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Billy Joe Saunders Attacked Rival Thugs in Baby Shower Brawl
Former boxing world champion Billy Joe Saunders used beer bottles to attack rivals during a mass brawl at a baby shower, a court has heard.
The 37-year-old assaulted people with a bottle on three occasions after violence erupted at the celebration.
Saunders was among nine men caught up in the “very violent” confrontation, during which one man was stabbed in the hand with a flick knife, Warwick Crown Court was told.
The court also heard that another man was reportedly seen carrying a gun.
Everyone involved had been invited by Audie Knowles, 38, to the event at Poppy’s Club in Bulkington, Warwickshire, on November 27, 2021, which was held to celebrate his wife’s pregnancy.
One witness described Saunders as “drunk, drinking a lot” and said he had been “being derogatory towards Irish people”.
Earlier in the evening, two members of the group had fought, but the situation appeared to have settled down.
However, shortly after midnight on November 28, the violence suddenly reignited for reasons that remain unclear.
Former boxing world champion Billy Joe Saunders pictured outside Warwick Crown Court
CCTV footage shown to the court captured a confrontation inside the venue before one of the five defendants, John-Leon Porter, now 27, punched another suspect.
The fight then moved into the buffet area, where food and other items were thrown during the chaotic melee.
Knowles, who was also on trial, allegedly hit Porter on the back and head with a bottle around 13 times before striking another man with it approximately 15 times.
Prosecutor Patrick Sullivan said a witness saw former Olympian Saunders empty a beer bottle near the bar so he could use it as a weapon.
He was then seen grappling with a man while attempting to hit him with the bottle.
The court was also told that bottles smashed after Saunders threw them across the room.
Saunders later delivered six punches in four seconds to four men, including Porter, who was sitting beside him in the dock on Thursday, September 17.
He struck one of those men again a short time later.
Saunders was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. The judge said: “You were a boxer of some skill and repute at the Olympics and as a professional.
“You were involved in this brawl at a more serious level than three of those with you today in the dock, as you used a bottle and were considerably involved in this offence. However, I bear in mind that you did not dive in at the outset and became involved a little later.”
Pictured: Billy Joe Saunders celebrates beating Andy Lee during their WBO World Middleweight title fight at Manchester Arena in 2015
One of two unknown brawlers pulled a knife from his pocket and stabbed one of those involved, Mr Sullivan said.
Defending Saunders, Sebastian Gardiner told how his client’s life had spiralled just months before the melee, when he lost to Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez in May 2021, which took place in front of a record 73,126 people at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Saunders’ eye socket was broken during the super-middleweight unification fight, which had four world titles on the line.
It was his first career loss and the injury forced him into retirement, said Mr Gardiner.
He piled on the pounds and started boozing for the first time in his life, the court heard, before finding himself in the middle of the vicious pub brawl just six months later.
His Honour Judge Thomas Rochford said that as a pro boxer Saunders ‘should be able to manage his feelings in a way others can’t’.
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Mr Gardiner said: ‘It was an incident that took place at a time where he was extremely low, he had been drinking for the first time in his adult life. He’d trained to be a boxer from being a child.
‘He got to a very high level with lots of attention and expectation on him.
‘His world came tumbling down in May that year when he was defeated.
‘It was a fight which led to a fractured eye socket and which, in effect, ended his career.
‘He’s a finely tuned athlete, his whole world revolved around being a boxer.
‘He had put on a huge amount of weight between May and November as he was drinking a lot and had come off the rails.
‘He was devastated to see himself behave like that.
‘It acted as a catalyst for him to recognise that he had behaved inappropriately and that he was mismanaging his life.’
In September last year Saunders was sentenced to a community order and fined after pleading guilty to illegally using dogs to hunt and kill hares, but that offence was not taken into consideration during Thursday’s sentencing as it post-dated the brawl.
British boxer Billy Joe Saunders was caught on film launching a foul-mouthed tirade at cops – when he was caught with three others for illegal hare coursing
Mr Gardiner said Saunders had shed four stone and given up booze since the 2021 scrap and is now back in training with a view to having a professional bout in December.
