Mandela: Funeral Announced As Life Celebrated

Nelson Mandela: Obituary Of An Icon

Updated: 6:30am UK, Friday 06 December 2013

Nelson Mandela's long but ultimately successful struggle to liberate South Africa's oppressed black majority made him a figure of hope and inspiration for millions of people around the world.

Feisty young lawyer, determined founder of the ANC's youth movement, militant commander, prisoner, president - his role in the fight for freedom was constantly evolving throughout his life.

Alongside mentor Walter Sisulu and great friend Oliver Tambo, he brought focus to the anti-apartheid campaign where it was needed, but became an enemy of the state in the process.

In 1963, already behind bars and facing the death penalty during a sabotage trial, Mr Mandela gave his famous "speech from the dock".

The words - combative, but measured and full of hope - signalled the emergence of the statesman who would become an icon of the 20th century.

:: Watch Sky News HD for all the latest news and reaction to Nelson Mandela's death

He said: "I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.

"I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.

"It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

The apartheid government jailed Mr Mandela and his comrades for life in 1964 but they could not lock away the ideas he embodied and the righteousness of his cause.

To allies of South Africa's racist regime - including some in Britain - Mr Mandela remained for many years a "terrorist".

But for campaigners Mr Mandela's 27-year ordeal behind bars, often in a cramped cell on Robben Island or in solitary confinement, represented all that was wrong with apartheid.

Pressure to free "prisoner 46664" went hand-in-hand with diplomacy and sanctions as the world set its sights on ending the injustice of South Africa's racial rule.

The beaming smile and joyful raised fist as he walked free from Paarl's Victor-Verster Prison with his wife Winnie on February 11, 1990, proved beyond doubt to most South Africans that a dark chapter in the country's history was coming to a close.

As President from 1994, Mr Mandela sought to build his "Rainbow Nation" - feted by world leaders as he crossed the globe outlining his vision of a non-racial democracy.

His campaign to unite the nation - black and white - behind the victorious Springboks rugby team during the 1995 World Cup in South Africa made many believe that vision could really be achieved.

An often troubled and traumatic personal life - including the split from Winnie following her kidnapping and assault trial - was never allowed to eclipse the greater goal of guiding South Africa into a new era.

After retiring in 1999, Mr Mandela - fondly known by his tribal name "Madiba" - settled into the role of "Father of the Nation".

Passing on the presidency to Thabo Mbeki, he was happy taking a step back from the political frontline, but always there to reassure his people  - a symbol of hope until the end.

Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 into the Madiba tribal clan, part of the Thembu people, in a small village in the eastern Cape of South Africa.

Born Rolihlahla Dalibhunga, he was given his English name by a teacher, Miss Mdingane, at his first school. It was customary for all children to be given English names.

His father, a counsellor to the Thembu royal family, died when Mr Mandela was a child, and he was placed in the care of the acting regent of the Thembu people, chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo.

He joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944, first as an activist, then president of the ANC Youth League.

Mr Mandela married his first wife, Walter Sisulu's cousin Evelyn Mase, in 1944 and the couple went on to have four children during a 14-year marriage.

In 1952, he and friend Oliver Tambo opened South Africa's first black law firm, using their offices to take on many civil rights cases and mount challenges to the apartheid system.

Mr Mandela was first charged with high treason in 1956 following the adoption of the Freedom Charter in Soweto - a document with demands including multi-racial, democratic government and equal rights for blacks - but was cleared when the prosecution failed to prove he was using violence.

In 1958 he divorced Evelyn and married Winnie Madikizela, who later became prominent in the ANC and the campaign to free her husband.

He was convinced to take up arms against the government following the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre - when police shot dead 69 peaceful demonstrators who were protesting against the segregationist Pass Law, which limited the freedom of the black population.

The government followed the massacre by banning the ANC, cracking down on strikers and protesters and applying apartheid restrictions even more severely as a state of emergency was declared.

As commander-in-chief of the ANC's armed wing from 1961, Mr Mandela secretly left the country to raise money and undergo military training in Morocco, Algeria and Ethiopia.

He returned in July 1962, but was arrested at a road block after briefing the ANC leadership on his trip.

Mr Mandela stood trial for incitement and leaving the country without a passport and this time there was no chance of an acquittal as he was jailed for five years and sent to Robben Island Prison for the first time.

He was behind bars when a group of his comrades were arrested in 1963. They were charged with sabotage in what became known as the Rivonia Trial - named after the farm raided by police.

In June 1964 - following a lengthy trial condemned by the UN Security Council - Mr Mandela and seven other activists were sentenced to life in prison.

He remained imprisoned on the infamous Robben Island for 18 years before being transferred to Pollsmoor jail on the mainland in 1982.

In the space of 12 months between 1968 and 1969, his mother died and his eldest son was killed in a car crash, but he was not allowed to attend their funerals.

In 1980, Oliver Tambo, who was in exile in London, launched an international campaign to win Mr Mandela's release. International resolutions and rock concerts alike were harnessed to highlight the cause.

As the world community upped the pressure against South Africa, with the US approving tough economic sanctions in 1986, secret talks began between Mr Mandela and PW Botha's government.

In 1990, President FW de Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC - paving the way for Mr Mandela's release on February 11.

The ANC and ruling National Party began talks about forming a new non-racial democracy for South Africa.

Relations between Mr Mandela and Mr de Klerk grew tense against a backdrop of violence between ANC supporters and Chief Buthelezi's Inkatha movement.

But the two leaders continued to meet and in December 1993 they were both awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Five months later, for the first time in South Africa's history, all races voted in democratic elections and Mr Mandela became president - having himself voted in an election for the first time in his life.

As president, Mr Mandela entrusted much day-to-day government business to his deputy Thabo Mbeki.

