A SWIMMING world record holder who became a contract killer after blowing a fortune on a flamboyant lifestyle in Thailand is facing life in jail today.

THE Irish leader of a British armed robbery gang wept yesterday as he learned he was likely to die in prison after being convicted by a judge in a historic trial without a jury.

FORMER British pop star Adam Ant walked free from court yesterday after a judge ruled that he had used a gun to threaten pub customers who laughed at his cowboy attire because he was suffering mental problems.

Adam Ant has been placed under a 12-month community rehabilitation order following an incident in which he threatened drinkers with an imitation pistol.