The court heard how Saunders had been training amateur and professional fighters and a string of character references were sent to the judge.
They included a letter sent from a member of the Lib Dems and also ‘a party on the right,’ the judge said, as well as several boxing clubs.
He said he noted his intention to return to the ring, adding: ‘I know a custodial sentence would affect that.’
The court heard how Saunders was ‘a man of some means’ financially and was happy to pay whatever fine or costs were imposed upon him.
He was ordered to pay £1,000 in costs and a £1,000 fine, and he will carry out 200 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months.
Burly Knowles was jailed for 15-months, with the judge telling him: ‘It was a disgraceful brawl in a bar in which you were heavily involved and used a bottle repeatedly.’
A witness said that another defendant, David Draper, 40, who was on bail at the time, had retrieved a gun during the fight and hid it under a white top or cloth.
The white item could be seen in the CCTV as rotund Draper returned from out of shot, but the firearm claim could not be substantiated.
He was given 12-months, suspended for 18-months, along with 140 hours unpaid work.
He was slapped with a fine of £500 and costs of £500.
Martin Fury, 37, had ‘slight’ involvement and was given a nine-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with 120 hours of unpaid work, and a £500 fine.
Porter, 27, got 33 weeks, suspended for 18 months as well as 120 hours of unpaid work and a £500 fine.
He threw just one punch before being ‘battered by people with bottles’, his barrister Lee Masters said.
All five defendants pleaded guilty to violent disorder earlier this year.
READ MORE: Moment world champion boxer Billy Joe Saunders is caught on video launching foul-mouthed tirade at police as he is convicted of hare coursing
Former CIA Director John Brennan Says Trump “Has No Concept” of Taiwan’s Importance to the U.S.
Former CIA Director John Brennan said Monday on MS NOW’s “Deadline” that President Donald Trump does not understand Taiwan’s strategic importance to the United States.
Brennan argued that Trump’s approach reflects a lack of commitment to longstanding American principles and values. He said Trump may view Taiwan simply as an island that can be negotiated over or used as leverage, much as a real estate developer might pursue the most advantageous deal. But Brennan stressed that Taiwan is vital to U.S. national security for numerous reasons, including the long-standing principle that the United States should not allow China to absorb the island.
Brennan added that Trump’s public comments signal to China, Taiwan and other countries that Washington could be willing to trade its decadeslong partnership with Taiwan for another objective. In Brennan’s view, that does not demonstrate effective negotiation. He said Trump fails to recognize how closely interconnected the world has become and how heavily U.S. national security depends on relationships and alliances developed over many decades.
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Brendan Fraser Spotted on The Mummy 4 Set for First Time in 18 Years
Brendan Fraser has been photographed on the set of the next installment in The Mummy franchise for the first time.
The 57-year-old action star was seen both in costume and between takes in Suffolk, eastern England, on Monday. He was filming the currently untitled sequel, which will become the fourth movie in the main Mummy series.
The project marks another major moment in Fraser’s so-called “Brennaissance,” the career resurgence that began early in the decade and culminated in his Best Actor Oscar win for his acclaimed role in The Whale.
Fraser’s return to the franchise comes 18 years after he appeared in the 2008 horror thriller The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.
His original co-star, Rachel Weisz, was confirmed to be returning just days earlier. She had been spotted filming a separate scene in London.
Fraser appeared to be shooting a sequence in which his character takes the wheel of a rocket-shaped, high-speed vehicle.
Brendan Fraser has been seen on the set of the upcoming sequel in The Mummy franchise for the first time.
The 57-year-old actor was photographed in and out of costume in Suffolk, eastern England, while filming the untitled fourth movie in the main Mummy series.
Fraser appeared to be filming a sequence involving his character driving a rocket-like speed car.
The sequence called for Fraser’s character, treasure hunter Rick O’Connell, to climb behind the wheel of the experimental machine. His stunt double ultimately took over for the driving portion.
Fraser and his double wore rugged brown leather jackets, coordinating gloves and brown trousers for the scene.
After piloting the long, tubular vehicle, both men were seen with soot-like makeup covering their faces.
