On trial for having an abortion
After a call to the UK's largest abortion provider, she was sent pills to terminate her pregnancy. They believed, she was told, she was about six weeks pregnant. But when Nicola took the pills, she found out that her pregnancy was far more advanced than she could have imagined.
Yet if that was traumatic, what was to come was even worse. As Helen Pidd hears, when Nicola went to the hospital for medical treatment afterwards, she was passed on to the police.
Eventually, she was charged with carrying out an illegal abortion, and – in a case that has led to activists and MPs calling for a change in the law – came to stand trial in April this year.
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The Sun
41 minutes ago
- The Sun
Could you keep your mobile in another room? Brits reveal how they're overcoming smartphone ‘addiction'
ONE in three adults have tried to end their "addiction" to their phones through a digital detox with methods including keeping it in a different room, setting a digital curfew, and deleting social media apps. A poll of 2,000 adults found 41 per cent look at their mobiles "too much" - with 54 per cent doing so for three hours or more every day. 2 But 19 per cent feel this is an unfulfilling use of time. As a result, 35 per cent have reduced, or are attempting to reduce, screentime or end it completely. Other methods to digitally detox and cut back on phone use include practising "quiet hobbies", with the most popular screen-free activities including reading (41 per cent), walking (35 per cent), socialising with friends (24 per cent) and gardening (21 per cent). Some have even turned to playing board games to fill their time instead. Kellie Wyles from DFS, which commissioned the research, said: "There is certainly more to life than our phones and being more present in the moment is key for improving mental health. 'We live in an era where FOMO is a common part of society, so people are keen to get news and updates as and when they happen – but this can cause them to miss out on valuable downtime.' The study also found 14 per cent of those who feel they spend excessive time on their phone have done so for more than 11 years. But since reducing their screen time, 71 per cent have noticed their mental health improve. Better sleep (47 per cent), feeling more present (45 per cent), and calmer (42 per cent) are some of the benefits Brits have noticed since putting their phone down. While 18 per cent have even found they have made less errors since reducing their screentime. Despite this, 30 per cent admitted they would feel most panicked about losing their phone, over a wallet/purse (23 per cent) and house keys (18 per cent). With worries about banking apps (65 per cent) representing the biggest concern. It also emerged that 46 per cent of Brits feel life was better before smartphones. To tackle their phone addictions, 13 per cent have introduced digital-free zones in their homes, with another 39 per cent claiming they haven't yet but would consider introducing one in the future. Creating a calming environment is also a priority, with over half (54 per cent) opting for comfortable furniture, 35 per cent choosing calming neutral tones, 29 per cent incorporating more houseplants, and 28 per cent enhancing their spaces with mood lighting. Meanwhile, one in four of those polled, via OnePoll, have a dedicated space for "quiet hobbies", with the most common being a reading nook (48 per cent), closely followed by meditation areas (37 per cent) and a table for board games or puzzles (34 per cent). DFS took to the streets of London with presenter Lisa Snowdon who invited Brits to take a seat on her sofa and share how they're switching off from screens. The video interviews revealed a growing trend of people actively taking steps to digitally detox, from leaving their phones in another room to creating digital-free zones in their homes. Echoing the research, Lisa discovered that many are embracing simple, grounding activities like walking, cooking and spending quality time with loved ones - all in a bid to reconnect with the present moment and reduce screen time. Kellie Wyles added: 'Quiet hobbies are what keeps us grounded in the moment and appreciating the simple things in life. 'We can often get carried away with what is going on elsewhere and neglect the beauty of simply taking time out. 'These moments of calm are often best enjoyed in the comfort of our homes so it's worth investing in creating a space that encourages relaxation, creativity and connection.' 2
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
The deadly hidden dangers of heatwaves – and how to keep yourself safe