While his time in office was hailed as a triumph in terms of building the new South Africa, there was criticism for a failure to tackle the Aids epidemic and conditions in the country's slum townships.

Mr Mandela divorced Winnie in 1996 and married 52-year-old Graca Machel two years later, on his 80th birthday.

Mr Mandela stepped down as president after the ANC's landslide victory in the national elections in the summer of 1999, in favour of Mr Mbeki.

After his retirement he continued travelling the world, meeting leaders, attending conferences and raising money for good causes.

With thousands of requests every year, his problem was fitting everything in and not exhausting himself.

In June 2004, aged 85, Mr Mandela announced he would be retiring from public life as he wanted to enjoy more time with his family.

But he did make an exception to speak out about his son Makgatho's death from Aids in 2005 - challenging the taboo that surrounds the disease in Africa.

The 2010 World Cup closing ceremony in Johannesburg was the world's last glimpse of the iconic leader in a public role.

He may have been looking frail, wrapped up against the cold and not speaking, but the famous smile as he basked in South Africa's success underlined how far his country had come.

In recent years he battled bouts of ill health, with South Africans struggling to come to terms with the reality that he could not go on forever.

Mr Mandela had hospital treatment in early 2012 for abdominal pain and then endured another 18-day stay at the end of the year suffering from gallstones and a chest infection.

A picture taken on February 2 at his Johannesburg home - showing him holding great-grandson Zen Manaway on his lap - proved to be the last time Nelson Mandela's millions of admirers saw the world's most famous smile.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

World Cup 2014: England's Opponents Revealed

England have been drawn to play against Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The draw means England's first game, against Italy on June 14, will kick off at 2am UK time in the city of Manaus, in the Amazon region.

They will face Uruguay five days later in Sao Paulo, before finishing their group match fixtures against Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte on June 24.

England manager Roy Hodgson reacts to the draw

England manager Roy Hodgson said: "Well, it's a tough group, there's no doubt about it.

"There's no doubt that with Uruguay and Italy, we almost got two number one seeds in our group, because Italy were very unlucky (not to be seeded).

"I'm not disappointed and having at least two of the tree games in places where the climate is more favourable for us is a positive.

"What climatic differences we'll face up there (in England's opening match, against Italy) will be the same for both teams."

Speaking ahead of the draw, Mr Hodgson had said Manaus was the one venue he was keen to miss out on.

"The tropical nature of Manaus is the problem," he said.

"Manaus is the place ideally to avoid and Porto Alegre is the place ideally to get."

The opening game of the competition will see hosts Brazil take on Croatia on June 12 in Sao Paulo.

Should England qualify from their group, they will face either Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast or Japan in the second round.

The last time England faced either Uruguay, Costa Rica or Italy in the first round of the World Cup was in 1966 - the last and only time they have ever lifted the trophy.

Then, they played Uruguay in Group 1, drawing 0-0 at Wembley.

The groups in full:

Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon

Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia

Group C: Colombia, Greece, Cote d'Ivoire, Japan

Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras

Group F: Argentina, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Iran, Nigeria

Group G: Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA

Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korea Republic

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Nelson Mandela Dies: Obituary Of An Icon

Nelson Mandela's long but ultimately successful struggle to liberate South Africa's oppressed black majority made him a figure of hope and inspiration for millions of people around the world.

Feisty young lawyer, determined founder of the ANC's youth movement, militant commander, prisoner, president - his role in the fight for freedom was constantly evolving throughout his life.

Alongside mentor Walter Sisulu and great friend Oliver Tambo, he brought focus to the anti-apartheid campaign where it was needed, but became an enemy of the state in the process.

In 1963, already behind bars and facing the death penalty during a sabotage trial, Mr Mandela gave his famous "speech from the dock".

The words - combative, but measured and full of hope - signalled the emergence of the statesman who would become an icon of the 20th century.

Nelson Mandela with Oliver Tambo

:: Live coverage: all the latest news and reaction now on Sky News HD 

He said: "I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.

"I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.

"It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

The apartheid government jailed Mr Mandela and his comrades for life in 1964 but they could not lock away the ideas he embodied and the righteousness of his cause.

To allies of South Africa's racist regime - including some in Britain - Mr Mandela remained for many years a "terrorist".

But for campaigners Mr Mandela's 27-year ordeal behind bars, often in a cramped cell on Robben Island or in solitary confinement, represented all that was wrong with apartheid.

Pressure to free "prisoner 46664" went hand-in-hand with diplomacy and sanctions as the world set its sights on ending the injustice of South Africa's racial rule.

The beaming smile and joyful raised fist as he walked free from Paarl's Victor-Verster Prison with his wife Winnie on February 11, 1990, proved beyond doubt to most South Africans that a dark chapter in the country's history was coming to a close.

As President from 1994, Mr Mandela sought to build his "Rainbow Nation" - feted by world leaders as he crossed the globe outlining his vision of a non-racial democracy.

His campaign to unite the nation - black and white - behind the victorious Springboks rugby team during the 1995 World Cup in South Africa made many believe that vision could really be achieved.

An often troubled and traumatic personal life - including the split from Winnie following her kidnapping and assault trial - was never allowed to eclipse the greater goal of guiding South Africa into a new era.

Mr Mandela in 1961

After retiring in 1999, Mr Mandela - fondly known by his tribal name "Madiba" - settled into the role of "Father of the Nation".

Passing on the presidency to Thabo Mbeki, he was happy taking a step back from the political frontline, but always there to reassure his people  - a symbol of hope until the end.

Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 into the Madiba tribal clan, part of the Thembu people, in a small village in the eastern Cape of South Africa.

Born Rolihlahla Dalibhunga, he was given his English name by a teacher, Miss Mdingane, at his first school. It was customary for all children to be given English names.

His father, a counsellor to the Thembu royal family, died when Mr Mandela was a child, and he was placed in the care of the acting regent of the Thembu people, chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo.

He joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944, first as an activist, then president of the ANC Youth League.

Mr Mandela married his first wife, Walter Sisulu's cousin Evelyn Mase, in 1944 and the couple went on to have three children during a 14-year marriage.

In 1952, he and friend Oliver Tambo opened South Africa's first black law firm, using their offices to take on many civil rights cases and mount challenges to the apartheid system.

Mr Mandela was first charged with high treason in 1956 following the adoption of the Freedom Charter in Soweto - a document with demands including multi-racial, democratic government and equal rights for blacks - but was cleared when the prosecution failed to prove he was using violence.

In 1958 he divorced Evelyn and married Winnie Madikizela, who later became prominent in the ANC and the campaign to free her husband.

Mr Mandela with his second wife Winnie

He was convinced to take up arms against the government following the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre - when police shot dead 69 peaceful demonstrators who were protesting against the segregationist Pass Law, which limited the freedom of the black population.

The government followed the massacre by banning the ANC, cracking down on strikers and protesters and applying apartheid restrictions even more severely as a state of emergency was declared.

As commander-in-chief of the ANC's armed wing from 1961, Mr Mandela secretly left the country to raise money and undergo military training in Morocco, Algeria and Ethiopia.

He returned in July 1962, but was arrested at a road block after briefing the ANC leadership on his trip.

Mr Mandela stood trial for incitement and leaving the country without a passport and this time there was no chance of an acquittal as he was jailed for five years and sent to Robben Island Prison for the first time.

He was behind bars when a group of his comrades were arrested in 1963. They were charged with sabotage in what became known as the Rivonia Trial - named after the farm raided by police.

In June 1964 - following a lengthy trial condemned by the UN Security Council - Mr Mandela and seven other activists were sentenced to life in prison.

Mandela spent 18 years in Robben Island Prison

He remained imprisoned on the infamous Robben Island for 18 years before being transferred to Pollsmoor jail on the mainland in 1982.

In the space of 12 months between 1968 and 1969, his mother died and his eldest son was killed in a car crash, but he was not allowed to attend their funerals.

In 1980, Oliver Tambo, who was in exile in London, launched an international campaign to win Mr Mandela's release. International resolutions and rock concerts alike were harnessed to highlight the cause.

As the world community upped the pressure against South Africa, with the US approving tough economic sanctions in 1986, secret talks began between Mr Mandela and PW Botha's government.

In 1990, President FW de Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC - paving the way for Mr Mandela's release on February 11.

The ANC and ruling National Party began talks about forming a new non-racial democracy for South Africa.

Relations between Mr Mandela and Mr de Klerk grew tense against a backdrop of violence between ANC supporters and Chief Buthelezi's Inkatha movement.

But the two leaders continued to meet and in December 1993 they were both awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Mr Mandela casts his first-ever vote

Five months later, for the first time in South Africa's history, all races voted in democratic elections and Mr Mandela became president - having himself voted in an election for the first time in his life.

As president, Mr Mandela entrusted much day-to-day government business to his deputy Thabo Mbeki.

While his time in office was hailed as a triumph in terms of building the new South Africa, there was criticism for a failure to tackle the Aids epidemic and conditions in the country's slum townships.

Mr Mandela at the closing ceremony of the 2010 World Cup

Mr Mandela divorced Winnie in 1996 and married 52-year-old Graca Machel two years later, on his 80th birthday.

Mr Mandela stepped down as president after the ANC's landslide victory in the national elections in the summer of 1999, in favour of Mr Mbeki.

After his retirement he continued travelling the world, meeting leaders, attending conferences and raising money for good causes.

With thousands of requests every year, his problem was fitting everything in and not exhausting himself.

In June 2004, aged 85, Mr Mandela announced he would be retiring from public life as he wanted to enjoy more time with his family.

But he did make an exception to speak out about his son Makgatho's death from AIDS in 2005 - challenging the taboo that surrounds the disease in Africa.

The 2010 World Cup closing ceremony in Johannesburg was the world's last glimpse of the iconic leader in a public role.

He may have been looking frail, wrapped up against the cold and not speaking, but the famous smile as he basked in South Africa's success underlined how far his country had come.

In recent years he battled bouts of ill health, with South Africans struggling to come to terms with the reality that he could not go on forever.

Mr Mandela had hospital treatment in early 2012 for abdominal pain and then endured another 18-day stay at the end of the year suffering from gallstones and a chest infection.

A picture taken on February 2 at his Johannesburg home - showing him holding great-grandson Zen Manaway on his lap - proved to be the last time Nelson Mandela's millions of admirers saw the world's most famous smile.

10.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Nelson Mandela: South Africa Icon Dies

Life And Times Of Nelson Mandela

Updated: 11:54pm UK, Thursday 05 December 2013

July 18, 1918: Born Rolihlahla Mandela in a small village in the eastern Cape of South Africa.

1944: Joins the African National Congress (ANC).

1944:  Marries first wife Evelyn Mase.

:: Live coverage: all the latest news and reaction now on Sky News HD 

1948:  South African government introduces the racial segregation policy of apartheid.

December 1952:  Sentenced to nine months hard labour, suspended for two years, for civil disobedience campaign. Opens first black law firm with Oliver Tambo.

1956:  Charged with high treason as part of a round-up of 156 activists.

1958:  Divorces Evelyn Mase and marries social worker Winnie Madikizela.

1959: New racial segregation laws create homelands for South Africa's blacks.

March 21, 1960: Sixty-nine black protesters killed during a demonstration at Sharpeville, in the Transvaal, provoking national uproar.

March 31, 1960: Government declares state of emergency.

April 8, 1960: Government bans the ANC.

March 29, 1961: Mr Mandela acquitted of treason at the culmination of four-year trial. He goes underground on the same day and is dubbed "The Black Pimpernel" by the media for his ability to evade the police.

