New York State

A BOLIVIAN man who owes money to a drugs gang back home was allowed to stay in the UK.

Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge Jessica Smeaton, above, ruled he can remain for his own protection, despite no evidence he would actually be at risk.

Documents show that the anonymous man overstayed his visa in 2018.

He later failed an application for asylum. The Home Office said the persecution fears did not meet Refugee Convention criteria.

But he successfully appealed to a tribunal — which was upheld by the Upper Tribunal on January 8.

Ms Smeaton ruled he has a right to a family life, a right to life, and right to be protected from torture under the European Court of Human Rights. 

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “This is a ludicrous decision. 

“Fundamental changes to human rights laws and the ECHR are needed.

“Foreign criminals and illegal immigrants should be removed — it’s that simple.”

It comes a week after news of the highly controversial decision to let a family from Gaza stay in Britain, with the ECHR also being cited.

The Home Office was contacted for comment.

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TEMPLEGATE tackles a cracking Saturday of racing looking for winners to boost the bank ahead of Cheltenham.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

BODHISATTVA (2.10 Newcastle, nap)

This eight-year-old was only just getting started at the end of 3m7f when second in the Edinburgh National last time. His capable rider takes off a valuable 5lb and he’ll just keep going when the others are running on fumes. All ground comes the same to him and the handicapper has been very fair in leaving his mark alone.

HYLAND (3.35 Kempton, nb) 

He ran well in a Grade 1 at Kempton over Christmas. That built nicely on his back-to-back victories at Cheltenham where he saw out this three-mile trip strongly when landing a Listed prize in November. Nico De Boinville can keep things simple near the front and deliver another victory.

DILIGENT HARRY (2.40 Southwell, treble)

He took this race 12 months ago and has been laid out for it again by trainer Clive Cox.  He should take a big step forward from his comeback fourth behind Marshman at Lingfield earlier this month.

Templegate’s tips

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Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

DEATH in Paradise viewers were left gobsmacked by a plot twist ‘no one saw coming’ amid criticism for the new series.

The BBC crime drama’s latest episode took DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) and his team to Ambrose Distillery.

BBC

Death In Paradise episode shocked fans with a big swerve[/caption]

BBC

Distillery owner Patrick Ambrose was murdered[/caption]

BBC

Mervin and Naomi cracked the case – but with a twist[/caption]

Owner Patrick Ambrose (Ansu Kabia) was poisoned while drinking a glass of rum.

His sudden death came as he’d been on the verge of selling up the distillery.

But a major plot twist revealed the dead man was, in fact, not Patrick Ambrose at all.

He was instead a criminal impostor named Sampson – who’d stolen Patrick’s identity almost two decades ago.

The real Patrick’s sister, Cora (Madeline Appiah), was unmasked as the murderer in the end.

Cora knew Sampson was an impostor – as she’d also killed the real Patrick, back in 2007.

She had found out her brother raped Janelle Dulice (Michelle Asante) that same evening – which the police team uncovered in their investigation.

Viewers were stunned by the plot twist, sharing their surprise on social media.

One wrote: “For those who guessed the ice was the clue congrats you were right.

“The imposter twist, i think no one saw coming #deathinparadise.”

Another added: “She killed the real Patrick, then 18 years later she killed imposter!Patrick.”

While a third said: “None of us could have worked that out, their was no clues until the reveal, surprised us all. #deathinparadise.”

A fourth remarked: “Oooh, didn’t see that coming! #DeathInParadise.”

As a fifth penned: “Well nobody could see that one coming whatsoever, right out of left field. #deathinparadise.”

Meanwhile, some viewers have slammed the latest series – convinced Death in Paradise has run its course.

Even long-time fans have been left wondering how much the show has left to give.

In the story, Commissioner Selywn Patterson (Don Warrington) – a staple since the beginning – is being phased out due “budget cuts”.

One person wrote on X: “They can’t just get rid of Selwyn as the commissioner in death in paradise what will he do?”

Another said: “I like the new guy, Mervin, on Death in Paradise. Hoping they won’t get rid of the commissioner. I adore Selwyn Patterson.”

A third posted: “If they remove the Excellent role of #CommissionerSelwyn, #DeathInParadise will no longer be a show worth watching. It will be Trash.”

Death in Paradise continues on BBC One and iPlayer.

