THEGAYUK

Category: Front Page

  • Murder Suspect Of Gay Cop Has Virtual Court Appearance

    Murder Suspect Of Gay Cop Has Virtual Court Appearance

    A man has appeared in custody via virtual court at Bromley Magistrates’ Court in connection to the murder of Gordon Semple.

    CREDIT: Facebook
    CREDIT: Facebook

    A 49-year-old charged with the murder of an openly gay police officer in London has appeared in custody via virtual court at Bromley Magistrates’ Court. 

    No indication of plea was given.

    Stefano Brizzi was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on the 13th April. Mr. Brizzi was wearing a grey prison issue tracksuit, as he confirmed his name, age and address via video link from Lewisham Police Station.

    Detectives working on the case are now satisfied that the remains found at an address in London are those of Gordon Semple, 59, who went missing on the 1st April.

    Earlier today Mr. Semple’s brother paid a painful tribute to Mr. Semple and spoke about their heartbreaking loss.

    He said,

    On behalf of Gordon’s partner Gary, my wife Maureen, Gordon’s nephew Paul, niece Kerry and I, I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts during the past dreadful week. It has been a terrible time for us all, especially Gary.

    I would also like to thank Oliver Westbury for setting up “Gordon Semple, 59 missing” Facebook appeal page and also other cousins and nephews who tried to find Gordon.

    Gordon will be sadly missed by all of his immediate family, his colleagues in the Met Police, former Bank of Scotland colleagues in Inverness & London, Friends from his Tartan Army Days, but most of all the hardest loss is for Gary at this time.

    Gordon was a much loved Partner, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Uncle & Cousin and our world will be a worse place without him.

    ADVERT

    [adinserter block=”1″]

    A post-mortem exam was carried out on the 8th April but the cause of death has yet to be established. A further post-mortem is to be carried out on the 13th April.

    Detectives are treating his death as a murder.

    Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, who is leading the investigation into Gordon’s murder, said:

    “I am keen to trace a man who went to Brizzi’s flat in Southwark Street on Friday, 1 April at about 15:00. He was there for only one minute, and did not go inside, but it is incredibly important that we speak to him.

    “If you are that man please come forward and call us on 020 8721 4961. I will treat what you tell me with sensitivity and confidentiality – please get in touch with us I need to talk to you.”

  • Family and Partner Of Slain Gay Cop Mourn His Death

    Family and Partner Of Slain Gay Cop Mourn His Death

    The family and partner of Gordon Semple have released a heartbreaking message on Facebook mourning the tragic loss.

    Gordon Semple
    CREDIT: Metropolitan Police

    The family and partner of Gordon Semple whose body was discovered in London after an extensive public appeal by the Metropolitan Police have released a heartbreaking message paying tribute to the openly gay PC saying that he would be sadly missed by his family, partner and co-workers in the Met.

    Police were called to an address in Greenwich after a concern member of the public reported a foul odour emanating from the scene.

    A man has been charged with Mr. Semple’s murder.

     

    ADVERT

    [adinserter block=”1″]

     

    Mr Semple’s brother wrote,

    On behalf of Gordon’s partner Gary, my wife Maureen, Gordon’s nephew Paul, niece Kerry and I, I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts during the past dreadful week. It has been a terrible time for us all, especially Gary.

    I would also like to thank Oliver Westbury for setting up “Gordon Semple, 59 missing” Facebook appeal page and also other cousins and nephews who tried to find Gordon.

    Gordon will be sadly missed by all of his immediate family, his colleagues in the Met Police, former Bank of Scotland colleagues in Inverness & London, Friends from his Tartan Army Days, but most of all the hardest loss is for Gary at this time.

    Gordon was a much loved Partner, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Uncle & Cousin and our world will be a worse place without him.

    It would be appreciated if the family is given time to grieve privately.

     

    Police are not speculating on the cause of death and added,

    A post-mortem will be held in due course, and until that has taken place we will not speculate on the cause of death.

  • Police Confirmed The Death Of Gay London Police Officer

    Police Confirmed The Death Of Gay London Police Officer

    Police have confirmed that human remains found in London are that of  officer Gordon Semple, who was openly gay.

    Gordon Semple
    CREDIT: Metropolitan Police

    Police in London have issued a statement that human remains found are those of an openly gay PC, Gordon Semple, 59. who was reported missing on the 1st April 2016.

    Commander Alison Newcomb released a statement saying that the Metropolitan police were not able to speculate on the cause of Mr. Semple’s death, but a man has been arrested after human remains were found at Peabody Estate in Southwark Street, SE1.

