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Irish Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Son of '90s singer jailed for 10 years after message identified famous dad
A 30-year-old drug dealer was put behind bars for 10 years after police tracked him down due to his famous dad. A team of specialist investigators identified him from messages about his musician father. An associate within their drug network even sent him a picture of his famous dad and made comments which confirmed their relationship. Thomas Hooton, the son of The Farm lead singer Peter Hooton, has been jailed and sentenced to 10 years and eight months for the supply of cocaine, ketamine, cannabis and heroin. The 30-year-old drug dealer, who had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply drugs, was using the name "Ownraptor" and quickly became a trusted broker of multi-million-pound drug deals. Thomas also wrote in messages that he was driving a black Audi A3 and his "arl fella", meaning his dad, had arranged the insurance. Thomas was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday. On the back of his arrest by Merseyside's Organised Crime Partnership in April this year, Thomas made the decision to plead guilty. Peter Hooton at a festival in 2016 (Image: West Lothian Courier) He had been using the messaging service EncroChat to broker his drug deals, which reportedly had the street value of an estimated £1.3 million (€1.49 million). Police were also able to detect that he had been using more than 40 names for contact and had also set up a county lines supply that covered Scotland, north-east and the south of England. A spokesperson for the National Crime Agency said: "At the very minimum, Hooton was involved in the supply of 42.5kg of cannabis, 3.25kg of heroin, 10kg of cocaine and 1kg of ketamine." They added: "His messages said he was in possession of around £400,000 (€458,000) and owed £258,000 (€295,000)." The offences which led to his arrest were reportedly between March 26 and June 4 five years ago. Detective Chief Inspector Lynsay Armbruster said: "It's clear Hooton was involved in organised crime for a long time before he was charged. His criminal and geographical reach will have taken considerable time to establish. His drug supply operations were on an almost daily basis, they were sustained and spanned the UK working with high level criminals." EncroChat was deactivated in 2020 by a European investigation team. The Mirror has reached out to Peter Hooton for a comment. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Edinburgh Live
30-06-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian mum given devastating diagnosis at routine scan despite no symptoms
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 A West Lothian mum was diagnosed with breast cancer out of the blue without suffering any symptoms. Angela Mairs was given the devastating diagnosis following a routine mammogram in March last year. After the scan she received a letter saying it had been inconclusive as she was asked to attend a follow up. According to Angela, she didn't even take her husband to the appointment as she had no reason to be concerned. Sadly, further tests showed Angela had Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), an early stage form of breast cancer. Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, Angela is now urging people to take the opportunity of screening and is set to take on a marathon-length moonlit challenge in Edinburgh. The 58-year-old, from Uphall Station, will take part in this year's MoonWalk Scotland, where women and men wear brightly decorated bras and walk 26.2 miles through the streets of Edinburgh. (Image: MoonWalk Scotland) "I was diagnosed with breast cancer out of the blue," said Angela. "It was the third mammogram I'd had since turning 50. "I'd had absolutely no symptoms beforehand - no lumps, rash or puckering of the skin, classic symptoms of possible breast cancer. Then I received a letter saying the scan had been 'inconclusive' and asking me to attend for a follow up. "I am a bit busty and thought there was simply some sort of technical issue with getting the right type of images. I didn't take my husband along to that second appointment, I wasn't concerned at all. "Everything snowballed from there. There was an area in my left breast which needed to be investigated further. I had an ultrasound scan and two biopsies and returned to see the consultant a couple of weeks later for my results. He told me I had Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), an early-stage form of breast cancer, which was a huge shock. (Image: MoonWalk Scotland) "Some cells in the lining of the ducts of the breast tissue had started to turn into cancer cells, but hadn't yet spread elsewhere. "If they hadn't been discovered when they were - by the mammogram - this would have been a real possibility. "DCIS cells look like grains of rice on scans - they're quite small, which is why I wasn't able to feel anything untoward myself." Angela had surgery to remove the cancer in June last year. Although it went well, a wound became infected. She has also had five radiotherapy sessions. Prior to Angela's surgery she received hormone therapy to slow the growth of cells, but an unfortunate side-effect is symptoms of the menopause. She has also thanked those around her for their support, including her husband Derek, 22-year-old son Jake and his partner Neve. "My friends and family have been absolutely amazing," she said. "My husband is self-employed and my friends were incredibly supportive while I was recovering from surgery, so that he could keep on working. "I felt like I had my own private 'meals on wheels' service and they gave me with lifts everywhere too. After having been off work for a large part of last year, I now feel as though I'm back to business as usual and enjoying my normal life. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "I do need to build up my stamina. Taking part in The MoonWalk Scotland in September and all the training I'll need to do beforehand will give me a fantastic focus, as I try to regain my fitness." This won't be the first time Angela has taken part in the Full Moon event, she completed it back in 2019. "I really enjoyed the night and loved the wonderful atmosphere - there were people out on the route supporting us at 2 o'clock in the morning," she recalled. Walk the Walk has already contributed millions of pounds in grants to the Breast Unit at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. Angela added: "I've well and truly used all the services at the Western General which Walk the Walk has helped to fund - the mammography unit, operating theatre and breast cancer ward. "I'm also incredibly thankful for the mammogram which discovered my cancer when it did. This wasn't detectable without a mammogram, there were no symptoms. If breast cancer is caught early enough, a lot can be done to prevent the disease spreading. "I'd urge everyone who is invited to take up the offer of getting a mammogram. It could save your life". The event has been going for the last 19 years and the date for this year's is Saturday, September 6. To sign up for The MoonWalk Scotland 2025, visit:
Edinburgh Live
24-06-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian woman sheds incredible six stone after simple 'food swaps'
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 A West Lothian woman has told how her incredible weight loss transformation put an end to "feeling miserable and depriving herself." Karen Kozlowski, from Livingston, has lost an impressive 6st 2lbs after joining Slimming World as she realised her weight was preventing her from living the life she wanted. Karen had tried losing weight in the past but never found consistent success from cutting out her favourite foods from her diet and eating completely different meals to her family. The 54-year-old admitted previous attempts even saw her stop socialising altogether, reports the West Lothian Courier. Karen has described Slimming World as "a complete game-changer" and has enjoyed fast results by making simple food swaps and enjoying "real food." She said: "I joined Slimming World and I was amazed - I lost weight without depriving myself and feeling miserable. "When I've tried to lose weight before it's always meant cutting out my favourite foods, eating something completely different to my family or to stop socialising altogether. (Image: West Lothian Courier) "But when my consultant Sue explained how Slimming World's plan worked it felt like a total game-changer. I started making simple swaps, enjoying real food and seeing results fast. "I felt the difference, and for the first time, I knew these changes were something I could stick with! As a vegetarian I find the recipes amazing and I love being able to still have curries and pasta dishes with my family. "I'm never hungry, and it's so easy to enjoy meals together as a family or with friends. Best of all, I'm giving my loved ones something weight loss surgery or drugs never could - delicious, nutritious food and healthy habits for life. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "Before joining Slimming World I was put on two different types of blood pressure medication and had severe back pain. As I have lost the weight I feel so much more confident in clothes, am no longer on blood pressure medication, have lowered my cholesterol and am now fitter than ever." Karen's weight has gone from 18st 12lb to 12st 10lb as she insisted support from her local group helped her adapt to new food plans and ideas that made all the difference. She has now built healthier habits and has remained focussed and consistent with her choices. Karen added: "I've transformed how I eat, how I think about food, and I've made regular activity part of my routine. I'm more confident than ever, and for the first time, I truly believe I can maintain my weight loss for life. "I even did the Edinburgh kilt walk last year which was something I would never considered doing before but I am super proud I have and really enjoyed it." To find your nearest Slimming World group go to or head along to Sue's group in East Calder Bowling Club every Tuesday at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm and Wednesday's on 9.30am and 11.30am. Call Sue on 07803 520781 for more information.
