Latest News

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

ARIES

March 21 to April 20

Your underlying Mars self could cause complications in family talks – so beware of making drama when direction is what’s needed.

You don’t like being told what to do, but turning this into more of a mutual conversation is perfectly possible.

A name you thought gone forever can return with a flash of attraction.

 TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

Try your absolute best to keep a conversation on the chosen topic today, and save any diversions for another time.

Ticking results off a set list can speed up when you start to listen and engage fully.

Looking at how you spend your free time flags up areas ready for change – slowly at first, then more speedily.

GEMINI

A eating location can be where you first encounter your soulmate – but do bear in mind the attraction may not be instant.

Give all introductions ample time, all day today.

If you’re attached, Venus could spur partners to seek escape in outside activities – but your shared inner world matters most.

CANCER

June 22 to July 22

Your personal Mars effect isn’t always comfortable, as it involves speaking out, and maybe acting up.

But getting noticed is important today – so be ready to do whatever is required to make this happen.

Your moon magic is tactful – so you can send subtle love signals and know they will be seen, and appreciated.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

LEO

July 23 to August 23

Maybe you don’t see why you should hide how you really feel – but the question is, are the people around you ready for this?

More preparation time today can pave the way for a smoother path to a starry celebrity future.

Pluto’s reluctance to toe a love-line can spur you on to find a sexier way to be together.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Best friends may not make the most noise – so your planet task today is to ensure all voices are heard.

Being prepared to hear every side of an argument, not just your own, unblocks a money stalemate, gets everyone working and spending in tune.

The relative with the widest social circle can be a love link.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Getty

Your ruler Mars has a hand in your learning from mistakes, without you feeling pride is compromised[/caption]

LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

Your dearest wish is harmony – but there may be no quick fix for this, especially at home.

So sit with an issue as long as it takes until a solution emerges, then you can be sure it’s the best option for everyone.

Your passion energy is so strong that you only have to picture the perfect future for the first step to happen.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Your ruler Mars has a hand in your learning from mistakes, without you feeling pride is compromised.

The more you reveal today, the greater the potential rewards.

So ask yourself why you insist on holding something special back.

A journey with two potential end points becomes clearer when you simply start moving.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

Deep dreams of being or living somewhere else can come true with the moon and Mars’ cross-chart connection.

Suddenly you can see a clear Sagittarius horizon – where before there was only fog.

This time round, do ensure you don’t leave any exit route for someone you really want to stay as part of your future.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

When you decide to lead a family, things can happen fast – so only share feelings when you are sure of your status.

Or you could end up sidelined.

If you’re in love, pretending you don’t need promises when deep down you know you do, is a risky strategy – so think it through again.

Luck links to a recent change of role.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Supplied

Your sign is Saturn-supported adding a layer of reliability to romance[/caption]

AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

Pluto puts your needs first – and today, so should you.

Even if this means walking away from a half-done deal. You know there can be something better out there for you.

A new introduction may seem super-annoying at first, but give this time as genuine attraction can be hiding.

You will adore every moment of finding it.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

PISCES

February 19 to March 20

Contests that ask for instant answers are tailor-made for your chart, as you have the fastest responses in the zodiac right now.

Your sign is Saturn-supported adding a layer of reliability to romance.

If you feel existing feelings aren’t enough to carry a couple forward, add fresh ones.

Single? The One is a wordsmith.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

IT’S International Women’s Day today – an opportunity to celebrate females across the globe.

Marked by millions, it’s a chance to empower women and hail their achievements.

But it’s also a time for raising awareness of the barriers which still hold many girls back.

And this year’s theme is all about “accelerating action for equality”.

Today, four inspiring women write for the Scottish Sun about what equality and empowerment means to them.

Elaine C Smith is a BAFTA Scotland-winning veteran actress, best known for her roles in TV’s Rab C. Nesbitt and Two Doors Down, who fears equality is slipping away for many.

Hibs player Ciara Grant, who’s had stints with Hearts and Rangers and is also studying to be a doctor, hopes the future is bright for women in football, and sport in general.

