The News Matrix: Tuesday 13 August 2013

Hospital released murderer on leave

A murderer who went missing from a mental health hospital had been granted leave and did not abscond from the grounds, a health trust has admitted. Daniel Rosenthal, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, murdered his mother in 1981 and chopped her into pieces. He was found by police in Southampton on Sunday morning.

Mobster found guilty of murders

Former crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger has been convicted of a string of 11 killings and other underworld crimes including racketeering and conspiracy by a Boston jury. The 83-year-old now faces life in prison, after he led the Winter Hill Gang, Boston’s Irish mob. MORE

Stansted staff plan bank holiday strike

Baggage-scanning staff at Stansted Airport are planing to strike over the Bank Holiday weekend this month in a row over pay. Members of the GMB union will take action from 3.30am to 6am and from 3.30pm to 6pm over four days from Friday 23 August.

Leader of rebel group visits troops

The leader of the military wing of the Western-backed Syrian opposition visited rebel troops fighting in President Bashar al-Assad’s heartland. General Salim Idris, the head of the Free Syrian Army, visited Latakia on Sunday, it was revealed yesterday.

Thames Water seeks to jack up bills

Millions of households are facing unprecedented increases to their water bills after Thames Water asked permission to increase its charges by £29 before inflation. The company, which made £1.8bn revenues, said it was facing a “tough time” financially. MORE

Scottish Tory leader dies from cancer

David McLetchie, former leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, has died from cancer aged 61. He led his party from 1998 until 2005. David Cameron said he was “one of Scottish politics’ most formidable intellects”.

Pakistan accuses India of firing shells

Pakistan accused Indian troops of firing shells across the disputed border in Kashmir after last week’s killing of Indian soldiers set off a wave of skirmishes between the two rivals. Tensions along the 445-mile Line of Control that divides Kashmir flared when five Indian soldiers were ambushed and killed.

Pukka Pies founder dies at home aged 83

The founder of British food company Pukka Pies has died aged 83. Trevor Storer, who set up the firm in his kitchen in 1963, died peacefully at home, a spokesman said. The company, whose pies are a familiar sight in football grounds, makes about 60 million pies a year from its factory in Syston, Leicestershire.

Mugabe: opponents can ‘go hang’

The President Robert Mugabe launched a stinging attack on critics who claim his victory in last month’s election was fraudulent. In his first speech since re-election, the 89-year-old described his defeated rival Morgan Tsvangirai and his Movement for Democratic change as “Western stooges”. MORE

Court changes baby Messiah’s name

A seven-month old baby boy named Messiah by his parents has been legally renamed Martin by a US judge because the religious name was earned by one person and “that one person is Jesus Christ”. The mother has said she will appeal. MORE

Volunteer sacked for saucy photo shoot

A fire service volunteer has been axed after posing in her uniform for a “smoking-hot” photo-shoot. Clare Deloughrey, 26, was pictured slipping out of her kit on a website. But some photos showed the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s logo. Bosses said it did not fit in with their “brand”.

Neanderthal tools were built to last

Neanderthals were probably smarter than we think, new research suggests. Our ancestors may have invented specialised bone tools passed down generations. Scientists have found 50,000-year-old tools in south-west France made from deer ribs that are similar to those used by leather workers today.

The chic of it! French women ‘not perfect’

The myth of the perfect French woman who excels at fashion, cooking, natural beauty and family life has been destroyed by Le Figaro newspaper which argues it is all an “American Dream”. French woman are just as likely to microwave and diet as other women, it says. MORE

Missy the penguin is world’s oldest

A penguin has waddled into the record books as the world’s oldest. Missy the king penguin is thought to be 36 – two years older than the current Guinness World Records holder. Arriving at Birdland in Gloucestershire in 1982, she has risen to become matriarch of the colony.