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Fury as Corrie-obsessed boy, 14, who bludgeoned his mum to death in attack inspired by soap could be moved to open jail
THE devastated partner of a woman killed by her Coronation Street-obsessed son has told of his fury at plans to move him to a low-security open prison.
Daniel Bartlam was just 14 years old when he beat Jacqui to death with a hammer in 2011 before setting her body on fire.
The murder sent shockwaves across the country after it emerged Bartlam had taken inspiration from binging episodes of Corrie featuring murder.
The Parole Board gave its backing to a bid by the killer to be moved to an open prison on account of “good behaviour”, sparking fury by heartbroken stepdad Simon Matters.
He told The Sun: “To say I’m stunned is an understatement.
“I just don’t want it. You just bury your head in the sand don’t you and you just hope that it goes away and then you’re told ‘it’s gonna be a year early’ and you think ‘oh my god’.”
Already in disbelief with a 16-year sentence, Matters said he wasn’t ready to potentially spot his partner’s killer in the street within two years.
He added: “If he’d had an argument with Jacqui and pushed her down the stairs she banged her head and died it’s different, but the fact is that he planned to kill her and he killed her. He’s totally evil.
“He toed the line over the years but that said he was a 14 year old going to prison, I don’t think he had much of a choice.
“How can you release someone for good behaviour after they did what he did?”
In January this year, he was told Bartlam was applying to an open prison and two months later he was asked to release an impact statement.
The 54-year-old declined, unaware there was a change in circumstance, only to be told in October that Bartlam may be transferred to an open prison for “good behaviour”.
It will now be up for Secretary of State Yvette Cooper to confirm the move to an open prison based on the board’s recommendation.
Twisted Bartlam was said to have a dark obsession with Corrie character John Stape who also killed a woman with a hammer, leading him to write out a detailed murder plot of his own.
On his computer, he wrote extensively about a character called Daniel Bartlam who carried out a slew of violent acts including murders, rapes and attacks.
The police found a horrifying description of the character killing his mother printed from Bartlam’s computer – a scene he acted out during the murder in Nottinghamshire.
As the fire spread from his petrol-doused mother, Bartlam took brother Dominic, six, to “get help” and convincingly lied to officers about a fictional intruder.
In the chilling script, he wrote “Jacqui died and no killer was ever found”.
The Nottinghamshire-born convict, now 27, has served 12 years since his imprisonment and must complete his full tariff before his release.
It comes amid mounting anger over a government adviser who called for thousands of inmates to be moved into open prisons to help tackle overcrowded jails.
Former Tory justice secretary David Gauke urged ministers to follow Spain, where more convicted criminals are free to work and study during the day.
‘TOUGH APPROACH’
But Reform MP Rupert Lowe described the idea as “mad”, adding: “The Tories failed on law and order for years, they made our streets less safe and now Labour are just making the problem worse by releasing hardened criminals early from prison.”
“We need to take a tough approach. Reform UK has a plan to tackle prison capacity issues, by deporting all foreign criminals and building more prison spaces.”
A Parole Board spokesman said: “We can confirm that the Parole Board recommended a move to an open conditions prison following an oral hearing for Daniel Bartlam.
“This was a recommendation only and the Secretary of State for Justice considers the advice before making the final decision on whether a prisoner is suitable for open conditions.
“We will only make a recommendation for open conditions if a Parole Board panel is satisfied that the risk to the public has reduced sufficiently to be manageable in an open prison.
The fact is that he planned to kill her and he killed her. He’s totally evil.”
Simon Matters
“A move to open conditions involves testing the prisoner’s readiness for any potential return into the community in future. Prisoners moved to open conditions can be returned to closed conditions if there is concern about their behaviour.”
They continued: “Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public.
“A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.
“Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.
“Evidence from witnesses including probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements are then given at the hearing.
“The prisoner and witnesses are then questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.”
The Ministry of Justice said it is still considering Bartlam’s move.
Cat Deeley signs HUGE new This Morning deal but makes surprise admission about her time on ITV show
CAT DEELEY has signed a bumper new deal to remain fronting embattled This Morning until 2026.
The Sun understands Cat will remain on the ITV daytime show until the spring of 2026 after landing a huge deal netting her over half a million pounds.
Cat’s new contract kicks in in March and is said to be in the realm of £600,000 for a 12 month stint.
Her co-host Ben Shephard, 50, has also agreed to extend his time on the This Morning sofa alongside her.
However, while Cat is happy to remain on the show for a further year, she has insisted to pals she “doesn’t want to be the next Holly Willoughby“.
Pals added: “Cat loves This Morning but has conceded she’ll be one of their shortest ever serving presenters.”
Holly Willoughby was on the show for 14 years while Philip Schofield hosted the programme for two decades.
Meanwhile, Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford presented This Morning for 15 years.
Cat, 48, joined This Morning alongside Ben Shepherd, 50, in February this year.
The pairing – although popular with fans – have failed to impress in the ratings.
