sport and time for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre. good afternoon. newcastle boss eddie howe says he could drop forward joelinton for sunday's premier league game against fulham after his arrest for drink driving. the brazilian, who has helped his team to third in the table, was stopped by police during the early hours of yesterday morning and later charged with driving whilst above the prescribed limit for alcohol. he'll appear before magistrates in the city later this month.

i'm going to have to reflect and analyse on that and i will make a decision closer to the game in consultation with him and, yeah... so i'm not 100% sure. i think he knows the seriousness of the situation. obviously i can't go into too much detail in respect of the case, but i think he understands his responsibilities and we are now in a position where we are supporting him and, yeah, we also understand as a football club the seriousness of the situation. the premier league weekend starts tonight at villa park with two teams who had a dramatic end to their third round fa cup ties. leeds salvaged a late draw at cardiff, while aston villa lost at home to league two stevenage. despite that defeat, manager unai emery insists there have been improvements since he took over. we are doing some things, i think, so quickly and very well, tactically, defensively reorganised, but we have

to progress as well, change a little hit our mentality, being so aggressive in ambition but a realistic ambition and i think the players are so open to work, they are committed to work everything we are trying to do. the things that have been the most difficult have been tojump—start development as a group. there are a lot of individuals that have grown a lot through the process but as a group it still hasn't come together the way i would like and a lack of consistency from match to match and then in march, to match and then in match, what a first or second half can look like and vice versa, it means we are not able

to really push this the way i would want so we don't have to talk about the table. manchester united midfielder donny van de beek will miss the rest of the season after picking up a knee injury. the dutchman last played on january 3rd, when he left the game near the end of the first half. united manager erik ten hag said he's looking "really good" in the long term though and will be back for pre—season. england beat debutants wales in their opening match of the hockey world cup in india. it was an emphatic win for england. 5-0. two from penalty corners scored by liam ansell. it puts england top of group d after hosts india beat spain 2—0. the last two semi—final places at snooker�*s masters will be decided today. here is some live action from bbc two ofjudd trump against barry hawkins. it is very tight. 4—4 currently. still to come tonight, shaun murphy takes on stuart bingham from 7 o'clock. england wheelchair rugby league world cup winnerjames simpson has

announced his retirement after 10 years in the sport. simpson took up the game after he lost both legs in an explosion whilst serving with the army in afghanistan. he led leeds to super league and challenge cup success, and was, last year, part of england's world cup—winning side. he'll remain with leeds as a coach. from a coaching perspective, i realise that i really enjoyed doing that and that is the next challenge i want to do. i want to get in the coaching and get the most out of that. i know it will be challenging, but i want to be challenged and i want new challenges. i feel like if i stuck playing for too long i might lose the fire. i wanted to chance my arm while i was still in a great spot and get what i could out of coaching. that's all the sport for now.

a court on the greek island of lesbos has dropped espionage charges against 24 humanitarian rescue workers, including the prominant syrian swimmer sara mardini. a european parliament report had branded the trial "the largest case of criminalisation of solidarity in europe". the activists are still facing an investigation on charges of human trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and the unlawful use of radio frequencies. bbcjournalist yasmin khatun dewanjoins me now. yasmin tell us more about this case. tell us more about this case. because i think it won't be familiar to many viewers. it because i think it won't be familiar to many viewers.— because i think it won't be familiar to many viewers. it has been going on for more _ to many viewers. it has been going on for more than _ to many viewers. it has been going on for more than a _ to many viewers. it has been going on for more than a year, _ to many viewers. it has been going on for more than a year, it - to many viewers. it has been going on for more than a year, it was - on for more than a year, it was adjourned in november 2021. and then we saw it again obtuse. —— on tuesday. then today, we had the court reading saying that the charges of had been dropped, it came