Heatwaves have been made 100 times more likely and 2-4C hotter due to climate change, scientists have warned. A rapid study by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) research group found the heatwave last week in the south-east of England was around 10 times more likely than without human activity warming the planet. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London also estimated there were around 570 excess deaths between 19 June and 22 June due to the last heatwave, based on historic mortality data. Temperatures could reach 34C on Saturday after the mercury hit a high of 34.7C in the West Midlands on Friday. Wales, meanwhile, recorded its hottest day of the year as Usk hit 32.7C. Amber heat health alerts are in place for large parts of England, with authorities warning soaring temperatures over the weekend are likely to cause a rise in deaths. The alert, which covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England and London, will last until 9am on Monday. Here, The Independent looks at how you can keep yourself safe during a heatwave: Prevent dehydration The government advises staying hydrated during hot weather by drinking fluids regularly throughout the day, particularly if you are active. Water, diluted squash and lower-fat milks are recommended. While fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks can seem refreshing, they often contain high levels of sugar, which may contribute to dehydration. It's best to limit how much of these you consume and opt for diet, sugar-free or no-added-sugar alternatives instead. If you're heading out, take a refillable bottle of water with you, and carry extra if travelling by car or public transport. Alcohol can dehydrate the body, so choosing alcohol-free drinks or alternating alcoholic drinks with water is advised. Protect yourself from the sun The sun in the UK is strong enough to cause sunburn, with children especially vulnerable to skin damage. To reduce your risk, follow these sun safety measures: Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest Wear loose, light-coloured clothing made from tightly woven fabric, such as long-sleeved shirts, trousers or long skirts Protect your head, neck, face and ears with a wide-brimmed hat Use sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun Apply sunscreen generously and top it up regularly, especially after swimming or using a towel. The NHS recommends using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and a UVA rating of four or five stars. How to keep your home cool Homes can become uncomfortably warm during hot weather, especially at night when trying to sleep. To keep indoor temperatures down, consider the following steps: Keep blinds and curtains closed on windows that face direct sunlight during the day If your home has external shutters or shades, keep them closed too Try to sleep or rest in the coolest part of the house When it's cooler outside than indoors, typically during the night, open windows if it is safe, and create a cross-breeze to help air circulate Use electric fans if the indoor temperature is below 35C, but avoid directing airflow straight at your body, as this can contribute to dehydration Make sure heating systems are switched off Turn off any lights or electronic devices not being used, as they can generate extra heat If the temperature outside is cooler, especially in shaded areas, consider spending time outdoors Public spaces such as places of worship, libraries or supermarkets may be cooler than your home. If they are nearby, visiting one can offer a helpful break from the heat. Heat exhaustion happens when the body gets too hot and struggles to cool down. It's not usually serious if you cool down within 30 minutes, but if untreated, it can develop into heatstroke, according to the NHS. Signs of heat exhaustion include: Tiredness or weakness Dizziness or feeling faint Headache Muscle cramps Nausea or vomiting Heavy sweating Strong thirst Heatstroke is more serious and occurs when the body's temperature rises to dangerous levels and can no longer cool itself. Symptoms include: Confusion or disorientation Loss of coordination Rapid heartbeat Fast breathing or shortness of breath Hot, dry skin (not sweating) Seizures Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Call 999 immediately and try to cool the person down while waiting for help. Who is most at risk during hot weather? While anyone can feel unwell in the heat, some people are more vulnerable. These include:
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
I was jailed with UK's most evil killers… I slapped Myra Hindley for sick tune & saw raging Rose West froth at mouth
HEARING 'Britain's most evil woman' cheerfully singing along to the radio, convicted killer Linda Calvey felt something snap inside. Seconds later Linda - dubbed 'The Black Widow' - slapped child killer Myra Hindley so hard she left a handprint mark on her face, leaving the child killer recoiling in horror and pain. 12 12 12 'It all happened in a split-second,' Linda tells us. 'I yelled, 'How dare you sing when you murdered all of those children!' I slapped her without thinking.' This was her first of many encounters with the Moors Murderer, who butchered five kids aged 10 to 17 alongside partner Ian Brady in the Sixties, in three different prisons. Linda, jailed for multiple robbery offences and murder, would, reluctantly, get to know Myra better than anyone behind bars and now reveals all for The Sun's Meeting a Monster series. She tells us how Hindley duped prison staff to feed her interest in the occult and hid her secret fling with another notorious inmate. Recalling her attack on Myra, Linda tells us: 'I walked into the washing room and couldn't believe she was singing along to the radio. 'The next second I snapped, before I knew it, without even thinking, I slapped her. I thought, 'Oh God, what have I done?' but I'm still glad to this day that I did it. 