Just over a million Brits tuned in to watch the duo make their debut in March but by May an average of just 486,000 were watching.
Earlier this month The Sun revealed how BBC bosses have upped the anti to steal This Morning’s daytime ratings crown.
They are currently beefing up their rival daytime magazine show Morning Live and extending it from 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes from the new year.
It will also move time slots to create an overlap with the once great ITV show.
While This Morning is currently floundering with six figure viewing figures, Moving Live and its star studded line up pull in around 1.1million fans daily.
Cat and Ben’s appointment came after months of turmoil following Phillip Schofield‘s messy departure from the programme in May 2023.
A source explained: “Cat was brought in alongside Ben to steady the ship and she’s done just that.
“Ratings have been tricky but the daily drama has finally ended.
“Cat signed a year-long deal with Ben last year and she’s agreed to another 12 months.
“But Cat has confided in friends she is growing tired of it and will be looking for a new challenge when this deal expires in 2026.
“Cat loves This Morning and their output, she also adores her co-hosts and the crew.
“But ultimately she has zero desire to follow in Holly’s footsteps and become a long running This Morning legend.
Cat has confided in friends she is growing tired of it and will be looking for a new challenge when this deal expires in 2026
A source
“That being said, she wants to remain loyal to the show and will see things through another year.
“Behind the scenes the chatter is ‘when’ and not ‘if’ she will call a halt to her time on the sofa.”
In a sliver of hope for ITV bosses the This Morning Christmas special pulled in 1.1 million viewers.
It marks the fifth consecutive year This Morning has won the Christmas Day morning slot between 10am and 12pm.
A source said: “December has been really strong for ITV – hopefully with Cat and Ben firmly onboard she can make 2025 a great year for the show.”
Exact date households to get £300 winter fuel payment by and what to do if you don’t
THE exact date households will get a £300 winter fuel payment from the DWP has been revealed.
The Winter Fuel Payment is a state benefit paid once a year to pensioners to help cover the cost of heating during colder months.
The handout was previously available to everyone aged above 66 and helped with high energy bills.
But Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed earlier this year the cash would only be given to retirees on pension credit, or other means-tested benefits.
From November, eligible households have received automatic payments of up to £300.
Payments have continued to be made throughout December.
Those who are eligible should have either received a letter, or should get one in the coming month, telling them how much they will be paid.
It will also explain which bank account the payment will be paid into – this is usually the same account as where Pension Credit or other benefits are usually paid.
The DWP has advised all those eligible for the cash to expect it to enter their bank accounts by January 29 at the latest.
If the payment does not come through, pensioners are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre online or by telephone.
When you contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre you will need to provide your name, address, date of birth and NI number.
Eligible pensioners should look out for a specific code to double-check that the money has been sent.
When you contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre you will need to provide your name, address, date of birth and NI number.
Eligible pensioners should look out for a specific code to double check that the money has been sent.
For those in England and Wales, the payment will appear as the customer’s National Insurance (NI) number followed by “DWP WFP”.
Whereas those in Northern Ireland should look for their NI number followed by “DFC WFP”.
If you live in England and your NI number is QQ123456B the payment would show up as QQ123456B DWP WFP.
You should check for this code before consulting DWP.
If you don’t think your winter fuel payment has come through, check for this code in your bank statement before consulting the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
And if you haven’t yet checked whether you meet the new criteria for the payment, make sure you’re up to date and know how much you’re be expecting.
Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment
You will receive the Winter Fuel Payment if you are aged 66 or above and on any of the following benefits.
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
It is worth noting that around 800,000 older people risk missing out on the £300 Winter Fuel Payment because they have not first registered for Pension Credit.
The benefit is a weekly payment from the government to those over the state pension age who have an income below a certain level.
If your claim is successful then the benefit will top up your income to £218.15 a week if you are single, or £11,343.80 a year.
It will also give you access to the Winter Fuel Payment.
f you want to check your eligibility then it is worth checking out our article here.
You can also find free-to-use online benefits calculators to work out what you’re entitled to.
For example, Age UK has an online calculator which helps you work out what benefits you could be entitled to including the Winter Fuel Payment and Pension Credit.
According to the site it takes 10 minutes to complete and you will need the following information:
- Your savings
- Your income, including your partner’s if you have one
- Any benefits or pensions you’re already claiming, including anyone you’re living with.
The calculator is free to use and confidential.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Charity Turn2Us’ benefits calculator works out what you could get.
Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.
You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Man Utd ‘launch transfer bid for left-back Nuno Mendes who is ready to QUIT PSG’
MANCHESTER UNITED have launched a transfer bid for Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes, according to reports.
And their pursuit could be boosted by suggestions that the left-back is ready to quit the French giants.
According to RMC Sport in France, negotiations over Mendes’ contract extension have hit a standstill with his current deal expiring at the end of next season.
And that has opened the door for an exit – with United ready to pounce.
It is understood the Red Devils launched an initial offer for the 22-year-old defender.
