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DNA testing have verified that a guy was stolen from his mother as an infant during Argentina’s dictatorship, bringing the total number of such cases to 131, according to a human rights group.

Estela de Carlotto, president of the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, stated during a press conference that the unnamed man was determined to be the biological son of Luca ngeles Nadn and Aldo Hugo Quevedo.

Mendoza natives Nadn and Quevedo belonged to an armed communist group and were imprisoned in the Argentine city of Buenos Aires in late 1977. At the time, Nadn was perhaps two or three months pregnant.

According to the testimony of survivors, Nadn was removed from the detention center where she was imprisoned in March and April 1978 in order to give birth. She and Quevedo have not been located.

The leader of Abuelas, Estela de Carlotto, embraces fellow activists in their offices at the former torture center ESMA on December 22, 2022 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo announced the identification of a new grandchild, 131, who was kidnapped from his mother as an infant during the previous military dictatorship. Victor R. Caivano / AP

During the violent dictatorship of 1976-1983, military personnel stole newborns from political prisoners who were frequently killed without a trace.

During the so-called “dirty war,” the dictatorship was known for human rights crimes. At least 30,000 individuals were slain by the military, some of them were tortured and then thrown out of airplanes into the ocean. Thousands more were just tortured as the regime pursued actual and imagined “subversives” and attempted to suppress any form of protest.

The Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo estimate that over 500 children were kidnapped from their parents during the dictatorship and employ DNA testing to locate them.

In 2005, the family of Nadn, who did not know she was pregnant at the time of her abduction, submitted DNA samples to a national genetic database.

In September 2022, a man suspected of being the offspring of parents who had vanished was located as a result of a judicial probe. He decided to undergo a genetic test, and his identity as the son of Nadn and Quevedo was established on Wednesday, according to de Carlotto.

In June 2019, it was confirmed that Javier Matas Darroux Mijalchukis was the biological son of Elena Mijalchuk and Juan Manuel Darroux, both of whom are still missing. This was the last time the rights group identified a person who was taken from their parents during the dictatorship.

“Despite the pandemic, we continue to work every day with the hope and conviction that we will find our grandsons and granddaughters,” de Carlotto added. “Hundreds of men and women with origins in question have approached us.”

Almost the past four years, over 2,000 individuals with identification concerns have undertaken DNA testing, she added.

“It is a quiet, patient, and compassionate effort, but we still have a long way to go, and regrettably, time does not stand still,” de Carlotto remarked. “Over the past few years, we’ve had to bid farewell to dear friends, and many of them were never able to give us the well-deserved embrace.”

In 2014, an Argentine mom was reunited with her stolen infant grandson. Two months after giving birth, the man’s mother, a university activist, was killed in a secret military prison in August 1978.

And in 2010, after a 33-year search, an Argentine man who was abducted at birth finally met his father.

»DNA testing corroborate the theft of 131st infant during Argentina’s “dirty war.”«

Venezuela announced on Thursday that a suspect in the execution-style death of a Paraguayan anti-drug prosecutor who was killed during his honeymoon on a Caribbean island had confessed to receiving $8,000 for the crime.

Remigio Ceballos, Venezuela’s minister of the interior, provided journalists with a video in which Gabriel Carlos Luis Salinas Mendoza, a Venezuelan citizen arrested in Caracas on Tuesday, appears to confess to his involvement in the murder of Marcelo Pecci.

Salinas, one of two alleged assassins, is seen telling interrogators, “We rented a jet ski, went to Baru beach (in Colombia), and committed the crime.”

Then, “I received $8,000 and traveled to Venezuela” over the border.

In May, Pecci, 45, was killed by two shots while vacationing with his wife, Paraguayan journalist Claudia Aguilera, on an exquisite island beach.

The wedding took place on April 30 in Cartagena, a nearby city.

The BBC said that just two hours before the incident, Aguilera had posted an Instagram photo announcing the couple’s pregnancy. Two males arrived on the beach by jet ski or small boat, according to Aguilera’s account. One of them approached Pecci and “silently” shot him twice.

Before Marcelo Pecci’s funeral on May 15, 2022 in Asuncion, the president of Paraguayan club Guarani, Juan Alberto Acosta (L), expresses his sympathies to his brother Francisco Pecci (C) and wife Claudia Aguilera (R). DANIEL DUARTE/AFP courtesy of Getty Images

Salinas is suspected of operating the jet ski.

In the video, he reveals that he was acting for Francisco Correa, also known as “El Monin.”

Ceballos stated that Salinas will be tried in Venezuela, where extradition to other countries is prohibited by law.

The inquiry has not yet identified the criminal masterminds. The U.S. State Department offered a $5 million prize last month for information “leading to the arrests and/or convictions of the as yet unidentified persons who conspired or attempted to participate” in the killing.

Reuters reported that four others have been sentenced to almost 23 years in prison in Colombia for their involvement in the murder of Pecci.

Pecci was an expert in organized crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and financing for terrorism.

On November 9, 2021, Paraguayan anti-drug prosecutor Marcelo Pecci will speak in Asuncion. DANIEL DUARTE/AFP courtesy of Getty Images

At the time of his assassination, the Attorney General of Paraguay, Sandra Quinonez, stated that Pecci had won significant convictions in an 11-year fight against transnational and drug crime.

According to the BBC, Pecci had bodyguards in Paraguay but was unprotected for his honeymoon in Colombia.

Despite a 2016 peace agreement that disarmed the FARC rebel group and ended a nearly six-decade civil war, Colombia, the world’s largest cocaine producer, is experiencing a surge in violence.

Dissident FARC rebels, the ELN rebel group, paramilitary forces, and drug cartels continue to fight over territory and resources in portions of the country, particularly in areas bordering Venezuela.

Paraguay, a landlocked country nested between Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina, has become a key launching pad for drugs destined for Europe.

Recently, Paraguay and Colombia have strengthened their cooperation in the fight against transnational and organized crime.

In June, the New York City Bar Association issued a statement condemning Pecci’s “untimely killing at the hands of assassins for no apparent cause other than his professional excellence

»On his honeymoon, a suspect in the murder of a prosecutor was shot dead«

Investors worried when the price of Elon Musk’s premium electric automobiles was reduced twice in the United States and Canada in the span of three weeks, causing Tesla shares to plummet once again.

The internet giant has begun providing $7,500 (£6,200) discounts on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles delivered this month, fuelling concerns that the company could experience a decline in demand as the global economy slows.

In the United Kingdom, the Model Y’s price tag of £69,000 and the Model 3’s price tag of £55,925 have not been dropped, although customers who purchase one this month will receive 6,000 miles of free charging. Experts have predicted that a reduction may be imminent.