Our own Scottish Sun columnist, actress and presenter Zara Janjua, writes about the women who inspired her.

And finally, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes speaks out about why it’s vital we strive for equal rights for the all girls and women of the future.

---

ELAINE C SMITH

PA

Elaine C Smith is one of Scotland’s most celebrated women.[/caption]

THERE was a time not that long ago when I thought the world had moved on so much that maybe we didn’t need an International Women’s Day.

I’d hoped that with all the positive signs in the last 40 years — women in positions of power in the media, the arts, business, politics, the police — maybe things had changed. I hoped it showed equality was nearer than ever.

But sadly, it actually seems further away than ever as we witness a backlash of hatred and violence against women that makes me fear for my daughters and granddaughter, as well as women and girls worldwide.

We’re living in Trump’s world now, a world where women are seen as lesser, a good ol’ boys’ attitude that wants to turn the clock back to when men ruled the world.

They believe equality has gone too far, so it’s time for a reset — and women and girls are the casualties. And worse is that thousands of women voted for those men, wanting to hand any power gained away, in a belief that their daddies or husbands or male bosses are better at running things and telling them right from wrong.

So it’s with a heavy heart that I write this — I actually believe there’s more of a need than ever for the day. A day to remind us all of the plight of so many women, but also to celebrate, support and highlight the achievements and strength of so many women.

I’ve just been awarded the Freedom of the city of Glasgow — a huge honour for me. I have since discovered only four women before me have ever received this — and the last was in 1969!

When I think of all the amazing women from this part of the world, and what they’ve achieved, I can’t believe so few have been honoured among all the men.

So tonight I will be celebrating their achievements, and the love and support they and this city have shown me, and raising a glass to all deserving women.

Happy International Women’s Day — C’MON THE BURDS!

---

KATE FORBES

Alamy

Kate Forbes says we need to strive for even better equality.[/caption]

TODAY I will speak at the Scottish Women’s Convention event for International Women’s Day – the theme this year is “Gie’s Peace”.

Given everything that is going on in the world at this current moment, I think that it’s a very apt message.

This International Women’s Day provides us with a timely opportunity to show solidarity to women and girls across the globe, not least those on the frontline of conflict and war in Ukraine, in the Middle East and in Sudan.

But women in Scotland also need to live in peace and security. They must be able to live their lives free from discrimination, violence, abuse and harassment.

They must be empowered to break the cycle of outdated gender stereotypes, sexism and misogyny. There has, of course, been progress made when it comes to women’s equality in Scotland — reform of the law on domestic abuse; free period products; the doubling of early years education and childcare; the Scottish Child Payment; and the work that I am taking forward to improve the experiences for women entrepreneurs and women in business.

When I think about women’s empowerment and how we continue making progress, I think about my daughter, Naomi, and my stepdaughters.

I want them to grow up in a world which consigns the gender pay gap to history; where systemic under-representation of women is a thing of the past; where women don’t have to fear harassment, abuse, domestic and sexual violence on a daily basis.

Clearly, there is a great deal of work to do to get to that point.
And while it is right to celebrate the progress we have made thus far, we must not let it mask the deep-seated inequalities which still exist in our society.

And we must continue to fight with, and for, those who don’t yet have the freedoms we can sometimes take for granted

---

ZARA JANJUA

WHEN I landed my first proper job as a journalist at STV, one person saw something in me I hadn’t yet seen in myself.

Andrea Brymer, STV Aberdeen’s news anchor, recognised my potential as a presenter.

Without obligation or gain, she took me under her wing. She taught me how to read from an autocue, convinced the gallery and studio teams to stay late so I could re-record bulletins and helped me create a showreel.

Within six months, I was on screen as a presenter — a move that ignited every adventure since.

Acting, radio hosting, stand-up, writing — it all traces back to the moment someone said, “I believe in you”.

Nobody asked Andrea to do that. That’s the power of mentorship. I’ve been lucky to meet phenomenal women who took chances on me, sometimes before I was ready.

