A police officer who lied about witnessing the Plebgate row was jailed for 12 months today.

A club boss has told a court of the moment he was kidnapped by three lapdancers and their manager — with the women wearing “miniskirts, stilettos, and Daisy Duke shorts”.

A British mother did not think disaster could strike twice until the cruise ship her daughter was working on was cast adrift just weeks after her son survived the capsizing of the Costa Concordia.

THE captain of the wrecked cruise ship that hit rocks off Italy sailed close to land to “show the ship to the port”, the liner’s owners said yesterday.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has been summonsed to appear in court to face a charge of driving with excess alcohol following a motorway crash.

Aston Villa footballer Barry Bannan was banned from driving for 18 months today after admitting four offences – including driving with excess alcohol - following a motorway crash last month.

Barry Bannan is due in court today charged with a string of driving offences following a motorway crash.

Former footballer Paul Merson has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, it was reported today.

THE Pope suggested the Catholic Church in Britain could share the lessons it has learned about child abuse with wider society in an effort to help suffering children elsewhere.

The Pope today thanked the British people for the “warmth of your welcome” as his historic four-day state visit to the UK came to an end.

BRITAIN’S main political parties were putting the finishing touches to their general election manifestos last night, as they prepared for the first week of full-scale campaigning for the May 6 poll.

Another blast of wintry weather in the UK led to more problems for travellers today, with forecasters predicting further snow over the weekend.

Cat Deeley has declared TV hosts in the US “a little Stepford” and said British audiences are afraid of showing ambition and drive.

JOE KINNEAR is already planning his return to Newcastle’s training ground as he waits to be released from hospital this morning.

A BT customer is to take the company to court today over cash charges to customers who do not pay by direct debit

The UK’s largest provider of funeral-related services today hailed its “stable and predictable” business as it revealed a hike in annual earnings.

Mobile phone salesman Paul Potts was crowned the winner of 'Britain's Got Talent' last night.

Tournament golf returns to The Belfry in May – and for obvious reasons Paul McGinley is delighted.

Department stores group House of Fraser bolstered its portfolio today by unveiling a £69.4m (€104.3m) deal for UK regional chain Beatties.

Everton 4 Crystal Palace 0

A MOTHER whose daughter became entangled in the loop of a window blind and died days before her second birthday called for legislation to improve the safety of such products yesterday.

The European Tour will break new ground again next year when Russia becomes one of 23 countries to stage an event.

Padraig Harrington has finished tied in third place with Colin Montgomerie and Michael Campbell, two shots behind winner Angel Cabrera.

Padraig Harrington is sharing the lead with Barry Lane, Angel Cabrera and Michael Campbell on nine under.

Padraig Harrington is tied in second with Angel Cabrera and Colin Montgomerie just one shot behind Barry Lane at ten under.

Padraig Harrington and Colin Montgomerie are one shot behind leaders Barry Lane and Angel Cabrera at the Belfry.

Padraig Harrington is one behind joint leaders Barry Lane and Angel Cabrera after a birdy at the 11th hole.

Angel Cabrera is at nine under, only one shot behind leader Barry Lane, at the B&H Open at the Belfry.

Barry Lane has moved a further shot ahead of the field - he now leads by three - after a birdie at the fourth put him at 11 under par.

Barry Lane now leads the final round of the B&H Open at the Belfry by two shots after a birdie at the third hole.

Padraig Harrington has stormed into joint fourth at the B&H Open after birdying two of his first three holes.

Colin Montgomerie has birdied his first hole in the final round of the B&H Open to move to six under, four behind the leader Barry Lane.

Padraig Harrington has moved to four under par after two holes of his second round at the B&H International Open at the Belfry.

Bernhard Langer has moved up to three under par, three behind the leaders,Montgomerie, Owen and Wessels in the B&H International Open.

2002 PGA European Tour Schedule

Sergio Garcia considers it a real pity that the Ryder Cup is not starting at The Belfry on Friday.