Last night on Wall Street, Tesla shares plummeted 8.9%, bringing its losses since its November 2017 peak to roughly 70%.

After purchasing Twitter for £38 billion in October, Elon Musk’s inability to master the social media platform has weighed on Tesla’s stock price. The value of his 13.42% ownership has decreased by hundreds of billions of dollars, and he is no longer the world’s richest man.

In the past year, Elon Musk has had 101 billion stripped from his fortune.

The most recent discount indicates that demand for electric vehicles is decreasing. This month, purchasers in the United Kingdom will receive 6,000 miles of free charging.

Tesla’s share price plummeted after the company again reduced prices in the United States.

Musk’s stake is currently worth £44 billion. A little over a year ago, these shares would have been valued £145 billion at their peak.

On 1 December, Tesla began providing a $3,750 ‘credit’ for Model 3 and Model Y vehicles delivered by the end of the year. The credit was increased to $7,500 on Wednesday. It has also lately begun providing free supercharging for 10,000 miles (16,093 kilometers) for December-delivered automobiles.

Tesla has implemented a series of price increases over the previous two years, citing supply chain disruptions and inflation as the reason.

Musk stated on Thursday that he expects the economy to experience a’serious recession’ in 2023, resulting in a decrease in demand for expensive goods.

In light of slower growth in important regions such as the United States and China, analysts have cut their forecasts for Tesla’s vehicle deliveries for the current quarter.

Craig Irwin, a senior analyst at ROTH Capital Partners, remarked, “The fact that they appear to be slashing prices to increase delivery volumes does not inspire confidence, especially at a time when competition is rising.”

Model 3 and Model Y vehicles delivered before the end of the year are eligible for a $5,000 credit in Canada. The automaker has also provided a 6,000 yuan ($860) discount on select models in China till the end of 2022.

Tesla announced in October that it will not meet its vehicle delivery target for the year, but downplayed demand concerns after its revenue fell short of Wall Street’s projections.

It occurred during Musk’s Twitter struggles. The billionaire has pledged to adhere to the outcome of his own vote over whether he should stay or leave.

Model Y SUV, one of Tesla’s most popular vehicles, is available at a substantial discount through the end of 2021.

The Tesla Model 3 sedan (above) and Model Y SUV are currently available with a $7,500 discount.

After 57.5% of 17 million voters demanded his resignation, he tweeted “be careful what you wish.”

Mr. Musk, 51, has been in charge of the social media giant since late October, when he completed a £36 billion acquisition.

It had already been reported that he intended to temporarily lead the company, and last month he told a court he intended to hire a replacement.

Warning Twitter has been on the fast track to bankruptcy since May, he wrote, “The difficulty is not hiring a CEO; the question is finding a CEO who can save Twitter.”

His brief tenure as CEO has been marred by controversy, including the termination of half the company’s employees and the reinstatement of banned users such as Donald Trump.

The most recent controversy surrounded the ban on users marketing links to other social networking networks, such as Facebook and Instagram. Within twenty-four hours, Mr. Musk reversed the decision and apologized, stating that any future “significant policy changes” will be subject to a public vote.

The first of them appears to have been asking his 122 million Twitter followers on Sunday evening if he should resign as CEO.

As the direction of the poll became apparent, Mr. Musk tweeted, ‘As the saying goes, be careful what you ask for, because you may get it. Those who desire power are the least deserving of it.

A Tesla vehicle drives past Tesla’s Fremont, California facility.

The Tesla and SpaceX entrepreneur has previously complied with Twitter polls and is fond of invoking the Latin phrase ‘vox populi, vox dei’, which translates to ‘the voice of the people is the voice of God.’

The poll was conducted a week after Mr. Musk fell to second place on Forbes’ list of the world’s wealthiest individuals as Tesla’s stock price continued to decline. He was reportedly valued $140 billion dollars.

Friday, the United Nations and the European Union slammed Mr. Musk for Twitter’s move to suspend several journalists who cover the firm.

The European Union threatened the social media company with fines, while the United Nations declared that media freedom was “not a toy.”

Mr. Musk was photographed with Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Trump, during the World Cup final in Qatar.

Rapper Snoop Dogg emerged as an unusual choice in the Twitter poll to potentially fill his shoes.

The 51-year-old US hip hop star’s tweet asking if he should take over was met with a resounding “yes” from 81% of 1,800,000 users.

»Musk’s woes continue. After reducing US prices, Tesla offers UK drivers 6,000 miles of free charging«

Families were left wondering if their Christmas plans could go when burst pipes left tens of thousands of households without running water as a result of the extreme weather.

Some have even used snow to flush their toilets and collected rainfall to do the dishes.

Homes in the south of England, including Hampshire, Sussex, and Kent, have been damaged by burst pipes caused by subzero temperatures.

However, Southern Water announced today that water supplies are beginning to increase to a point where they can satisfy demand.

Yesterday, there were lengthy lines at a bottled water station in Eastleigh, Hampshire.

Residents have been using bottled water for cooking, washing, and even toilet flushing.

In a statement, the business added, ‘Our water supply works are stable and our reservoir storage is full. This means that we can now enable water to flow via our network, and customers will have water within the next several hours.

We will progressively increase supplies as we repressurize the network to prevent pipe bursts.

This implies that it will take some time for all of our customers to be supplied again, and for some it might be as early as this evening. Customers who leave their homes today before their water is restored should ensure their faucets are turned off to prevent flooding.

We apologize for the inconvenience this event has caused and appreciate the consumers’ understanding.

Local neighbors waited in line for bottled water after being cut off by a burst pipe.

One father with a young child reported that he lost water “suddenly” on Wednesday afternoon.

Rob Barber from Southampton, Hampshire, reported on BBC Radio 4’s Today program that his Christmas plans were ruined because a broken pipe cut off his water supply.

He stated, “I have a small family at home, including a newborn who is still in diapers, and not being able to flush a toilet so close to Christmas is a terrible circumstance to be in.”

On Thursday, there was a line for bottled water at a station in Eastleigh, Hampshire.

If we don’t see an end in sight, we’ll have to seriously consider whether or not to spend Christmas at home.

Four water stations containing bottled water have been established in the affected area, with daily hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

However, yesterday there were reports that bottled water supplies were running low at one station, and there were large lines of people waiting to get it.

Mr. Barber said, “From what I gather, Southern Water ran out of water at some of these stations and had to close to refill.

There was a one-hour delay at one of the stations, which is obviously awful.

Long lines of hundreds of motorists developed to obtain bottled water at stations put up throughout Hampshire.

Angie Perkins of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, reported that her South East Water-supplied water had been inconsistent and stopped off since December 15.