They gave me space to fail and the confidence to keep going because failing forward is how we grow.

Opportunity is freedom. The ability to choose your career, your ambitions — that’s real empowerment.

And I am fiercely protective of my freedom. But freedom isn’t just about mindset. It must be tangible.

It’s affordable childcare, so women aren’t forced to choose between career and family. It’s equal pay, because financial independence is power.

It’s having the space to chase dreams you never knew you had. It’s about representation, so the next generation grows up seeing women in leadership, in boardrooms, in politics and in places where decisions are made.

Mentorship, visibility and access to opportunities change lives.
Women don’t just need a seat at the table — they need to know they belong at the very head of it.

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the women who took a chance on us, and be those women for someone else.

---

CIARA GRANT

x.com/HibernianWomen

Ciara Grant hopes to inspire other women with big dreams.[/caption]

I GREW up in a generation where, for women, it wasn’t a straightforward moment to play football.

A lot of my core memories as a kid are playing with my brothers and playing on boys’ teams right up until the age of 14.

I was building skills, my confidence, resilience and not really caring what other parents or other people thought.

Then I was very lucky to get on the Irish under-age set-up at a young age and a lot of different opportunities came my way.

I got to travel the world at 16, which empowered me to believe in myself and believe that, as a woman and a female athlete, I’ve achieved more than a lot of the men out there that were playing.

That’s probably all in reflection. At the time, I was just doing something that I loved and trying to put my whole heart and soul into every opportunity that came my way.

If you’d asked me then if I thought I could be a professional footballer, I would have said no.

So I’m grateful for the kind of career that I’ve had. I’ve been allowed to become a professional footballer and I didn’t miss the boat like a lot of good players before me did.

Now I’m trying to use that platform to empower others. There’s a lot of young girls coming up to the team.

We have 16 and 17-year-olds training with us and they have a whole career ahead of them.

Probably another 16 years ahead of them playing professional football — and that’s something that really excites me for the future.

I try to be a good role model within the club and the community of sport as well. It’s about empowering all women to believe that they can do whatever they want.

It doesn’t have to be sports. It’s just giving young girls and young women the confidence to go after their dream and go after what they want to do.

AN EastEnders fan was left stunned as he bumped into a show villain in an IKEA aisle.

The actor left soap fans horrified when his alter-ego took advantage of one of the show’s most beloved characters.

BBC

An EastEnders villain has been spotted in an IKEA[/caption]

BBC

Pastor Clayton had sexually assaulted fan-favourite character Yolande[/caption]

Howard Saddler played the role of Pastor Clayton in EastEnders from 2023 until he was axed last year.

The holy man sexually assaulted Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) and subsequently denied the crime.

When she eventually went to the police, the sicko denied her justice and took his own life in upsetting scenes.

But now, months after his final scenes in Walford, Howard has been spotted by a stunned soap enthusiast.

The actor was shopping in an IKEA when the eagle-eyed EastEnders viewer clocked him.

Posting a selfie with the star, the fan said: “I had the privilege of meeting Howard Saddler today.”

The pair could be seen smiling in the middle of the Swedish furniture store for the snap.

Other fans flooded the threat with comments, as one replied: “I had to think twice who he was! I am always amazed how actors can look like different people because of their facial expressions.”

A second said: “It’s not often you bumped into someone who was in EastEnders, only last year.”

“I was gobsmacked when I spotted him in the background of that famous scene in the Office with Ricky Gervais dancing,” said a third.

While a fourth said: “How nice! He looks like he’s very friendly and approachable.”

MAFS Australia has been rocked by another scandal as controversial groom Tim secretly slid into the DMs of a former show bride.

MAFs sar Eden Harper has revealed he sent her messages while he was still on honeymoon with his new wife Katie.

Nine

A Married At First Sight Australia groom was texting another woman on his honeymoon[/caption]

Channel 9

MAFS star Katie has already been left in tears by Tim[/caption]

Nine

Eden Harper appeared on MAFS Australia last year and has shared his messaged in a TikTok[/caption]

Eden, who was matched with Jayden on last year’s season, shared the shocking messages in a TikTok video, leaving fans stunned.