April 1, 1961: Robben Island turns into a prison for political prisoners.

January 11, 1962: Using the name David Motsamayi, he leaves country and travels around Africa and to England to gain support for the "struggle".

July, 1962: Returns to South Africa.

August 5, 1962: He is arrested for leaving the country without a passport and inciting workers to strike.

November 7, 1962: Mr Mandela is convicted and jailed for five years.

July, 1963: Police raid ANC secret hideout in Rivonia.

October, 1963: Joins 10 other activists on trial for sabotage in what becomes known as the Rivonia Trial.

April 20, 1964: Gives his famous Speech From The Dock during which he declares he is prepared to die for equality.

June 11, 1964: He is convicted, jailed for life with seven others and sent to Robben Island.

1968: Mr Mandela's mother dies.

1969: His eldest son is killed in a car crash; he is not allowed to attend his funeral or that of his mother.

1969: Winnie Mandela is detained in solitary confinement at Pretoria Central Prison for 16 months under the Terrorism Act.

June 16, 1976: Soweto uprising protests - as many as 20,000 students demonstrate against the introduction of Afrikaans in the schoolroom. Up to 700 people are said to have died.

September 12, 1977: Anti-apartheid campaigner Steve Biko dies naked in Pretoria Central Prison after being tortured in police custody.

1980:  Oliver Tambo, the president of the ANC, launches international campaign to release Mr Mandela.

May, 1980: British Lions tour to South Africa goes ahead despite British government opposition on grounds of apartheid.

March 14, 1982: Bomb explodes at ANC headquarters in London. Eight South African policemen admit the blast was in revenge for a 1981 attack on a Pretoria military base.

March, 31, 1982: Mr Mandela is transferred to Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town.

10 February, 1985: Refuses President PW Botha's offer to release him if he renounces violence.

1985: Fellow Rivonia trialist Denis Goldberg is released from prison.

July 20, 1985: After protests against apartheid increase, President Botha declares a state of emergency in 36 districts.

October, 1985: British PM Margaret Thatcher agrees to impose limited Commonwealth trade sanctions on South Africa.

Nov 1985: Mr Mandela undergoes prostate surgery.

June 12, 1986: State of emergency is extended to the whole country.

November 1987: Fellow Rivonia trialist Govan Mbeki is released from prison.

August 12, 1988: Mr Mandela is treated for tuberculosis.

December 7, 1988: He is moved to a house at Victor Verster Prison, near Paarl.

September 20, 1989: FW de Klerk replaces Mr Botha as president and in his first speech vows to end racism in South Africa.

15 October, 1989: The remaining Rivonia trialists and Jeff Masemola, a Pan Africanist Congress prisoner, are released from prison.

December 13, 1989: Mr de Klerk meets Mr Mandela for the first time to discuss the future of South Africa.

February 2, 1990: Mr de Klerk lifts the ban on the ANC.

February 11, 1990: After 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela walks free from Victor Verster Prison.

1991: Mr Mandela becomes president of the ANC.

December 10, 1993: He and Mr de Klerk win the Nobel Peace Prize.

April 27, 1994: Mr Mandela votes for the first time in his life in a free and democratic election.

May 10, 1994: Mr Mandela is sworn in as South Africa's first democratically elected president as the head of the Government of National Unity.

1996: Divorces Winnie Mandela.

1998:  Marries Graca Machel - former first lady of Mozambique.

June 1999:  Steps down as president and Thabo Mbeki takes over after ANC wins elections.

July, 2001: Mr Mandela is diagnosed with prostate cancer and undergoes treatment.

June 1, 2004: Announces retirement from public life.

January 6, 2005: Mr Mandela announces death of his son Makgatho from Aids.

June 27, 2008: Hyde Park concert in honour of Mr Mandela's 90th birthday.

June 11, 2010: Great granddaughter Zenani is killed in a car crash.

January 26, 2011: Mr Mandela is admitted to hospital in Johannesburg where he is treated for a chest infection for two days.

June 21, 2011: Meets Michelle Obama at his home.

February 25, 2012: Is admitted to hospital for one night with abdominal pains.

December 8, 2012: Goes back to hospital - this time with a lung infection.

December 15, 2012: He has an operation to remove gallstones.

December 26, 2012: Mr Mandela is released from hospital but undergoes further treatment at home.

March 9, 2013: He is admitted for a scheduled overnight hospital check-up.

March 27, 2013: Returns to hospital with a recurrence of his lung infection. President Jacob Zuma asks the world to "pray".

April 6, 2013: Is discharged from hospital.

June 8, 2013: Is admitted to hospital.

December 5, 2013  Mandela dies at age 95. South African President Jacob Zuma makes the announcement at a news conference, saying "we've lost our greatest son."

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Nigella Lawson Admits Having Used Cocaine

Nigella Lawson has admitted she has used cocaine several times, but claimed her ex-husband has spread "false allegations" about drug abuse to ruin her reputation.

The 53-year-old told Isleworth Crown Court: "The idea that I am a drug addict or habitual user of cocaine is absolutely ridiculous."

The celebrity cook said art dealer Charles Saatchi had threatened to "destroy her" if she did not give evidence in court and she feels there is a "witch hunt" against her.

She said Mr Saatchi "told everyone" he was taking cocaine out of her nose after he was photographed holding her neck at Scott's restaurant in Mayfair, London, earlier this year.

Mr Saatchi was pictured with his hand on Ms Lawson's throat in June

She claimed the much-publicised incident was actually sparked when she commented on a person walking by with a baby.

"I said 'I'm so looking forward to having grandchildren'," Ms Lawson told the court.

"He grabbed me by the throat and said 'I'm the only person you should be concerned with'."

Ms Lawson said she believes Mr Saatchi had a mindset of "get her, I don't care what it takes" in relation to her and the current legal proceedings.

