Violent criminal wanted for shooting Irishman in Spain | Irish Examiner: "Spanish judge yesterday issued a Europe-wide arrest warrant for Darren O’Flaherty, 35, who is wanted in connection with the shooting of 40-year-old Dubliner John O’Neill outside Coco’s bar in Benalmadena, Costa del Sol, on Wednesday morning.
Originally from Liverpool, O’Flaherty has faced charges of grievous bodily harm, assaulting a police officer, dangerous driving with intent, conspiracy to kidnap, robbery and gang membership dating back to the mid-1990s.
While he has served time in prison for some of the offences, he fled to the Costa del Sol before his kidnap and robbery trial in 2006.
He remained in the Costa del Sol until his disappearance after Wednesday morning’s attack.
In September 1995, O’Flaherty was brought before Liverpool Crown Court on charges of stabbing a man nine times outside a nightclub in a violent, unprovoked midnight assault in December 1994.
The then 21-year-old was found guilty of grievous bodily harm and given five years in jail."
Saturday, 31 July 2010
One of Britain’s most wanted criminals is reportedly on the run from Spanish police - The Irish Times - Sat, Jul 31, 2010
Briton sought over O'Neill murder - The Irish Times - Sat, Jul 31, 2010: "One of Britain’s most wanted criminals is reportedly on the run from Spanish police following the fatal shooting earlier this week of an Irish holidaymaker on the Costa del Sol.
Police say the suspect was ejected by staff from Coco’s Bar at the popular resort of Benalmadena but returned half an hour later with a gun and opened fire.
The gunman fired a number of shots – hitting 40-year-old Dublin plasterer John O’Neill – at the bar following what is reported as an argument over the use of a lavatory.
He escaped in the direction of the beach after he ran out of bullets.
Mr O’Neill, a father of two, and his partner had flown to Spain to attend the wedding of a friend. Mr O’Neill’s family has said he was not involved in the row.
According to local media reports, a search of the suspect’s flat in Benalmadena, near Torremolinos, led to the discovery of blood-stained clothes matching descriptions given by witnesses."
Police say the suspect was ejected by staff from Coco’s Bar at the popular resort of Benalmadena but returned half an hour later with a gun and opened fire.
The gunman fired a number of shots – hitting 40-year-old Dublin plasterer John O’Neill – at the bar following what is reported as an argument over the use of a lavatory.
He escaped in the direction of the beach after he ran out of bullets.
Mr O’Neill, a father of two, and his partner had flown to Spain to attend the wedding of a friend. Mr O’Neill’s family has said he was not involved in the row.
According to local media reports, a search of the suspect’s flat in Benalmadena, near Torremolinos, led to the discovery of blood-stained clothes matching descriptions given by witnesses."
Costa Del Sol Shooting: Spanish Police Hunt British Man After Irish Tourist Shot Outside Bar | World News | Sky News
Costa Del Sol Shooting: Spanish Police Hunt British Man After Irish Tourist Shot Outside Bar | World News | Sky News: "John O'Neill, from Coolock in north Dublin, was gunned down outside Coco's Bar in Benalmadena.
It is thought that the 40-year-old had been caught up in a fight that spilled out on to the streets of the small seaside town around 3am local time.
Investigators are looking for a British man who is reported to have fled the scene of the killing, although they have not released a name.
Mr O'Neill, the father of a three-year-old boy and a nine-month-old girl, had been in the Costa del Sol for a friend's wedding along with his partner.
She was with him in the bar at the time the fight broke out but was uninjured in the gun attack."
It is thought that the 40-year-old had been caught up in a fight that spilled out on to the streets of the small seaside town around 3am local time.
Investigators are looking for a British man who is reported to have fled the scene of the killing, although they have not released a name.
Mr O'Neill, the father of a three-year-old boy and a nine-month-old girl, had been in the Costa del Sol for a friend's wedding along with his partner.
She was with him in the bar at the time the fight broke out but was uninjured in the gun attack."
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Guadalpin Marbella and Banús hotels both on the Costa del Sol coast of Spain were affected by the bankruptcy protection of their owners
Guadalpin Marbella and Banús hotels both on the Costa del Sol coast of Spain were affected by the bankruptcy protection of their owners the Aifos group. The court at Malaga ordered a new management company, MS Hoteles group, to take control of the hotels apartments.
The hotels work on the basis that individuals buy a hotel apartment and rent it out to individual holidaymakers through the management company however the owners of the hotel believe that it is unfair that the apartment owners have been forced to rent out through a company dictated to them through the court.
A statement from the hotel owners stated that they had recommended all owners of apartments ‘resolve their contracts, immediately close the rooms, and change the locks’.
Reports suggest that half of the 127 apartments at Guadalpin Marbella have already been closed but no guests would be forced to leave until their stay has ended.
The Hoteles group has denied that they are at odds with the apartment owners wishes and commented that the UGT union should not ‘look for ghosts where there aren’t any’.
The hotels work on the basis that individuals buy a hotel apartment and rent it out to individual holidaymakers through the management company however the owners of the hotel believe that it is unfair that the apartment owners have been forced to rent out through a company dictated to them through the court.
A statement from the hotel owners stated that they had recommended all owners of apartments ‘resolve their contracts, immediately close the rooms, and change the locks’.
Reports suggest that half of the 127 apartments at Guadalpin Marbella have already been closed but no guests would be forced to leave until their stay has ended.
The Hoteles group has denied that they are at odds with the apartment owners wishes and commented that the UGT union should not ‘look for ghosts where there aren’t any’.
Michelle Cornell, 48 being held by Spanish police on the Costa del Sol in connection with the fatal stabbing of her husband.
Michelle Cornell, 48 - being arrested in the early hours of Monday, after police were called to the Altavista complex, in Torremuelle.
A 57-year-old man, believed to be Mrs Cornell's husband, David, was found in a pool of blood on the hallway floor.
Mrs Cornell was last night remanded in custody by a judge in Torremolinos after being arrested on suspicion of killing her 57-year-old husband David.
The judge ordered detectives in Spain to liaise with police in the UK over claims made by the 48-year-old that she had been a victim of domestic violence while living on Wearside, near Sunderland, during her 18-year marriage.
The couple were originally from Sunderland, where it is thought Mr Cornell worked as a car salesman and had lived in Spain for two years.
News of the shock death has just now emerged and was revealed just hours after a 40-year-old Irish man, John O'Neill, was shot dead in a local bar. The shooting occurred after a brawl in the establishment.
That incident happened about 3am on Wednesday and, when an ambulance arrived at the scene, the man was already dead.
Reports suggest Mr O'Neill - who had no criminal record - had become involved in a row at the bar earlier in the day with two men, while celebrating a friend's wedding.
One of the men, who is believed to be from Liverpool, was thrown out of the premises by the barman. He later returned with a loaded pistol and waited outside the premises.
When Mr O'Neill was leaving with his wife at around 3am, he was fatally wounded in the stomach and back by the man.
The murder is being investigated by the specialist violent crime unit of the Spanish national police in Torremolinos.
Coco's, the bar where he was gunned down, was yesterday sealed off as police investigated how the tragedy unfolded. Police are continuing their search for the gunman and are said to be following a definite line of inquiry.
It is not believed the killing is linked to recent gangland-style attacks in the area.
Mr O'Neill is survived by his parents, two siblings, two children and his partner, who are being given consular assistance by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Speculation that the murder was in connection with another fatal shooting in Mijas recently has now been dismissed.