BBC

Cora killed both her brother and the man impersonating him[/caption]

BBC

The impostor had realised Cora was on to him[/caption]

PA

Fans are worried about Commissioner Patterson’s future on the show[/caption]

TOWIE’S James ‘Diags’ Bennewith and Jodie Wells come face to face in excruciatingly awkward scenes from the show’s upcoming series.

The 33-year-olds, who haven’t seen each other since their breakup, meet in a retro American-style diner, and the tension between them is undeniable.

ITV

TOWIE’S James ‘Diags’ Bennewith and Jodie Wells come face to face in excruciatingly awkward scenes from the show’s upcoming series[/caption]

ITV

They meet in a retro American-style diner, and the tension between them is undeniable[/caption]

ITV

As Jodie approaches Diags, she sweetly plants a brief kiss on his cheek[/caption]

As Jodie approaches Diags, she sweetly plants a brief kiss on his cheek, but it’s clear from the start that the encounter is far from comfortable.

“Hi. You ok?” Jodie awkwardly opens the conversation.

To which Diags responds, “Yeah, you good?”

The uncomfortable atmosphere continues as Diags awkwardly mentions, “I got you a drink,” handing her a fruit bubble tea.

“I was worried you were going to get a milkshake,” Jodie admits, adding, “No, I know you don’t like milkshakes.”

The awkwardness doesn’t end there, as Diags asks, “How you been?” with Jodie responding, “Good. How have you been?”

Diags, clearly not at his best, sighs and admits, “Well, not great, but, yeah.”

It’s clear that both are struggling to find their footing, but Jodie adds, “It’s good that we’re here, though, because we need to, like, actually talk.”

Diags agrees, “I know.”

The Sun revealed last month how Diags and Jodie had broken up after first getting together in 2023.

But we later learned the pair decided to reunite after their explosive Bali trip, with the full cast backing them.

A source told us: “Jodie and Diags have had some time apart to reassess things and have realised that they want to give their relationship another go.

“It’s still early stages but they are hoping to reconcile properly and work things out.

“Jodie has a young child and wants to do the best for him.

“She believes Diags still loves her and if they both put the graft in, they believe it will work.

“The pair are dating again and have the full support of the rest of the Towie cast.

“It’s complicated but they’re ready to iron out any issues after getting advice from their friends and having some time apart.”

On/off romance

The couple sparked rumours of a break-up last month when they unfollowed each other on social media.

They had endured an on/off romance and often left fans guessing about the status of their relationship.

But we were told that Diags and Jodie had decided to call it quits for good, despite the mum-of-one gearing up to relocate with her son to Essex.

A source said: “The pair have been desperately trying to make things work, but just couldn’t keep things on track and have decided to split.

“There was a big disagreement over moving in together, but in the end it wasn’t just that.

“They hadn’t been getting on for a while and they were very different people.”

Just the week before, they sparked rumours of rift when eagle-eyed fans noticed the pair has unfollowed each other on social media.

Jodie even went as far as removing all traces of Diags from her Instagram account.

She also seemingly took a swipe at the Towie star when she posted a video to TikTok that fans have called “shady”.

In the video, which has been viewed over a quarter of million times, the TV star can be seen lip-syncing to the words: “It’s because your son is a f*****g p***y.”

Many fans believed she was referring to Diags.

The pair have had fans hooked on their relationship from the start.

Meeting when Jodie was an extra in the reality TV show in 2023, Diags asked her and her son to move in with him the following summer.

Speaking to OK! Magazine at the time, Jodie said: “I like where James lives now. I would like somewhere a little bit more quiet. A bit more countryside.

“Somewhere, you feel like it would be quite a nice place to bring up a child, and I feel like it could be good for James as well.

“It’s bringing him away slightly from the party lifestyle and to think about more of a family lifestyle.”

Following that however, a love triangle threatened their relationship when Diags sent a drunken text to his ex Elma Pazar saying he missed her.

While he admitted it was a joke that “wasn’t funny”, Diags, who is one of Towie’s longest running cast members, said: “There couldn’t have been a worse person to send that message to.”

Jodie was quoted as saying at the time: “He’s just an idiot – he has a drink and he just thinks all of his jokes are funny, and they’re not.”

“I don’t think there was anything behind it. I just think he was just trying to be funny. But it’s a joke at my expense.”

More recently, the pair spent Christmas and New Year apart, sparking further speculation their relationship was on the decline.

