Infamous Bali 'suitcase' murderer who killed US girlfriend's mother with a fruit bowl and hid her inside luggage so they could access $1.5m trust fund walks free from prison and says he plans to 'enjo
An American who killed his girlfriend's mother with a fruit bowl in a Bali hotel room and stuffed her body into a suitcase has been released from prison. Unbeknown to her mother, Heather had secretly invited her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer, using her mother's credit card to purchase a $12,000 first class flight for him. The pair placed her body inside a suitcase and left it in the trunk of a taxi outside the resort. However, CCTV footage showing Sheila and Heather arguing in the hotel lobby and further evidence undermined their account. Kerobokan Prison Governor Hudi Ismono confirmed Schaefer's release on Tuesday, saying: 'Today, Tommy Schaefer is released and we have handed over him to the Immigration.
Source:Daily Mail
February 17, 2026 16:59 UTC
Almost 100 people die every week in Ireland of tobacco-related illnesses, say doctors
Photograph: iStockAlmost 100 people die each week in Ireland from illnesses caused by tobacco products, according to a new report by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. It’s time for Government to lead again and to focus on elimination of tobacco harm for once and for all,” Kavanagh said. “Stalled reductions in smoking rates and the continuing scale of harm caused by tobacco products mean we have no time to waste. Ireland has led the world before in its efforts to tackle tobacco harm. They have also passed legislation to improve regulation of vaping products, nicotine pouches and other tobacco products that could be introduced for sale in the future.
Source:The Irish Times
February 17, 2026 16:51 UTC
The medical appointment that confirmed my mother’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s was brief
“It is Alzheimer’s.” In a tiny windowless office in the bowels of the hospital the air was sucked out of the room. My mum, Ferga, exhaled and said, “Oh God”, as I sat there feeling my world disintegrate – she was the epicentre of my heart. The appointment was brief; there’s no intensive treatment regime to follow, no chance of a cure. We renamed it Ally-Zee – Alzheimer’s is such a loaded word; it’s heavy, sad and scary, and we wanted to disempower it. I knew that as I sat with her stroking her hair she knew she was loved and that she loved me.
Source:The Irish Times
February 17, 2026 16:51 UTC
Lucky Kildare lotto player becomes Ireland’s newest millionaire
The lotto player purchased their ticket online and are among the highest wins so far this yearA lotto player in Co Kildare has started off the week celebrating after they discovered that they had become Ireland’s newest millionaire. A Daily Million player in Kildare got their week started off in style after scooping the top prize of €1 million in the 9pm draw on Monday night, February 16. The lucky player purchased their ticket online and have now taken their spot on the roll call of highest wins so far this year. The winning numbers in the 9pm Daily Million draw on Monday, February 16 were: 09, 22, 27, 31, 33, 39 and the bonus was 37. The eager winner has already made contact with the National Lottery prize claims team and arrangements are now being made for them to visit Lottery Headquarters to collect their €1 million top prize.
Source:Irish Independent
February 17, 2026 16:39 UTC
Nightmare Stoke-on-Trent council tenant kicked out over son's unruly behaviour
Nightmare Stoke-on-Trent council tenant kicked out over son's unruly behaviourGareth Machin had set fire to his neighbour's curtains in a row over a womanView Image Pretoria Road in Etruria (Image: Google Maps)A nightmare tenant has been evicted from his Stoke-on-Trent council house - after his son set fire to a neighbour's home in a row over a woman. Stoke-on-Trent County Court heard the property in Pretoria Road, Etruria, had become the centre of 'serious criminal activity'. As a result, Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team secured a court possession order for the house after a hearing held earlier this month. The council then became aware of the conviction in July 2025 and subsequently served a Notice of Seeking Possession – an eviction notice used due to proven anti-social behaviour - on the tenant on August 14 last year. Speaking after the tenant's eviction, Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for safe and resilient communities, said: “We take anti-social behaviour extremely seriously and will act swiftly where criminal activity puts residents and neighbourhoods at risk.
Source:Daily Mirror
February 17, 2026 16:36 UTC
Jamie Osborne helping to hold the backline as Ireland look for rhythm
It was a shoulder injury suffered against Japan in November that had kept Osborne on the sidelines until that difficult trip to Paris. Baloucoune’s finishing for Ireland’s third try capped what Farrell described as being up there with the best team try his Ireland side has scored. Osborne was one of 14 Irish players to contribute to the eight-phase move along the way. “Andy alluded to the intent factor last week and how it wasn't really there,” said Osborne of that French defeat. And I know there's a lot to work on, but we can be pleased with the intent part of the game.”
Source:Irish Examiner
February 17, 2026 16:30 UTC
Police appeal for help to find missing Stoke-on-Trent boy, 16
Police appeal for help to find missing Stoke-on-Trent boy, 16He was last seen on SundayView Image Missing AporosaPolice are appealing for help as they continue to look for a missing 16-year-old boy. Today Staffordshire Police has shared an image of the teenager as they continue to look for him. The boy was last seen in Abbey Hulton at around 10pm on February 15. He was last seen wearing black trousers, a black jacket, black trainers, and was possibly carrying a black bag. Anyone who has seen Aporosa or knows of his whereabouts should call 101 and quote incident 567 of February 16.