Ms Lawson is a witness in the trial of two former personal assistants, Elisabetta (referred to as Lisa) and Francesca Grillo, who are accused of spending thousands of pounds on credit cards loaned to them by Ms Lawson and Mr Saatchi.

The Italian sisters deny the fraud charges against them.

Ms Lawson gave evidence in the trial

Ms Lawson said the first time she used cocaine was when her late husband John Diamond found out his cancer was terminal, and she had it with him on six occasions.

"It gave him some escape," she said.

She said she also used the drug in 2010 when she was "subjected to intimate terrorism by Mr Saatchi".

"A friend of mine offered me some cocaine. I took it," she said.

Ms Lawson also admitted taking cannabis in the last year of her marriage to Mr Saatchi.

"I have to be honest, I have smoked the odd joint," she said.

"I found it made an intolerable situation tolerable. It's a false friend and not a good idea. I found the answer was in changing the situation and trying to create a tolerable situation for me and my family.

Ms Lawson with her late husband John Diamond

"I have to say, since freeing myself from a brilliant but brutal man, I'm now totally cannabis, cocaine, any drug-free."

Ms Lawson said Mr Saatchi was unaware that she used drugs during their 10-year marriage.

On Friday, Mr Saatchi gave evidence said it was a "terrible, terrible mistake" that a private email he sent to Ms Lawson, referring to her as "Higella" and claiming she had been off her head on drugs, had been made public.

When asked about the email, Ms Lawson described the allegations of her drug use in it as being "part of his plan of attack".

She was also asked about the word "pass" used in the email.

She said: "I had once made reference to a 'pass' because I had been punished for going to a girlfriend's birthday."

Ms Lawson said she had not been beaten, but said she was left with "emotional scars", which were "very wounding and very difficult and of course we know how things accelerated".

Francesca (right) and Elisabetta Grillo arrive at the court

Ms Lawson admitted she had been reluctant to give evidence in the trial.

"I have been put on trial here where I am called to answer, and glad to answer the allegations, and the world's press, and it comes after a long summer of bullying and abuse," she said.

Mr Saatchi has given evidence in the case

It is alleged that between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2012, the Grillo sisters committed fraud by abusing their positions while working for Ms Lawson and Mr Saatchi, who went through a high-profile divorce earlier this year.

The jury was told they are accused of spending more than £685,000 on themselves of the credit cards loaned to them by the couple.

Prosecutors claim the women lived the "high life", spending the money on designer clothes and handbags from Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Vivienne Westwood.

Ms Lawson, who stood for the entirety of her evidence, stood told the court: "It's very difficult when you find out that someone you have loved and trusted could behave that way.

"In my heart of hearts I do not believe Lisa (Elisabetta) to be a bad person. I believe her not to have a very strong moral compass."

She added that she once took out £7,000 from her savings to pay for Lisa Grillo to have her teeth fixed.

The celebrity cook also said Lisa had been a "rock" when her first husband was terminally ill.

Ms Lawson told the court that Lisa had become "like a member of the family" while living with her but became "bitter" later on.

"She was not at all hardworking towards the end. Most of the time she was on Facebook," she said.

"I do not think her bitterness was towards me personally. I think it was towards her life."

The trial continues.

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Autumn Statement: Longer Wait For Retirement

By Sophy Ridge, Political Correspondent

People will have to work until they are 68 years old before receiving a state pension from the mid 2030s, in a move that will raise around £400bn for the Treasury.

Chancellor George Osborne will also announce the age will rise to 69 in the 2040s in his Autumn Statement.

The changes will affect people aged 40 or younger.

A Government source said: "This is part of the Government's long-term plan to secure a responsible recovery.

"It is a difficult decision to make sure there is a fair deal across future generations and that the country can live within its means.

"It will help make sure the country can offer people decent pensions in their old age in a way that with increasing life expectancy the country can also afford."

Currently the state pension age is due to rise to 68 from 2046 and to 69 in the late 2040s.

The news - released by the Treasury ahead of the Autumn Statement - is intended to show the Government is determined to keep making tough decisions to drive down the deficit despite improving economic figures.

Most government departments also face a 1% cut in their budgets for the next three years, which will save £1bn a year.

Health, schools, international aid, local government, HMRC and the security services will be exempt because their budgets are protected.

In an interview with Sky News, Prime Minister David Cameron said: "The truth is you're not really delivering a higher level of standards and actions on the cost of living unless you secure a long term growth and success of the British economy. From that everything else will follow.

"But should we at the same time try to help families with their budgets? Yes of course we should."

The Autumn Statement's good news is likely to be focused around the cost of living, to counter Ed Miliband's pledge to freeze energy bills for 20 months.

Labour argues most people are not benefiting from the improving economy because of rising prices and stagnating wages.

The Chancellor will also announce a £50 cut in the average energy bill and free school meals for every child under seven years old.

Firms will see a business rates capped at two per cent, while the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander has confirmed £375bn of planned public and private investment in infrastructure.

For the first time since becoming Chancellor, George Osborne is expected to announce more positive economic figures to show growth is returning.

:: Watch live coverage of the Autumn Statement throughout Thursday on Sky News HD

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Woolwich: Police Officer 'Feared Being Killed'

An armed police officer thought Drummer Lee Rigby's alleged murderers were going to kill her, a court has heard.

The officer, identified only as D49, said she "instantly" thought she would die when suspect Michael Adebolajo, 28, ran towards her car in Woolwich, southeast London.

In a statement, she claimed he had a meat cleaver or machete and was "shouting something", adding that his eyes "were so wide" she could "see the whites of them".

Prosecutor Richard Whittam QC read the police officer's account to jurors, in which she said: "I saw a black male running at me, waving both his hands in the air in a chopping motion.

"In his right hand I saw what I call a meat cleaver or a machete. I instantly thought, 'He's going to kill me'.

