Former councillor jailed for stalking former MP Penny Mordaunt

Former councillor jailed for stalking former MP Penny Mordaunt

Edward Brandt sentenced to 20 weeks in prison after behaviour left Tory peer ‘in fear of sexual violence’ A former councillor has been jailed for 20 weeks after stalking Penny Mordaunt, which the former cabinet minister said left her fearing “sexual violence”. Edward Brandt, a professional sailor, had been found guilty of the offence but was acquitted of a more serious charge of stalking involving serious alarm or distress. Continue reading...

Timothy Busfield sexual misconduct allegations mount as wife Melissa Gilbert expresses support

Timothy Busfield sexual misconduct allegations mount as wife Melissa Gilbert expresses support

Actor held without bond in New Mexico on child abuse charges stemming from twin brothers’ complaint With allegations of prior sexual misconduct against him continuing to mount, Timothy Busfield received an expression of support from his wife and fellow actor, Melissa Gilbert – as he was also ordered held without bond in connection with on-set child abuse charges in New Mexico. A statement that a representative for Gilbert, known best for her work on Little House on the Prairie, shared with media outlets said she “supports her husband” and was keeping “her focus … on supporting and caring for their … family, as they navigate this moment”. Continue reading...

Don't look away as the people of Iran cry out for our help | Jonathan Freedland

Don't look away as the people of Iran cry out for our help | Jonathan Freedland

US bombs are not the answer, but there’s much the outside world can do – starting with noticing the horror unfolding in Tehran Did you notice history being made this week? I am not referring to what may have been the most pathetic moment in recorded time – Donald Trump gratefully taking the Nobel peace prize medal from the woman who actually won it – nor the defection of a politician from one British rightwing party to another, but something grimmer. For this week witnessed what could well prove to be a landmark chapter in the blood-soaked history of the Middle East. Thanks to an information blackout caused by Tehran’s decision to switch off the internet, it is hard to be precise about what just happened on the streets of Iran. But one official has admitted to a death toll of 2,000 . CBS News put the number of dead at 12,000 , while some warn it could be many thousands more – all of them Iranian civilians, gunned down for daring to protest against their government and to demand a better life. Jonathan Freedland is a Guardian columnist Guardian newsroom: Year One of Trumpism: Is Britain Emulating the US? On Wednesday 21 January 2026, join Jonathan Freedland, Tania Branigan and Nick Lowles as they reflect on the first year of Donald Trump’s second presidency. Book tickets here or at guardian.live Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here . Continue reading...