In June, police were hunting an Irishman after a British national was gunned down outside a different bar in Spain.
Daniel Smith, 24, died in a hail of bullets as he sipped a drink on a terrace on the Costa del Sol.
The gunman opened fire from a high-powered motorbike in a drive-by murder, which forced fellow drinkers to dive for cover as Mr Smith was shot outside The Lounge bar in Riviera del Sol, near Mijas.
The victim, who was a fugitive, wanted in the UK, died at the scene after being shot at least three times in the head.
That killing also followed a row with the suspect said to have left the bar after the argument and then returned armed, to kill the man he had confronted.woman is being held by Spanish police on the Costa del Sol in connection with the fatal stabbing of her husband.
The 48-year-old was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning after police were called to the apartment in the Altavista complex, in the Torremuelle area, where the couple are believed to have been living for six months.
British neighbours of the couple, who lived in the apartment in the resort of Benalmadena, say they were woken at 2am by the screams of the woman as she called for help.
When they entered the apartment they discovered the man, aged 57 and also from Sunderland, lying naked in a pool of blood on the living room floor.
It is claimed the woman, whose details have not been released except for her initials MC, initially told detectives the apartment had been raided by three armed men, one of whom had stabbed her partner in a struggle.
However, officers subsequently discovered a large knife covered in blood in the kitchen sink and took her in for questioning.
An initial examination of the body revealed that the man had died from a deep knife wound to the neck.
A 57-year-old man, believed to be Mrs Cornell's husband, David, was found in a pool of blood on the hallway floor.
Mrs Cornell was last night remanded in custody by a judge in Torremolinos after being arrested on suspicion of killing her 57-year-old husband David.
The judge ordered detectives in Spain to liaise with police in the UK over claims made by the 48-year-old that she had been a victim of domestic violence while living on Wearside, near Sunderland, during her 18-year marriage.
The couple were originally from Sunderland, where it is thought Mr Cornell worked as a car salesman and had lived in Spain for two years.
News of the shock death has just now emerged and was revealed just hours after a 40-year-old Irish man, John O'Neill, was shot dead in a local bar. The shooting occurred after a brawl in the establishment.
That incident happened about 3am on Wednesday and, when an ambulance arrived at the scene, the man was already dead.
Reports suggest Mr O'Neill - who had no criminal record - had become involved in a row at the bar earlier in the day with two men, while celebrating a friend's wedding.
One of the men, who is believed to be from Liverpool, was thrown out of the premises by the barman. He later returned with a loaded pistol and waited outside the premises.
When Mr O'Neill was leaving with his wife at around 3am, he was fatally wounded in the stomach and back by the man.
The murder is being investigated by the specialist violent crime unit of the Spanish national police in Torremolinos.
Coco's, the bar where he was gunned down, was yesterday sealed off as police investigated how the tragedy unfolded. Police are continuing their search for the gunman and are said to be following a definite line of inquiry.
It is not believed the killing is linked to recent gangland-style attacks in the area.
Mr O'Neill is survived by his parents, two siblings, two children and his partner, who are being given consular assistance by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Speculation that the murder was in connection with another fatal shooting in Mijas recently has now been dismissed.
In June, police were hunting an Irishman after a British national was gunned down outside a different bar in Spain.
Daniel Smith, 24, died in a hail of bullets as he sipped a drink on a terrace on the Costa del Sol.
The gunman opened fire from a high-powered motorbike in a drive-by murder, which forced fellow drinkers to dive for cover as Mr Smith was shot outside The Lounge bar in Riviera del Sol, near Mijas.
The victim, who was a fugitive, wanted in the UK, died at the scene after being shot at least three times in the head.
That killing also followed a row with the suspect said to have left the bar after the argument and then returned armed, to kill the man he had confronted.woman is being held by Spanish police on the Costa del Sol in connection with the fatal stabbing of her husband.
The 48-year-old was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning after police were called to the apartment in the Altavista complex, in the Torremuelle area, where the couple are believed to have been living for six months.
British neighbours of the couple, who lived in the apartment in the resort of Benalmadena, say they were woken at 2am by the screams of the woman as she called for help.
When they entered the apartment they discovered the man, aged 57 and also from Sunderland, lying naked in a pool of blood on the living room floor.
It is claimed the woman, whose details have not been released except for her initials MC, initially told detectives the apartment had been raided by three armed men, one of whom had stabbed her partner in a struggle.
However, officers subsequently discovered a large knife covered in blood in the kitchen sink and took her in for questioning.
An initial examination of the body revealed that the man had died from a deep knife wound to the neck.
Spanish police said the botnet affected machines around the globe in homes, universities, banks, government agencies and companies
Spanish and Slovenian law enforcement authorities on Wednesday announced the arrest of the suspected creator of the "Mariposa Botnet," a vast network of virus-infected computers used by criminal hackers.
The suspect, a 23-year-old Slovenian citizen identified only as "Iserdo," was arrested by Slovenian police last week, the FBI, the Slovenian Criminal Police and the Spanish Guardia Civil said in a joint statement.
Three suspected Mariposa Botnet operators -- Florencio Carro Ruiz, Jonathan Pazos Rivera, and Juan Jose Bellido Rios -- were arrested in Spain in February and are facing prosecution for computer crimes.
A botnet is a network of malware-infected computers that can be controlled remotely and used to carry out attacks or other operations.
The Mariposa Botnet was designed to steal credit card data, online banking passwords, account information for social networking sites and other sensitive information.
It was also used to spread viruses and launch denial of service attacks, in which a website's servers are overwhelmed by simultaneous visits from infected computers.
At the time of the arrests in Spain, Spanish police said the botnet affected machines around the globe in homes, universities, banks, government agencies and companies, including more than half of the largest US firms on the Fortune 1,000 list.
The FBI said the arrests were the result of a two-year joint investigation into the Mariposa Botnet, which may have infected as many as eight million to 12 million computers around the world.
According to the FBI, the Mariposa Botnet was built with a computer virus created by the arrested Slovenian known as the "Butterfly Bot."
"In the last two years, the software used to create the Mariposa Botnet was sold to hundreds of other criminals, making it one of the most notorious in the world," FBI director Robert Mueller said.
The authorities have not provided any estimate for how much money may have been stolen using the Mariposa Botnet but security experts said removing the virus alone from affected PCs could cost tens of millions of dollars.
The suspect, a 23-year-old Slovenian citizen identified only as "Iserdo," was arrested by Slovenian police last week, the FBI, the Slovenian Criminal Police and the Spanish Guardia Civil said in a joint statement.
Three suspected Mariposa Botnet operators -- Florencio Carro Ruiz, Jonathan Pazos Rivera, and Juan Jose Bellido Rios -- were arrested in Spain in February and are facing prosecution for computer crimes.
A botnet is a network of malware-infected computers that can be controlled remotely and used to carry out attacks or other operations.
The Mariposa Botnet was designed to steal credit card data, online banking passwords, account information for social networking sites and other sensitive information.
It was also used to spread viruses and launch denial of service attacks, in which a website's servers are overwhelmed by simultaneous visits from infected computers.
At the time of the arrests in Spain, Spanish police said the botnet affected machines around the globe in homes, universities, banks, government agencies and companies, including more than half of the largest US firms on the Fortune 1,000 list.