'I remember she looked at me, rubbed her face and there was a handprint. She yelled, 'I could get you shipped off to [HMP] Holloway'. 'I said 'Holloway holds no fears for me' and walked out. The mad thing is she never reported me but I think part of it was that she had been attacked so many times before. 'Prior to that an inmate had broken her nose and there were various other issues, I think she feared officers would force her to give up her job washing inmates' clothes. 'That wouldn't have benefitted her, she would have been locked in her cell all day with nothing to do.' It would take four more encounters before Myra spoke again to Linda - who next week releases gangland crime fiction Hope, loosely influenced by her experiences in prison and London's East End underworld. By this time, Hindley no longer sported her trademark blonde hair, instead dying it red. But she had the same 'harsh features and look about her' that made many lags feel uncomfortable. 'You wouldn't look at her twice on the street. She looked more like an everyday housewife than a monster but there was this evil, horrible feeling around her,' Linda recalls. 'There was no warmth or niceness. She had this unpleasant aura and was very aloof but highly, highly intelligent.' Evil obsession Linda worked in the prison library and Myra would often come in to order books - permitted for inmates - but the monster had a dark motive behind it. While she requested romantic books under her own name, she secretly used the identity of other inmates to pursue her real passion. 'She would say, 'Can you order a book under this name?' and choose totally different books. They were about Adolf Hitler, black magic and obscure things,' Linda says. 'I told one of the staff, 'This is ridiculous. Is she allowed to do this?' 'They told me to just order the books. Myra bucked the system and it proved her true feelings and desires. This was long into her sentence too.' The serial killer considered herself 'far superior' to her fellow inmates who she considered 'stupid and thick' according to Linda. It was right for her to suffer so intensely at the end of her life after all the harm she caused. I remember I used to look at her and think, 'You deserve this' Linda on Myra Hindley Myra mainly kept to herself and few prisoners wanted to talk to her. One who did was fellow monster Rose West, who tortured and killed 10 young women with her husband Fred. Linda noted that they 'became thick as thieves', spending every meal time and any spare moments together, as well as often disappearing into each other's cells, in HMP Durham. 'Everybody knew they were having a fling, it was like they were stuck together. It's just beyond belief to think about,' Linda says. 'These were the two worst women in Britain, two mass murderers, and they were getting involved with each other, having an affair. 'They used to go to each other's cells all of the time and while you couldn't lock the door you could close it. Everybody knew what was going on. 'I remember one prison officer, who came over from the men's wing, being horrified when he saw them together and said, 'If I had a camera I could retire tomorrow.'' Their fling lasted seven weeks before it 'suddenly stopped' according to Linda, which she found 'very bizarre' due to how cosy they had been. She suspects the lawyer representing Rose, who was then awaiting trial, may have advised her against spending time with Myra because it was 'not a good idea and didn't look good'. 'Poetic justice' The final time Linda met Myra was in HMP Highpoint, where the villain was kept isolated living in two cells between the hospital wing and cell block. 12 12 Linda says: 'It was called 'no man's land' and they decided she had to live there. Her life was totally solitary. She lived in one cell and she had a job repairing books in the other. 'She was a really ill woman then. She did suffer a lot. She had such brittle bones that they were always snapping and chronic COPD but remained a chain smoker. 'Normally you'd feel sympathy for someone like that - 'that poor person' - but for her it felt like poetic justice. 'It was right for her to suffer so intensely at the end of her life after all the harm she caused. I remember I used to look at her and think, 'You deserve this.'' Knowing she trained as a hairdresser and that they had met before, Linda was the unfortunate soul picked to style Myra hair - a task she couldn't refuse, fearing it would impact her chance of parole. She would dye it red once a month and wash it twice a week and noted that the murderer was 'very particular' as her hair was the 'only thing left she could control'. During their time together, Myra asked about life on the prison wing and spoke about her longing to go to the gym - which she was unable to do. In a bizarre moment, after several weeks styling her hair, Linda was forced to speak to Myra's mum on the phone and was told she was the beast's 'only pal'. 