Daily Record
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Families enjoy a fantastic day at annual children's gala day in Armadale
Generations have taken part in fantastic events since 1900 Thousands of residents lined the streets to enjoy the annual Armadale Children's Gala Day on Saturday. The gala day first took place 125 years ago and is always a very special day in the town's calendar each year. Generation after generation have taken part in fantastic days over the decades since 1900 and this year didn't disappoint, with the good weather ensuring there was no chance of a washout. Hundreds of young people from the town took part in the procession at the event that is traditionally held on the third Saturday of June. Over 30 streets had houses decorated in different themes especially for the gala day. First place winners were situated in Dalyell Place, Drove Road, Shaw Avenue, and Southdale Avenue. A civic week precedes the gala with events including, a sports night, a quiz night, Party in the Park, a cabaret for over-50s, and the night before the big day is the highly anticipated Proclamation of Queen-elect. And at Saturday's parade there were special cheers for this year's Queen of Hearts, Molly, as she made her way through the streets. The gala committee thanked the local community via Facebook: "Big thanks again to everyone who helped and supported us, we have a truly amazing community. "Bathgate & Blackridge Committee for judging our houses, fancy dress and lorries. We are always happy to return the favour. "All the businesses and individuals who donated water - this was a really kind gesture and we were blown away with how kind our community is." Sadly, the committee is now faced a bill that could amount to around £2,500 after a marquee erected was targeted by vandals, it was daubed in graffiti and sustained fire damage. This could result in the marquee not being there next year. Portable toilets were also left damaged. To see more great photos from this year's gala day taken by members of Blackridge Camera Club, pick up a copy of the West Lothian Courier.
Edinburgh Live
12-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian woman who left 'boring' 9 to 5 says 'my brain is now clear'
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 A West Lothian woman who was sick of the 9 to 5 world has said her 'brain is now clear' after making the change. Mya Sweeney was working in a corporate estate agents, and was 'pretty bored'. The 22-year-old has since launched her own small business, caring for pets of 'all shapes and sizes', reports the West Lothian Courier. Pawefct Days with Mya offers dog walking, home boarding, small animal and reptile care, as well as check-ins and taxi services. Mya, from Eliburn, explained: "I was working full time basically, with a corporate estate agent - just two months ago, you can imagine what that entailed. "It was pretty boring, computer stuff. I'd done some volunteering in the past working with animals and thought it was so much fun. "I've always had animals and I've always been good working with them. I've a dog of my own called Peanuts, and my mum has two dogs. We've always had dogs. "I'd just got to the stage where I thought my physical and mental health just couldn't take sitting in an office on a computer any longer, so I just quit my job on the Monday by the Friday I was working full time by myself." Mya's business took off and she soon decided to increase the selection of available services on offer. I've just built it up over the past two months to where it is now. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "It was through word of mouth at first, then I got some flyers printed and I had some nice people that helped me put them around and do some social media marketing and stuff. I started off with dog walking and pet sitting, then I added cats and different types of walks," said Mya. "I'm learning as I go and offering more as I go along. "I'm covering most of Livingston, so wherever the dogs live I do a bit of research and see if there's a secure field where they can freely run, or a nature walk nearby." Mya is steering clear of neighbourhood walks, as she's more likely to come across other people's dogs and can't always tell how they will react. So far she's only had any issue with one little dog she was asked to take care of, who had never been on his own before, but Mya insists he's "all good now" once they got to know each other. Mya is already looking to enhance her business by finding herself more suitable transport, she's currently using her car. "Even though it's only been going two months I'm getting busier and I need a van," she said. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. However, if Mya thought getting away from the restrictions of an office would give her more free time, she was mistaken - but she is enjoying being her own boss. "I'm working seven days a week now. I've quit a 9-to-5 job to work 24/7," Mya joked. "It's honestly so much better. I'm always outside now and my brain is clear, it doesn't feel much like work. "I'm looking to connect with more pet owners who are looking for a trusted, caring hand. I'm excited to welcome new clients with open arms and wagging tails." Pawfect Days with Mya is on Facebook and Instagram. You can get in touch with Mya by email: pawfectdayswithmya@ or on WhatsApp: 07539 752075