In the clip, she explained that she initially thought Tim was reaching out to ask for advice about Mafs but after watching his antics on the show, she’s had second thoughts.

“I got this DM during honeymoon week of MAFS 2025 and I just thought it was someone asking for advice,” she said.

“But this is so f*cked up after watching last night.”

Tim’s message was also riddled with typos.

Appearing to be sent late at night, it read: “Hey been so refreshing listening to the interview on Yahoo.

“I’m on MAFS atm and. Now and so un sure. Hope to soon soon.”

Fans were left baffled by the barely coherent message, with one commenting: “He’s a teacher and he can’t even write a proper sentence with correct grammar and punctuation. Oh dear.”

Eden replied to Tim’s DM a few hours later at 6 a.m., seemingly trying to be supportive.

She said: “Hey! Hope you’re doing all good in there! It can be rough at times.”

She captioned her video: “We stand with Katie.”

Viewers have been rallying around Katie since the start of the season, as Tim’s behaviour has sparked backlash, with many calling him “the most hated groom” of the year.

Fans were quick to slam Tim’s actions in the comments:
“If there’s one thing men have, it’s audacity,” one person wrote.

Another added: “He couldn’t even wait until he got home?!”

Fans were left fuming when primary school teacher Tim, 37, could not hide his disappointment at being matched with bubbly Katie on the show.

OUTRAGE AT GROOM

Last night, MAFS fans watched in horror as Tim brutally rejected Katie.

Speaking to the camera, the groom slated his bride, as he insisted she was nothing like what he “would have wanted”.

Having pulled a producer to the side, he exclaimed: “What the f***?”

He continued: “Totally not what I wanted.

“It’s not good. I normally go just short, blonde. petite.

“Katie is like nothing that I would normally go for.”

Still raging, he said: “There’s no attraction, there’s nothing there and I can tell straight away. It’s just sort of like…”

He was then interrupted by the crew member who rightly pointed out: “You don’t even know her yet?!”

Tim spat back: “I know but if there is just nothing there – what do you do?

“It’s disappointing and I’m a bit embarrassed that I’ve come here now.”

Still attempting to talk sense into him as he appeared adamant he would not return to his seconds-old marriage with Katie, the producer said to Tim: “You can’t judge someone straight away from that short amount of time.”

Getting irate, Tim said: “I don’t want to be here, this is f***ed.

“I just feel like I’ve wasted my time. I just want to run away!”

Channel 4

Tim was matched with bubbly Katie on the show[/caption]

Channel 4

Fans have slammed Tim after he brutally rejected his beautiful bride[/caption]

TEMPLEGATE takes on the last Saturday of racing before Cheltenham confident of building the bank for the Festival.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

MEETMEBYTHESEA (1.50 Sandown, nap)

He can kick off what should be a massive week for owner JP McManus who has a host of chances at the Cheltenham Festival. This five-year-opened his account with two good victories around Ludlow before matching that form at Doncaster last time. The handicapper could have been harsher than the opening mark of 128 with top-quality claimer Callum Pritchard taking off a handy 5lb. Trainer Ben Pauling is in good form and can follow up last year’s win in this tough contest.

BATMAN GIRAC (2.25 Sandown, nb)

Willie Mullins sends him over for a crack at this Imperial Cup and the £100,000 bonus for following up at Cheltenham. It’s the first time in a decade that the champion trainer has fired a dart at this race and this five-year-old has Grade 1 form on his CV. He took a tumble at Leopardstown last time when going really well and is capable of bouncing back.

FINAL VOYAGE (2.45 Wolverhampton, treble)

He was a close-up second in this race 12 months ago and has been laid out for another crack by trainer Johnny Murtagh. He went close at Dundalk last time and the excellent Billy Loughnane is in the saddle.