    ADVERT

    [adinserter block=”1″]

    Police were called the scene when a member of the public got in contact with the police after confirms of a foul odour coming from the scene.

    “At this point I do not wish to speculate on what has happened.

    “… a forensic search started at the address and is ongoing. It will take some time for us to complete that work. It is a vital search for evidence. I would like to thank the local residents for their patience and support.

    “My thoughts are with Gordon’s family and friends at this time of personal tragedy. I would ask that they are given the space and privacy they need to come to terms with this development.

    “This is a very sad day for Gordon’s colleagues. There are many officers who have served London alongside Gordon during his 30 year career who will acutely feel his loss.”

    Police are not speculating on the cause of death and added,

    A post-mortem will be held in due course, and until that has taken place we will not speculate on the cause of death.

  • Police Call For Witnesses After Homophobic Attack In Bedford

    Police in Bedford are calling for witness after a woman was assaulted by a group of men in an anti-gay assault.

    CREDIT: ©-ronfromyork-Depositphotos
    CREDIT: ©-ronfromyork-Depositphotos

    According to police in Bedford a woman was assaulted and injured in an apparent anti-gay attack by a group of men aged between 16-20 year-old.

     

    ALSO READ: British Gay Man Stabbed To Death By A Spear After Arranging A Hook Up In The Algarve

    ALSO READ: Police seek witnesses after two doormen stabbed at London gay club

     

    She was reportedly attacked in Mareth Road in Beford after leaving a convenience store on Cardington Road at around 9pm on the 1st April.

    CREDIT: Google Street Maps 2016

    The alleged offenders made homophobic remarks to the victim and punched and kicked her, causing minor injuries to her face and body.

    Three of the offenders were around 5ft 4in while one was slightly taller and all of them were wearing jeans and jackets.

    ADVERT

    [adinserter block=”1″]

    Sergeant James Hart, hate crime tactical lead for the force, said,

    “This was a despicable attack against a woman who describes herself as openly lesbian, believes that she was targeted because of her sexuality.

    “The victim has been left extremely upset by this senseless assault, and we are committed to finding the people responsible so that they cannot continue to commit such hateful acts.

    “Hate crime of any kind will not be tolerated and I would urge anyone who has any information about this incident to come forward.”

    Call 101 with information quoting crime reference JH/13449/16, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with information.

     

  • FIRST LOOK | Johnny Carter Is Back In EastEnders

    FIRST LOOK | Johnny Carter Is Back In EastEnders

    Johnny Carter is back and here’s the first look.

    CREDIT:(C) BBC - Photographer: Jack Barnes
    CREDIT:(C) BBC – Photographer: Jack Barnes

     

    He’ll be singing karaoke in his first episode of EastEnders on the 12th April – but you may notice that he looks a little different from the last time he was in Albert Square.

    Last time we saw Johnny Carter he had jumped on his Vespa and was riding his way to Italy to join his boyfriend Gianluca to live in Rome – and he was played by Sam Strike – well Johnny is back and this time is being played by the gorgeous Ted Reilly.

    CREDIT:(C) BBC - Photographer: Jack Barnes
    CREDIT:(C) BBC – Photographer: Jack Barnes

     

    ADVERT

    [adinserter block=”1″]

     

    CREDIT:(C) BBC - Photographer: Jack Barnes
    CREDIT:(C) BBC – Photographer: Jack Barnes

    Speaking about landing the role Ted said,

    “I’m truly delighted to be joining such an iconic show. The Carters are a fantastic family and I can’t wait to get started!”

    Johnny’s return will see him coming to terms with lots of drama – as he knows nothing about his mum’s rape, baby brother’s brain trauma, that aunt Shirley is actually his grandmother. So expect lots of bomb shells over the next month as Johnny rejoins the Carters.

     

  • Freshen Up Your Skin With Epsom Skin Clinic

    Is your skin in dire need of some rejuvenation?

    CREDIT: ©-CandyBoxImages-Depositphotos
    CREDIT: ©-CandyBoxImages-Depositphotos FILE PHOTO

     

    If your face is in need of some much needed tender loving care then you could do with a professional facial.

    Recently I was invited by Epsom Skin Clinic to try out an Agera Vitamin C Skin Peel (£65) to renew my Winter blasted skin.