"I went to draw my Glock. Due to my position in the car ... I could not immediately draw my (gun). It was a split second decision to draw my Taser."

She then saw a second person, said to be Michael Adebowale, 22, holding a gun.

Lee Rigby, pictured with son jack, was killed near his barracks in Woolwich

"I thought, 'Oh my God, he's going to shoot me'. I feared for my life," she said in her statement.

A second armed officer, identified as E48, was in court to give evidence in person.

Video footage of Adebolajo charging towards the officers and flying into the air as he was shot was played to the court.

Adebowale also falls to the ground as he is shot.

D49 is seen keeping her gun trained on Adebolajo as he lies on the ground, while E48 is seen rushing back to the police car to get a medical kit.

He and another officer then administer first aid to Adebowale.

E48 told the court that the officers had "very little time" to react when Adebolajo ran at them.

Michael Adebolajo denies the charges

"He started to move towards the vehicle which started to raise my perception of the threat," the officer said.

"He almost instantly broke into a sprint and I realised we were being attacked. We had very little time to deal with the threat.

"He was coming at us."

The officer said that his colleague driving the car, D49, was left "essentially unable to defend herself".

He told the court: "She was defenceless, she had a pane of glass to protect herself, it was not ballistic glass."

The marksman opened fire on Adebolajo as he ran towards the car, telling the jury he was in "the frame of mind" that the suspect posed a threat.

"The second he started sprinting at us still in possession of that knife I made the decision to fire and until he fell away from the vehicle I was still in the frame of mind and I needed to take that decisive action to stop him."

He then saw Adebowale, who was lying on the ground after being shot, raise his arm in the air, the court heard.

Co-defendant Michael Adebowale has also pleaded not guilty

"He raised one of his arms up. I've still got a distinct image in my mind of him holding a black revolver in his hand which I clearly saw, which struck me as unusual because he'd just been shot.

"The next two shots shot his thumb off. The hand holding the weapon", E48 said.

He said that he and his fellow officers will try to save the lives of suspects who have been shot.

"Once the threat is neutralised we have a duty of care to all persons to save life, no matter who they are."

Paramedic Nicholas Goh said when he arrived at the scene, he realised that Fusilier Rigby was dead.

In a statement read by prosecutor Oliver Glasgow, he said the soldier had suffered "injuries not compatible with life".

"I knew the man was dead and there was nothing I could do for him," he said.

The paramedic then went to treat Adebolajo, and described him saying: "I don't want anyone to die, I just want the soldiers out of my country.

The jury saw dramatic footage of police shooting the two suspects

"Your Government is all wrong. I did it for my God."

Another paramedic, William Woolston, said in a statement that Adebolajo told him his name was Mujahid Abu Hamza.

The 28-year-old said he believed in Sharia law, and made repeated statements about British soldiers raping and killing women in Afghanistan.

"He kept repeating these statements over and over in slightly varied forms and didn't stop talking about this for all of the journey to King's College Hospital," the paramedic said.

Mr Woolston's colleague Stephen Berry said Adebolajo told him that "British soldiers deserved to die" for raping and killing women "in our lands".

Armed police surround the two suspects in footage recorded on CCTV

Once Adebolajo was taken to hospital, he remained under police guard.

Police Constable Melita Vejnovic told the court he had told her: "My intention was never to harm any civilians.

"There were women and children around, my intention was to hurt military only.

"He was in his kit, in his uniform, coming in and out of the barracks."

Earlier, a woman wept in court as she recalled seeing Drummer Rigby's body dragged into the road in Woolwich.

Tina Nimmo told the trial she saw one of the alleged attackers stabbing the soldier and pleaded with the knifemen to stop as she shouted and swore at them.

The court was shown a letter penned by one of the defendants

She told the jury: "I wanted them to stop. At the time you just get on and do what you have to do. And that's what I had to do."

As the crowd approached, she told the jury the pair, who she said were holding two bloodied knives and a meat cleaver as well as the gun, "posed a bit more".

They were "very proud of what they had in their hands", she said.

Adebolajo and Adebowale both deny murdering the soldier, who the prosecution says was run over before he was attacked.

They also deny attempting to murder a police officer and conspiracy to murder.

The trial at the Old Bailey continues.

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Eurostar: Government's 40% Stake Up For Sale

The Government is to sell its 40% stake in Eurostar as part of a plan to privatise £20bn of financial and corporate assets by 2020.

The announcement is contained in the new national infrastructure plan (NIP) which sets out over £375bn of planned public and private investments to 2030 and beyond.

The plans include a new target for selling off financial assets, doubling the amount from £10bn to £20bn including shareholding in the cross-channel train operator.

It comes just weeks after ministers were criticised for undervaluing the Royal Mail before its flotation.

Ministers have been given a boost by major insurers, who have announced plans to invest £25bn in UK infrastructure projects over the next five years.

Last month Eurostar revealed it had seen an increase in revenues and passenger numbers compared with last summer.

Sales revenue for the period July-September 2013 reached £207m - a 10% increase on the same period last year - and passenger numbers in summer 2013 rose 5% to 2.7 million.

The planned infrastructure investment has increased from £309bn last year to more than £375bn, with 291 of the 646 projects and programmes already under construction.

The decision by insurers Legal and General, Prudential, Aviva, Standard Life, Friends Life and Scottish Widows to invest in infrastructure follows changes in European rules pushed for by the UK which incentivise investment in a wider range of assets.

Danny Alexander will announce the plans

Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander will unveil the NIP alongside Commercial Secretary and former London Olympics chief Lord Deighton.

Mr Alexander will say the announcement is a "massive vote of confidence in the UK economy".

"It supports the wider £100bn public investment to rebuild Britain over the next seven years that I announced at the Spending Round 2013. Underground, overground, onshore, offshore, wired or wireless, tarmac or train track. You name it, we're building it right now.