The mother, like thousands of others in the region, collected water from bottled water stations in order to shower and clean herself.

She stated on BBC Radio 4: ‘Everyone is quite anxious about the Christmas issue.

Everyone has contingency plans, plan Bs. I was going to host Christmas for eight people at my home.

Yesterday, vehicles waited in lengthy lines to purchase bottled water.

Families have waiting for water after approximately 20,000 houses in the south of England were cut off by ruptured pipes just before Christmas.

Southern Water stated that there would be a limited water supply for at least 48 hours as they were under’significant pressure’ due to burst pipes caused by rapid thawing from recent low temperatures.

A few days before Christmas, it is believed that at least 24,000 households are impacted by poor water pressure or no water at all.

In the affected districts, emergency water stations have been established, and the water supplier has offered to deliver water to those who are unable to obtain it.

This station was established because two water collecting locations in Winchester were too distant for some Southampton residents to travel.

Residents who were left without access to water in their houses owing to a burst pipe were given bottled water.

South East Water’s Incident Director, Douglas Whitfield, stated, “The vast majority of our customers in Kent have had their water restored, however we are aware of a few smaller, isolated problems that our team is working diligently to resolve.”

The situation in Sussex is also improving as our system made a significant comeback overnight.

Customers in Crowborough and Ashdown should have had their supplies restored, and we are working diligently to restore supplies to other affected areas by late this morning.

“We are continuing advising consumers to conserve water to help us maintain supplies for everyone and to check for leaks in their homes and businesses. Any water leaks should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent water waste.

As water returns to its source, it may seem discolored or foggy. This is totally natural and can be eliminated by running cold water from the faucet.

Please keep in mind that discolored water can be utilized for toilet flushing.

Ofwat, which governs the industry, stated: ‘Freezing temperatures followed by a rapid thaw have resulted in broken pipes and water supply problems.

We require water companies to stand up, respond immediately, and offer help and compensation where necessary during a difficult time.

A representative for Water UK stated, ‘Last weekend’s dramatic transition to milder weather resulted in the rapid thawing of burst plumbing in homes and businesses as well as an increase in leaks from buried water mains.

Water firms are working around the clock to increase supplies until the network’s levels return to normal.

We do not anticipate any additional freeze-thaw events during the Christmas season, as the temperature is expected to remain constant.

Water companies are working diligently to restore normal water service to affected homes and businesses as soon as possible, while supplying bottled water to families in the interim. Customers who are concerned about their water supply are urged to contact their local water provider.

»Families fear they will spend Christmas without running water after broken pipes disrupted their water supply«

Carl Niehaus, the former spokesperson for the uMkhonto we Sizwe Military Veteran’s Association, has thrown in the towel.

Niehaus announced his resignation from the ANC “with immediate effect” on Friday. However, the party had already ousted him before to last week’s 55th National Conference.

Niehaus, who was banned from the ANC, was charged with six charges of misconduct for violating ANC Constitutional Rule 25.

One of the charges pertains to a press conference that he held in Nkandla following the issuance of an arrest warrant for former president Jacob Zuma for failing to appear before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, which is now chaired by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

Niehaus was cited as saying during the news conference that Zuma’s legal difficulties were the product of factionalism and politicians utilizing state agencies such as the National Prosecuting Authority to persecute the former ANC president.

After receiving the news of his expulsion from his “comrade” Supra Mahumapelo, Niehaus filmed his enraged reaction and declaration that he would appeal. According to him, the appeal resulted in the suspension of the expulsion pending the decision. He stated at the time that he was still an ANC member and would not yield to pressure.

“I have already filed an appeal against the injustice of my illegal expulsion by the ANC National Disciplinary Committee.” Because I filed an appeal, the absurd expulsion has been put on hold. He stated at the time, “I remain a full member of the ANC.”

However, in a statement released on Friday, a fervent admirer of former president Jacob Zuma said that he is terminating his almost 43-year ANC membership.

Niehaus announced his resignation from the ANC with “great anguish and profound pain in [his] heart,” despite accusations that he is leaving a party from which he has already been dismissed.

Niehaus stated, “I am aware that some will continue with their cheap Stratcom political propaganda, attempting to downplay the gravity and significance of this decision by arguing that I cannot resign from an organization from which I was seemingly already “expelled.” Since I have properly appealed and filed my Heads of Argument with the ANC National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal (NDCA), the status quo of my ANC membership has been maintained, and my alleged expulsion has been suspended until the NDCA rules on my appeal. To put things plainly and simply, I remained a member of the ANC and am now withdrawing my membership with this public statement.

“I am immediately terminating my uninterrupted veteran ANC membership of over 43 years, effective with the release of this media statement.”

“I have already emailed a copy of this media statement and a brief cover letter to the ANC Secretary General’s office. In addition, I have directed my colleague and legal representation, Dr. Mathews Phosa, to withdraw my appeal against the bogus, harsh, and unlawful ‘expulsion’ that the kangaroo court of the National Disciplinary Committee unilaterally and unjustly imposed upon me.”

Niehaus has withdrawn his appeal against his expulsion, stating that pursuing his anger further would be “illogical and a waste of time.” According to him, the appeal will fail regardless of Fikile Mbalula’s trumpeting as the freshly elected ANC secretary-general.

“There is also no reason for me to submit to the ongoing farcical kangaroo court of the ANC National Disciplinary Committee and, by extension, the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal. The fabricated charges leveled against me never had a shred of legitimacy. Under Fikile Mbalula, who has emerged so farcically as the Secretary General (SG) of the ANC, there is no possibility that any appeal will be heard fairly. Mbalula’s own triumphalist dictatorial pronouncement at the closing press conference of the 55th National Conference, that he will be an Inquisition-like enforcer, is ample proof that the so-called “New Dawn” is now a full-fledged era of dictatorship and persecution…”

Two days before to his resignation, Niehaus hosted a three-and-a-half-hour #InMyCrosshairs Twitter Space in which he stated why he could no longer continue to serve under the ANC.

ANC forefathers are likely “spinning in their graves” over the party’s current “disgraceful conduct,” according to Niehaus, who has accused the organization of straying from its principles. In the video, he stated that the ANC has become a “servant-like service” of white monopoly capitalism.

“Our ANC forebears are turning in their graves!” Imposters have taken control, and they are misusing the ANC colors and logo for a neoliberal thing that is no longer the original ANC and is now in the servile service of White Monopoly Capitalism (WMC) and Western Imperialism, led by sellout agents and spies under the criminal mafia leadership of Cyril Ramaphosa.