    It’s surprising how much the seasons affect your skin, but Wnter is one of the toughest. Cold Wintery snaps, our dependence on central heating and high-street shops that have those electric fan heaters on full blast can all take their toll on your skin – and if you’re not in the habit of using sunscreen, that low hanging winter’s sun is probably doing more damage than you think.

    Let’s not forget the dreadful Winter colds and flus that many of us suffer, stingy eyes, red raw snotty noses and dreadful dry mouth – by the time Spring comes around you’re about ready for a kick start to your skincare regime.

    As I lay down on the heated therapy table in the lush surroundings of Epsom Skin Clinic’s rooms in Rush – Piccadilly, I’m immediately put at ease. The soft sounds of calming music and a feeling of warmth surrounds me in a completely relaxing bubble.

    I’m here to try the Agera Vitamin C Skin Peel, a treatment which promises to tighten, brighten and rejuvenate giving my skin much needed powerful antioxidants, which protect against free radical damage – sign me up.

    I’m warned as we start that my skin may start to sting, but it’s actually pleasant, I’m no stranger to having treatments and compared to a dermaroller procedure or a bit of dermabrasion, this treatment is a walk in the park.

    The facial takes around 30 minutes to complete and as I leave the central London clinic, my skin feels refreshed, renewed and glowing.

    The next day despite being warned that I might look red and a little irritated I’m amazed to find that my skin looks 10 years younger. Really fresh, really balanced.

    Charlotte Botting for Epsom Skin Clinic suggests that for Spring you follow her top 5 tips for keeping your skin fresh, youthful and protected.

     

    ADVERT

    [adinserter block=”1″]

     

    1. Wear an SPF – this should be done all year round but reminding clients at this time of year when the sun starts to make an appearance, SPF is the number one product to help with skin ageing.

    2. Antioxidants – these powerful vitamins how protect the skin from harmful free radicals and pollution.

    3. Re think your professional treatments – as the sun is out your skin will be more susceptible to sun damage so maybe hold off on the stronger treatments and try light peels and microdermabrasions. 

    4. Use an exfoliator – slough off dead skin cells to reveal smooth brighter looking skin.  

    5. Dump your Winter products – If you are still using products from the Winter months they may be too thick going into spring. Pick something lightweight that won’t leave you feeling greasy but provides enough hydration. 

    For more information call Epsom Skin Clinics 01372 737280 or 0207 042 3200 for the London clinic.

     

  • London Pub Richmond Arms To Close

    After serving the LGBT community for 30 years, staff at The Richmond Arms will pull the last pint at the end of April.

     

    Posted by Richmond Arms on Monday, 2 February 2015
      The Richmond Arms in London will join the ever growing list of over 100 gay pubs that have closed in London since the turn of the century.  Taking to the Pub’s facebook page, managers wrote that they had made the decision to close for good with a ‘heavy heart.’
    “To all our dearest customers, it is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that we will be closing our doors for good on Saturday 23rd of April 2016.”
    The pub’s management said the closure was happening because the landlord has chosen not to renew the lease.
    ADVERT

    [adinserter block=”1″]

     
    “Unfortunately this has not happened due to the landlord not willing to extent the lease, so the Richmond Arms will close and not re-open in any form.” “This place is so close to many of us, we have laughed and cried here together for over 30 years. We will all miss this wonderful place in a different way.”
    The Richmond Arms is just another casualty of London’s gay scene, which has lost a number of high profile venues in the last couple of years, including The Black Cap, The Joiner’s Arms and at least one of the Chariots’ saunas. The Black Cap is due to reopen in the near future, under a different name and new management. Campaigners are hoping the new owners will listen to community calls to keep the venue an LGBT space and keep the old name.

  • Police Appeal For Witnesses After Two Stabbed At London Gay Club

    Metropolitan Police officers are calling for witnesses after two door staff at one of London’s biggest gay clubs were stabbed.

    (more…)

  • The Top Ten Shades You Need This Spring

    The Top Ten Shades You Need This Spring

     Fashion guru Luke Christian shares his top Sunglass options for SS16. Classic styles with a modern twist, making you look ultra stylish whilst protecting your eyes

    (more…)

  • CAR REVIEW | Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Break

    The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake is a bit of a mixture. Based on the A-Class Hatchback, the normal CLA is a four-door saloon with the swooping roofline and dramatic looks you’d expect from a coupe. So what does the Shooting Brake bit mean? This is an old term that has come to mean an estate car that puts style on an equal level of importance to practicality. Think of it as a four-door coupe with room for a short dog.