"This is great news for the people of the UK because after years of neglect, the UK's energy, road, rail, flood defence, communications and water infrastructure needs renewal."

Shadow chief secretary to the Treasury Chris Leslie said: "Scheme after scheme has been announced to great fanfare but then little actually delivered.

"Yet another announcement from ministers about possible future investment will do little to reassure business that warm words will finally translate into diggers in the ground."

Other measures being announced include:

:: The scrapping of plans to create the UK's first toll road for a decade. Motorists will not be charged to use the A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon once the improvement scheme, due to start in 2016, is completed.

:: A further £50m will be allocated to redevelop the railway station at Gatwick Airport.

:: A Government guarantee could support finance for the development of a new nuclear power station at Wylfa on Anglesey.

:: The £1bn Northern Line extension to Battersea in south west London will also be guaranteed by the Government.

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Helicopter Crash: Fears For 'Gentle Giant'

The family of a man who has not been seen since a police helicopter crashed into a pub in Glasgow say they are fearing the worst.

Mark O'Prey was last seen in the Clutha bar by a friend who went outside for a cigarette moments before the tragedy.

His father Ian told Sky News how he dropped the phone when his daughter Louise old him the news that Mark had been inside the bar.

"I dropped the phone. I could not believe it because I'd been watching it all night on television from when it happened. Here we are two days later and he's still inside.

"Mark was 44, a big powerful lad, 6ft 3in loved by everyone and I would hope he would do the same for me if I was lying in that pub. I'd like some answers; not fobbed off."

Mark's sister Louise and his father Ian

Mark's sister Louise said her brother's phone still rings when they call it.

"We've tried desperately for two days now," she said. "His phone is still ringing. His phone is ringing in that bar.

"We know he was definitely in the bar with a guy who asked him to hold his drink while he went out for a cigarette. When he looked up he saw the helicopter had crashed into the building."

"Mark is a gentle giant. We had some absolutely fabulous times together. We just can't believe he could be in that situation in that pub.

"He lived for his music, he was a big gentle giant who would have done anything for anyone. We just can't bear to think we're going to have to put him to rest at the age of 44, it's so tragic."

The wreckage of the helicopter

Police Scotland said family liaison officers, who are highly specialised and trained, have been working with the O'Prey family since Saturday.

In a statement, the force said: "Mark O'Prey has been reported to Police Scotland as missing and who was last known to be in the pub where the helicopter came down.

"Police Scotland appreciates concerns and frustrations from relatives awaiting news. We have stated publicly the priority is to remove those who were in the pub at the time of the crash and to do that safely and as quickly as we possibly can."

The mangled wreckage of the aircraft remains embedded in the middle of the building as police and firefighters continue to comb through the wreckage of the Clutha in what has been described by police as a"complex" and "very dangerous" operation.

Victims PC Collins, PC Nelis, Samuel McGhee (top) David Traill, Gary Arthur

Officers have so far named five of the nine people who died during the tragedy.

PC Kirsty Nelis, 36, PC Tony Collins, 43, and civilian pilot David Traill, 51, were inside the aircraft when it smashed through the roof of the pub on Friday night.

Gary Arthur, 48, from Paisley, and Samuel McGhee, 56, from Glasgow, were also killed inside the premises after the roof collapsed, filling the venue with choking dust.

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Glasgow Helicopter Crash: Ninth Body Found

Police say they have found a further body located within the Clutha pub in Glasgow, bringing the total number of victims to nine.

They have also identified a fifth person who died when the police helicopter came down as Samuel   McGhee, 56, from Glasgow.

Detective Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick said: "We can now confirm that Samuel McGhee died during the incident on Friday. Our thoughts are with his family and friends tonight as they are with all those affected by this tragedy.

"Sadly I can also confirm the discovery of a further body within the site. This takes to nine the total number of people who died on Friday night.

"Our absolute priority has been to locate the bodies of people who were within the pub at the time of the incident and recover them safely. This process takes time, as formal identification procedures have to take place before we can notify relatives and publicly confirm identities.

"We are doing all we can to support the families of those who have lost loved ones. It is essential that we maintain sensitivity and dignity for the families of the deceased."

Emergency services at the scene

She added: "This remains an ongoing investigation and search focused on the Clutha Vaults pub. The site is extremely challenging and the efforts of colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and investigators have been painstaking."

The other named victims include PC Kirsty Nelis, 36, PC Tony Collins, 43, and civilian pilot David Traill, 51, who were killed when their aircraft smashed through the roof of the pub in Stockwell Street.

Gary Arthur, 48, from Paisley, was among the six people who died inside the pub when the ceiling caved in.

The four other victims who were in the busy pub have not yet been identified. Police have warned that more bodies could be recovered from the wreckage.

Friends have paid tribute to PC Kirsty Nelis

Mr Arthur's daughter, Celtic and Scottish women's footballer Chloe Arthur, 18, paid tribute to him on Twitter, writing "you'll always mean the world to me, I promise to do you proud, I love you with all my heart."

Many of PC Nelis' friends have changed their Facebook profile pictures to a black square cut across by a thin blue line in her memory.

Andrina Romano said: "For my beautiful friend Kirsty and all others involved. You will never be forgotten and I will miss you every day. Rip."

Today, Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael will visit the city to meet emergency service personnel before signing the book of condolence at Glasgow City Chambers.

A special service was held at Glasgow Cathedral

On Sunday, a service for the victims was held at Glasgow Cathedral, with Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon among those attending.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have sent their "most heartfelt thoughts and sympathy to the families of those who were lost or injured in Friday's truly shocking helicopter accident in Glasgow".

The Clutha had been packed with more than 100 people watching a ska band when the crash happened at 10.25pm on Friday.

Twelve people remain seriously injured in three Glasgow hospitals.

