North Shields man fined after strangling girlfriend on their bed
North Shields man fined after strangling girlfriend on their bedConnor Smith confessed to getting on top of the woman in their North Tyneside home and squeezing his hands around her neck for up to 10 secondsView Image Connor Smith leaves Newcastle Magistrates' Court. (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)A man has been fined after he strangled his girlfriend on their bed moments after he "broached" the idea of breaking up. A court heard that the pair had been out drinking and an argument broke out when they returned to their North Shields home. Both went to bed but, when Smith brought up the idea of ending the relationship, another war of words erupted. It ended with Smith snapping and getting on top of his girlfriend before putting his hands around her neck and squeezing.
Source:Daily Mirror
March 21, 2026 16:04 UTC
Edinburgh protestors exchange angry taunts as police separate groups at Holyrood
Edinburgh protestors exchange angry taunts as police separate groups at HolyroodDemonstrators clashed at Holyrood on SaturdayDemonstrators outside Holyrood on Saturday in Edinburgh (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)Police kept opposing groups separated outside the Scottish Parliament as an anti-immigration rally sparked a counter-demonstration. A group called Unite the Clans Scotland organised the rally at Holyrood, encouraging "patriots" to come together from across the country. Those from the Unite the Clans rally waved Saltire and Union flags, chanting "send them home" as they exchanged angry taunts with their opponents. Unite the Clans Scotland, which has organised other anti-immigration protests, had earlier called on its supporters to push for "meaningful change". A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Officers attended planned protest activity at Holyrood, Edinburgh, on Saturday, March 21.
Source:Daily Mirror
March 21, 2026 15:54 UTC
'Super cosy' Slaggyford country inn named Pub of the Year
Reviewers' comments include "super cosy" and "fabulous country inn". View 2 Images Kirkstyle Inn and Sportsmans Rest in Slaggyford (Image: Google Maps)While that open fire might not be called upon as spring weather, hopefully, improves, The Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman's Rest promises a warm welcome year-round. Article continues belowFor the full list of the regionwide winners at this week's North East England Tourism Awards see here. It will keep you up to date with all the latest updates on food, drink, entertainment and events in and around the North East. Did you know you can make ChronicleLive a preferred source of North East news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away?
Source:Daily Mirror
March 21, 2026 15:52 UTC
A best-man bond broken by Civil War: Kevin O’Higgins and the order for Rory O’Connor’s execution
All four had been imprisoned by the National Army shortly after the defeat of the IRA’s Four Courts garrison at the beginning of the Civil War. By order of the Free State government, the remains of the executed republicans of the Civil War were eventually handed over to their families. As controversy raged in the Dáil the next day over the executions, O’Higgins made a notable contribution. In the aftermath of the Civil War, O’Higgins emerged as one of the most capable and formidable members of the victorious Free State government. Ironically, despite his conflict over the execution of his former friend, O’Higgins became the government figure most publicly associated with the Civil War executions.
Source:The Irish Times
March 21, 2026 15:50 UTC
House of Guinness actor Danielle Galligan: ‘People say I choose interesting roles. Choose? I’m begging people to hire me!’
They will always show me the way home when I need it.”Cillian Sullivan and Danielle Galligan in Spilt Milk. “But I think it’s hard as well, because sometimes people say to you, ‘You choose such interesting roles, and tell me about that.’ Choose? “I definitely felt a lot of pressure, and I have a lot of reverence for Marian Keyes’ work,” she says. “I think the beauty of Marian Keyes is that she writes for every woman. The magic of reading a book is creating a world for yourself.”Caroline Menton (left), Marian Keyes and Danielle Galligan on the set of The Walsh Sisters.
Source:The Irish Times
March 21, 2026 15:47 UTC
‘Work from home, reduce speed’: Will energy watchdog’s tips really help Irish consumers?
As the weekend started, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released 10 measures it said could help the world deal with a staggering rise in energy costs. If someone is working from home to reduce their petrol costs, will their home energy bills not rise? The second notion from the IEA was for governments reduce speed limits by 10km/h on major roads. The IEA is also encouraging states to encourage public transport to reduce oil demand. The IEA is also suggesting states limit car access to roads in large cities through a number-plate rotation scheme.
Source:The Irish Times
March 21, 2026 15:44 UTC
Northern Lights are set to reappear over Britain tonight after they were spotted as far south as Norfolk on Friday
Brits could see the Northern Lights for the second night in a row on Saturday evening. Known as the Aurora Borealis, the bright colours were visible from as far south as Norfolk on Friday evening after a strong storm. As activity remains high on Saturday evening, it is possible the Northern Lights could be seen again. On Friday night a strong geomagnetic storm caused by a coronal mass ejection - waves of charged particles which erupt from the sun's surface - brought the Northern Lights to the UK. Friday also marked the spring equinox, during which time the Northern Lights can appear stronger because the Earth's magnetic field is aligned with the incoming solar winds.
Source:Daily Mail
March 21, 2026 15:44 UTC
Steven Gerrard gives Liverpool theory on Premier League struggles amid Arne Slot sack pressure
Steven Gerrard gives Liverpool theory on Premier League struggles amid Arne Slot sack pressureLiverpool lost to Brighton in the Premier League as their domestic football struggles continue in Arne Slot's second season and former captain Steven Gerrard has had his sayView 2 Images Steven Gerrard has a theory on Liverpool's struggles (Image: TNT Sports)Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard believes Arne Slot currently lacks the depth to compete in both the Champions League and the Premier League following the Reds' defeat to Brighton. The Reds currently sit in fifth in the division, in a battle for qualification for the Champions League, having lost ten matches in a season for the first time in a decade. Brighton star Danny Welbeck scored a goal either side of Milos Kerkez's strike, with the Liverpool defender nipping in to capitalise on Lewis Dunk's error. "We have seen it quite a few times this season now where they put a lot of effort, perform really well on the Champions League stage," Gerrard offered on TNT Sports. For his part, Slot accepts that he is under pressure, despite guiding Liverpool to a league title last season.