Templegate’s big race verdicts

SANDOWN

1.50

MEETMEBYTHESEA can strike on this handicap debut after three excellent runs at novice level.

He had little trouble in seeing off The Kemble Brewery at Ludlow in December before returning to score there again last time.

He has an excellent 5lb claimer in Callum Pritchard on board and shapes as though this longer trip will be ideal for Sunracing’s Ben Pauling who won this last year.

He can kick off what should be a massive week for owner JP McManus with a win.

Paul Nicholls has a good recent record in this and his Belliano was impressive at Market Rasen last time.

He is a proven stayer who should be in the mix under Harry Cobden.

The Kemble Brewery hasn’t run since being beaten by my fancy but he’s another who should improve for this stiffer test of stamina. Top weight doesn’t help though.

George’s Lad stayed on strongly when scoring at Doncaster last time and looks pretty solid each-way for Emma Lavelle.

Kepler’s Law won well at Leicester and looks the pick of the huge prices.

2.25

BATMAN GIRAC has held his own at Grade 1 level and was right in contention for a red-hot handicap at Leopardstown latest before falling.

Willie Mullins wouldn’t send him over if he hadn’t recovered from that and he looks on a fair handicap mark.

Spirits Bay ran well behind Constitution Hill last time after some good handicap efforts.

He likes this trip and is another who could be ahead of the handicapper.

Go Dante won this 12 months ago and has been laid out for a repeat.

He is 2lb lower this time around and his form should improve plenty today.

Bo Zenith has had his problems but he was beaten in a photo for a Grade 1 at his best and needed the run at Ascot last time. He has enough quality to figure.

3.00

CHARISMA CAT finished like a train when second in this grade at Market Rasen last time.

She was forced back onto the worst ground at a crucial stage and the line came a few strides too soon. She can make amends here.

Dream Shadow was a place back in third there and can follow the tip home again.

Supreme Malinas came home strongly when third at Windsor last time. She is proven in this grade and has place claims under a 4lb penalty.

A Path To Ronda won easily on debut at Uttoxeter and deserves this crack at stronger company.

3.35

GOSHEN’s last win came over fences at Exeter four runs ago from 2lb higher and he ran a cracker here last month when third in much stronger company than this over hurdles.

You are always taking a big risk with this quirky customer but he’s best going right-handed and is a fair price to strike.

Dreaming Blue was a good second here last time and is on a fair mark. He stays strongly and jumps well so should go close.

Hoe Joly Smoke was excellent when winning here in December before a poor Newbury run. He’s been given a break since then and could bounce back.

HEREFORD

2.05

WILLIETHEBUILDER has some decent hurdles form in the book and has always looked a chaser in the making.

He is best over this trip and it isn’t the deepest race to be making his handicap debut.

He can go close under Tristan Durrell who takes off a valuable 3lb.

Western General had ten lengths in hand when winning at Wincanton last month.

He isn’t the most reliable and followed a win at Newton Abbot last year with a couple of stinkers.

He’s up 10lb but a repeat would see him on the premises.

Hypotenus has yet to score over fences but was a solid third at Sandown last time.

He’s had a nudge down the weights which should help.

Mackenberg may be happier on this quicker ground but needs a lot more to score in first-time cheekpieces.

WOLVERHAMPTON

2.45

FINAL VOYAGE was just pipped by Kingdom Come in this race 12 months ago and they can fight out the finish again.

Johnny Murtagh’s raider is 1lb better off this time and has the excellent Billy Loughnane on board.

He could be drawn better but has been laid out for this race and ran a cracker at Dundalk last time.

Kingdom Come hasn’t won since taking this and Clive Cox has kept him off the track to protect his handicap mark.

He’ll have him fit and ready to go here.

Local Hero has been in good form at Kempton with a win before a slightly unlucky fourth last time.

He could still be ahead of the handicapper and likes this trip.

Symbol Of Light came right back to his best when scooting in at Southwell and has place claims despite an 8lb rise.

Whip Cracker was on the podium in a couple of Listed races on turf last year so has class but may need this comeback run.