Filming took place at a former military base being used as the fictional Daubach Air Base. Its runway had been transformed into a test track where O’Connell races to set a new speed record.
The silver rocket car was decorated in blue and red, complete with stylized lightning bolts and the words “Great Britain Speed Shop.” American and British flags were painted on its tail fin.
Fraser’s stunt double appeared to handle the actual high-speed run. The vehicle shot past a cheering crowd, kicking up a dense plume of smoke as it sped along the track.
The new Mummy film will bypass the events of Fraser’s previous entry and instead take place decades after 2001’s The Mummy Returns, the last movie in the franchise to feature Weisz.
Weisz’s character, Evelyn Carnahan, was recast with Maria Bello for Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. The upcoming sequel, however, reunites the original leading cast.
Fraser’s character, treasure hunter Rick O’Connell, was required to drive the experimental vehicle, but the actor’s stunt double (R) stepped in for the dangerous sequence.
Fraser and his stunt double wore rugged brown leather jackets, matching leather gloves and brown trousers.
Both men sported soot-like makeup after appearing to pilot the long, tubular vehicle; Fraser’s stunt double is pictured above.
Fraser’s stunt double appeared to do the actual driving of the high-speed car
The vehicle zoomed past a cheering crowd and left a trail of thick smoke in its wake
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Should classic movie franchises keep reviving original stars, or is it better to start fresh?
John Hannah is also returning as Carnahan’s brother, while Arnold Vosloo – who played the title monster in the original films – will be back.
Kevin J. O’Connor, who played the mummy’s henchman, has also been cast in the upcoming sequel, even though his character met a gruesome fate at the conclusion of the original film.
Although the new film is set decades after the last Mummy film starring Weisz, few details have been revealed about the sequel’s plot.
The 54-year-old actress – who is married to former James Bond star Daniel Craig – was pictured filming a scene outside the British Museum, which is expected to be featured early on in the movie.
Stephen Sommers, who directed the first two modern Mummy films, is being replaced on the latest entry by the directing team of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who were previously credited as Radio Silence.
The two broke out with the 2019 horror-comedy hit Ready or Not, as well as the fifth and sixth entries in the Scream franchise and a sequel to Ready or Not that was released earlier this year.
In May, the latest entry in Fraser’s return to prominence, Pressure, was released in theaters.
He starred in the World War II film as Dwight D. Eisenhower, who collaborated with the Scottish meteorologist James Stagg (played by Andrew Scott) as he planned out the monumental Operation Overlord, which began on June 5, 1944, with the storming of the beaches in Normandy.
Fraser’s double is pictured in the cockpit
The silvery rocket car, which was painted blue and red with stylized lightning bolts and the words ‘Great Britain Speed Shop,’ had a pair of American and British flags painted on its tail fin
The scene was shot at a former military base, now standing in for the fictional Daubach Air Base
The runway had been converted into a track for Fraser’s character to barrel down for speed trials as he tries to set a new record
The new film marks the return of Fraser’s costar Rachel Weisz, who last appeared in the franchise’s second film, The Mummy Returns (2001)
While Pressure disappointed at the US box office after its May release, it was only released in France and the UK earlier this month.
Last year, Fraser led the dramedy Rental Family, which also disappointed at the box office but charmed critics.
He played an American actor living in Tokyo who found unconventional work as part of a company that hires actors to stand in as fake family members to its clients.
Fraser’s return to prominence began in 2021, when Steven Soderbergh cast him as a heavy in his period crime thriller No Sudden Move, but it wasn’t until the following year that he cemented his return with his Oscar-winning role in The Whale.
He starred in the Darren Aronofsky–directed drama as a morbidly obese homebound English teacher who struggled to teach his classes remotely while also using his limited time to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter.
Fraser’s upcoming Mummy sequel was originally scheduled to hit theaters in May 2028, but its release was later bumped up to October 15, 2027.
Nancy Guthrie Case: Police Probe Possible New Ransom Note
Arizona authorities investigating Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance are examining a “new, possible ransom note” as they search for a breakthrough nearly eight months after the 84-year-old vanished.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has not said when the alleged note was sent, who received it or what it contained, but indicated that investigators are also reviewing discussion about it on social media.