Together with other devoted comrades, I’ve done everything in my power to prevent this tragedy from occurring. We have, sadly, failed. The ANC is no longer viable and cannot be saved.

Niehaus has stated that he will continue to pursue the liberation principles that initially drew him to the ANC.

“I commit to continue devoting my life and every ounce of my energy to the liberation principles that inspired me to join the ANC in the first place. Absolutely nothing has changed for me personally. I shall be an integral component of the fight for Radical Economic Transformation (RET) and complete liberation. As is the case with the ANC, when one vehicle for achieving our emancipation falters and dies, others MUST emerge. The vision of a truly liberated and just South Africa cannot be and will never be destroyed.

“Continue your efforts!” he concluded.

I now tender my resignation from the @MYANC https://t.co/V7hABbTOwi #hwpCgb2szt #twitter

— Carl Niehaus (@niehaus carl) December 23, 2022

»Carl Niehaus resigns with immediate effect from the ANC«

At the Nasrec and Expo centre on Wednesday, former Higher Education and Training deputy minister Mduduzi Manana replied to questions about his re-election to the ANC national executive committee (NEC).

The ANC’s commitment to eradicating the problem of gender-based violence (GBV) was questioned after allowing the re-election of Manana, who had been convicted of attacking women.

Manana ranked second on the list of 80 new NEC members that was released at the Nasrec Expo Centre on Wednesday. Manana received 2,152 votes, surpassing the former premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Sihle Zikalala, who obtained 2,218 votes.

Prior to the December 16 opening of the 55th National Conference of the ANC, Manana was barred from running for NEC positions due to failing the screening procedure. At the time, the party’s electoral committee stated that members previously convicted of wrongdoing and sentenced to more than six months cannot run for leadership posts in the NEC when the elective conference begins.

He appealed his disqualification, though, and was cleared.

After attacking three ladies at a Johannesburg nightclub in September 2017, Manana pleaded guilty and was sentenced on three charges of assault with intent to cause serious bodily harm.

He was also required to do 500 hours of community service at Valued Citizen Initiative, a leadership, social justice, and life skills organization.

In a statement in response to the concerns, the former deputy minister stated that he had been rehabilitated and that it would be unfair for society to harass him further.

“Only a sick society can harass a person indefinitely, even after he/she has made enormous reparations, turned a new leaf, shown remorse, and accepted responsibility for his/her mistakes.

“Anti-GBV organizations and/or activists have a duty to mend our shattered society and even accept when persons undergo or have experienced a process of reform and rehabilitation. They simply cannot close their eyes. How else can one pay his debts besides by reforming and turning a fresh leaf?”

In his defense, Manana stated that in acknowledgment of his prior high post in the interest of the ANC, he opted to resign “without hesitation” when the incident occurred, adding that he also resigned from all party positions for the good of the party and to seek rehabilitation.

“Surely, a normal community should recognize that after five years, a person would have served the punishment for his or her bad behavior, unless he or she commits the same offense without remorse.

“The criminal justice system has adopted a punishment strategy that tries not only to prevent the offender from committing other crimes, but also to promote reform. Particularly, sentencing is intended not to condemn the offender, but rather to reform the offender, so ensuring the offender’s reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen, he explained.

Manana, who believes that society is unfairly pursuing him, argues that after a person has been rehabilitated, they should be “integrated back into society.”

“Reintegration into society usually necessitates the individual’s ability to acquire employment or run for public office.

“Therefore, it is humbling to have received such a large number of votes, and this wonderful vote of confidence in my leadership by the vast majority of our branches and even South Africans is indicative of a culture that forgives and believes in the rehabilitation of individuals. I continue to be an anti-GBV campaigner, just as we all should be (previous victims of GBV, reformed perpetrators, and other men and women of honor who abhor any type of violence directed mostly at women and children),” he stated.

Manana’s leadership may be criticized by many, but it is lauded within the ANC, whose members overwhelmingly supported him during the conference. He has pledged to honor his position as a member of the party’s highest decision-making body.

“Finally, to the branches of the ANC and delegates to the 55th ANC National Conference, I will carry this humbling mandate to serve with humility, and I pledge to do right by your organization, to be part of the broader ANC renewal programme, and to meet the expectations of the South African people,” Manana concluded.

»Mduduzi Manana defends his re-election to the NEC«

Veganism, a dietary trend driven by celebrities, has ‘fared’, as sandwich retailer Pret A Manger has decided to close nearly all of its meat-free Veggie Pret locations.

In 2016, the first Veggie Pret launched in Soho, London, after a successful trial.

The company then launched ten more stores and acquired its competitor Eat in order to convert its locations into vegetarian and vegan-exclusive locations.

However, plans were derailed when the epidemic and lockdowns stopped customers from purchasing lunch at the business.

The first totally vegetarian Veggie Pret launched in Soho, London in 2016 after a successful trial.

Celebrities such as pop singer Ellie Goulding, pictured, who has spoken about her plant-based diet contributed to veganism’s popularity.

According to The Sun, sales dropped 75% during Covid restrictions, with big cities and airports taking the longest to recover after restrictions were withdrawn.

Now, managers are either closing the vegetable locations or transforming them into normal Prets, where lobster sandwiches and chicken caesar baguettes are bestsellers.

There are currently only two Veggie Prets left, both in London. On the menu are items such as “Breakfast Egg and Avocado,” “Rainbow Flatbread,” and “Bircher Muesli Bowl.”

Pret stated, “More of our customers are choosing veggie options, but many may not identify as full-time vegetarians, therefore we will continue to provide a majority meat-free and vegan menu in all of our locations.”

On the Veggie Pret menu, there are items such as “Meatless Meatball Protein Pot,” “Rainbow Flatbread,” and “Bircher Muesli Bowl.”

They said, “Our remaining Veggie Prets will continue to explore new vegan and vegetarian options for our original Prets.”

Veganism’s global popularity was influenced by artists like pop singer Ellie Goulding, who openly advocated for a plant-based diet.

Alice Pilkington, a food and beverage analyst at Mintel, stated, “The tremendous rise achieved by meat alternatives has slowed in 2022, as the Covid boost has been gone and the income squeeze has made the higher price of these products more of a barrier.”

»Is veganism out of fashion? Pret A Manger shuts down the majority of its meat-free Veggie Pret locations«

grumpy As a once-in-a-generation bomb cyclone struck the United States, an Iowa sports reporter grumbled through hours of live blizzard coverage after being moved to early morning weather duty.

Mark Woodley, a sports reporter for KWWL in Waterloo, Iowa, was visibly dissatisfied when he was assigned a 4.30am to 8am live broadcast window on Thursday.

A humorous compilation of video footage from his reporting depicts the journalist making amusing comments about the cold while bundled up in subzero temperatures.

