Latest news with #BlackSheepCoffee
The Irish Sun
12-07-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Moment alleged Russian spy ‘drops off USB stick in bike seat to leak Grant Shapps's sensitive details'
THIS is the moment a man accused of being a Russian spy dropped off a USB stick - allegedly containing sensitive details about Grant Shapps - underneath a bike seat. A court has been shown photographs that allegedly see Howard Phillips, 65, delivering a secretive message for his "Russian handlers". Advertisement 6 Newly released pictures reveal the moment Mr Phillips allegedly dropped a USB stick containing private information about Grant Shapps inside a bike Credit: Solent 6 Mr Philips being arrested at a Black Sheep Coffee outlet in London Credit: Solent 6 Grant Shapps served as defence secretary from August 2023 to July 2024 Credit: AFP Mr Phillips is currently on trial accused of trying to spy for the Pictures shown to Winchester Crown Court allegedly show him following his handlers' instructions by dropping off a message inside a USB stick in the opened seat shaft of a bike. Prosecutors alleged that Mr Phillips wanted to "offer services" to Russian intelligence but unknowingly was corresponding with undercover British security service agents - whom he believed to be from the Kremlin. Another image shows the alleged spy, and previous insolvency worker, being arrested at a Black Sheep Coffee outlet in London. Advertisement Read More on UK News Other pictures display a phone and hotel rooms he allegedly bought on behalf of the Russian "agents". The court heard how the dad of four - who was due to start a job with UK Border Force - handed the operatives a bag containing a USB stick with Shapps' personal details. These included his home address, phone number, and the location of his private plane. Mr Phillips, from Harlow, Essex, denies engaging in conduct to assist a foreign intelligence service. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Prosecutors argue that the former insolvency worker boasted he could get government clearance, as a result of his new job with Border Force. The court heard how Mr Phillips said he wanted the "agents" and him to be like "family", adding they could all "help and look after each other". Moment ringleader of bed-hopping Russian spy ring is snared as cops storm UK guesthouse He also allegedly claimed to have been in Shapps' home and had met him several times. In one meeting with the "agents", Mr Phillips said: "I have something. I don't know if you want it or don't want it. Advertisement "What do you know about the Secretary of Defence in the UK? Because, I have personal information which may be useful." Jurors were shown a letter Mr Phillips was allegedly handed during that same meeting, which read: "Dear Howard, thank you for your continued cooperation. Moscow very pleased with ongoing progress." He reportedly asked that, going forward, the officers refer to Moscow as "mother" in their messages. It is alleged that after this point, Mr Phillips continued to assist the supposed agents and did not withdraw his Border Force job application, which prosecutors say would have provided him with further access to Government information. Advertisement A note that promised "100 per cent loyalty" to the 6 Mr Phillips is accused of engaging in conduct to assist a foreign intelligence service Credit: Facebook 6 A close-up of the moment Mr Phillips allegedly dropped off the USB Credit: Solent 6 The USB stick in Mr Phillips' posession Credit: Solent Advertisement It also claimed Mr Phillips could move "under the radar" if he gained a valid government security vetting pass. The trial had heard previously how the dad had applied for a job with the UK Border Force in October 2023. However, he was unemployed at the time of the alleged spying, with Jocelyn Ledward KC, prosecuting, saying his "financial struggles" contributed to his "eagerness and desire" to help the RIS. Messages between Mr Phillips and the "Russian spies" began in March 2024, starting first over email before moving to WhatsApp, and eventually Signal. Advertisement Shapps served as defence secretary from August 2023 to July 2024 and would have been involved in countless important communications with Ukranian President The trial continues.