“The PCSD [Pima County Sheriff’s Department]/FBI Guthrie Task Force was recently made aware of a new possible ransom note related to the Nancy Guthrie investigation,” the department said in a post on X Monday.
“Investigators are also aware of social media comments regarding the note and are looking further into the information to determine its credibility.”
The FBI has not publicly commented on the development, and neither has Guthrie’s daughter, television star Savannah Guthrie.
Two ransom notes were sent to Arizona news station KOLD-13 within a week of Guthrie being taken from her home in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills.
Authorities have long suspected that Guthrie was abducted from her bed.
The first note, received February 2, stated that Guthrie would be “released unharmed” if her family paid $4 million in bitcoin by 5 p.m. on February 5.
“If payment is not received, the ransom will be increased to 6 million USD which will need to be paid by 5PM on Monday the 9th,” the alleged kidnappers wrote.
“Once payment is received to the bitcoin address below she will be released within 12 hours of deposit to a safe drop off location back in Tucson. If payment is not recieved [sic] by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5PM, she will be killed.”
“Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands,” the note continued, warning the Guthrie family “not to play games.”
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A second note, sent February 6, adopted a more remorseful tone while suggesting that Guthrie might already have died.
“We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition,” the message stated, apparently referring to Guthrie’s frailty.
“We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken.
“We believe it was heart related. She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace. We are truly sorry.”
The identities of the people who sent the two notes remain unknown. However, forensic psychologist Gary Brucato said in August that the messages appeared to have been written by two different individuals.
Brucato believed the ransom demand came from someone calculating and intelligent, while the second message appeared to have been written by a more emotional person.
He also suggested that the author of one of the notes may have had a connection to Savannah Guthrie.
No arrests have been made, despite the notes being released publicly around the six-month mark of the investigation.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos previously said he hoped publishing the notes would prompt someone in the community to come forward with information.
The Guthrie family are offering a $1 million reward for information that leads to the matriarch being recovered.
That reward remains active and the FBI is offering a $100,000 reward.
Homeless Man Arrested on Suspicion of Indecent Exposure
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – George Thomas White, 47, was arrested after police said he exposed himself behind a Midtown business.
According to the Gainesville Police Department, an officer was called to the 800 block of SW 2nd Avenue at about 12:56 p.m. on September 27. An employee told police she discovered White lying near the business’s dumpster while taking out the trash and saw that his genitals were exposed. She also reported that he was openly masturbating.
The officer said White appeared to be the only person in the area. Clothing and a sleeping bag were reportedly located nearby.
After being read his Miranda rights, White allegedly told police he had been at the location throughout the day. He reportedly acknowledged masturbating and watching pornography.
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White’s address is listed as the former St. Francis House. He faces a charge of indecent exposure of sexual organs, and Judge George Wright set bail at $5,000. A complete criminal history was unavailable because records involving sexual offenses are not posted, although White has no other local arrests listed.
Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi Hold Hands on Romantic Paris Date
Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi extended their romantic European getaway on Monday evening, stepping out together for a date night in Paris.
The 30-year-old model and the 29-year-old Euphoria actor appeared affectionate as they walked hand in hand through the French capital.
Elordi was supporting Jenner after she took to the runway for the L’Oréal show earlier that day during Paris Fashion Week.
The outing came just one day after he joined Jenner for an evening out in Milan, where she had been attending events linked to Milan Fashion Week.
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Jenner and Elordi for comment, but has not received a response.
Jenner made a stylish impression in a textured slate-gray minidress, which highlighted her long, toned legs.
Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi continued their romantic European travels with a Monday evening date night in Paris
The 30-year-old model and 29-year-old Euphoria star looked affectionate as they held hands through Paris, where Jenner is attending Paris Fashion Week
Jenner stepped out in a textured slate-gray minidress that drew attention to her long, toned legs
The Kardashians star completed the understated outfit with conservative black heels, which added only a little to her 5ft10in height.
A contrasting beige trench coat offered protection from the evening chill, while Jenner wore her ombré hair in her signature center part.
