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.
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
LINED up one by one on a deer’s back, these little birds give their wings a break as they catch a ride across London .
This may look like a monster car engine that will leave petrol heads in a spin, but it is in fact a rather snazzy looking COFFEE MACHINE .
FISTS fly as two gorillas take each other on in a dramatic battle .
HUDDLED together in the hollow of a tree, it would be easy to overlook these two sleepy owls as they blend into the trunk .
The gunslingers are long gone and tumbleweeds have taken over at this abandoned American Wild West Theme Park in Cornwall .
A cricket perches on an unusual seat after crawling up the snout of a crocodile .
MAKING himself at home, this little snail perches happily on top of this frog's head .
SPLASHING around in a paddling pool, this little elephant soaks up the sunshine .
As sunlight cascades through its vibrant stained glass windows, every inch of the Nasir-ol-Mulk Mosque bursts with colour .
SNUGGLING up against their teddy bears, these baby sloths could easily be mistaken for one of the cuddly toys .
SEA LIFE and greenery in one shot show nature at its very best .