UK Faces Growing 'Epidemic' of Violence Against Women and Girls, Report Reveals

Rahamim "Rami" Shy, a former policy adviser in the Obama administration, was sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison for planning to rape a nine-year-old girl in the UK. According to Luton Crown Court, Shy, 47, traveled from New York to Bedfordshire after engaging in explicit online conversations about his intentions with an undercover police officer posing as the girl's grandmother. Authorities stated that Shy's luggage contained cuddly toys and condoms, indicating a premeditated plan to groom the child. Despite his lawyers asserting that Shy was outside UK jurisdiction during his online messaging, the Crown Prosecution Service successfully argued that UK courts hold jurisdiction over offenses intended to harm individuals within the country. “Rahamim Shy is a predator... who had only one intention, to commit rape,” said Lorraine Telford from the CPS. Shy had previously worked in significant roles related to counter-terrorism finance and national security, raising concerns about his motives. His arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat child exploitation online.

A couple has been sentenced for the murder of Sarah Mayhew, 38, whose dismembered body was found in various locations in south London. Steve Samson, 45, who was on a life licence for a previous murder, received a whole-life order, ensuring he will never be released. His partner, Gemma Watts, 49, was sentenced to at least 30 years in prison. According to the judge at the Old Bailey, the murder involved “sexual and sadistic content”. Mayhew, a mother of two, met Samson through a dating site and was last seen alive on March 8, 2024, when she visited his home. Prosecutors revealed that extensive messages between the defendants indicated a premeditated desire to kill. Evidence collected post-murder included blood traces in Samson’s flat and a series of suspicious purchases made by both defendants. Following their actions, Mayhew's body parts were discovered a month later by a dog walker. In court, her family expressed the profound grief caused by the murder.

Renowned British singer and actress Marianne Faithfull has died at the age of 78, as confirmed by her spokesperson on Thursday, according to the BBC. Faithfull, celebrated for her influential contributions to music and film, leaves behind a legacy that spans several decades. Born in 1946, Faithfull rose to fame in the 1960s, known for her distinctive voice and poignant songwriting that resonated deeply with the counterculture movement. She became an icon not just for her music but also for her captivating presence in cinema. Over the years, Faithfull faced personal challenges, including battles with addiction, but she continuously made a remarkable comeback, releasing critically acclaimed albums and touring extensively. Details surrounding her passing remain sparse, with further information expected to be released soon. Fans and fellow artists have begun to pay tribute to her impactful career, underscoring her status as a cultural icon.