3.20

ROYAL ZABEEL looks a big price for a horse that’s been running well in some hot all-weather handicaps.

He clocked a blistering time when scoring at Southwell in December before following up over course and distance.

He possibly went a bit quick when just collared at Southwell last time but there was only a neck in it. He’s fit and should be right there again.

Jabaara was second in the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes last summer but we haven’t seen her since she was first past the post in a Glorious Goodwood Group 3. She’ll go very close if fit.

Al Shabab Storm was a Listed winner last season and his liking for Chester bodes well for this tight track. He is interesting on debut for Marco Botti.

Fair Angellica ended last season with a good run in a Donny Group 3 and has winning form on the sand over this trip.

She’s another with an absence to overcome but can’t be ignored.

Templegate’s tips

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

A DOUBLE murderer has been executed by firing squad – the first time in 15 years a convict has chosen to die by the gun.

Brad Sigmon kept breathing after special bullets were shot at his heart by three volunteer riflemen at the South Carolina Department of Corrections in Columbia on Friday evening.

AFP

Brad Sigmon, 67, has been executed by firing squad in South Carolina[/caption]

AP

Reuters

Protesters gathered outside the South Carolina Department of Corrections ahead of the execution[/caption]

Court documents

David and Gladys Larke were murdered by Brad with a baseball bat in 2001[/caption]

Sigmon, 67, was convicted of beating to death with a baseball bat his ex-girlfriend’s parents, David and Gladys Larke, at their Taylors home in 2001.

He chose the firing squad over the electric chair or lethal injection, which he feared would cook him alive and make it feel like he was drowning.

The death row inmate of 23 years wore a black jumpsuit with a hood over his head as he was strapped into a chair.

A bullseye target showed the executioners where to shoot as they took aim from 15ft away behind a curtain.

Sigmon breathed heavily as he awaited the rain of bullets.

All three gunmen opened fire at the same time, in front of about a dozen witnesses.

Sigmon tensed briefly when he was shot, the target was blasted off his chest, and he appeared to give another breath or two as a red stain spread across his chest.

A doctor entered the death chamber to examine Sigmon about a minute later, before declaring him dead at 6:08 p.m.

Gerald “Bo” King, Sigmon’s lawyer, said the decision was because he feared a lack of transparency could be covering up how painful these methods really are.

Sigmon made a last gasp for life on Wednesday, when he pleaded with the Supreme Court to halt his execution.

He argued that South Carolina’s refusal to disclose information about its lethal injection procedure violates his due-process rights.

Gerald “Bo” King, Simgon’s lawyer, said it took around 20 minutes for the last three men executed in the state to die from the lethal injection.

He said Sigmon faced “an impossible choice” between bullets that will “break the bones in his chest and destroy his heart” and a having his “lungs filling with blood and fluid” after the injection.

Bo also said Sigmon avoided the chair because he feared it would “burn and cook him alive”.

A group of protesters holding signs with messages such as “All life is precious” and “Execute justice not people” gathered outside the prison before Sigmon’s execution.

BRUTAL MURDER

Sigmon pulped the couple in April 2001, just a week after breaking up with their daughter, Rebecca Barbare.

He and Rebeca had been in a relationship for around three years, living in a trailer park near David and Gladys’s home.

After a night of crack cocaine and drinking, Sigmon told a friend he was going to “get Becky for leaving him” and would “tie her parents up”, according to court documents.

When Rebecca took her kids to school, Sigmon showed up at her parents’ house armed with a baseball bat.

He bludgeoned them alternately, striking each nine times over the head.

AP

A 2014 photo of Brad Sigmon[/caption]

AP

Three volunteer gunmen fired rounds at Sigmon[/caption]

Getty

David’s “skull was […] almost broken in two”, the court heard during the 2002 trial.

Sigmon then stole David’s gun and waiting for Rebecca to get back.

He marched her into the car at gunpoint but she managed to escape, fleeing as he blasted shots in her direction, according to the court docs.