Mark would have been exposed to temperatures of -0.4F (-18C) at the beginning of his shift, which decreased to -5.8F (-21C) at the conclusion.

The clip, which has nearly 3 million views on Twitter, opens with his co-host asking, “Mark, how are you feeling out there?” The sports writer says, “The same as when you asked me the identical question eight minutes ago.”

Extremely low temperatures are creating havoc across the United States, causing flights to be canceled and experts to warn that frostbite could occur within five to ten minutes on exposed skin.

The clip, which has nearly 3 million views on Twitter, opens with his co-host asking, “Mark, how are you feeling out there?”

The sports writer says, “The same as when you asked me the identical question eight minutes ago.” I typically participate in sports.

“Everything is canceled here for the next few days, so what better opportunity to ask the sports guy to come in roughly five hours earlier than he would typically rise, stand in the wind, snow, and cold, and warn others not to do the same?”

Mark becomes increasingly irritated with the task at hand as the concert progresses and the weather becomes even colder.

In a big black puffer jacket with snow falling in the background, he continues, “I didn’t know there was a 3.30 in the morning until today.”

A humorous compilation of video footage from his reporting depicts the journalist making amusing comments about the cold while bundled up in subzero temperatures. Mark stated, “Until today, I was unaware there was a 3.30 in the morning.”

Extremely low temperatures are creating havoc across the United States, causing flights to be canceled and experts to warn that frostbite could occur within five to ten minutes on exposed skin. Pictured: A resident of Urbandale, Iowa clears a driveway of snow.

Mark was outside while Waterloo, Iowa temps ranged between -0.4F (-18C) and -5.8F (-21C). Automobiles in Des Moines, Iowa

Mark stated that he hoped his reporting would encourage individuals to pay attention and take the weather seriously. Image shows vehicles driving on Interstate 380 near North Liberty, Iowa as snow falls.

“I’m used to these 30-minute-long nighttime performances, and I’m usually indoors during such shows. This show is really lengthy. For the following couple of hours, you may see me becoming increasingly irritable.’

Mark disclosed to Insider that filming took place adjacent to KWWL’s primary news station so he could warm up between shoots.

Despite this, the intense cold made the few minutes he spent outside quite unpleasant.

He continued, “I have some good news and some negative news. The good news is that I can currently still feel my face. The bad news is that I wish I couldn’t do it.

Then, appearing even more dissatisfied, he asked, “Can I return to my regular job?” I’m fairly certain that you added an extra hour to this program because someone enjoys torturing me.

Later, the hesitant meteorologist expressed his expectation that adding a few funny remarks would make the report more engaging and encourage viewers to listen and take it seriously.

As the sky began to brighten towards the end of Mark’s shift, he looked substantially more upbeat about going home.

This morning, live in Waterloo for the last time. ‘Thank goodness!’ he exclaimed as he completed his shift.

»Grumpy Iowa sports reporter groans through hours of live blizzard coverage«

Not only the Yankees attempted to acquire Andrew Benintendi. The Mets were one among the teams interested in the left fielder until he signed the White Sox’s five-year, $75 million contract.

Benintendi appealed to the Mets for a variety of reasons, including Steve Cohen’s appreciation for him as a player. But — and this will be difficult to believe now — even this version of the Mets had financial constraints. In their bids for Benintendi, they were among a number of teams that offered opt-outs and four-year contracts for approximately $60 million.

However, after acquiring Kodai Senga and completing agreements with Justin Verlander, Brandon Nimmo, Jose Quintana, and David Robertson, the Mets put a bit of a brake on any further significant transactions. The only way they would change their stance is if Cohen believed he had identified a player who would have a significant impact on the club’s immediate future. Hence, Carlos Correa now has a contract with the Mets. Cohen viewed Correa as the type of player worthy of increasing both his record payroll and the ire of his opponents.

Once Aaron Judge was re-signed, the Yankees informed the Benintendi camp that he was a priority, but they could only afford one of Benintendi or Carlos Rodon as their next move. And Rodon was the most important. Rodon signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the team.

Both the Yankees and Mets desired additional time in the Benintendi negotiations to determine whether they can clear payroll. However, the Benintendi camp could not risk other teams dropping out of contention. The White Sox do not offer opt-outs, thus their willingness to sign a five-year contract set them apart from the competition.

Thus, the Yankees’ top candidate to play left field eluded them.

This week, Hal Steinbrenner stated that the Yankees could increase their salary, but did not specify by how much.

Hal Steinbrenner stated during the Judge press conference on Wednesday that the Yankees were not done adding players and had salary space to do so, though he would not specify the maximum amount. Currently, they anticipate a franchise-record salary of $288 million. If they want to stay under the $293 million top tax threshold, they have limited maneuverability without subtracting a contract, and it’s not as if teams have indicated an insatiable desire to acquire Josh Donaldson or Aaron Hicks’s poor contracts.

Brian Cashman recognized that a left-handed hitter in left field is perhaps the most obvious addition. In contrast, one executive from a competing team stated regarding the market for available left-handed hitters, “You are looking for something that does not exist.” Outside of [Pittsburgh’s Bryan] Reynolds, there aren’t many left-handed bats that will make you feel good about your acquisition.

Why don’t we employ 3Up to investigate this field, given that the Mets are at least intrigued about this item and the Yankees are significantly more so?

The Yankees communicated with Matt Carpenter’s camp prior to his signing with the Padres. Before injuring his left foot, Carpenter was among the top hitters in the major leagues for six weeks before to his injury. He was unprepared for the postseason, striking out in nine of his first 12 at-bats.

The Yankees maintained their interest. Carpenter, on the other hand, had a clear path to 500 plate appearances, with the majority of those coming at designated hitter. Due to the presence of Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees were unable to offer that. And Carpenter cannot consistently play the outfield.

Therefore, where does it leave the Yankees’ internal options? Currently, they have only one left-handed hitter in their lineup, Anthony Rizzo, but their three best possibilities for left field are all left-handed hitters: Aaron Hicks, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Estevan Florial.

After being brought up by the Yankees late in the 2022 season, Oswaldo Cabrera occasionally played in the corner outfield, but he may be best suited for a super-utility role.

Cabrera would likely have the first opportunity. However, this is based on two excellent months to conclude the previous season. And if the last two months are any indication of Cabrera’s potential, the Yankees would prefer him to be their Swiss Army Knife, moving across the diamond for 400-500 plate appearances.

Can Hicks return to league-average statistics? He posted an OPS of 83 or higher in each of the prior two seasons. He will be 33 years old in 2023. He is frequently injured. He appeared to be affected by the boos at home as much as anyone not called Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Although the defensive analytics favored Hicks in left field, the eye test did not concur.