after a un statement condemning the case. the un called it a criminalisation of humanitarian work. it is an echo of what we have heard from people like amnesty international. they called it a farce. 24 volunteers were on trial. the espionage charges were dropped today. the charges of human trafficking still remain. so these were basically _ trafficking still remain. so these were basically people _ trafficking still remain. so these were basically people who - trafficking still remain. so these were basically people who were | were basically people who were trying to help those people who were coming to lesbos, is that right? yes. sara mardini, one of the volunteers, she went through a similarjourney herself from syria and she returned to lesbos and joined an organisation as a volunteer.— joined an organisation as a volunteer. ,, , ., ,. ., volunteer. she is fascinating, i think i'm right _ volunteer. she is fascinating, i think i'm right that _ volunteer. she is fascinating, i think i'm right that a _ volunteer. she is fascinating, i think i'm right that a film - volunteer. she is fascinating, i think i'm right that a film is i volunteer. she is fascinating, i. think i'm right that a film is being made about her? swimmers? yes.

think i'm right that a film is being made about her? swimmers? yes, it is a netflix film — made about her? swimmers? yes, it is a netflix film that _ made about her? swimmers? yes, it is a netflix film that came _ made about her? swimmers? yes, it is a netflix film that came out _ made about her? swimmers? yes, it is a netflix film that came out last - a netflix film that came out last year. a film based on sarah and her sister's story, who went on to compete in rio for the refugee team. both sisters have been hailed as heroes and they had saved their dinghy, and all of the individuals that were travelling with them, as professional swimmers, they disbanded the boat and got everyone to safety. and following that, they had won awards in germany, with the un, hersister had won awards in germany, with the un, her sister is a unhcr ambassador. and sara returned to greece and joined this organisation from where we saw this trial commence. from where we saw this trial commence-— millions more people in england could be prescribed daily cholesterol—lowering statin pills

to cut their risk of a heart attack or stroke, under new advice for the nhs. the national institute for health and care excellence says the cheap price of the tablets, and the possible health gains, mean they should be considered more often. in england, high cholesterol leads to around 7% of all deaths. kevin spacey has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault. fresh charges include indecent assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. with the latest here is our correspondent at the court. it latest here is our correspondent at the court. . . . . latest here is our correspondent at the court. ., , ., , ., the court. it was a brief hearing, the court. it was a brief hearing, the hearing _ the court. it was a brief hearing, the hearing today _ the court. it was a brief hearing, the hearing today is _ the court. it was a brief hearing, the hearing today is called - the court. it was a brief hearing, the hearing today is called a - the court. it was a brief hearing, | the hearing today is called a plea and trial preparation hearing. kevin

spacey didn't appear in person here for that hearing. he appeared via video link. we don't know where he was when he was appearing on the link. but he appeared under his full name. the seven new charges, sexual offences that mr spacey is facing, therm put to him during the brief hearing that lasted about 20 minutes. each of the charges as they were read to him in court, he replied on the video link, not guilty to all seven. as you mentioned, of those seven charges, three are counts of indecent assault. three of sexual assault. and also one of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. the hollywood actor last year he pleaded not guilty to five

other sexual offences against three men at the old bailey. so in total, mr spacey is facing 12 sexual offences against four men. the trial itself, that is due to start onjune 6th. it will be a four week trial. but mr spacey is due to appear at a pretrial hearing in april. the next time he will appear is in aprilfor that hearing. that four—week trial is expected to start injune and mr spacey denies all 12 charges against him. the prime minister rishi sunak has rejected criticism from scotland's first minister nicola sturgeon that uk plans to limit the impact of public service strikes risk inflaming industrial disputes. speaking to bbc scotland's political editor, glenn campbell, mr sunak said it was "right and responsible" to change the law to guarantee a basic level of service in areas like health

and education when there are strikes. the right thing when it comes to pay is to follow, as we have done, the recommendations of an independent pay body process. that is what is long established and the government has accepted the recommendations. talks are ongoing. the government has always been clear that we want to have an open door, we want to have an honest and two—way dialogue about some of the things we are all seeing and it's important that pay settlements are reasonable but also responsible for the country and that they are affordable. aren't you risking poisoning relations or inflaming the situation, as the first minister said, by bringing forward legislation to limit the impact of strikes? no, i don't believe that's right. i think it's entirely reasonable for people to think that even if there are strikes and when it comes to life—saving emergency treatment, whether that is in ambulances or in fire, that they can rely on a basic level of that emergency