Instagram

Instagram

A PERSON has been confirmed dead in a horror car fire at a popular seaside spot.

Cops confirmed a person has tragically died in a car fire in the village of Ynyslas, Aberystwyth, on Wednesday evening.

Alamy

A person has been confirmed dead in a car fire[/caption]

Mid and West Wales Fire Service rushed to the scene at around 7.30pm to tackle the blaze and cops arrived after 8pm.

Response teams were aimed at a vehicle that was “well alight.”

The fire crew used a hose reel jet, a breathing apparatus set, and a thermal imaging camera to put out the fire.

When Dyfed-Powys Police arrived, a car was found on fire and the occupant was confirmed to have died. 

A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire Service said: “At 7.26pm the crew from Aberystwyth Fire Station was called to an incident at Ynyslas in Aberystwyth.

“The crew responded to one vehicle that was well alight.

“Crew members utilised one hose reel jet, one breathing apparatus set and one thermal imaging camera to extinguish the fire.

“Sadly the vehicle’s one occupant was confirmed to have died.”

Cops said there doesn’t seem to be suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

A spokesman for the force said: “Dyfed-Powys Police were called by Mid and West Wales Fire Service just after 8pm on Wednesday, February 19 to a fire at Ynyslas, Aberystwyth.

“Upon attendance a car was located on fire and sadly the occupant was confirmed to have died. 

“A joint investigation with MWWFS has commenced but there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances at this time. Their next of kin have been informed.”

Alamy

The fire occured on a beach in Ynyslas in Aberystwyth on Wednesday evening.[/caption]

THE Man from Del Monte has been replaced by retired Pauline Crosby — who could star in new telly adverts.

The 74-year-old ex-servicewoman was offered the brand ambassador role after winning a public vote.

Supplied

YouTube

Del Monte’s 1980s adverts featured actor Brian Jackson in a linen suit and Panama hat as he tested the ripeness of fruit[/caption]

US canned fruit giant Del Monte’s 1980s adverts featured actor Brian Jackson in a linen suit and Panama hat as he tested the ripeness of fruit.

Farmers waited for him to give the nod before yelling: “The Man from Del Monte, he say yes!”

Pauline, of Crosby, Norfolk, has six grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

She said: “This is such a privilege. We all remember the Man from Del Monte adverts and they still make me smile.

“But today it’s all about ­celebrating family traditions and creativity in the kitchen.

“I’ve spent my life preserving these traditions and sharing them with my family and I’m thrilled Del Monte saw that passion.”

Pauline was nominated for the role by her granddaughter Poppie Capper, 30.

She said: “She’s warm, kind and offers valuable, advice when needed.”

Del Monte marketing chief Thierry Montange said: “We wanted to ensure family recipes are preserved for future generations.

“Pauline truly embodies the spirit of this initiative.”

A COUPLE believe they were destined to wed — as they have consecutive birth certificate numbers.

Chris and Julia Miles said they could not believe their eyes when they spotted the coincidence eight years into their marriage.

Doug Seeburg

Chris and Julia Miles are convinced they were meant to be after discovering their birth certificates have consecutive numbers[/caption]

Doug Seeburg

The numbers on the birth certificate suggest both sets of parents must have been at the register office at the same time on February 27, 1975[/caption]

Doug Seeburg

The couple’s moment of ‘destiny’ at their wedding in 2002[/caption]

They put the paperwork side-by-side and saw Chris’s number was 081419, and Julia’s 081420.

It meant their parents must have been at the register office at the same time on February 27, 1975.

Electrician Chris said: “When we saw the certificates I was like, ‘Bloody hell!’. It shows it was fate from the day we were born.

“We believe this is totally unique to the world. We will have been next to each other in the registry office waiting room.”

Both were born at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital — Julie on February 23, 1975, and Chris on the 26th.

“Eighteen years later their paths crossed again when they fell in love at first sight at an Oxford pub.

They bought a home together in 1999, wed in 2002 and have sons Ben, 20, and Harry, 14.

They clocked the certificate coincidence when sorting paperwork in 2010.

Today, the couple, who still live in Oxford, are holding a huge party for their 50th birthdays.

Chris added: “We’ll take the certificates to display on the way in.

“Our parents don’t remember seeing each other when they registered us, but they must have been sat together in the waiting room, and in front of the same registrar. It’s just bonkers.”

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PET OWNERS are being hit by soaring vet fees due to soaring inflation and a lack of competition in the industry.