The FBI said the arrests were the result of a two-year joint investigation into the Mariposa Botnet, which may have infected as many as eight million to 12 million computers around the world.
According to the FBI, the Mariposa Botnet was built with a computer virus created by the arrested Slovenian known as the "Butterfly Bot."
"In the last two years, the software used to create the Mariposa Botnet was sold to hundreds of other criminals, making it one of the most notorious in the world," FBI director Robert Mueller said.
The authorities have not provided any estimate for how much money may have been stolen using the Mariposa Botnet but security experts said removing the virus alone from affected PCs could cost tens of millions of dollars.
Alejandro de Abarca arrested after his girlfriend was found tied up in the boot of his burnt-out car
'Alejandro de Abarca arrested after his girlfriend was found tied up in the boot of his burnt-out car is being held in custody, following a preliminary hearing today.
Judge Laura Mestres has ordered Alejandro de Abarca to remain in preventative prison until his case comes to trial.
Ana Niculai, 25, was reported missing after she failed to turn up for work at the bar she co-owned in Palma de Mallorca.
Hours later, her burnt body was found tied up in the boot of boyfriend Alejandro de Abarca's car on a stretch of wasteland near the village of Muro.
Speculation is rife that the accused also sexually abused the victim.
Alejandro says Ana, a Romanian national, died from a massive injection of heroin administered by him, although it is not known whether this was voluntary or against her will if, in fact, it is the case.
He is said to have attacked her in the car park near her work place as she was on her way to the bar, and later driven off in her car.
De Abarca, who was on weekend leave from jail – where he has served nine years out of his ten-year sentence for burglary and aggravated robbery – claims he tied up his victim but did not realise she was in his car when he set fire to it.
Judge Laura Mestres has ordered Alejandro de Abarca to remain in preventative prison until his case comes to trial.
Ana Niculai, 25, was reported missing after she failed to turn up for work at the bar she co-owned in Palma de Mallorca.
Hours later, her burnt body was found tied up in the boot of boyfriend Alejandro de Abarca's car on a stretch of wasteland near the village of Muro.
Speculation is rife that the accused also sexually abused the victim.
Alejandro says Ana, a Romanian national, died from a massive injection of heroin administered by him, although it is not known whether this was voluntary or against her will if, in fact, it is the case.
He is said to have attacked her in the car park near her work place as she was on her way to the bar, and later driven off in her car.
De Abarca, who was on weekend leave from jail – where he has served nine years out of his ten-year sentence for burglary and aggravated robbery – claims he tied up his victim but did not realise she was in his car when he set fire to it.
crime gangs 'do not last long' in Spain and that for any currently in operation, 'their days are numbered'.
561 violent and dangerous organised crime rackets have been dismantled, involving 6,000 arrests and the seizure of stolen goods valued at a total of 270 million euros.
According to the ministry, these gangs mainly concentrate on drug-trafficking, robberies and burglaries, human trafficking and crimes against civilians, including violence and kidnap.
The majority – 86 per cent – have been running for less than three years, says minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba.
He attributes the fact that they do not last for much longer than this length of time to increased efficiency in the police force.
Surprisingly, 79 per cent of organised criminal gangs are made up largely of Spanish nationals.
Last year, of the 5,881 people arrested, all bar 3,000 were Spaniards.
Some 870 were from other EU countries.
The stolen goods seized included over 1,500 vehicles, 93 boats, two aeroplanes, about 1,160 computers, 4,300 mobile telephones, and 600 weapons.
Police also confiscated 93 tonnes of hash, 165 kilos of heroin, over 16 tonnes of cocaine and more than 193,000 ecstasy tablets.
Rubalcaba stresses that crime gangs 'do not last long' in Spain and that for any currently in operation, 'their days are numbered'.
According to the ministry, these gangs mainly concentrate on drug-trafficking, robberies and burglaries, human trafficking and crimes against civilians, including violence and kidnap.
The majority – 86 per cent – have been running for less than three years, says minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba.
He attributes the fact that they do not last for much longer than this length of time to increased efficiency in the police force.
Surprisingly, 79 per cent of organised criminal gangs are made up largely of Spanish nationals.
Last year, of the 5,881 people arrested, all bar 3,000 were Spaniards.
Some 870 were from other EU countries.
The stolen goods seized included over 1,500 vehicles, 93 boats, two aeroplanes, about 1,160 computers, 4,300 mobile telephones, and 600 weapons.
Police also confiscated 93 tonnes of hash, 165 kilos of heroin, over 16 tonnes of cocaine and more than 193,000 ecstasy tablets.
Rubalcaba stresses that crime gangs 'do not last long' in Spain and that for any currently in operation, 'their days are numbered'.
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Sean Connery is facing a fresh probe into tax deals in the Costa del Sol, it emerged last night.
Sean Connery is facing a fresh probe into tax deals in the Costa del Sol, it emerged last night.
A Spanish judge has widened an investigation into alleged financial irregularities surrounding the Scots star, 79, and wife Micheline Roquebrune, 81.
Officials suspect those involved in the sale of Connery's former home in Marbella of up to £2.25million in tax evasion and money-laundering.
But now judge Ricardo Puyol wants to quiz them on a separate multi-million pound land sale in Malaga six years ago.
Investigators believe a property firm linked to Sir Sean and his wife failed to pay £1.4million of tax on the sale of development rights to land it owned on the outskirts of the city.
Sir Sean and his wife lived in Marbella from the Seventies to the late Nineties - entertaining stars including Richard Burton, Michael Caine and George Best in the beachside villa.
They sold it for a reported $9million (£6million) - and 72 luxury flats were built there, now worth £2million each. Police raided offices in Marbella and Madrid in May in an operation codenamed Goldfinger - after the 1964 Bond film Sir Sean starred in - and seized 30,000 documents.
The extension of the Connery probe comes less than a month after he was reportedly ordered to pay £2.75million to a court investigating the sale of the Marbella villa, called Malibu. The couple were given 30 days to pay the deposit as a bond against possible future fines. Neither have charged with any offence.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk:80/scotsol/homepage/news/3056749/Sir-Sean-Connery-in-new-Costa-tax-probe.html#ixzz0uh4GfdkG
A Spanish judge has widened an investigation into alleged financial irregularities surrounding the Scots star, 79, and wife Micheline Roquebrune, 81.
Officials suspect those involved in the sale of Connery's former home in Marbella of up to £2.25million in tax evasion and money-laundering.
But now judge Ricardo Puyol wants to quiz them on a separate multi-million pound land sale in Malaga six years ago.
Investigators believe a property firm linked to Sir Sean and his wife failed to pay £1.4million of tax on the sale of development rights to land it owned on the outskirts of the city.
Sir Sean and his wife lived in Marbella from the Seventies to the late Nineties - entertaining stars including Richard Burton, Michael Caine and George Best in the beachside villa.
They sold it for a reported $9million (£6million) - and 72 luxury flats were built there, now worth £2million each. Police raided offices in Marbella and Madrid in May in an operation codenamed Goldfinger - after the 1964 Bond film Sir Sean starred in - and seized 30,000 documents.
The extension of the Connery probe comes less than a month after he was reportedly ordered to pay £2.75million to a court investigating the sale of the Marbella villa, called Malibu. The couple were given 30 days to pay the deposit as a bond against possible future fines. Neither have charged with any offence.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk:80/scotsol/homepage/news/3056749/Sir-Sean-Connery-in-new-Costa-tax-probe.html#ixzz0uh4GfdkG
Friday, 23 July 2010
Police operation against the Irish mafia, codenamed ‘shovel’, has concluded with the arrest of two more men.