    From the windscreen forward, you can clearly see the Shooting Brake is based on the A-Class; not necessarily a bad thing. From the windscreen back, the roof sweeps gently down as it approaches the tailgate which itself is heavily raked. Despite this and a narrow opening, there is a decent amount of space in the boot however back seat passengers may feel a little claustrophobic. Taller occupants in the rear may feel their head brushing against the roof too.

    Up front there are no complaints. Despite this being towards the lower end of the Mercedes range, fit and finish is excellent with everything laid out in a logical and easy to understand manner. Some may find the steering wheel column mounted stalk that controls the seven-speed automatic gearbox a little odd (it took some getting used too), but this is normal for Mercedes.

    Not only is the interior well put together, it’s a fantastic place to spend time in. Even after a few two hour journeys with plenty of traffic, I was still more than happy to jump back in the Shooting Brake. The infotainment system proved easy to use with its rotary controller although it could be a little slow to respond to inputs at times. The menus were clear and attractive while the sat-nav worked faultlessly though.

    A range of petrol and diesel engines are available but I decided to try the most powerful diesel, the 220 d. It’s the same size as the lower powered 200 d at 2.1 litres but here produces 175 bhp to give a brisk 0-62 time of 8.3 seconds. Coupled to a fast acting seven-speed auto, it felt a lot quicker than those numbers suggest. Not only was it quick, it proved capable of around 50mpg on a long trip if you were careful with the throttle.

    It was under gentle loads the diesel engine felt most at home. Should you demand hard acceleration, the gearbox could sometimes prove a little too keen to change down a few gears revealing a coarse edge to the diesel motor. It was pretty loud too. There was a ‘sport’ mode but this tended to leave the car in too low a gear which exacerbated the problem. In the end I just left it in ‘eco’ and enjoyed the low to mid-range torque rather than let the engine rev.

    As for the handling, the Shooting Brake cornered quickly with little roll but never felt like it was happy to be hustled along. Ride comfort was good on smooth motorways but elsewhere it was less impressive. Despite being fitted with the smallest available wheels, rough surfaces and big bumps caught the suspension out causing a rough ride. I would have happily traded some of that roll resistance in corners for a softer ride.

    There’s a lot to love about the CLA Shooting Brake. It’s a good looking take on the estate car while the interior really is quite special. That Mercedes could combine such potent performance with a lack of thirst is impressive too. Unfortunately, while I could live with the narrow boot opening and occasionally noisy engine, the tuning of the car’s suspension really lets it down. At nearly £31,000 before options, it’s also pretty expensive. Even so, I’d still be tempted.

     

    LOVES

    Looks

    Economy

    Cabin ambience

    LOATHES

    Expensive

    Noisy

    Crashy ride

    LOWDOWN

    Car – Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 Shooting Brake

    Price – £30,930

    Power – 175bhp

    0-62mph – 8.3 seconds

    Top Speed – 142mph

    Co2 – 108g/km

    Find out more at Mercedes-Benz

  • All Party Parliamentary Group On Gay Blood Donation Launched

    The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Blood Donation, a group of MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum who will inform on the Government’s review of blood donation in the UK was launched today in Parliament.

     

    © belchonock | Depositphotos

    A group of MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum came together today to promote the importance of donating blood and to inform on the upcoming review into who is able to safely donate blood.

    The APPG has been set up to help inform the Government review on blood donation rules which will determine whether gay and bisexual men will be able to donate blood unrestricted.

    The review will also take in to consideration those who have ever injected drugs or had money for sex and their viability on blood donation.

    At the present time gay and bisexual men are able to donate in England, Wales and Scotland but only if they are HIV negative and have not had sex with another man in the year.

    In Northern Ireland men who sleep with men are one of the groups who are still not permitted to donate blood.

    ADVERT

    [adinserter block=”1″]

     

    The review was announced in Parliament in November in response to the campaign from FreedomToDonate and the Government is currently in discussions with stakeholders as to the terms of the review and its timeline.

    Speaking on the launch of the APPG, the Co-Chair, Stewart McDonald MP said,

    “Donating blood is a lifesaving action. It’s something that all those who can safely donate blood should be able to do so that’s why I’m proud to be Co-Chairing this APPG with Paula Sherriff MP.”

    Founder of the FreedomToDonate campaign, Ethan Spibey said,

    “Securing the review into who is able to safely donate blood was a huge milestone for our campaign and the setting up today of this APPG is yet another way we can ensure the best possible outcome for the review for all those affected. I set up this campaign when my Grandad went through a major operation, it’s my hope that I and many others can safely donate in the near future.”