Florial, meanwhile, posted impressive numbers in Triple-A last season, but he was unable to translate those stats to the majors in brief appearances. Could he for an extended period of time? Since he is out of options and must therefore be exposed to waivers if he does not remain with the big league club for the entire season, the Yankees would have to feel very strongly about this. And he would certainly be selected from waivers. His minor league records, age (25) and tools would make him appealing to rebuilding teams that could give him consistent at-bats to see whether he can translate the tools into major league success.

All of these factors make it more likely that Florial will be the third or fourth piece in a trade rather than opening the season on the 26-man roster.

Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe, both right-handed, are the other Yankees position prospects with the highest likelihood of contributing to the 2023 team. In the recent past, the Yankees have prioritized acquiring the best players over maintaining a lefty-righty balance. When they acquired Rizzo and Joey Gallo at the 2021 trade deadline, though, they began to change. There is a growing understanding that balance is important, particularly in the playoffs.

The Yankees’ three most recent first-round selections, Austin Wells, Trey Sweeney, and Spencer Jones, are all left-handed bats. Jasson Dominguez is a switch-hitter as well. However, only Wells may have an impact on the 2023 club, and not immediately.

The 25-year-old Estevan Florial has not sustained success in the major leagues and is out of alternatives.

Therefore, the Yankees may be forced to use their present roster as a stopgap until the trade deadline, when a better option may become available. The reality, however, is that the Yankees would be better off with the switch-hitting Cabrera as a better version of the switch-hitting Marwin Gonzalez — in other words, as someone Aaron Boone actually wants to play regularly — and with Hicks as the fourth outfielder, with the Yankees hoping at least his on-base percentage continues to provide value.

This variation would require them to use a left-handed bat in left field. But it is difficult. Using 3Up’s Nos. 2 and 3, let’s evaluate the trade and free-agent markets.

Reynolds asked for a trade before to the Winter Meetings. The Pirates responded with a statement indicating that they anticipate his presence on the squad in 2023. However, it was not explicitly stated that they would not trade him. But if they did move Reynolds, would the Pirates expose themselves to other players who could potentially force their way out by pressing the public eject button?

It only complicates a deal further, as does the fact that Reynolds is a desirable player. He is only owed $6.75 million in 2023, and cannot become a free agent until after the 2025 campaign. He is a switch-hitter with impressive power and base-running skills. In January he will turn 28, therefore he is currently in his prime. He may be the type of player who would benefit from being surrounded by greatness.

However, the teams with which I spoke regard him as a very good player, not a great one. In Pittsburgh, he has played center field, but he is not a center fielder. Yes, he may perform better with a strong squad. Since 2019, when Reynolds was a rookie, the Pirates have had the poorest record in the big leagues (211-395). Consequently, Reynolds is requesting a trade. In a competitive market, there must always be anxiety (see: Gallo, Joey) about switching from playing just insignificant games to only significant ones.

Bryan Reynolds is a desirable trade candidate, but the Pirates are reportedly seeking a huge return.
USA TODAY Athletics

Teams that have enquired about a trade with the Pirates have indicated that they are seeking a return of star caliber. And why wouldn’t they, given his age, control years, the lack of left-handed hitters on the market, and their desire to oppose the trade request? As one rival executive pointed out, the Pirates have done a terrific job in recent years of bolstering their farm system, so in exchange for Reynolds, it is all about the quality, not the quantity, of prospects.

That would imply someone like Volpe, and I don’t think the Yankees would be interested. Peraza may be too important to their 2023 ambitions as a starting shortstop — possibly from the beginning of the season — to include him. Consequently, if the Yankees are to acquire Reynolds, it may come down to how much the Pirates value Dominguez.

The publicity surrounding “The Martian” not only boosted Dominguez’s status, but also harmed a rookie who had not played much baseball. However, he has become a highly promising player with a high ceiling. Do the Pirates envision this switch-hitting outfielder being a player of Reynolds’ caliber in the future? Dominguez will not reach the age of 20 until February. Do Dominguez, Sweeney, and Clarke Schmidt constitute the core of a feasible agreement?

Remember that the Yankees acquired Jameson Taillon and Clay Holmes from the Pirates in important trades in the recent past, when the Yankees were in sync with the Pirates. The Pirates have only obtained one desirable (to date) item in those trades, starting pitcher Roansy Contreras.

If the price for Reynolds becomes excessive and/or another contender desperate for bats outbids the Yankees, where else may they look on the trade market?

Outfielder Jasson Dominguez of Double-A could be the Yankees’ most valuable trade asset.
Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

The Diamondbacks have a surplus of left-handed outfielders, and the Yankees have made contact with Arizona. Corbin Carroll, however, is very definitely unconquerable, and Daulton Varsho is not far behind.

According to clubs with whom Arizona has communicated, the Diamondbacks are attempting to compare Alek Thomas to Carroll and Varsho. Thomas’ ability to play center field (a position the Yankees do not need to fill because Harrison Bader is in place) improves his value. Before re-signing Brandon Nimmo, for instance, the Mets discussed Thomas with Arizona. Will teams think that Jake McCarthy’s breakthrough in 2022 is genuine? The Diamondbacks will absolutely market him as such.

Josh Rojas of the Diamondbacks, who primarily plays third base but has experience in the corner outfield, is a player I admire. The expansive left field at Yankee Stadium, though, is not suited for below-average outfielders.

I inquired about Cincinnati outfielders Jake Fraley and TJ Friedl, but the Yankees and Reds have not discussed these players. The A’s are always up for business, and despite the fact that Seth Brown possesses an intriguing bat, his defense is simply insufficient.

Is it possible that a team like the Cardinals (Alex Burleson), Guardians (Will Brennan), or Tigers (Kerry Carpenter) would trade a major league-ready lefty-hitting outfield prospect? Maybe. However, prospect-for-prospect trades are difficult to execute. Plus, performing well in Triple-A is distinct from doing so in the majors; if this were not the case, the Yankees could just select Florial.

My hunch is that the greatest path to a deal involves the Twins and Max Kepler. Kepler and Nick Gordon for Kiner-Falefa and Gleyber Torres. (Note to aggregators: I’m making this up as a trade I think could work for both teams; I have not heard of it.)

It is not difficult to imagine the Yankees trading for Twins outfielder Max Kepler (26).
Getty Pictures

Why would the Twins act in this manner? Few clubs have more left-handed batters to choose from than the Twins, who added Gallo to their roster. Their greatest need is pitching. But had they been able to get desirable pitching in exchange for Kepler, they would have already done so.