Scottish Sun
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Moment alleged Russian spy ‘drops off USB stick in bike seat to leak Grant Shapps's sensitive details'
Personal details such as his home address, phone number, and the location of his private plane were allegedly stored on the stick 'SPY PLOT' Moment alleged Russian spy 'drops off USB stick in bike seat to leak Grant Shapps's sensitive details' THIS is the moment a man accused of being a Russian spy dropped off a USB stick - allegedly containing sensitive details about Grant Shapps - underneath a bike seat. A court has been shown photographs that allegedly see Howard Phillips, 65, delivering a secretive message for his "Russian handlers". 6 Newly released pictures reveal the moment Mr Phillips allegedly dropped a USB stick containing private information about Grant Shapps inside a bike Credit: Solent 6 Mr Philips being arrested at a Black Sheep Coffee outlet in London Credit: Solent 6 Grant Shapps served as defence secretary from August 2023 to July 2024 Credit: AFP Mr Phillips is currently on trial accused of trying to spy for the Kremlin by leaking Shapps' personal information, including the location of his private plane. Pictures shown to Winchester Crown Court allegedly show him following his handlers' instructions by dropping off a message inside a USB stick in the opened seat shaft of a bike. Prosecutors alleged that Mr Phillips wanted to "offer services" to Russian intelligence but unknowingly was corresponding with undercover British security service agents - whom he believed to be from the Kremlin. Another image shows the alleged spy, and previous insolvency worker, being arrested at a Black Sheep Coffee outlet in London. Other pictures display a phone and hotel rooms he allegedly bought on behalf of the Russian "agents". The court heard how the dad of four - who was due to start a job with UK Border Force - handed the operatives a bag containing a USB stick with Shapps' personal details. These included his home address, phone number, and the location of his private plane. Mr Phillips, from Harlow, Essex, denies engaging in conduct to assist a foreign intelligence service. Prosecutors argue that the former insolvency worker boasted he could get government clearance, as a result of his new job with Border Force. The court heard how Mr Phillips said he wanted the "agents" and him to be like "family", adding they could all "help and look after each other". Moment ringleader of bed-hopping Russian spy ring is snared as cops storm UK guesthouse He also allegedly claimed to have been in Shapps' home and had met him several times. In one meeting with the "agents", Mr Phillips said: "I have something. I don't know if you want it or don't want it. "What do you know about the Secretary of Defence in the UK? Because, I have personal information which may be useful." Jurors were shown a letter Mr Phillips was allegedly handed during that same meeting, which read: "Dear Howard, thank you for your continued cooperation. Moscow very pleased with ongoing progress." He reportedly asked that, going forward, the officers refer to Moscow as "mother" in their messages. It is alleged that after this point, Mr Phillips continued to assist the supposed agents and did not withdraw his Border Force job application, which prosecutors say would have provided him with further access to Government information. A note that promised "100 per cent loyalty" to the Russian Intelligence Service (RIS) was also contained in the USB stick he allegedly dropped in the bike. 6 Mr Phillips is accused of engaging in conduct to assist a foreign intelligence service Credit: Facebook 6 A close-up of the moment Mr Phillips allegedly dropped off the USB Credit: Solent 6 The USB stick in Mr Phillips' posession Credit: Solent It also claimed Mr Phillips could move "under the radar" if he gained a valid government security vetting pass. The trial had heard previously how the dad had applied for a job with the UK Border Force in October 2023. However, he was unemployed at the time of the alleged spying, with Jocelyn Ledward KC, prosecuting, saying his "financial struggles" contributed to his "eagerness and desire" to help the RIS. Messages between Mr Phillips and the "Russian spies" began in March 2024, starting first over email before moving to WhatsApp, and eventually Signal. Shapps served as defence secretary from August 2023 to July 2024 and would have been involved in countless important communications with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The trial continues.
Glasgow Times
03-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
NatWest offering certain customers amazing free £85 cash
Upon opening a new Student Account, student customers receive a £85 welcome cash incentive, an overdraft of up to £3,250 and a four-year Tastecard. The offer is available to new and existing customers opening a NatWest Student account. In the first year of university, a student will be able to apply for an overdraft of up to £2,000, with an interest-free overdraft of up to £3,250 made available to students from their third year of study. The initial £85 cash incentive is paid within 10 working days of the account opening. The free tastecard offers discounts to help students make the most of their university experience, providing discounts at hundreds of restaurants and takeaways including Black Sheep Coffee, Domino's and Krispy Kreme. This year, students will also benefit from the Coffee Club with 25% off barista drinks. This is all in addition to discounted cinema tickets and shopping offers. Paul Slinger, Head of Onboarding at NatWest, stated: "We aim to empower our student customers with accounts that provide immediate financial help and long-term value, supporting their success and enhancing their university experience." Students benefit from a range of money management tools offered by NatWest, including a free expense tracker feature in the mobile app called Spending. Split Bill and PayMe features also make it easier to request money from friends and family. Round Ups makes it easier to begin a savings habit with the rounded-up change transferred to a 5.5% Digital Regular Saver. Customers can also benefit from cardless cash withdrawals and the option to check and improve their credit score through the banking app. Recommended reading: NatWest also allows customers to use 'Add Money' which allows for money to be added to an account from other banks without entering account details. To be eligible for the account, a student must be studying a full-time undergraduate course lasting at least two years or studying a nursing course lasting a year or more. Customers will receive £85 cash gift and a four-year Tastecard membership within 10 working days as long as they have not received a student incentive since July 2021.
