A JUDGE yesterday dismissed prosecution demands that the head of a metals company linked to Hungary’s devastating red sludge spill be charged with negligence and he has been released from police custody, his lawyer said.

A judge has dismissed prosecution demands that the head of a metals company linked to Hungary's devastating red sludge spill be charged with negligence and he has been released from police custody, his lawyer said today.

The complete draw for the first and second qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League has been made today.

Rubens Barrichello snatched pole position for tomorrow’s Australian Grand Prix from world champion Michael Schumacher as the first qualifying battle of the season turned into a wash-out in Melbourne this morning.