Police operation against the Irish mafia, codenamed ‘shovel’, has concluded with the arrest of two more men.
The network was busted in May and so far 36 people have been charged. The latest detainees were allegedly collaborating with the Irish mob working on the Costa del Sol.
The police searched four properties in Estepona and Marbella, where several items were seized, including technical and computer equipment which is now being analysed.
Although the first phase of this operation is complete, after studying the documents which they have confiscated, the police believe there may be further phases.
The network was busted in May and so far 36 people have been charged. The latest detainees were allegedly collaborating with the Irish mob working on the Costa del Sol.
The police searched four properties in Estepona and Marbella, where several items were seized, including technical and computer equipment which is now being analysed.
Although the first phase of this operation is complete, after studying the documents which they have confiscated, the police believe there may be further phases.
Gibraltar breeding ground for tax fraud.
Costa del Sol, with its proximity to the tax haven of Gibraltar, has become a breeding ground for tax fraud. Last year the Economic Crime Office uncovered nearly 50 cases of tax fraud totaling over one hundred million euros.
The prosecutor of Economic Crimes, Antonio González, explained yesterday that the majority of cases investigated relate to fraud to avoid paying VAT and corporation tax. Since 2006, the cases of tax crimes discovered have tripled in Malaga due to more cases being investigated.
The prosecutor blamed the effects of economic crisis. “When the debts grow, ways are sought to circumvent the payments”.
The prosecutor of Economic Crimes, Antonio González, explained yesterday that the majority of cases investigated relate to fraud to avoid paying VAT and corporation tax. Since 2006, the cases of tax crimes discovered have tripled in Malaga due to more cases being investigated.
The prosecutor blamed the effects of economic crisis. “When the debts grow, ways are sought to circumvent the payments”.
Michael Dermot McArdle, from Louth in the Republic of Ireland, is pleading not guilty to an allegation that on January 9, he assaulted the woman
Michael Dermot McArdle, from Louth in the Republic of Ireland, is pleading not guilty to an allegation that on January 9, he assaulted the woman contrary to section 2 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the State Act. The case could not go ahead as soon as expected as one of the garda witnesses was currently involved in a murder trial.
In October 2008, Malaga Provincial Court found Michael Dermot McArdle guilty of the manslaughter of his wife, Kelly-Anne Corcoran, who fell from the balcony of their room at the five-star Melia Don Pepe Hotel in Marbella in February 2000. He was facing 15 years in prison, but was sentenced to two years.
The couple had a violent argument, which deteriorated into physical violence, on the balcony. In court, he claimed that his wife’s death had been accidental as she tried to stop their son from climbing the railing. The child, who witnessed the fall, was called upon to testify during the case. He repeated in court what he had told his uncle, that “Daddy pushed mummy down”.
The defendant was ordered to pay 10,000 euros in compensation to the victim’s parents and 60,000 euros to each of their two children. The Corcoran family vowed to donate any amount of compensation they receive to charity, as they said money could not make up for the loss of Kelly-Anne.
The jury reached its decision having considered all aspects of the evidence heard and the mitigating circumstances of the case, and the fact that McArdle had made an attempt to stop his wife from falling, as a number of witnesses testified. The jury accepted the fact that the accused had behaved in an inappropriate manner by arguing violently with his wife, but considered that he had not intended to kill her and had made an attempt to prevent her death. However, they were equally convinced that she did not fall by tripping accidentally, as the defence had suggested.
He was allowed to return home to Dundalk after the verdict, pending the outcome of the appeals process. However, in February 2010, with that process exhausted, the trial judge refused his request for the sentence to be suspended, and McArdle was ordered to return to Spain to serve his sentence.
In early March, he was given a deadline of 30 days to come up with the 220,000 euros compensation he owed the family and hand himself over to begin his prison sentence. He reportedly told the court that he had not been able to pay the money, but that he intended to. He has also been ordered to pay all court costs with fees estimated to amount to 500,000 euros still outstanding.
His lawyer, Luis Casaubon, and others from Ireland, appealed the decision on the basis that his client was being unfairly treated in comparison to other people who have been given similar sentences. This meant that in April, the deadline was put on hold. On that occasion, he avoided court due to the travel chaos caused by the volcanic ash.
Finally, the Supreme Court in Granada rejected the appeal and ordered McArdle to return to Spain and present himself to the authorities before August 5 or else an international arrest warrant will be issued against him. He has no further options of appeal.
During this whole process he remained in Ireland, where he has a new partner.
In October 2008, Malaga Provincial Court found Michael Dermot McArdle guilty of the manslaughter of his wife, Kelly-Anne Corcoran, who fell from the balcony of their room at the five-star Melia Don Pepe Hotel in Marbella in February 2000. He was facing 15 years in prison, but was sentenced to two years.
The couple had a violent argument, which deteriorated into physical violence, on the balcony. In court, he claimed that his wife’s death had been accidental as she tried to stop their son from climbing the railing. The child, who witnessed the fall, was called upon to testify during the case. He repeated in court what he had told his uncle, that “Daddy pushed mummy down”.
The defendant was ordered to pay 10,000 euros in compensation to the victim’s parents and 60,000 euros to each of their two children. The Corcoran family vowed to donate any amount of compensation they receive to charity, as they said money could not make up for the loss of Kelly-Anne.
The jury reached its decision having considered all aspects of the evidence heard and the mitigating circumstances of the case, and the fact that McArdle had made an attempt to stop his wife from falling, as a number of witnesses testified. The jury accepted the fact that the accused had behaved in an inappropriate manner by arguing violently with his wife, but considered that he had not intended to kill her and had made an attempt to prevent her death. However, they were equally convinced that she did not fall by tripping accidentally, as the defence had suggested.
He was allowed to return home to Dundalk after the verdict, pending the outcome of the appeals process. However, in February 2010, with that process exhausted, the trial judge refused his request for the sentence to be suspended, and McArdle was ordered to return to Spain to serve his sentence.
In early March, he was given a deadline of 30 days to come up with the 220,000 euros compensation he owed the family and hand himself over to begin his prison sentence. He reportedly told the court that he had not been able to pay the money, but that he intended to. He has also been ordered to pay all court costs with fees estimated to amount to 500,000 euros still outstanding.
His lawyer, Luis Casaubon, and others from Ireland, appealed the decision on the basis that his client was being unfairly treated in comparison to other people who have been given similar sentences. This meant that in April, the deadline was put on hold. On that occasion, he avoided court due to the travel chaos caused by the volcanic ash.
Finally, the Supreme Court in Granada rejected the appeal and ordered McArdle to return to Spain and present himself to the authorities before August 5 or else an international arrest warrant will be issued against him. He has no further options of appeal.
During this whole process he remained in Ireland, where he has a new partner.
National Police are investigating another case of international money laundering based on the Costa del Sol
National Police are investigating another case of international money laundering based on the Costa del Sol, and have carried out several searches in collaboration with the British authorities.
Reports indicate that arrests were made in the UK, and that further arrests on the Costa del Sol have not been ruled out.
Reports indicate that arrests were made in the UK, and that further arrests on the Costa del Sol have not been ruled out.