North Wales Chronicle
02-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
NatWest offering certain customers amazing free £85 cash
Upon opening a new Student Account, student customers receive a £85 welcome cash incentive, an overdraft of up to £3,250 and a four-year Tastecard. The offer is available to new and existing customers opening a NatWest Student account. In the first year of university, a student will be able to apply for an overdraft of up to £2,000, with an interest-free overdraft of up to £3,250 made available to students from their third year of study. The initial £85 cash incentive is paid within 10 working days of the account opening. A post shared by NatWest (@natwest) The free tastecard offers discounts to help students make the most of their university experience, providing discounts at hundreds of restaurants and takeaways including Black Sheep Coffee, Domino's and Krispy Kreme. This year, students will also benefit from the Coffee Club with 25% off barista drinks. This is all in addition to discounted cinema tickets and shopping offers. Paul Slinger, Head of Onboarding at NatWest, stated: "We aim to empower our student customers with accounts that provide immediate financial help and long-term value, supporting their success and enhancing their university experience." Students benefit from a range of money management tools offered by NatWest, including a free expense tracker feature in the mobile app called Spending. Split Bill and PayMe features also make it easier to request money from friends and family. Round Ups makes it easier to begin a savings habit with the rounded-up change transferred to a 5.5% Digital Regular Saver. Customers can also benefit from cardless cash withdrawals and the option to check and improve their credit score through the banking app. Recommended reading: NatWest also allows customers to use 'Add Money' which allows for money to be added to an account from other banks without entering account details. To be eligible for the account, a student must be studying a full-time undergraduate course lasting at least two years or studying a nursing course lasting a year or more. Customers will receive £85 cash gift and a four-year Tastecard membership within 10 working days as long as they have not received a student incentive since July 2021.
Wales Online
29-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Long-awaited retail park cafe has arrived but was it worth the wait
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info It's been quite a wait for coffee fans. Signs have been suggesting Black Sheep Coffee were opening a cafe at Broughton shopping centre for some two years. But on Thursday the chain - with branches around the UK - finally flung open their doors. Judging by the response so far it's clear that it's set to be a success. Franchise owners - and husband and wife team - Haris Mirza and Saba Jamshed will run the cafe - in addition to one they operate in Preston. Hari, 41, told me their Preston one took a year to be as popular as this Flintshire one is now so the future looks positive. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up (Image: David Powell) Haris said what makes Black Sheep Coffee is different is its Robusta coffee naturally contains twice as much caffeine as normal Arabica coffee beans but in a good way. It's less acidic and it's more chocolatey and nutty so it's got the right notes. "It's what drove me to open this cafe," he says. "I was literally just a customer like anyone else. I would just go and buy a regular mocha and then I just ended up taking on the franchise. (Image: David Powell) "The Robusta coffee beans come from India and the equivalent of the Arabica beans - which is the Blue Volcano which is fruitier - come from Colombia. There are other coffees as well. "There are so many options to customise - different syrups like hazelnut. caramel....., and whipped cream." Haris says it's a friendly place where staff including him and his wife chat to customers. Customers order at the front, pay at the next counter and collect at the far end. (Image: David Powell) The orders are made on one of three touch screens, much like in McDonald's or M&S cafes. There are lots of bagels, sandwiches and croissants and the like. The meal deals looked good. I went for a Chicken & chorizo farmhouse sandwich, flapjack (in a plastic wrapping) and cappuccino. The drink is from their "Blue Volcano" range and I went for added caramel. It's quite strong and rich and exactly what it's difficult to make at home. There were many Matcha drinks too. Matcha means finely-ground powder of green tea which can be added to milk, water or another drink. While here I had one with lemonade. It tastes rather like Lilt or 7UP, from back in the day, without the fizziness. And while it looks somewhat unappetising it tastes sweetish and light, and with some ice, it was a refreshing pick me up on a warm and muggy day. (Image: Reach plc) The Chicken & chorizo sandwich was on fresh bread and with a cottage cheese filling. That made it lovely and moist and it was delicious. I would have preferred the flapjack not to be in wrapping and to be a bigger square on a plate from the counter. But it was soft and fruity and a lovely snack. The decor was unpretentious, like the Black Sheep Coffee cafe I'd been to in Cardiff. This one has exposed, ventilation ducts, faux distressed plank flooring, breeze blocks and corrugated metal on one wall. They give it an industrial look. (Image: David Powell) The grey artwork personalises this branch. Striking images of two racehorses presumably hurtling around the Roodee circuit (Chester Racecourse) and Roman Chester city walls are a nice choice. It's the first Black Sheep Coffee branch in North Wales - between Clogau and Lush at Broughton retail park. And with a relatively captive audience it should do well. The facts Location: Black Sheep Coffee, Broughton retail park, Flintshire CH4 0DE. Food: Tasty and fresh with imaginative coffees, shots and Matcha teas. Service: Friendly and efficient Atmosphere: Unfussy and relaxed. The bill: Chicken & chorizo farmhouse sandwich, cappuccino with caramel shot and fruit and seed flapjack: £9.38. Verdict: A little piece of cosmopolitan life from a household chain now in North Wales too.