service still being provided. our scotland correspondent, lorna gordon told us more about the talks between rishi sunak and nicola sturgeon that have been taking place this two things to look out for, the one is the kind of symbolism of the talks and the second is you know the actual sub tantive issues being discussed. i think there was an attempt with these private discussions to lower the temperature of the debate between the two governments. often there is a sort of symbolic moment in public, where the two shake hands on the doorstep of bute house and then go inside and have talks. this was very much private. some photographs showed them shaking hands. both sides said there was a cordial exchange of views. there were areas that united the two, not least the joint

announcement of two free ports in scotland. there were other areas perhaps where big political differences remain. one of course is theissue differences remain. one of course is the issue of a second independence referendum for scotland. the holyrood government wants that to happen, westminster does not. another potential area of conflict is on that legislation passed at holyrood before christmas making it easierfor holyrood before christmas making it easier for people to change their gender. rishi sunak said he had potential concerns about the impact of this law on the rest of the uk and it was right and sensible to look at how the law might impact elsewhere. ~ . look at how the law might impact elsewhere-— elsewhere. what we are doing is incredibly standard _ elsewhere. what we are doing is incredibly standard practice - elsewhere. what we are doing is| incredibly standard practice when elsewhere. what we are doing is i incredibly standard practice when a law is— incredibly standard practice when a law is passed by the scottish parliament the uk government, as is in normal, _ parliament the uk government, as is in normal, would consider the impacts— in normal, would consider the impacts of— in normal, would consider the impacts of that law across the entire — impacts of that law across the entire united kingdom. blocking a law... ifi could _

entire united kingdom. blocking a law... if i couldjust_ entire united kingdom. blocking a law... if i could just finish - entire united kingdom. blocking a law... if i could just finish and - law... if i could 'ust finish and exlain. law... if i could 'ust finish and explain. you _ law... if i could just finish and explain. you haven't - law... if i could just finish and explain. you haven't blocked l law... if i could just finish and| explain. you haven't blocked a law... if i could just finish and - explain. you haven't blocked a law on the basis _ explain. you haven't blocked a law on the basis it _ explain. you haven't blocked a law on the basis it impacts _ explain. you haven't blocked a law on the basis it impacts on - explain. you haven't blocked a law on the basis it impacts on uk - explain. you haven't blocked a law on the basis it impacts on uk law. on the basis it impacts on uk law ever— on the basis it impacts on uk law ever before _ on the basis it impacts on uk law ever before-— ever before. the process is established _ ever before. the process is established which - ever before. the process is established which does - ever before. the process is i established which does mean ever before. the process is - established which does mean that happens _ established which does mean that happens all the time that it is looked — happens all the time that it is looked at. if a new law is passed that does— looked at. if a new law is passed that does impact the rest of the united — that does impact the rest of the united kingdom it is important that the uk _ united kingdom it is important that the uk government receives advice on that before _ the uk government receives advice on that before deciding what to do, if anything — that before deciding what to do, if an hina. ~ . . that before deciding what to do, if an hina. ~ ., , , that before deciding what to do, if an hina.~ , ,, that before deciding what to do, if an hina. , ,, anything. well, as rishi sunak said, the ma anything. well, as rishi sunak said, they may look _ anything. well, as rishi sunak said, they may look at — anything. well, as rishi sunak said, they may look at the _ anything. well, as rishi sunak said, they may look at the laws _ anything. well, as rishi sunak said, they may look at the laws passed i anything. well, as rishi sunak said, they may look at the laws passed in| they may look at the laws passed in scotland to see how they could impact the rest of the uk. but what is called a section 35 order has never been used before. if the uk government decides to trigger that, it would block this law getting royal assent. it would block this law getting royalassent. it it would block this law getting royal assent. it would be a big move and could lead the big political arguments. i don't think the decision has been completely made yet. they are looking at the advice,

the westminster government is looking at the advice, but they do have a time limit in which to make that decision and if they are going to block the law changing, the gender recognition law, they have to do it by the middle of next week. it would be a big move and would raise the temperature between the two governments if they decide to do so. the labour leader sir keir starmer has urged rishi sunak to do a deal on post—brexit trading arrangements for northern ireland — saying that he would promise to support him if he does. speaking at queen's university belfast, sir keir said the prime minister should stand up to conservative mp5 in the european research group, and unlock the stalemate the northern ireland protocol had caused at stormont. the headlines on bbc news: the footballer benjamin mendy is found not guilty of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault.