FIREMEN have found the burnt remains of a woman’s body in the boot of a car
FIREMEN have found the burnt remains of a woman’s body in the boot of a car which was set fire to on the road between Muro and Can Picafort in Mallorca. They believed it to be that of a 25-year-old Romanian woman who had been reported missing in the area, as the vehicle belonged to her boyfriend. The woman’s hands had been tied.
The car was found in flames at kilometre 5.5 of the MA-3431 at the crossroads with the Camino de Son Morey. It was reported by another driver as the Audi vehicle was blocking the road.
The car was found in flames at kilometre 5.5 of the MA-3431 at the crossroads with the Camino de Son Morey. It was reported by another driver as the Audi vehicle was blocking the road.
Spanish Mayor closes mosque and tells the faithful to pray at home
The Mayor of Lleida closed the mosque as it was four times over capactity.
Mayor of Lleida has told the Muslims who live in his town to pray at home, after he provisionally closed the mosque on Wednesday. The municipality has also passed a by-law banning the burka from public places.
Ángel Ros closed the mosque when it was discovered that too many people were inside, 1,200 when the authorized limit for the venue is 240, and responding to criticism has said that he has no obligation to find space for them or any other religion.
‘When I want to pray I also do so at home’, he said.
The Muslim community now has 15 days to present ‘a formal proposal and undertaking’ to control the numbers and safety, if they want the closure order lifted.
Read more: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_26797.shtml#ixzz0uVNDVsOW
Mayor of Lleida has told the Muslims who live in his town to pray at home, after he provisionally closed the mosque on Wednesday. The municipality has also passed a by-law banning the burka from public places.
Ángel Ros closed the mosque when it was discovered that too many people were inside, 1,200 when the authorized limit for the venue is 240, and responding to criticism has said that he has no obligation to find space for them or any other religion.
‘When I want to pray I also do so at home’, he said.
The Muslim community now has 15 days to present ‘a formal proposal and undertaking’ to control the numbers and safety, if they want the closure order lifted.
Read more: http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_26797.shtml#ixzz0uVNDVsOW
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Suriname’s former military ruler Desi Bouterse, convicted in the Netherlands for cocaine smuggling,
Suriname’s former military ruler Desi Bouterse, convicted in the Netherlands for cocaine smuggling, was elected to succeed Ronald Venetiaan as the South American country’s president.
Bouterse was elected head of state by the National Assembly in the capital Paramaribo today after his four-party coalition won 23 of 51 seats in May parliamentary elections. The Netherlands, which granted Suriname independence in 1975, said the former dictator wouldn’t be welcome in the country except to serve out an 11-year prison sentence for his crime, Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen said in an e-mailed statement.
Bouterse, 64, led a group of army sergeants that overthrew Suriname’s democratic government in 1980 and declared a socialist course. The military ruled the country’s 490,000 inhabitants until 1987. The country borders Brazil and is known for its bauxite mines
Bouterse was elected head of state by the National Assembly in the capital Paramaribo today after his four-party coalition won 23 of 51 seats in May parliamentary elections. The Netherlands, which granted Suriname independence in 1975, said the former dictator wouldn’t be welcome in the country except to serve out an 11-year prison sentence for his crime, Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen said in an e-mailed statement.
Bouterse, 64, led a group of army sergeants that overthrew Suriname’s democratic government in 1980 and declared a socialist course. The military ruled the country’s 490,000 inhabitants until 1987. The country borders Brazil and is known for its bauxite mines
Monday, 19 July 2010
Pair charged with gang member's death to face trial - San Bernardino County Sun
Pair charged with gang member's death to face trial - San Bernardino County Sun: "Melquiades Rojas knew people were after him. He was sleeping with his shoes on, living a life on the run and using drugs to stay awake.
Rojas' courtroom testimony in a February 2006 murder trial had put two other gang members behind bars - one of them for more than 130 years to life in state prison.
In January of the next year, Rojas was beaten up and dragged from a San Bernardino apartment as he cried out for help, say family members. His body was found two days later in a gully off the 10 Freeway in Beaumont.
Two of the men charged with Rojas' death may now be going to trial.
At a court appearance Friday for Daniel Anthony Robles and Carlos Anthony Soto, lawyers determined that a trial for the two men would begin Thursday with pretrial motions and jury selection, according to prosecutors.
Deputy District Attorney James McGee confirmed the trial date but declined to comment about the case going to trial.
Robles and Soto, both 24, each face charges of murder and kidnapping in Rojas' death April 2, 2006. Prosecutors have also filed special circumstances against the pair for the murder of a witness, kidnapping and conduct benefitting a street gang.
If convicted, Robles and Soto could each face up to life in state prison without the possibility of parole, McGee said."
Rojas' courtroom testimony in a February 2006 murder trial had put two other gang members behind bars - one of them for more than 130 years to life in state prison.
In January of the next year, Rojas was beaten up and dragged from a San Bernardino apartment as he cried out for help, say family members. His body was found two days later in a gully off the 10 Freeway in Beaumont.
Two of the men charged with Rojas' death may now be going to trial.
At a court appearance Friday for Daniel Anthony Robles and Carlos Anthony Soto, lawyers determined that a trial for the two men would begin Thursday with pretrial motions and jury selection, according to prosecutors.
Deputy District Attorney James McGee confirmed the trial date but declined to comment about the case going to trial.
Robles and Soto, both 24, each face charges of murder and kidnapping in Rojas' death April 2, 2006. Prosecutors have also filed special circumstances against the pair for the murder of a witness, kidnapping and conduct benefitting a street gang.
If convicted, Robles and Soto could each face up to life in state prison without the possibility of parole, McGee said."
BOXING tycoon Barry Hughes admitted he's facing financial RUIN after fraud cops moved in to shut down his business empire.
BOXING tycoon Barry Hughes admitted he's facing financial RUIN after fraud cops moved in to shut down his business empire.
Officers from the Major Crime and Terrorism Investigation Unit quizzed the businessman for more than six hours this week after an early-morning raid on his home.
Almost 50 officers stripped the rented multi-million-pound property in posh Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, of all his belongings and he was banned from entering it.
His wife Jackie's wedding dress was among the items removed by police.
And to add to his worries, his family are stranded in Spain because his assets have now been frozen.
Speaking for the first time since being hit with a string of charges, Hughes, 31, said: "Make no mistake, this could be the end of the line for me. I could be left flat broke."
But he defiantly insisted: "I'll fight to clear my name. I have NOTHING to hide."
Hughes told the News of the World: "For legal reasons I can't go into the case in great detail - but I feel the actions of the police have been totally disproportionate. I don't think they've made it any secret that they have been looking into my affairs for some time now. In my opinion, what has happened this week has been way over the top.
"They have frozen my bank account and emptied my house. I was left with only the clothes I was standing in and my passport was taken off me.
"Meanwhile, my wife and our three children are stuck in Spain.
"Jackie's wedding dress, TVs and even mirrors have all been removed.
"A lot of the kids' belongings have been taken away, plus boxing memorabilia such as signed gloves given to me by Mike Tyson and Ricky Hatton.
"I struggle to see what kind of relevance doing things like that would have in any investigation.
"Trucks have been coming and going from the house since Wednesday and I was left homeless until Friday night.
"I won't know the full extent of what has been taken until I get an inventory from the police, but I don't imagine they will have left much."