Source:Daily Mirror
February 17, 2026 16:24 UTC
Thieves steal high value jewellery in Cotswolds burglary
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Source:Daily Mirror
February 17, 2026 16:21 UTC
Wayne Rooney claims Arsenal don't have ANY 'world-class' players - and accuses the club's fans and ex-players of 'KILLING' the team in stinging barb
Arsenal's have no 'superstar' players, according to Wayne Rooney - and that could derail their title challenge. Rooney also swung at Arsenal's fans and former players such as Martin Keown, claiming they are 'killing' the team with their nerves and commentary. 'What I think is happening is, the Arsenal fans, ex-players coming out, they are killing them. I don’t think they have, but they know how to win games, and they’ve shown that over the last three years.' Carragher had said shortly before: 'Arsenal have got a great mentality, but when I watch Arsenal, I don’t think they’ve got an absolute superstar in the front four or five players.
Source:Daily Mail
February 17, 2026 16:19 UTC
EU investigates Shein for sale of childlike sex dolls
The European Commission has opened a formal investigation into Shein under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Photograph: EPAThe EU has opened a formal investigation into China-founded fast-fashion retailer Shein for breaching the bloc’s rules on digital platforms, including the sale of illegal products such as childlike sex dolls. The move comes amid intensified application of the EU’s landmark digital rules, particularly focusing on US and Chinese platforms. Henna Virkkunen, the bloc’s executive vice-president, said illegal products were prohibited in the EU “whether they are on a store shelf or on an online marketplace”. UK ministers have been trying to convince Shein to choose the London Stock Exchange for its listing.
Source:The Irish Times
February 17, 2026 16:14 UTC
Bruno Fernandes handed Man Utd transfer verdict in damning reality check
Bruno Fernandes handed Man Utd transfer verdict in damning reality checkBruno Fernandes' future at Manchester United remains uncertain after club bosses previously made it clear they didn't mind if he leftView 2 Images Bruno Fernandes is believed to be pondering his future (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)Louis Saha has encouraged Bruno Fernandes to prioritise his own needs and consider a move away from Manchester United. The future of captain and talisman Fernandes at the club remains uncertain beyond the end of this season. United are also yet to reach a decision on Fernandes' potential sale as they are still to appoint a permanent manager. Those people at the top think about the club, and they think about their own position. It's not only about trophies because we know 100%, I have no doubt about that, that Bruno wants to win a major trophy with Manchester United.
Source:Daily Mirror
February 17, 2026 16:14 UTC
LeBron James comments on Israel spark fury after claiming he's heard 'great things' about country amid Gaza conflict
LeBron James has drawn fierce criticism online after claiming he's heard 'great things' about Israel and outlining his desire to one day visit. Like I said, I’ve never been over there, but I heard great things. American academic and author Marc Lamont Hill also posted: 'LeBron James just said he’s “heard nothing but good things” about Israel. Another user commented: '“Heard nothing but great things” come on bron…''This just absolutely shows you how much athletes do not keep up with politics...' said a fourth. While a third claimed: 'His answer was great until he said heard nothing but great things'.
Source:Daily Mail
February 17, 2026 16:09 UTC
First look at new Edinburgh Royal Mile pub The Parliament Arms as opening date nears
First look at new Edinburgh Royal Mile pub The Parliament Arms as opening date nearsThe new pub is set to open on Canongate in city centre. New images of Parliament Arms on Canongate (Image: Edinburgh Council planning portal)New images have been released of the anticipated new pub coming to Edinburgh's Royal Mile. As part of the £170,000 refurbishment it will also have its name changed to The Parliament Arms to reflect its location, reports the Daily Record. Work on the Kilderkin began on February 9, with The Parliament Arms set to open its doors around a month later by the middle of March. Scottish gins and whiskies will reportedly be a major focus of The Parliament Arms' drinks selection, with regular tastings and events with local producers.
Source:Daily Mirror
February 17, 2026 16:08 UTC
Antarctica has a mysterious 'gravity hole' where sea levels are 420ft lower – and scientists finally think they know what caused it
Antarctica is home to many mysteries, but one of the strangest is an enormous 'gravity hole' deep beneath the ice. The vast gravity hole, known as the Antarctic Geoid Low (AGL), is the product of incredibly slow rock movements, according to the experts. Scientists have known for years that there is a mysterious 'gravity hole' in Antarctica where the sea level is 420 feet (130 m) below the surrounding water. Once their predictions matched the best current data from gravity–sensing satellites, they wound back the clock and watched as the gravity hole formed over aeons. The Antarctic Geoid Low is not the only massive gravity hole on Earth.
Source:Daily Mail
February 17, 2026 16:05 UTC
‘I can’t wait to get stuck into England in Twickenham’ – Ireland full-back Jamie Osborne
Ireland's Jamie Osborne on his way to scoring his side's first try during the Six Nations victory over Italy at the Aviva Stadium. Photo: Brendan Moran/SportsfileQuietly, Jamie Osborne has been one of Ireland’s Six Nations success stories. The full-back returned from a three-month lay-off in Paris and grew to his task against Italy on Saturday, scoring an excellent try off a Stuart McCloskey offload and generally making good decisions while looking secure under the high ball.
Source:Irish Independent
February 17, 2026 16:02 UTC