Elordi, who is also recognized for his distinctive personal style, coordinated effortlessly with Jenner in a relaxed ensemble.
He gave a casual twist to a white button-up shirt by leaving off the tie and rolling up the sleeves, pairing it with loosely cut black trousers.
The Wuthering Heights star brought a hint of 1970s-inspired style to the outfit with black leather loafers. Dark-framed sunglasses and a dress watch with a leather strap completed the look.
Elordi also sported an unusual goatee during his European trip with Jenner, a departure from his typically clean-shaven appearance.
Their Sunday evening outing had been the first time the couple was photographed together in almost a month.
After the high-profile pair went several weeks without being seen together, some fans began to speculate that their relationship could have ended.
The Kardashians star finished the outfit with conservative black heels that added only modestly to her 5ft10in frame
Known for his fashion-forward style, Elordi opted for a relaxed combination of a white button-up shirt with rolled sleeves, no tie and slightly loose black trousers
Elordi kept his Paris look casual in a white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, paired with a tie-free finish and slightly baggy black trousers
The Wuthering Heights star added a touch of ’70s chic with black leather loafers, and he accessorized with classic dark-frame sunglasses and a dress watch on a leather strap
Elordi and Jenner’s previous rendezvous on Sunday night marked the first time the lovebirds had been pictured together in nearly a month, leading fans to fear that they might have broken up
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Prior to the Bottega Veneta show for Milan Fashion Week, where Elordi was spotted supporting his girlfriend, the two had not been seen together since August 27
Prior to the Bottega Veneta show for Milan Fashion Week, where Elordi was spotted supporting his girlfriend, the two had not been seen together since August 27.
They went public with their relationship in April of this year, when they were spotted kissing at a Coachella afterparty thrown by Jenner’s longtime friend Justin Bieber.
In subsequent months, they were seen getting closer while jetting off to Hawaii and Japan.
While in Japan, Jenner and Elordi went viral on TikTok after they were seen holding hands while exploring Tokyo.
Later in August, Jenner supported Elordi in London at the premiere of his latest film, an adaptation of The Dog Stars.
The Ridley Scott–directed post-apocalyptic thriller turned out to be a disappointment that bombed at the box office and received underwhelming reviews from critics.
Amid the disappointing film debut, Elordi signaled that he and Jenner were more serious than ever when they went out for dinner in London at the Italian hotspot Cipriani and invited his father.
It was later reported that Elordi booked the $80,000-a-night penthouse suite at London hotel Claridge’s for himself and his girlfriend amid their glitzy courtship.
Later on Monday evening, Jenner covered up against the nighttime chill with a contrasting beige trench coat for a classic look
Jenner and Elordi went public with their relationship in April of this year, when they were spotted kissing at a Coachella afterparty thrown by Jenner’s longtime friend Justin Bieber
In subsequent months, they were seen getting closer while jetting off to Hawaii and Japan. In late August, Jenner supported Elordi at the premiere of his box-office bomb The Dog Stars in London
Earlier, Jenner had walked the runway at the L’Oréal show as part of Paris Fashion Week
She put on a leggy display in a semi-sheer black halter gown with a slit that ran nearly to the top of her thighs
At the conclusion of the show, the catwalk star joined the rest of the models and stars on stage for the grand finale
She was spotted have a conversation with veteran actress Andie MacDowell, who contrasted her look with a gorgeous white satin gown that hugged her trim figure
‘Jacob’s a proper romantic, and he wanted Kendall to have that amazing view over London where you can see the stars,’ an insider told The Sun. ‘The upgrade was worth the money.’
Elordi’s dating history has included Full House star Lori Loughlin’s daughter Olivia Jade, who was embroiled in the infamous 2019 Varsity Blues college admissions scandal.
He has also dated Cindy Crawford’s daughter Kaia Gerber, as well as his Kissing Booth costar, Joey King.
Meanwhile, Jenner also has a colorful dating history.
She was linked to Bad Bunny between 2023 and 2024, after headline-hitting romances with a string of athletes.
The beauty has previously been linked to NBA heartthrobs including Blake Griffin, Devin Booker and Ben Simmons.
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