The News of the World can reveal that a nationwide search was launched to track down Hughes on Wednesday.
His photograph and the licence-plate numbers of his cars were circulated round all eight Scottish police forces.
He had only recently returned from a holiday in Marbella, Spain - leaving Jackie, 31, and their kids Morgan, nine, Georgia, six, and 11-month-old baby Brad behind in the exclusive resort.
At 7am on Wednesday, officers raided Hughes' plush home, The Manor, which he rents from his close friend, taxi boss Stevie Malcolm.
A total of 36 cops stripped the inside of the house, while another 12 searched the garden as part of a Proceeds of Crime inquiry. Officers announced their arrival by placing placards outside the house marked "Strathclyde Police - Tackling Serious and Organised Crime" and "Strathclyde Police - Tackling Serious and Organised Crime, seizing assets from criminals".
Among the confiscated items was a painting of former Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura and a Rangers top signed by ex-captain Barry Ferguson.
Hughes commented: "It seems there is an effort to make an example of me. All I ask for is a fair trial and to be treated like any other member of the public.
"But placing banners emblazoned with those sort of messages in the street outside my house suggests some people have made their minds up already.
"I am a businessman, but clearly the police think otherwise - and want to prove their case, shut me down and financially RUIN me.
"But the scale of their actions is way out of line.
barry hughes
"I read in the papers every day about the way drug dea
Officers from the Major Crime and Terrorism Investigation Unit quizzed the businessman for more than six hours this week after an early-morning raid on his home.
Almost 50 officers stripped the rented multi-million-pound property in posh Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, of all his belongings and he was banned from entering it.
His wife Jackie's wedding dress was among the items removed by police.
And to add to his worries, his family are stranded in Spain because his assets have now been frozen.
Speaking for the first time since being hit with a string of charges, Hughes, 31, said: "Make no mistake, this could be the end of the line for me. I could be left flat broke."
But he defiantly insisted: "I'll fight to clear my name. I have NOTHING to hide."
Hughes told the News of the World: "For legal reasons I can't go into the case in great detail - but I feel the actions of the police have been totally disproportionate. I don't think they've made it any secret that they have been looking into my affairs for some time now. In my opinion, what has happened this week has been way over the top.
"They have frozen my bank account and emptied my house. I was left with only the clothes I was standing in and my passport was taken off me.
"Meanwhile, my wife and our three children are stuck in Spain.
"Jackie's wedding dress, TVs and even mirrors have all been removed.
"A lot of the kids' belongings have been taken away, plus boxing memorabilia such as signed gloves given to me by Mike Tyson and Ricky Hatton.
"I struggle to see what kind of relevance doing things like that would have in any investigation.
"Trucks have been coming and going from the house since Wednesday and I was left homeless until Friday night.
"I won't know the full extent of what has been taken until I get an inventory from the police, but I don't imagine they will have left much."
The News of the World can reveal that a nationwide search was launched to track down Hughes on Wednesday.
His photograph and the licence-plate numbers of his cars were circulated round all eight Scottish police forces.
He had only recently returned from a holiday in Marbella, Spain - leaving Jackie, 31, and their kids Morgan, nine, Georgia, six, and 11-month-old baby Brad behind in the exclusive resort.
At 7am on Wednesday, officers raided Hughes' plush home, The Manor, which he rents from his close friend, taxi boss Stevie Malcolm.
A total of 36 cops stripped the inside of the house, while another 12 searched the garden as part of a Proceeds of Crime inquiry. Officers announced their arrival by placing placards outside the house marked "Strathclyde Police - Tackling Serious and Organised Crime" and "Strathclyde Police - Tackling Serious and Organised Crime, seizing assets from criminals".
Among the confiscated items was a painting of former Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura and a Rangers top signed by ex-captain Barry Ferguson.
Hughes commented: "It seems there is an effort to make an example of me. All I ask for is a fair trial and to be treated like any other member of the public.
"But placing banners emblazoned with those sort of messages in the street outside my house suggests some people have made their minds up already.
"I am a businessman, but clearly the police think otherwise - and want to prove their case, shut me down and financially RUIN me.
"But the scale of their actions is way out of line.
barry hughes
"I read in the papers every day about the way drug dea
argument between to families resulted in the stabbing of two people.
National Police are currently investigating the cause of the incident
According to press reports an argument between to families resulted in the stabbing of two people.
It is understood that the Police were alerted to the incident after a report of a man with a gash in his side.
It is reported that the police then discovered the second victim who is understood to be the girlfriend of the male victim. The woman had a stab wound in the thigh
Police are currently investigating the incident that took place in Calle Arlanzón in the neighborhood of La Palma in Malaga at around 22.00 on Wednesday
Reports say that a fight broke out between the women of the families and then the men became involved.
The investigation continues
According to press reports an argument between to families resulted in the stabbing of two people.
It is understood that the Police were alerted to the incident after a report of a man with a gash in his side.
It is reported that the police then discovered the second victim who is understood to be the girlfriend of the male victim. The woman had a stab wound in the thigh
Police are currently investigating the incident that took place in Calle Arlanzón in the neighborhood of La Palma in Malaga at around 22.00 on Wednesday
Reports say that a fight broke out between the women of the families and then the men became involved.
The investigation continues
man who stabbed his landlord has been convicted for a crime of assault with premeditation
The landlord was drunk at the time of the incident.According to press reports a man who stabbed his landlord has been convicted for a crime of assault with premeditation
It is understood that the 24 year old man stabbed his landlord in the back in August 2008 in Marbella during an argument over unpaid rent.
It is reported that the landlord had gone to the home that the man and his partner rented from him in a drunken state at around 23.00 demanding payment of outstanding rent
The Court in Malaga sentenced the man to 4 years in prison and ordered him to pay compensation of nearly 11,000 euros
It is understood that the 24 year old man stabbed his landlord in the back in August 2008 in Marbella during an argument over unpaid rent.
It is reported that the landlord had gone to the home that the man and his partner rented from him in a drunken state at around 23.00 demanding payment of outstanding rent
The Court in Malaga sentenced the man to 4 years in prison and ordered him to pay compensation of nearly 11,000 euros
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
99 foreigners arrested in Spain as massive Social Security fraud uncovered
99 foreigners arrested in Spain as massive Social Security fraud uncovered: "99 people, all of them foreigners, have been arrested in Zaragoza today, Saturday, allegedly implicated in a 1.5 million € fraud of Spanish Social Security.
Investigations started in Zaragoza a year ago when 20 ‘ghost’ companies were discovered, all of them managed by Rumanians. The companies were dedicated to construction, hostelry, cleaning and mechanical workshops, but the authorities noted that none of their addresses existed.
Under the fraud more than 160 workers were then paid unemployment or other payments by the Spanish system.
It’s a massive fraud which the police think could have been managed from abroad. So far the police have called 220 people to give statements. Five have been held in custody ahead of appearing before the judge, while the rest have been released with charges outstanding.
The Government Delegate in Aragón, Javier Fernández, led a press conference on Saturday to five details of the police operation which has been code-named ‘Isabel’"
Investigations started in Zaragoza a year ago when 20 ‘ghost’ companies were discovered, all of them managed by Rumanians. The companies were dedicated to construction, hostelry, cleaning and mechanical workshops, but the authorities noted that none of their addresses existed.
Under the fraud more than 160 workers were then paid unemployment or other payments by the Spanish system.