the man city star faces a retrial on two further counts where the jurors could not reach verdicts. the uk economy grew unexpectedly in november — boosted by the football world cup. it went up 0.1%. mana man man a man has appeared in court charged with the murder of ellie edwards who was shot in merseyside on christmas eve. people are still unable to send letters or parcels overseas with royal mail, after the firm was hit by a cyber attack on wednesday. it's believed royal mail is being held to ransom by criminals with suspected links to russia. our cyber reporterjoe tidy has more details. this is the ransom note that greeted staff trying to log into their computers at royal mail. "your files and data are encrypted," it says,

with links to the cyber criminals' darknet website. a short and matter—of—fact message that belies the chaos caused inside royal mail's international sorting offices. since wednesday, the company has said it can't send packages or letters abroad. the company hasn't commented on the ransomware situation, saying only that it is a "cyber incident". but a source close to the investigation has confirmed they are being held to ransom by cyber criminals. ransomware attacks are sadly a persistent problem, with organisations getting hacked and paying out to cyber criminals almost daily, but what's happening here is especially serious. royal mail is deemed as the uk's critical national infrastructure, and staff here tell me it's chaos inside. a ransomware attack can be an existential threat for an organisation. it can literally close the doors of an organisation and put them out of business. now, in the case of royal mail, i don't want to panic anyone, that's extremely unlikely to happen because only certain systems have been locked out and royal mail have already indicated that they have some workarounds they're working on. but for organisations generally, ransomware can be

a very, very big problem. meanwhile, customers are left not knowing what to do with their post. i've got people, family out there in america. i tried to send them some stuff. i got a pair of shoes i tried to send off today, couldn't send it. lockbit ransomware crew is one of the most prolific cybercrime groups in the world. operating on russian hacking forums, they're thought to be rooted in the country, which has long been accused of harbouring these groups. the fbi estimates that lockbit has extorted tens of millions of pounds since 2020. royal mail nowjoins the list of more than a thousand organisations to fall victim to these ruthless hackers. joe tidy, bbc news. a new study claims that the oil and gas giant, exxonmobil, successfully forecast the impact of fossil fuels on the climate — decades before it publicly acknowledged the risks. the researchers say exxon's work, some of it from the late 19705, proved "startingly accurate" at predicting how much warming would occur. exxon denies the allegations.

earlier i spoke to our climate editorjustin rowlatt who had the latest. the researchers marked exxon's homework and see how good you were at predicting how temperatures would rise. they found they were much better than probably the most world renowned climate scientists at nasa. they were outperforming his models. when we look at the things they did, they predicted the temperature rise, 0.2 degrees a decade. back in the 705 and 80, people talked of a coming ice age. they said that is not going to happen as a result of fossilfuel not going to happen as a result of fossil fuel emissions. they predicted what the carbon budget would be and how much carbon we

could emit before we hit these dangerous levels. a big tick, did well, they say. the researchers, the problem for exxon is all the way publicly they were saying, listen, climate change isn't something we need to act on, climate modelling isn't accurate. what the researchers say they were muddying the waters, calling into question the validity of climate science while they were doing climate science better. exxon denies the allegationles. _ doing climate science better. exxon denies the allegationles. . - doing climate science better. exxon denies the allegationles. . they - doing climate science better. exxon denies the allegationles. . they say this claim that — denies the allegationles. . they say this claim that we _ denies the allegationles. . they say this claim that we knew, _ denies the allegationles. . they say this claim that we knew, they - denies the allegationles. . they say| this claim that we knew, they knew, has come up a number of time and they say each time we say people we knew are wrong. they point to a case in america, where the judge supported their position on that. the other thing they say that is