The Old Trafford giants, though, will face competition from other clubs also keen to take advantage of Mendes’ desire for a new challenge.
PSG, however, retain hope of extending his contract and are desperate not to lose the star in January.
But Mendes is said to be keen on an exit.
And United may well be his next destination where he would be reunited with Ruben Amorim.
Amorim handed Mendes his first-team Sporting debut in June 2020, just days before his 18th birthday.
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After one full season in the Sporting XI, the defender headed to PSG on loan for the 2021-22 campaign before making the switch permanent for £34million.
He has racked up three Ligue 1 titles and has established himself as Portugal’s No1 left-back.
Now the attacking full-back could be the long-term solution for United.
The club have struggled in recent years with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia plagued by injuries – forcing Erik ten Hag and now Amorim to use others to fill in.
Man Utd ratings vs Wolves
By Ken Lawrence
WOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United’s struggles continued.
The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of.
United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner.
Here is how SunSport rated the performances…
ANDRE ONANA: 4
He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal – his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected.
LENY YORO: 5
Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark.
HARRY MAGUIRE: 6
The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods – at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6
Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game.
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5
Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch – Cunha.
MANUEL UGARTE: 5
Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card.
KOBBIE MAINOO: 5
Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed.
DIOGO DALOT: 6
Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United – but he had no major influence on a poor team display.
AMAD DIALLO: 5
Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago.
BRUNO FERNANDES: 3
Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that.
RASMUS HOJLUND: 5
Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left.
SUBS
Casemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6
Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6
Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6
Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5
Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5
Stoke SACK manager Narcis Pelach after just three months in ruthless Christmas axing
STOKE have sacked manager Narcis Pelach after just three months in charge.
A 2-0 defeat to Leeds on Boxing Day was the final nail in the coffin after Pelach failed to win in nine games.
Pelach was only appointed by Stoke in September following Steven Schumacher’s shock sacking after only nine months in charge.
But he has lasted just 19 games with the Potters now 19th in the Championship, and just three points above the relegation zone.
Pelach, 34, won just three games in charge and lost five of his last six matches, leading Stoke to make the ruthless decision to sack him just after Christmas.
Sporting Director Jon Walters said: “Narcís is a talented coach with huge potential, he works relentlessly hard and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve success in the future.
“However, with the way results and performances have been in recent weeks, we have to accept with hindsight that he has proved not to be the right fit for this club at this time.
“I take full responsibility for that and I’m absolutely determined that we will now make the right choice to take us forward.
“Every decision we make is driven by our love of Stoke City and absolute determination to bring success to the club.”
Stoke have struggled since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018 and have failed to finish higher than 14th in the Championship.
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They have now gone through six different permanent managers in that time and are now on the search for Pelach’s successor.
Chairman John Coates also thanked Pelach for his efforts in his short stint, saying: “Narcís has our thanks for his around-the-clock endeavours during his time with the Club.
“He is a great person and a talented coach with a relentless work ethic and a bright future. He departs Stoke City with my very best wishes.
“I would also like to thank our fans for the outstanding way they got behind the team against Leeds United on Boxing Day, and for their continuing and unwavering support.”
Grange Hill creator rips into TV bosses saying ‘courage has gone out of broadcasting’ amid rumours BBC show could RETURN
Grange Hill’s creator has slammed TV bosses, saying they should take more chances with their storylines, amid rumours that the BBC show could return.
Sir Phil Redmond made the iconic show plus Brookside and Hollyoaks, which all featured controversial storylines.
But Grange Hill was about life in a typical London comprehensive school.
It tackled drugs, teenage pregnancy, racism, HIV and Aids. The most famous one was Zammo McGuire’s (played by heroin addiction, which supported the Just Say No anti-drugs campaign.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that “the courage has gone out of broadcasting, and there’s just too much risk aversion.”
He said that soaps should be “more gritty”, arguing that school-aged children face huge problems with social media.
He also teased fans that the iconic show, which ran for 20 years from 1978 to 1998 – could return, saying: “There is a place for something like Grange Hill.”
“From my career, I always found that the harder you made the storyline, the more you upset the regulators.
“But the audience appreciated it more because the audience lives these issues, and what they want to see is their own life put on screen as realistically as possible.”
He added that the problem was TV producers lacked real “life experience” and more should come from working-class backgrounds.
He told Sajid Javid, who guest edits The Today episode podcast, “I think the big issue you’d want to tackle is the impact of social media.
“There’s no counterpoint to that, and that’s what Grange Hill used to offer.
“It didn’t matter what the issue was… Grange Hill would always offer some solution or some way to go and ask somebody about this issue, but at the end of it, it’s basically, you’re not on your own.”
He was supported by Ofcom Chairman Sir Michael Grade, who said, “This was an amazing show.
“It changed television in more ways than I think people realise.
“Prior to Grange Hill, life was (like the world of children’s author) Enid Blyton, gentle comedy, there was (school comedy) Please Sir! on ITV, which was brilliant, but very gentle, it didn’t really deal with the angst of growing up.”