It’s a massive fraud which the police think could have been managed from abroad. So far the police have called 220 people to give statements. Five have been held in custody ahead of appearing before the judge, while the rest have been released with charges outstanding.
The Government Delegate in Aragón, Javier Fernández, led a press conference on Saturday to five details of the police operation which has been code-named ‘Isabel’"
Eleven tons of hashish found in Sardines in Spain
Eleven tons of hashish found in Sardines in Spain: "National Police and Guardia Civil in Spain has found eleven tons of hashish hidden in sardine cans
Five arrests have been made for crimes against public health and on money laundering charges.
A National Police statement said that the 11,100 kilos of hashish was found hidden in a cargo of frozen sardines which arrived at the Port of Algeciras.
38 bank accounts have been frozen and seven properties searched as part of the operation, which has also seen eight top of the range vehicles impounded along with 240,000 € in cash.
It appears that the group used as series of companies in Cartagena, Murcia to launder the money, and that the group was based in that region. One of the companies has seen movements of 1.5 million €. Investigations continue."
Five arrests have been made for crimes against public health and on money laundering charges.
A National Police statement said that the 11,100 kilos of hashish was found hidden in a cargo of frozen sardines which arrived at the Port of Algeciras.
38 bank accounts have been frozen and seven properties searched as part of the operation, which has also seen eight top of the range vehicles impounded along with 240,000 € in cash.
It appears that the group used as series of companies in Cartagena, Murcia to launder the money, and that the group was based in that region. One of the companies has seen movements of 1.5 million €. Investigations continue."
British man arrested after his girlfriend fails to return from holiday on the Canaries
British man arrested after his girlfriend fails to return from holiday on the Canaries: "36 year old Ipswich man has been arrested for murder after returning home from a holiday on the Canary Islands without his girlfriend.
23 year old Sarah Shields was reported missing when she failed to return home on July 11.
The Guardia Civil on the islands say that the body of a young woman was discovered on the morning of July 7. It was found floating in the water at the Playa de Balito in Puerto Rico in Morgán on Gran Canaria by a German man."
23 year old Sarah Shields was reported missing when she failed to return home on July 11.
The Guardia Civil on the islands say that the body of a young woman was discovered on the morning of July 7. It was found floating in the water at the Playa de Balito in Puerto Rico in Morgán on Gran Canaria by a German man."
Gibraltar cars were being attacked by Spanish fans
Gibraltar cars were being attacked by Spanish fans on the night Spain won the World Cup. Observers said there were hundreds of people on the Spanish side of the border attacking Gib cars.
Policia Nacional have seized more than 11 tonnes of hashish in Algeciras
Policia Nacional have seized more than 11 tonnes of hashish in Algeciras , as part of a large scale police operation.
Five people have been apprehended in relation to the case, which investigation has been going on for months. Police forces also seized more than 240.000 euros in cash, as well as a lorry and eight luxury cars. 38 bank accounts were also blocked by authorities.
Five people have been apprehended in relation to the case, which investigation has been going on for months. Police forces also seized more than 240.000 euros in cash, as well as a lorry and eight luxury cars. 38 bank accounts were also blocked by authorities.
Thursday, 8 July 2010
BILLION EUROS OF COCAINE BOUND FOR THE COSTA BLANCA | Costa Blanca | Leader Newspaper - News, Sport, Advertising, Property, Classifieds - Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Calida, Costa de Almeria, Spain
BILLION EUROS OF COCAINE BOUND FOR THE COSTA BLANCA | Costa Blanca | Leader Newspaper - News, Sport, Advertising, Property, Classifieds - Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Calida, Costa de Almeria, Spain: "total of two-and-a-half tonnes of the Class A drug was found in a warehouse near Gambia's capital of Banju after a joint investigation by Britain's Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) and Gambian authorities plus a significant amount of money was seized, along with 85 sacks of cocaine. The cocaine was discovered over a weekend behind a false wall at the warehouse basement, it emerged last week and an undisclosed number of empty sacks believed to have contained cocaine were found at the warehouse.
West Africa has become a major transit point for Latin American narcotics as smugglers take advantage of the region's poverty and weak surveillance by authorities to ferry drugs into southern Europe. After initial arrests were made in connection with the drugs trade in mid-May, Gambian police enlisted the help of Soca. A spokesman said: 'The Gambian authorities already had a grasp on this case. We were merely called in as a support role for them and provided them with forensic assistance and advised them. We were closely monitoring the warehouse where the stash was found for some time and assisted the police after they had already identified the place as suspicious.
Often referred to as the British FBI, Soca is an intelligence-led agency often called in to assist by anti-crime authorities around the world. Those arrested before and during the raid included Latin Americans, Africans and Europeans, a security source said."
West Africa has become a major transit point for Latin American narcotics as smugglers take advantage of the region's poverty and weak surveillance by authorities to ferry drugs into southern Europe. After initial arrests were made in connection with the drugs trade in mid-May, Gambian police enlisted the help of Soca. A spokesman said: 'The Gambian authorities already had a grasp on this case. We were merely called in as a support role for them and provided them with forensic assistance and advised them. We were closely monitoring the warehouse where the stash was found for some time and assisted the police after they had already identified the place as suspicious.
Often referred to as the British FBI, Soca is an intelligence-led agency often called in to assist by anti-crime authorities around the world. Those arrested before and during the raid included Latin Americans, Africans and Europeans, a security source said."
You can run – but you can’t hide from the gunmen on Spain’s Costa del Crime | United Kingdom News
You can run – but you can’t hide from the gunmen on Spain’s Costa del Crime | United Kingdom News: "shooting of Danny Smith, wanted in connection with an attempted murder in Essex in 2007, shows that the coast around Marbella is still the favourite destination for criminals from Britain who want to escape the long arm of the law
It could have been a scene straight out of a bad British geezer film. A dark-haired young man having a drink on the terrace of a Spanish resort bar on a balmy Mediterranean night. A motorcycle cruises along the street. Suddenly six shots ring out. Bystanders hit the ground. Screams. The motorcyclist speeds off with his gunman accomplice clinging on behind him. The young man lies dying, three shots to the head.
But the shooting at the Lounge Bar in Mijas, near Marbella on the Costa del Sol, last Saturday night belongs in the non-fiction section. The death of Danny Smith, 26, from Billericay in Essex, is the latest murder of a foreigner to be investigated by Spanish police in what has become a world of expat mayhem and one that reinforces the image of this once magical part of the Iberian peninsula as the Costa del Crime, a nickname acquired nearly 30 years ago.
Smith was on borrowed time. He was on the run from British police who were seeking him in connection with the shooting in Stock, near Chelmsford, Essex, of businessman Doug Turner in 2007. That in itself was a bungled hit, with Turner the wrong target. Smith fled, leaving two associates to face the music. Then in December last year Essex police, having received intelligence that he was in Spain or northern Cyprus, issued an appeal"
It could have been a scene straight out of a bad British geezer film. A dark-haired young man having a drink on the terrace of a Spanish resort bar on a balmy Mediterranean night. A motorcycle cruises along the street. Suddenly six shots ring out. Bystanders hit the ground. Screams. The motorcyclist speeds off with his gunman accomplice clinging on behind him. The young man lies dying, three shots to the head.