Source:Daily Mirror
March 21, 2026 15:41 UTC
Donald Trump is not a 'transactional' President
Donald Trump is not a 'transactional' President - that's why nobody rushed to help him in IranWhy Donald Trump shouldn't be surprised when he asks other countries to risk blood and treasure to clean up his mess and they turn around and say 'nah, you're alright'The one thing EVERYONE gets wrong about Donald TrumpDonald Trump seems genuinely surprised and affronted by the reluctance of America's allies to row in behind him in Iran. To recap, Trump bombed Iran without a plan for the most blindingly obvious consequence of his action. But more fundamentally, because there's been a misconception about Donald Trump's nature, and the nature of his second Presidency. From day dot of Trump 2.0, a word has been used about him that is as nebulous as it is inaccurate: "Transactional". The word 'transactional' implies that both sides are likely to get something out of it.
Source:Daily Mirror
March 21, 2026 15:41 UTC
Heartbroken warring exes Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong cremate their beloved Labrador Hurley... and split his ashes 50/50
Ant McPartlin and ex-wife Lisa Armstrong's beloved dog Hurley has been cremated - and the feuding exes have divided his ashes in half. Following Hurley's death, Ant, 50, jetted off to Portugal, while Lisa, 49, headed for Los Angeles, to grieve for their much-loved dog. A friend said: 'Ant and Lisa agreed to share Hurley's ashes 50/50. 'Ant has already collected his ashes, while Lisa intends to do likewise when she returns from her trip. Lisa Armstrong, ex-wife of TV star Ant McPartlin, is devastated at the death of their beloved brown Labrador, Hurley.
Source:Daily Mail
March 21, 2026 15:38 UTC
Child (7) injured in fall from balcony in Waterford released from hospital
Photograph: Regina SmithOne of the two children injured in a fall from a second-storey apartment balcony on Friday in Waterford city has been released from hospital. Sister and brother Nevaeh (7) and Jayden (3) O’Neill fell from the balcony at Mount Suir apartments in Gracedieu at 10.40am. A number of ambulances, fire units, gardaí and Waterford City and County Council officials have been attending the incident at Block C, Mount Suir apartments, in Waterford city. Nevaeh was discharged from hospital on Friday night and returned home to her parents Ryan O’Neill and Regina Smith. In a statement Waterford City and County Council said it has been notified of a serious incident at the Mount Suir Apartment complex in Waterford City on Friday, March 20th.
Source:The Irish Times
March 21, 2026 15:33 UTC
Get on trend with these four lighter red wines from the Loire
I tend to drink lighter red wines throughout the year, but they are even more welcome in brighter weather. Gamay, pinot noir and cabernet franc are three of my favourite grapes, so it is not surprising that I have always been a huge fan of the red wines of the Loire. Yet the rise in temperature due to climate change and our growing preference for lighter wines mean that these wines should now be right on trend. In the Loire, it produces lighter ethereal wines with real elegance and fresh red summer fruits. La Petite Perrière Pinot Noir 2024 Vin de FranceLa Petite Perrière Pinot Noir 2024 Vin de France13%, €10 down from €12.79Soft ripe raspberry and red cherry fruits.
Source:The Irish Times
March 21, 2026 15:31 UTC
Four of Ireland’s best food destinations for restaurants, pubs and local produce
And, if you’re still hungry, you can peruse the town’s weekly farmers’ market in Market Square from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays. Ciaran FitzGerald of The Blue Haven Hotel (from €140 per room) cites local food provenance as a clear advantage, although he generously points out that the whole of Ireland can offer up marvellous meals these days. This tiny restaurant menu puts the spotlight firmly on vegetables, with Nealon’s 2026 Michelin award for service also to the fore. The Taste and Tour extravaganza begins in Belfast foodie treasure St George’s Market, a large indoor market hall built in the late 1800s. We marvel at the teenager-filled queues for ice cream at Mackles and admire the local menu at Niall McKenna’s Bib Gourmand restaurant, Waterman.
Source:The Irish Times
March 21, 2026 15:30 UTC
How to successfully divide plants in spring – The Irish Times
Instead, the two optimum times of year for propagation by division are autumn (considered best for most spring or early summer flowering perennials), and spring (considered best for most late summer and autumn-flowering perennials). I use the word “best” here intentionally, because the truth is that the vast majority of perennial plants can be successfully divided in both these seasons. [ How can I start growing my own plants from seed this spring?Opens in new window ]Closely inspect it for any weeds, which should be carefully removed. The roots of lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis), for example, are shallow, fibrous, and relatively easy to lift and divide. It’s important to temporarily fence these reseeded areas off from use to allow the new grass plants to properly establish.
Source:The Irish Times
March 21, 2026 15:30 UTC
Trump says US considering 'winding down' Iran war
Trump says US considering 'winding down' Iran warPresident Donald Trump said the U.S. was considering "winding down" its military operation against Iran, as Iran and Israel traded attacks on Saturday and Iranian media said the nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz had been attacked. Trump and his administration have sent mixed messages about U.S. goals throughout the war, now entering its fourth week, leaving traditional U.S. allies struggling to respond. "We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran," Trump said on Truth Social. Vital energy infrastructure in Iran and neighbouring Gulf states has been attacked, sending oil prices up 50% and threatening a global economic shock. Trump had also accused NATO allies, which have not been consulted about the war, of cowardice over their reluctance to help open the Strait of Hormuz.
Source:Irish Independent
March 21, 2026 15:21 UTC