05.11.2009
E Guinea pardons coup plotters
Former British soldier Simon Mann, sentenced to 34 years for a coup plot in Equatorial Guinea, has been pardoned, UK newspaper reports say.
Mann, who was sentenced in July 2008, admitted conspiring to oust President Teodoro Obiang Nguema during his trial.
The former special forces officer apologised, saying he was not the most senior coup plotter.
The Foreign Office said it was aware of reports of Mann's proposed release and was seeking to clarify the situation.
A spokesman said: "This is something for the Equatorial Guinea authorities at this stage."
Mann was held in 2004 with 64 others in Zimbabwe before being extradited.
His extradition came after he had served four years in prison in Zimbabwe for trying to purchase weapons without a licence.
Equatorial Guinea, an oil-rich former Spanish colony, has been ruled by President Obiang since he seized power from his uncle in 1979.
Mann's lawyer had asked for leniency, saying his client was a pawn of powerful international businessmen and he had been "not a co-author" of the coup plot but "an accomplice".
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03.11.2009
Amazing mating display of spatule hummingbird filmed
The amazing mating display of the marvellous spatuletail hummingbird is filmed in super slow motion for the first time.
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Murdered good Samaritan honour
A good Samaritan who was murdered on a South Tyneside street is to be awarded a posthumous honour.
Deka Kennedy, 29, was stabbed by Paul Morrison when he tried to stop him attacking a woman in Frederick Street, South Shields, in January.
Morrison, 26, was later convicted of murder and jailed for life.
Mr Kennedy's parents will be presented with a commendation award for bravery on their son's behalf by Northumbria Police Chief Constable Mike Craik.
Deka Snr and Jean Kennedy will receive the honour at a special ceremony at the Assembly Rooms in Newcastle on Tuesday evening.
Other presentations include awards for long service and good conduct to police officers, staff and special constabulary officers.
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