Laura Purkess takes a look at what is happening and explains how you can avoid being stung.

WHILE enjoying the holiday of a lifetime in Tanzania last September, Sarina Kastendiek received a call that shattered her world.

After returning to her hotel from a day of exploring, the media executive was told by reception she had a message waiting for her.

It was from her local vet, who asked her to call them back as soon as possible.

Sarina, 31, from London, said she felt a wave of dread and feared the worst had happened.

On calling, she received the devastating news that her beloved cat, Calypso, urgently needed surgery to treat life-threatening injuries — and it was going to cost her £8,000.

Calypso had eaten 80cm of string, which had got wrapped around her tongue and was pulling on her internal organs.

The vets said they needed Sarina’s consent — and card details — to perform the surgery or Calypso would die.

“I was in utter shock,” said Sarina.

“The vet put me on FaceTime so I could see and talk to Calypso before the surgery. It felt like a goodbye.

“The next day, I lay alone on one of Zanzibar’s most beautiful beaches crying, waiting for news and wondering how I would pay for the extortionate operation.”

Thankfully, the surgery was a success and Sarina was able to fly home and visit Calypso while she was recovering.

Sarina had pet insurance, but it would only cover about half of the bill due to various exclusions and excesses, meaning she still needed to stump up another £4,000 herself.

And the spending didn’t stop there.

“Over the past two years, Calypso has cost me around £13,000 in non-routine vet bills,” Sarina said.

“When I look at her curled up on my lap, when she comes in the middle of the day wanting a cuddle and when she gets under the duvet at night to sleep next to me, it’s all worth it.

“But to this day, I am still paying off all the vet bills I’ve racked up on my credit card and I’ll be paying them for years.”

Sarina is just one of thousands of pet owners stumping up exorbitant fees to save their animals as the prices soar year on year.

Experts say this is due to an increasing lack of competition in the market as independent practices are being bought by larger firms.

Claims data from John Lewis Insurance, provided exclusively to Sun Money, shows average vet bills for a range of common incidents have risen anywhere from 70 per cent to 105 per cent over the past four years alone.

The average cost of treating a lack of appetite in cats soared by 105 per cent from £547.72 in 2020 to £1,125 in 2024, the data showed.

While the typical cost of treating a lump for a dog jumped from £554.83 in 2020 to £940 in 2024, a rise of 70 per cent.

Bills are rising much more steeply for some animals than others.

For example, the price of treatment for vomiting, one of the most common ailments, increased by 28 per cent for dogs between 2020 and 2024, but just 2.6 per cent for cats.

Meanwhile analysis by Tesco Insurance found that the average cost of a claim for illness for cats was £796, while for dogs it was £964.

The huge rise in fees has led to owners being pushed into debt.

More than 11million people are thought to have less than £1,000 in savings to cover unexpected bills, according to the Resolution Foundation.

Other owners are not giving their pets treatment because they can’t afford it, even if it means that their beloved animal suffers.

Research by John Lewis Pet Insurance found almost a quarter (23 per cent) of customers had been forced to stop treatment for their pet due to unexpected or increased vet fees.

And Tesco Insurance found a quarter (25 per cent) of owners said they were concerned they would not be able to afford their pets’ upkeep in future.

Axel Lagercrantz, boss of store Pets4Homes, explained many independent veterinarians have been bought by six larger corporations, and this is creating a monopoly in the market.

He said: “The UK vet industry has changed massively over the past decade.

“The share of independent vets in Britain has dropped from 98 per cent to a staggering 40 per cent, and those that remain are being bought by six big players.

“The lack of competition this situation creates means that practices can charge much higher prices.”

He added that veterinary care has witnessed “rapid technological advances” which could reduce costs but there is no incentive for large practices to offer these cheaper methods.

He said: “Large corporate groups in the veterinary sector may have incentive to promote more comprehensive, advanced treatments because they have already invested in costly equipment to offer services.”

PROTECT AGAINST PET COSTS

WHEN you visit a vet, ask about the specifics of what treatment is needed plus how much it will cost – then see if there are areas you could cut costs on without compromising on care.

Vet Martin Stevens said: “My number one piece of advice is to always ask questions about any treatment that is recommended.

Getty

Always ask questions about any treatment that is recommended by your vet[/caption]

“Be sure to check about any potential medicines, necessary overnight stays, and any post-treatment needs.