Last year, the Twins traded for Kiner-Falefa to play shortstop before the Yankees called to continue negotiations with the Rangers to acquire Kiner-Falefa. The Twins hoped to retain Correa at shortstop throughout the offseason, but were unable. They acquired Kyle Farmer. Evidently, however, they favor Kiner-Falefa.

So too do the analytics, incidentally. He failed the Yankees’ eye test, particularly by playing sloppy defense in crucial situations. However, Baseball Reference listed him with a 3.0 WAR while Torres had a 4.1 WAR. Kepler was 2.1 and Gordon was 1.6 last year.

With Jorge Polanco at second base, the Twins must believe Torres can play third base (which he probably can). However, the DH berth is also available for rotation. The Twins would only make this move if they view Kiner-Falefa as a one-year stopgap shortstop (he is a free agent at the end of the season) and/or believe that Torres’ offensive resurgence began with last season.

This winter, the Twins have not discouraged teams from inquiring about AL hitting champion Luis Arraez. Even though Arraez has played some outfield, he is not a natural fit for the position. In addition, the Twins would almost probably need pitching to trade him.

Why would the Yankees do such a thing? They may also not be. Likewise, their analysts appreciate Kiner-Falefa. Torres’ bat is a factor, given that DJ LeMahieu and his ailing foot are not guaranteed to be well by the start of 2023, and Donaldson’s offensive decline renders him unreliable. Kepler can play left field defensively if he is healthy (a huge if), and Gordon, a left-handed hitter, might partner with Cabrera to offer the Yankees a tandem that can maneuver like chess pieces. Gordon does not conform to the Yankees’ model because he does not walk frequently enough to justify his strikeout rate. Did I mention that he bats left-handed? In addition, his OPS+ (113) previous season was nearly identical to Torres’ (114). And Gordon is not yet eligible for arbitration.

Kiner-Falefa is owed $6 million in 2023, while MLB Trade Rumors projects Torres’ next-to-last year of arbitration salary to be $9.8 million. Kepler is owed $8.5 million in 2023, with an option for $10 million or a $1 million buyout for 2024.

Kepler had 36 home runs and an OPS of.855 in 2019. Since then, he has not come near to that offensive player due to injury, the change, or the fact that that season was an anomaly. In the past three years, he has hit 37 home runs and maintained an OPS of.706.

The Yankees, on the other hand, would hope he remains healthy enough to defend and generate league-average offense as a left fielder. However, it is possible that the prohibition on dramatic shifts aids someone like Kepler. His hitting average on balls in play of.249 was tied for 18th-lowest among players with 400 plate appearances in 2017.

In 2022, Kepler put 326 balls into play. Eighty of these were pull-side grounders. This rate rated seventeenth out of 199 batters with at least 275 batted balls. Does Kepler have the potential for 10 more hits devoid of severe shifts? That would have increased Kepler’s batting average from.227 to.253 last season.

The Twins are betting that the ban on drastic shifts will benefit Gallo more than anyone else in the sport. And his presence, coupled with the continued presence of young left-handed outfielders Alex Kiriloff and Trevor Larnach, makes Kepler exceedingly accessible.

Who else remains available in free agency now that Benintendi has been signed? Michael Conforto has the most captivating name.

Michael Conforto, a free agent, is coming off a lengthy layoff due to right shoulder surgery, and he suffered a significant left shoulder injury during this 2017 Mets road trip.

However, Conforto has two significant issues. As a result of right shoulder surgery, he did not play in 2022. According to his agent, Scott Boras, his client is throwing frequently in preparation for the upcoming season. Any team that contracts him, though, must prepare for the potential that they will only have a designated hitter. Then, what type of DH? Conforto underperformed in 2021 and did not play in 2022; what is the effect on his swing of having had significant troubles with both shoulders?

Boras has also stated that he desires a two-year contract with a one-year opt-out for Conforto. However, this puts a great deal of risk on the team’s side. Conforto would only remain if he suffered an injury or performed so poorly that he could not earn more money on the open market.

When Conforto reaches an agreement, his physical examination will not be routine. A team will need to be quite confident in the condition of his shoulders, particularly his right (throwing) shoulder.

There is now a market for damaged-goods left-handed-hitting outfielders. Following hip surgery, Kevin Kiermaier signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Blue Jays. After falling from All-Star to bench man for the Yankees and Dodgers, Gallo inked a one-year, $11 million contract with the Twins. Following shoulder surgery, Michael Brantley signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the Astros. Cody Bellinger, who went from National League Most Valuable Player to being released by the Dodgers, signed a one-year, $17.5 million contract with the Cubs.

Note that these were all one-year deals, and that both Bellinger and Kiermaier benefit from playing center field at a high level. Boras also negotiated the larger deals for left-handed-hitting outfielders that sent Brandon Nimmo back to the Mets (eight years at $162 million) and sent Masataka Yoshida to the Red Sox (five years at $90 million).

David Peralta is one of the remaining unsigned outfielders in free agency.

Conforto’s one-year salary should likely be about $10 million, with the possibility of earning more through games played and/or plate appearance bonuses, based on the contracts of comparable players. However, without assurance that he can play the outfield, he would be a challenging signing for the Yankees.

In the remaining group, Robbie Grossman and Jurickson Profar are also switch-hitters (another Boras client). Formerly, Profar tempted the Yankees. His on-base abilities are also desirable. However, he opted out of a $7.5 million contract with the Padres for 2023, and it is unlikely that the Yankees will offer him a second year or a significantly greater salary in the first.

Jackie Bradley Jr., Kole Calhoun, Alex Dickerson, Corey Dickerson, Ben Gamel, Tyler Naquin, David Peralta, Magneuris Sierra, Dominic Smith, and Ramiel Tapia are the only players remaining. Smith is intriguing due of his ties to the Mets. However, he cannot play the large left field at Yankee Stadium. Bradley’s defense is a tremendous asset, but his offense has nearly become unplayable. If a player such as Gamel, Sierra, or Tapia receives a minor league contract, I could see the Yankees making a move to provide depth. They may even employ the same strategy with Bradley for the defense.

Peralta is the player I believe the Yankees would be most interested in acquiring as a stopgap until something potentially superior becomes available in July. Before being dealt to Tampa Bay, he performed effectively for Arizona previous season (12 home runs, 118 OPS-plus in 310 plate appearances) (0 homers, 92 OPS-plus in 180 plate appearances). Next season, he will be 35 years old, which may be an indication that his career is coming to an end.

However, he was a productive player before to the July 30 move. I see no reason why he would not be a league-average left fielder, albeit not quite as proficient as Benintendi. Benintendi was the ideal candidate because he was capable of playing left field. He was a contact-oriented left-handed hitter to counteract the right-handed batters’ tendency to strike out. He was evaluated in Boston and New York’s major markets.