'With a really elderly voice, her mum said 'Hello' and 'I'm so pleased my Myra's finally got a friend',' Linda tells us. She was hysterical, absolutely enraged and yelled, 'He should be hanged! That poor cyclist'. While yes, it was terrible, that was coming from a mass murderer Linda on Rose West 'I thought, 'I am not her friend', but didn't say it. I thought about all her poor mum must have suffered having her for a daughter. She must have taken a lot of stick.' Myra was so desperate for attention that she gave Linda a bevvy of gifts including a cardigan 'to keep me warm, which looked awful' and an empty chocolate box, because it was velvet and she thought it 'looked lovely' . The monster, who died from respiratory failure in 2002, had a miserable time rotting in prison before she passed. Linda says: 'Myra was really lonely and the longer into the sentence she got the worse it was for her. In HMP Highpoint she couldn't mix with anyone and had a very lonely existence in the final two years before she died.' 'Foaming with rage' Another famous lag Linda shared her stint with was Rose West - but unlike Myra, the former was a woman of 'quite low intelligence'. One moment that highlighted it to her, was the night her husband Fred took his own life in 1995 while the House of Horrors killers were awaiting trial. 'We could hear the men from the male prison wing singing 'Fred West, has gone and hung himself' to the tune of The Village People song Go West,' Linda says. 'We all heard it but Rose never associated what they were singing with Fred having killed himself and that it was about her husband. She wasn't intelligent. 'When she found out about his suicide, she wasn't happy at all. She wasn't upset, she was angry and absolutely raving about what he had done. 'I think she felt that way because until that point she thought she was going to walk away and Fred would take the rap for their crimes.' Besides being 'rather thick', Linda thought Rose was 'very drab, dry and very old fashioned' and the only positive thing about her was that she was a very talented seamstress. And while she gave off a meek persona, claiming to have been bent to evil under duress from Fred, there were a few times where the monster's mask slipped. Once was during a prison session with a university lecturer, who encouraged inmates to debate stories in the newspaper. The one they chose was about a drunk driver who ran over a cyclist, killing him, which Linda says left Rose so enraged she was 'foaming at the mouth'. 'She was hysterical, absolutely enraged and yelled, 'He should be hanged! That poor cyclist'. While yes, it was terrible, that was coming from a mass murderer. 'She started foaming at the mouth, it looked like toothpaste and we were transfixed by this gross white gunk coming out of her mouth. That's when the debate ended.' Another outburst followed an arsonist setting fire to her cell, which nearly killed her pet budgie, who was left covered in black soot. Linda recalls: 'Rose was hysterical, 'How could anyone be so evil to set fire to a cell and leave a bird in there' she yelled. She begged the guards to save it. 'It was given to another inmate to nurse back to health. After that, she went and lay on her bed for two days straight. She didn't get off it until the budgie was better.' Serial proposers In another surprising twist, Linda found herself on the receiving end of affection from two notorious prisoners - mobster Reggie Kray and violent lag Charles Bronson. The former, she tells us, would call her every week from prison, lavished her with gifts and once proposed before telling her 'forget I said anything' after she turned him down. Meanwhile Bronson popped the question 'probably every three months and at least 14 times' in letters as well as sending her photos. The lag, who has nearly served 50 years behind bars, contacted her claiming he knew some of her friends and said 'what a lovely person I was'. 'Due to being in prison for so long, he didn't have a lot to chat about so would ask me questions like, 'How are you?', 'Any family visits?' and that kind of thing. 12 'Then all of a sudden, 'Would you like to marry me?' I said, 'I don't think it's a good idea'. He said 'That's ok' and then three months later, was like, 'Would you like to marry me?' again. 'He was always proposing. He didn't write love letters, he would just say, 'I was thinking, if you'd like to marry me the offer is still there.' Although Bronson was originally jailed for petty crime and robbery, his attacks on fellow inmates and prison officers have seen his sentences extended to total five decades. 'I feel sorry for him, that he's still in prison. It's a shame when you put it into context. Everyone assumes he murdered someone but he didn't," says Linda. 'He just drove authorities mad for so many years with his antics. What he did wasn't that big and he's been in there forever.' Linda, who was released on parole in 2008, has put criminality firmly behind her and dedicated her life to her family and writing - she's published two memoirs and is about to release her fourth novel. Titled Hope, it's about three generations of women caught in the grips of London's murky underworld and many of the characters are loosely based on crooks she met. 'It's a world I came from, which makes it more real, and some characters are based on women I knew and met in prison,' she says. 'It was my late husband, George, who died from cancer nine years ago, that inspired me. He told me, 'Linda, go for it. Do your writing'. I've found my niche and I know I'm making him proud.' Hope, the second in a crime gangster trilogy, is published by Mountain Leopard Press on July 17. To preorder, visit here
