Author: DispatchTimes News Desk

David Walliams has been identified as the British celebrity at the centre of a court battle over sexual misconduct allegations, after weeks of legal efforts to keep his name secret. Walliams, a children’s author, actor and comedian, was referred to as “PPT” during proceedings involving attempts to prevent ITN and The Guardian from publishing allegations against him. He has denied the claims. The allegations concern claims that he used his fame and influence to pursue inappropriate and exploitative sexual relationships with numerous girls and young women over a period of years. Walliams’s lawyers argued that publication of the allegations could…

Two ponies were found wandering loose in Elgin, Illinois, early on Tuesday morning as police appealed to the public for help tracing their owners. The animals were spotted near Chippewa Drive and Congdon Avenue in the north-western Chicago suburb, according to the Elgin Police Department. Officers are asking anyone who recognises the ponies, or knows who they belong to, to contact the department on 847-289-2700. The Elgin Police Department lists animal-control dispatch through the same non-emergency number.

A ghost hunter from Gloucester says he is still suffering pain seven years after he was allegedly attacked by a spirit during an investigation at a former prison. Paul Cowneadow said the incident took place in Gloucester Prison in 2019, after a threatening message appeared through the group’s equipment and appeared to single him out. He told the BBC: “I remember him [one of the group] radioing down to me that my name came through on a piece of equipment and the words ‘I will hurt you’.” Cowneadow said he then felt a sudden blow to his neck. “And then…

Republican senators are to meet on Tuesday to consider delaying their leadership elections, after Wisconsin senator Ron Johnson said the party could not continue with “business as usual” following a “stunning defeat” in the midterm elections. A small group of Senate Republicans, led by Mr Johnson, has signed a letter calling for a conference meeting and a vote on postponing the elections. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the party would first hold a “fulsome, robust conversation” before deciding how to proceed. The meeting is scheduled for 9am. Mr Johnson said Republican leaders had agreed to allow those seeking a…

The Gulf Cooperation Council has agreed to establish an advanced headquarters for its Unified Military Command in Kuwait and station an appropriate number of military forces there. The decision was announced by the GCC General Secretariat after defence ministers from the six member states met in Bahrain on Tuesday. No details have been released about the headquarters’ location, its timetable or the size and composition of the force. The GCC said its leaders had stressed the importance of improving defence coordination to address current and future threats facing the region. “The leaders of the GCC states – may God protect…

The US House could vote this week on articles of impeachment against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, amid accusations that he exceeded congressional authority by launching military action against Iran and ordering operations elsewhere. Republican congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky has reintroduced the resolution, which accuses Mr Hegseth of “high crimes and misdemeanours”. Hegseth has dismissed the articles as a sham. The charges include three allegations that he illegally waged war against Iran, as well as an accusation that he failed to comply with laws intended to limit civilian casualties. Other allegations concern extrajudicial killings of suspected drug traffickers in the…

Anthropic’s filing for a major US initial public offering sets out the artificial intelligence company’s key executives and board members. The filing provides details of the leadership and governance team behind the proposed Anthropic IPO.

Foreign coaches in the Championship are increasingly targeting England’s second tier as a route to the Premier League, with eight of the division’s clubs currently led by managers from continental Europe. The Championship remains largely shaped by coaches from the British Isles, who account for 16 of its 24 clubs. But the appeal of packed stadiums, financial opportunity and the prospect of promotion has drawn managers from Belgium, Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and Portugal. The current overseas contingent includes Fabio Celestini at Burnley, Kim Hellberg at Middlesbrough, Philippe Clement at Norwich, Julien Stephan at Queens Park Rangers, Tonda Eckert…

Firefighters were searching a house in north-west Atlanta for a woman believed to use a wheelchair after a large fire broke out early on Larchmont Court, off Collier Drive. Crews remained at the scene at about 6.30am, carrying out an internal search while tackling the blaze. Firefighters were also dealing with hot spots inside the property as efforts continued to bring the fire fully under control. No further details about the woman, the condition of the house or any possible injuries were immediately available. The circumstances surrounding the fire have not been confirmed.

A 55-year-old father fought off three armed intruders during a Craigieburn home invasion in Melbourne, after the men allegedly stormed his family’s house at midnight while a young child was inside. CCTV captured the group entering the property with a gun. Seconds later, a shot struck a glass table, followed by smashing and screams for help as the father confronted the attackers. The men fled to a dark-coloured SUV within about a minute. A woman who followed them fell on to the footpath in shock after they drove away. The family was not injured but was left terrified and traumatised…