Once he was taken off the market, the Yankees were placed in a far more difficult position to find a solution.

»Who will be the left fielder for the Yankees? The trade candidates, remaining free agents, and internal alternatives«

The elderly driver who drove over and murdered his wife’s best friend while taking them out to lunch was spared jail when the victim’s family petitioned for clemency.

Henry Booth, 78, of Droylsden, Greater Manchester, was parking his car at a local pub when it moved forward and he pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.

On October 21, 2012, his wife Joan and two family friends were walking inside the Haddon Hall pub when they were struck by a vehicle.

Barbara Daniels, age 83, died at the scene of catastrophic crush injuries.

Henry Booth and his wife Joan in front of Tameside Magistrates Court, where the old motorist was acquitted of all charges.

In October of last year, an accident occurred at the Haddon Hall pub in Droylsden, Greater Manchester.

Mrs. Booth, who was in her seventies, had a fracture to her pelvis, while Rita Robinson, who was also scheduled to have lunch with the group, suffered a fracture to her left shoulder and a tiny fracture to her back.

They are currently recuperating at home.

Booth faced up to five years in prison at the Tameside Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to causing death through careless driving.

However, he was granted a 12-month conditional release after Mrs. Daniels’ family pleaded for forgiveness in court, stating they felt ‘no hate’ towards him.

Stephen, Mrs. Daniel’s son, said in a statement, ‘We as a family are understandably grieved by my mother’s passing under such awful circumstances.

In addition to being a much-loved mother and cherished by her five grandkids, her passing has left a significant void in our lives.

“However, from the start, Henry’s family did not want him to be accused or face criminal consequences.

It is really unfortunate that one of these good gestures, such as driving my mother to appointments, resulted to her death. He and his wife have always been quite kind to my mother.

“He has endured the possibility of a punishment for over a year, and we hope that this, combined with his kindness, will be taken into account.” We harbor no ill will toward him and wish him and Joan well in the future.’

The court heard that the incident occurred just before one of the group’s regular lunches.

The prosecutor, Andrew Hey, stated, “The defendant stopped his vehicle, and the three passengers, one of whom was the defendant’s wife Joan, and two acquaintances, Barbara Daniels and Rita Robinson, exited the vehicle.”

“Mrs. Daniels and Mrs. Booth began walking in front of the car when the defendant abruptly accelerated forward, colliding with all three women.”

Mrs. Daniels fell in front of the vehicle and was run over, resulting in fatal injuries. She had reached the age of 83. Mrs. Booth had a fracture of the pelvis, while Mrs. Robinson suffered a fracture of the left shoulder and a slight fracture of the back.

Both patients were discharged from the hospital and are already recovering. Their injuries are no longer life-threatening or life-altering.

“The defendant’s vehicle continued to go ahead in the parking lot, striking a parked and unoccupied Mitsubishi Outlander.”

On October 21, 2012, Mr. Booth’s automobile struck his wife Joan and two family friends as they were entering the Haddon Hall pub.

‘Due to the collision, the Mitsubishi was forced through a hedge and came to rest on Haddon Hall Road, near to the pub parking lot.

The defendant’s vehicle came to rest partially behind the Mitsubishi in a hedge.

Mr. Booth stated in an interview that he used the accelerator instead of the brake as he unexpectedly began to advance.

He stated that there was insufficient time to remedy his error prior to the subsequent collision.

There are no prior convictions, cautions, or reprimands against the defendant.

In mitigation, defense attorney Howard Bernstein stated, ‘As lawyers, we sometimes become desensitized to these types of cases, but this one is truly terrible – more so than many other instances we routinely handle.

Joan Booth, the 70-year-old wife of Mr. Booth, and Rita Robinson were also injured in the tragedy that claimed the life of Barbara Roberts.

I was struck by the manner in which Stephen Daniels dealt with the loss of his mother and the grandmother of his grandkids under what he describes as catastrophic circumstances.

They were extremely close buddies. In addition, they had been friends for many years. It was intended to be a beautiful moment.

“Mr. Booth drove the three retired women to lunch, where they met for a get-together.” They were all ready to have a delicious pub lunch, something they do frequently.

He parked the automobile. In an interview, he explained that the wheels began to move because the hand brake was not engaged.

His wife also stated that it was inappropriate. He wanted to stop the vehicle by applying the brake, but he did not. He missed it and then stepped on the gas, and you saw what occurred.’

It was essentially an accident. Due to the fact that the hand brake was off and his attempts to address the situation, he was momentarily distracted. In my opinion, these are unique circumstances.

“At 78 years of age, he does not require rehabilitation.”

This accident has had a significant impact on him as well as the victim.

He must accept what transpired.

One of his closest friends was killed, and both his wife and a third individual were injured.

You can only image how much shame he will carry with him for the rest of his life.

Following the collision, he promptly returned his driver’s license, which is an indicator of how bad he feels about it.

He does not intend to ever again operate a motor vehicle. His wife, daughter, and two grandchildren have observed a change in him after chatting with him.

‘According to reports, he was a prominent individual at the time of the occurrence. Now, he is frail.

‘Normally, I would remark that a 78-year-old man who loses his good character is tragic in and of himself. In this situation, though, it is the least of his worries.

Every day, he must confront the tragedy of what transpired.

Mr. Bernstein told the court that the catastrophe could have happened to “the best of us” and that it was “a lesson for us all,” adding, “Everyone involved in this case will have to live with this for the rest of their life.”

I have nothing but gratitude for the families coming together and supporting one another. It is a truly awful situation. Mr. Booth is devastated by what has occurred. The evidence speaks for itself.

Booth was also sentenced to pay £107 in costs and was banned from driving for one year. During the court, Booth stated, ‘The only thing I would like to add is that Barbara’s granddaughter came around and we ended up hugging her and she was holding me. My wife was present, and we were all crying and hugging one another.

JP’s sentencing Steve Barlow told him, “We are all aware that this is a horrible case involving longtime friends. It is rare for us to receive something similar.

We believe that you will spend the rest of your life being punished by the memories. Today, you are not being punished. Nonetheless, if you commit another offense during the next 12 months, you will be penalised for the new offense in addition to this one. However, I am confident that will not be the case.

“We have heard that you have returned your license. We are delighted to learn this. As part of the process, you will be disqualified from driving for one year.’

Booth requested his attorney after the hearing whether he might shake the hands of the magistrates. Mr. Bernstein instead expressed his gratitude.

»78-year-old driver spared jail after family appeals for leniency«