“This will give you a full picture of the costs and care required.

“Vets are always happy to help and want pet owners to feel comfortable.”

Pet insurance can help protect you from vet bills.

Depending on the type of cover, it should pay out a lump sum to cover the cost of your vet bills.

According to Compare The Market, the average cost of pet insurance is £116 a year but cover for dogs tends to be more expensive, costing around £137 a year, while for cats the average yearly cost is £76.

Be aware that insurance costs tend to rise as your pet gets older or if they have any pre-existing conditions.

Always compare prices using at least two comparison websites as well as getting quotes from insurers such as Direct Line and Petplan who don’t appear on them.

Some pet owners choose to self-insure, which is when they put money aside each month into a savings account to pay for any potential pet emergency.

But make sure you would be able to come up with the money in an emergency or you could be in trouble if your pet needs aid before you have built up savings.

You may be able to get free or cheaper vet treatment if you are on certain benefits through charities such as the PDSA and Blue Cross.

Check if you’re eligible at pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/eligibility.

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IT is not only the older generation that can sometimes feel lonely.

Youngsters aged 16 to 24 are now the group most likely to be affected.

Getty

We have four cheap and fun ways to make new friends and tackle loneliness[/caption]

Throwing yourself into things can cost money and isn’t always the answer, but there are low cost ways to make connections at any age.

NATTY IDEA: Look out for Chatter And Natter tables in more than 600 cafes, pubs, libraries and other places up and down the country, including branches of Costa.

These are places that people can sit at if they’re happy to talk to others.

You can also go along to local Chatter And Natter groups hosted by volunteers or join online meet-ups.

Find out more at thechattycafescheme.co.uk.

YOU’RE WELCOME: The Warm Welcome Spaces movement brings people together in public places, allowing them to meet others, do activities and escape cold homes.

To find your local “warm space” in places including libraries, community centres and church halls, check the map at warmwelcome.uk.

A third of pensioners, with an income below £20,000, say their home is cold most or all of the time, according to Age UK.

The charity helps OAPs through its local branches, telephone friendship service and Silverline helpline.

APPY TO TALK: While meeting up in person is the best cure for loneliness, sometimes those connections can start in the online world.

The Marmalade Trust, set up to combat loneliness, recommends apps that can give you that sense of community.

See marmaladetrust.org.

There’s Meet Up, which brings people with similar interests together. NextDoor helps people make connections in their local area.

The Bumble For Friends app is designed for people wanting platonic pals.

HAVE A CHINWAG: Even a short conversation can help brighten someone’s day.

Look out for Happy To Chat benches across the UK, designed to get people talking and combat loneliness.

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Many coffee shops and pubs have Chatter And Natter tables[/caption]

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

Dunelm

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Tesco

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Dunelm

The doggy doorstop is £9 from Dunelm[/caption]

Aldi

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Co-op

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RUSSIA is on track to lose a million soldiers to death and injury by its so-called Victory Day.

The toll from Putin’s bloodbath already stands at 860,000 Kremlin casualties, according to UK defence intelligence.

Reuters

UK defence intelligence sources say the toll from Putin’s bloodbath already stands at 860,000 Kremlin casualties[/caption]

AFP

Moscow has been losing an average of 1,500 troops a day since November.

If it stays on the current trajectory, Russia will lose another 115,000 dead and injured by May 9, when Putin and his stooges gather in the Red Square for their annual World War Two military parade.

The losses would bring the toll of dead and injured to 975,000.

And the eye-watering figures undermine Donald Trump’s claims that Russia “holds the cards” in any peace talks.

Former Tory Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Russia is facing ­catastrophic losses and a broken economy.

“Putin is playing poker with an empty hand, but it seems he may have bluffed the United States.”

The MoD said Russia was forcing its mobilised soldiers to sign contracts to keep them in service — or they will be thrown into meat-grinder fights, where the chance of survival is just ten per cent.

It comes after Trump appalled allies by claiming that Ukraine started the war and that President Zelensky was a dictator.

He then said on Thursday: “I think the Russians want to see the war end, I really do. I think they have the cards a little bit, because they’ve taken a lot of territory. They have the cards.”

Britain has continued to reject Trump’s claims.

On Thursday, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said at the G20 in South Africa: “If Putin is serious about a lasting peace it means finding a way ­forward which respects Ukraine’s sovereignty.”