Marina Afonina, now 51, from Northampton, met Ioan Budea in 2006. The following year, they moved in together. But Ioan didn’t like to work, and Marina paid for everything. Years passed and he was no different. Ioan started to drink heavily, and the pair constantly argued. In July 2022, Marina ended things. But the following month, Ioan turned up at the hospital where she worked, drunk. He followed Marina as she walked home. He stabbed her eight times in her left side, shoulder, arm and breast. Thankfully, a stranger intervened and saved Marina’s life. In July 2023, Ioan was found guilty of assault by beating and attempted murder. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison with a further three years on license at Northampton Crown Court.
BRAIDED, sculpted and beaded, these are the eye-catching hairstyles worn by the tribal women of Angola .
FROM a HOLLYWOOD actress to the face of an innocent child, these are incredible drawings with an unlikely twist .
NEVER mind being careful not to choke on your food, this mother bird has a bigger challenge on her hands, as her ravenous offspring impatiently launches its head down into her stomach .
ARM extended and head flung back, this little chipmunk performs a loose-limbed yoga move .
An elegant snowy owl spreads her wings and glides effortlessly above the snow covered field .
These beautiful photographs show how these playful pods of dolphins make their own fun by gliding, flipping and spinning through the air whilst enjoying the sun on their backs .
Playing, splashing and generally messing around, these polar bears show they certainly have a soft spot for the water, and not just each other .
FROM THE world famous Girl with a Pearl Earring painting to a jaguar in the grass, these incredible drawings are created from coloured ballpoint pens .
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .
A baby sperm whale assumed the role of a friendly giant when faced with two awestruck divers .
PUSHING the diver out of his way, this little sea turtle shows he’s not in the mood for photographs .
Enjoying life’s little pleasures is something that many struggle to do .