interesting, they say, you know we are not guilty of wrong doing, but looking to the future, we acknowledge climate change is a problem and we want to be part of solution. a big turn around from the position that they were taking on the climate issue in the 705, 805 and 905. but what is interesting here is what questions it raised about the future. you remember the tobacco companies, and tobacco companies similarly when asked, do cigarettes cause cancer, they said we don't think it does and it turned out they had internal documents that suggested they knew there was a link with cancer. similarly, will there be successful class actions on climate saying, look, you knew about this stuff, but didn't warn the public and moderate the use of fossil fuels. public and moderate the use of fossilfuels. that public and moderate the use of fossil fuels. that is the interesting question for the future. but to be clear exxon say no wrong doing and we are part of solution and we recognise there is an issue

with climate change. a man has pleaded guilty to throwing an egg at king charles during a walkabout in luton in december. harry may appeared at westminster magistrates' court this morning, charged with a public order offence. jon ironmonger was in court: not two months on the throne, charles iii became the target of a volley of eggs thrown from a crowd during a walk about in york. all three of them missed and the king carried on undeterred. weeks later on 6th december, another egg was hurled towards his majesty in luton town centre and landed a few metres behind him. video footage shows protection officers scrambling to shield the 74—year—old, who again appeared unfazed. today the luton egg—thrower, harry spartacus may, who is 21, from luton, pleaded guilty to a public order offence. the court heard harry may told police he thought it was in poor taste

for his majesty to visit a deprived area like luton and wanted to make a point of this. he said he hadn't intended to throw the egg at the king, just near by. inside a jacket he was wearing at the time officers found a soup tin containing a second egg, which had cracked. mr may's lawyer said the defendant, who acts as a carerfor his grandparents, was remorseful and had never been in trouble with the police before. i've got a train to catch. why did you do it harry and are you regretful now? he is sorry, but we don't want him to talk on camera at the moment. the magistrate said the attack was planned and targeted. he imposed a fine of £100 and ordered may to pay costs of £125. buckingham palace has been approached for comment. jane will be here from 5. now the weather. today is a brighter day

with sunny spells. but there are still concerns about flooding. here is the flooded river severn. the flood waters spreading across low lying fields and we have warnings still in force. the majority are for stretches of the river severn. although today is quiet, we have more heavy rain on the way tonight and saturday from this low pressure that will bring more heavy rain. today for most it was a bright day. some showers and some longer spells of rain in western scotland. temperatures mild for the time of year, 11 in cardiff and london. the first signs of rain starts to arrive tonight and could be as much as 70 millimetres. it will fall on areas already suffering flooding. for some communities the flooding will get

worse before it gets better as we head into the weekend. very mild air and temperatures starting off saturday morning 11 in the south west. highs of 12 in eastern and southern england. eventually some colder air works with. blustery showers in the north—west with some gales. and it will will start to turn cooler. in the second half of the week colder air arrives as we drag in north—westerly winds. yes, this weather will turn colder. some wintry showers moving into northern scotland. this front still bringing some rain to parts of northern england. for many a bright day. but cold in the north with temperatures three or four degrees for northern scotland. there is a lot we know about the weather into next week. we know it will be colder and there will be frost with icy patches and snow showers coming down to sea—level. but there is some

uncertainty. an example is sunday night could have showers like in this model. but there are some other models that develop a stronger area of low pressure and we could have some heavy snow developing in parts of england and wales to take us into the first part of monday morning. but a bit of uncertainty yet.

this is bbc news, i'mjane hill. the headlines. the footballer benjamin mendy is found not guilty of 6 counts of rape and 1 of sexual assault. the man city star faces a retrial on two further counts where the jurors could not reach verdicts. the uk economy grew unexpectedly in november — boosted by the football world cup. it went up 0.1%. a man has appeared in court charged with murdering 26 year old ellie edwards, who was shot in merseyside on christmas eve. russia claims to have captured all of soledar — the salt—mining town in eastern ukraine that's been the focus of intense fighting. ukraine says its forces are still fighting in the town. and with western weapons continuing to arrive in ukraine the country's