But the shooting at the Lounge Bar in Mijas, near Marbella on the Costa del Sol, last Saturday night belongs in the non-fiction section. The death of Danny Smith, 26, from Billericay in Essex, is the latest murder of a foreigner to be investigated by Spanish police in what has become a world of expat mayhem and one that reinforces the image of this once magical part of the Iberian peninsula as the Costa del Crime, a nickname acquired nearly 30 years ago.
Smith was on borrowed time. He was on the run from British police who were seeking him in connection with the shooting in Stock, near Chelmsford, Essex, of businessman Doug Turner in 2007. That in itself was a bungled hit, with Turner the wrong target. Smith fled, leaving two associates to face the music. Then in December last year Essex police, having received intelligence that he was in Spain or northern Cyprus, issued an appeal"
Spain, which has been hit particularly hard by economic crisis, has cut back on bullfighting
Pain in Spain « Liveshots: "Spain, which has been hit particularly hard by economic crisis, has cut back on bullfighting festivities around the country. 'Tis the season of the “Corrida” or bullfight, in Spain, which is always preceded by the running of the bulls through the center of town. A run that is not without hazards.
Pamplona is in the midst of the San Fermin festival, but due to the crunch, it’s not drawing its usual numbers. Hotels have rooms left. The streets are not packed.
But Pamplona is the jewel in the crown of that controversial sport. The number of bullfights in Spain is down by 20%. Festive season fiestas have been scaled down in many locations because municipalities simply can’t afford to put them on.
But these parties bring cash to the economy. Some estimates are that the bullfighting industry brings in $1.5 billion annually, employs hundreds of thousands of people, and that 1000 farms are dedicated to raising bulls.
Some in Spain would like to see the violent sport banned. But it is a tradition that goes back centuries, lasts a week, and has become the centerpiece of summer celebrations.
Ernest Hemingway piqued the curiosity of people around the world with vivid scenes in “The Sun Also Rises”."
Pamplona is in the midst of the San Fermin festival, but due to the crunch, it’s not drawing its usual numbers. Hotels have rooms left. The streets are not packed.
But Pamplona is the jewel in the crown of that controversial sport. The number of bullfights in Spain is down by 20%. Festive season fiestas have been scaled down in many locations because municipalities simply can’t afford to put them on.
But these parties bring cash to the economy. Some estimates are that the bullfighting industry brings in $1.5 billion annually, employs hundreds of thousands of people, and that 1000 farms are dedicated to raising bulls.
Some in Spain would like to see the violent sport banned. But it is a tradition that goes back centuries, lasts a week, and has become the centerpiece of summer celebrations.
Ernest Hemingway piqued the curiosity of people around the world with vivid scenes in “The Sun Also Rises”."
Police investigating British money laundering gang based on the Costa del Sol
Police investigating British money laundering gang based on the Costa del Sol: "National Police in Málaga are investigating another case of international money laundering based on the Costa del Sol, with La Opinión de Málaga reporting that the police have carried out several searches in collaboration with the British authorities.
The swoops are being carried out by the UDYCO specialist drug and organised crime unit of the police on the Costa del Sol, with the main searches carried out quietly on June 29 in what is described as a ‘coordinated and simultaneous’ action.
Reports indicate that arrests linked to the raids here were made back in the UK, and that the case remains open, and arrests on the Costa del Sol have not been ruled out"
The swoops are being carried out by the UDYCO specialist drug and organised crime unit of the police on the Costa del Sol, with the main searches carried out quietly on June 29 in what is described as a ‘coordinated and simultaneous’ action.
Reports indicate that arrests linked to the raids here were made back in the UK, and that the case remains open, and arrests on the Costa del Sol have not been ruled out"
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Barracuda attack in Venice | HeraldTribune.com
Barracuda attack in Venice | HeraldTribune.com: "Fishing with her family in the Gulf of Mexico, the unsuspecting 14-year-old girl from Venice was attacked by a 45-inch barracuda while sitting inside a boat.
According to the family, the barracuda jumped from the water, flew across the boat like a bullet, clamped onto the girl's left arm and left it looking like 'raw hamburger.'
Wira had incision-like bite marks from her elbow to her wrist, and the wounds required 51 stitches to close. 'It was like out of 'Jaws,' it was that scary,' said Dina Parker, Wira's mother. 'We'll never go back out there again. It was the most terrifying thing I've ever been through. I've never been so scared in my life.
'I couldn't believe it was happening to us.'"
According to the family, the barracuda jumped from the water, flew across the boat like a bullet, clamped onto the girl's left arm and left it looking like 'raw hamburger.'
Wira had incision-like bite marks from her elbow to her wrist, and the wounds required 51 stitches to close. 'It was like out of 'Jaws,' it was that scary,' said Dina Parker, Wira's mother. 'We'll never go back out there again. It was the most terrifying thing I've ever been through. I've never been so scared in my life.
'I couldn't believe it was happening to us.'"
Burglary gang broken up | LISTAndalucia
Burglary gang broken up | LISTAndalucia: "Guardia Civil have broken up what they think was an important gang of burglars who have been robbing luxury properties in the Costa del Sol and Sotogrande areas.
Seven Algerians and one Spaniard have been apprehended in the case, whose investigation started some six months ago.
The gang typically broke into private homes and took with them articles of high value, like jewelery, mobile phones and computers. On several occasions the robberies took place with the owners sleeping inside the homes. The group is said to be well organized and operated very professionally."
Seven Algerians and one Spaniard have been apprehended in the case, whose investigation started some six months ago.
The gang typically broke into private homes and took with them articles of high value, like jewelery, mobile phones and computers. On several occasions the robberies took place with the owners sleeping inside the homes. The group is said to be well organized and operated very professionally."
Friday, 2 July 2010
Italian police create profile of fugitive - UPI.com
Italian police create profile of fugitive - UPI.com: "talian police hunting a Mafia boss on the run since 1993 say they have reconstructed a genetic DNA profile of the fugitive.
The profile of Matteo Messina Denaro, the so-called Godfather of Trapani, was assembled from evidence, including hair, obtained from Denaro's brothers without their knowledge, ANSA reported Thursday."
The profile of Matteo Messina Denaro, the so-called Godfather of Trapani, was assembled from evidence, including hair, obtained from Denaro's brothers without their knowledge, ANSA reported Thursday."
Thursday, 1 July 2010
More police constables to the Costa del Sol | LISTAndalucia
More police constables to the Costa del Sol | LISTAndalucia: "1st of July more police constables will help bring more safety to the Costa del Sol this summer.
A total of 222 extra policemen will be present in the Malaga province from tomorrow until 30th September. The constables will be reallocated to the coast from other parts of Spain, preferably places which does not have a lot of tourism in the summer months.
The reinforcement will consist of 175 policemen from the National Police, and 47 from Guardia Civil. The constables will be spread evenly throughout the province, considering tourism and population accordingly.
Traditionally, the summer months with increased tourism and number of people on the Costa del Sol brings more crime to the area. Hopefully extra police will help to make visitors feel safer"
A total of 222 extra policemen will be present in the Malaga province from tomorrow until 30th September. The constables will be reallocated to the coast from other parts of Spain, preferably places which does not have a lot of tourism in the summer months.
The reinforcement will consist of 175 policemen from the National Police, and 47 from Guardia Civil. The constables will be spread evenly throughout the province, considering tourism and population accordingly.
Traditionally, the summer months with increased tourism and number of people on the Costa del Sol brings more crime to the area. Hopefully extra police will help to make visitors feel safer"
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