The murderer fled the state but was captured after 11 days on the run in Tennessee.

When he was arrested, Sigmon told detectives he had planned to murder Rebecca and then turn the gun on himself.

He said: “I couldn’t have her. I wasn’t going to let anybody else have her.”

RARE METHOD

Just three convicts have been executed by firing squad in the US since 1976 – and all of them in Utah.

Rebecca, Sigmon’s ex, told USA Today she does not believe in the death penalty, but that he “should answer for what he’s done”.

Randy Gardner, brother of Ronnie Lee Gardner, the last man to be killed by firing squad in the US, has slammed the fact the method still exists.

Reuters

South Carolina lets convicts on death row choose their execution method out of lethal injection, electric chair or firing squad[/caption]

Getty

South Carolina allows spectators to watch executions of convicts[/caption]

Reuters

The South Carolina Department of Corrections, where Sigmon was executed[/caption]

He said: “I think its horrendous. I think it’s very barbaric.

“I didn’t witness my brother’s execution, but I got to see his body after.

“I’ve got the autopsy photos of what it looked like, and it’s just mutilated my brother’s body. I think it’s terrible.”

Randy said he is against capital punishment entirely, adding: “To me, it’s revenge.”

The majority of executions in South Carolina are by electrocution, though the three most recent were by lethal injection.

But it has posed some issues.

Some states have struggled to get hold of the required drugs due to an EU ban on selling them.

And in some cases, executioners have found it difficult to hit a vein with the needle.

In January, autopsy reports revealed that convicts suffered pain similar to the sensation of drowning as they were executed with the injection.

Citing the reports, the US Department of Justice withdrew its lethal injection protocol for federal executions.

There are just five states nationwide that still offer the death method.

PLANS to shake-up AI copyright rules could be in breach of international law, a top barrister warned yesterday.

Nicholas Caddick KC said the Government could be taken to court over its proposal to let tech tycoons feed their algorithms for free using the works of British artists, filmmakers and writers.

Getty

Plans to shake-up AI copyright rules could be in breach of international law, a top barrister warned[/caption]

Under the plans put forward by ministers, in order to stop AI bosses fleecing creative works, owners would have to formally “opt-out”.

In a legal opinion for the Publishers Association, Mr Caddick said the move could be a breach of World Trade Organisation convention, which the UK is party to.

The KC’s opinion has been sent in a letter to Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer.

The top barrister said: “There are strong reasons for arguing that in creating such an exception the UK government would be acting in breach of an international treaty to which the UK is a party — namely the Berne copyright convention.”

He adds: “The imposition of the exception may well be challenged by way of judicial review.”

Stars including Elton John and Paul McCartney, and every major newspaper in the UK, have urged the government to stop its “existential” plan to change copyright rules.

They say the proposals would likely be a death knell for the UK’s £125bn creative industry.

Responding to the legal opinion, Catriona MacLeod Stevenson, general counsel and deputy chief executive of the Publishers Association, said: “We urge the government to consider extremely carefully the risk that a new copyright exception contravenes the UK’s obligations under the Berne Convention and other international treaties.

“There is an opportunity now that the consultation has closed to pause on the exception and opt-out conversation and focus instead primarily on bringing in the transparency regulations that will support a fair and growing market for AI licensing.”

A spokesman for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said: “Our consultation into AI and copyright closed this week and we will now consider the full range of thousands of responses we have received through.

“No decisions will be taken until we are absolutely confident we have a practical plan that gives certainty to British AI companies and protects the rights of our creatives.”

CRISTIANO RONALDO sensationally called a lookalike an “ugly” version of himself.

A CR7 doppelganger captured the eyes of Al-Nassr fans ahead of their Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Shabab on Friday night.

The unidentified man played up his resemblance to the footie icon by styling his hair the same way and wearing a Portugal top.

He soon came to the attention of Ronaldo, who took time out of his warm-up to speak to him.

The 40-year-old said: “Bro, you don’t look like me. You don’t look like me.”

And as he retreated to continue warming up, he jokingly said: “You are very ugly.”

Footage of the incident went viral, and footie fans around the world couldn’t help but comment.

One said: “Ronaldo is funny, man.”

Another said: ” Does that mean Ronaldo called himself ugly?”

And another said: “Ronaldo keeping it real.”

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS

One remarked: “I guess when you’re the GOAT, even the jokes are on another level! At least the fan got a story to tell for life!”

Another chimed in: “I love his sense of humor hehe. Bro made his day…smiling, shining.”

Al Nassr were on course to run out 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Ayman Yahya and Ronaldo, the latter of whom has now found the back of the net 26 times this campaign.

But Mohammed Al Shwirekh made sure the spoils were shared with a 67th-minute equaliser.

Ronado and his Al-Nassr team-mates will be back in action on Monday night, hosting Esteghal FC in the second-leg of their AFC Champions League last 16 tie.

MOTORISTS have been warned of a new check after authorities launched a scheme to crack down on fraudulent “ghost MOTs”.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is trying to reduce the number of fraudulent MOT pass certificates issued by centres across the UK.

Getty

Motorists have been warned of a major change to the MOT test[/caption]

Testers at fraud centres often issue a pass certificate for a vehicle that did not even enter the garage for testing. 

Not only is it an illegal practice, it could also lead to potentially dangerous vehicle faults, putting all motorists at risk.

To avoid this, testers at MOT centres could soon be required to take pictures of the cars while they are being checked for the passed certificate.

The pictures should show the front or rear of a vehicle and the number plate must be clearly visible.

Testers would then be required to submit the pictures to the official MOT website.

The upload technology will prevent pre-stored pictures being used, AutoexpressUK reports.

A DVSA spokesperson said in a statement: “We know ghost MOTs account for nearly 80 per cent of all fraudulent MOTs, making it a clear area for us to tackle.

“Knowing if a vehicle is where it should be at the time of test should reduce the number of MoTs carried out when the vehicle isn’t present. 

“Potentially, both authorised examiners and DVSA will be able to see the images stored against the test record, and this will help all of us to crack down on fraud. 

“It will enable us to focus our efforts on helping garages do the right thing, but also free up time to focus on those who are not and deal with them accordingly.”

Meanwhile, dozens of classic cars could face MOT tests for the first time to remain on UK roads.

At the moment, vehicles above the age of 40 are not legally required to undergo the annual safety check. 

This is provided that the motors have not been substantially modified from when they were new.

But more than two in five who responded to a Department for Transport (DfT) public consultation agreed that safety checks should be introduced for cars more than 40 years old.  

The consultation, which had just over 1,000 respondents, asked whether MOTs or similar checks should be made mandatory for classic and historic cars.

Although no decision has been made, it is a sign that the older vehicles could in future be subject to the checks.

It comes after a motoring expert revealed the major car brand most likely to pass its MOT on the first try.

And a car whizz has slammed an MOT mechanic after they added dozens of advisories about his motor.

SIR Keir Starmer should scrap net zero plans to bolster the public purse, MPs demanded yesterday.

Senior politicians called for the PM to ditch proposals to create a state-owned renewable energy company.

PA

The freed-up cash would be used to boost defence spending and ensure Treasury books stay balanced.

It comes after Downing Street yesterday denied Rachel Reeves is looking to cut funding to GB Energy in the June Spending Review.

Ministers have pledged £8.3bn of taxpayer cash to the company to decarbonise the electricity grid over the next five years.

While Ms Reeves is eyeing up major cuts to Britain’s mega welfare budget – No10 insisted GB Energy is safe for now.

Reform Deputy Leader Richard Tice said: “Scrap the whole of GB Energy.

“Scrap Net Stupid Zero. Job done.”

Meanwhile, ministers are set to axe mandatory quotas for electric cars after Nissan warned excessive targets and punishment fines would risk jobs at the company’s manufacturing plant in Sunderland.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “We will do everything we can to make sure Nissan has that secure long-term future in the UK, making sure the business and regulatory environment reflects that.”