A total of 32 were admitted and 20 of them have been discharged. The wounded suffered mostly chest, spinal and head injuries as well as fractures and lacerations.

The cause of the crash is being investigated by the police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Sir Stephen House said: "Until the helicopter is completely removed from the scene and the right people are in the premises and are able to look through the rubble completely and start to clear it, we cannot say about exact numbers.

The mangled wreckage of the helicopter remains embedded in the building

"No one will be putting pressure on them in terms of time but things are proceeding, we are making progress and I know that people want to be reassured of that.

"It may appear that it's not going as fast as people want. The answer is it's painstaking and it's important that everything there is treated with the courtesy and respect it deserves."

The Eurocopter EC135 Type 2 helicopter involved in the crash was one of many that underwent safety checks as a precaution last year, it has emerged.

Police Scotland said the aircraft was tested on the advice of its operator Bond Air Services last May after reports of cracks on the machines.

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Helicopter Crash: Relatives Face Anxious Wait

Families and friends are waiting to hear news about loved ones after the helicopter crash in Glasgow where eight people died.

A "very sensitive and complex" police rescue operation to find potential survivors is taking place at the Clutha pub - where the aircraft came through the roof.

Officers have described it as a "complicated and dangerous" environment.

One worried relative at the scene of the crash, Alice Healy, told Sky News how she had not heard from her cousin who had been inside the pub when the helicopter hit.

Another, John McGarrigle, 38, said that he had been told by someone inside the pub that his 59-year-old father, also called John, had been sitting at precisely the spot the aircraft had come down and that he had been killed but that authorities had not been able to confirm this.

John McGarrigle says he is sure his father has been killed in the crash

Three crew members - two police officers and a civilian pilot - died in the aircraft and five other people lost their lives inside the pub.

Flags across Scotland are flying at half-mast following the tragedy as the Queen says her "thought and prayers" are with those affected.

First Minister Alex Salmond - who called the crash a "black day for Glasgow and for Scotland" - ordered saltire and Lion Rampant flags outside Scottish Government and historic buildings to fly at half mast.

St Andrew's Day events in the city have also been scrapped and a minute's silence has been held at many football grounds.

The helicopter brought down the roof of the pub

With 14 people still seriously injured in hospital, players and fans at Scottish Cup fourth-round matches showed their solidarity and fell silent before kick-off.

Glasgow Rangers and Falkirk players wore black armbands during their game.

A statement from Rangers said: "Everyone at Rangers Football Club is shocked and saddened by the tragic helicopter crash at the city's Clutha Vaults bar last night.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this dreadful incident."

The city's other famous football club, Celtic, also tweeted that their "thoughts & prayers (are) with those affected by this terrible accident".

Flowers are being left at the scene of the crash in central Glasgow

A special service was held at St Andrew's Cathedral on Saturday afternoon.

"We pray for our city of Glasgow," said Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, who led prayers for victims and rescuers.

Special prayers will also be said and candles lit for the victims at a service at 11am at Glasgow Cathedral on Sunday.

St Andrew's Day celebrations, due to be held in George Square, were cancelled following the tragedy, while the Scottish Trades Union Congress called off its anti-racism march in the city.

An emotional Gordon Matheson, leader of the city's council, told a press conference: "This is heartbreaking news from the very centre of Glasgow.

Rangers and Falkirk were two of the teams to remember the victims

"The people of Glasgow are praying for and doing everything they can to support the families and those most directly affected by this tragedy."

More than 100 people were inside the pub watching a band when the helicopter brought down the venue's roof on the banks of the River Clyde.

Political leaders have also expressed their solidarity with those involved.

In a statement, Prime Minister David Cameron said: "This is a tragic event and our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends who lost a loved one last night.

The Archbishop of Glasgow held a special service at St Andrew's Cathedral

"I want to thank the emergency services who worked tirelessly throughout the night and I also want to pay tribute to the bravery of the ordinary Glaswegians who rushed to help."

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond and Labour leader Ed Miliband also paid tribute to local people.

Mr Salmond said: "All of us have seen over the last few hours, the speed and effectiveness of the mobilisation of the emergency services in dealing with this tragedy.

"We've also heard of the instinctive courage of ordinary Glaswegians going to assist their fellow citizens in extremity.

"This is a black day for Glasgow and for Scotland. Our condolences go to those who will be bereaved, our solidarity with those who have been injured."

Members of the public concerned about relatives who may have been involved in the crash can call an emergency helpline on 0800 092 0410.

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Glasgow Helicopter Crash: Police Name A Victim

Police have named 48-year-old Gary Arthur from Paisley as one of the eight people killed in a helicopter crash in central Glasgow.

His body was recovered from the scene where the police aircraft came through the roof of The Clutha pub in Stockwell Street.

The three aircraft crew - two officers and a civilian pilot - were among those killed on Friday night.

Emergency services at the scene of the crash

Mr Arthur was one of five other people who lost their lives in the busy bar after the crash caused the pub roof to collapse.

The venue had been packed with more than 100 people watching a ska band when the crash happened at 10.25pm.

Mr Arthur's daughter, Chloe, plays for Celtic Women's first-team. The football club said the thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic were with the family - and the families of all of the victims of the tragedy - "at this desperately sad time".

Celtic Women's Manager, David Haley, said: "This is devastating for Chloe and her family. It is a tragedy that Chloe's father was one of eight innocent victims in this terrible accident - he was regularly seen at Celtic matches, watching his daughter."

A nine-piece local ska band were on stage when the aircraft hit the roof

Some 14 people remain seriously injured in three Glasgow hospitals.

A total of 32 were admitted and 18 of them have been discharged. The wounded suffered mostly chest, spinal and head injuries as well as fractures and lacerations.

Police said: "Extensive efforts continue to recover the remaining bodies from the scene, but due to ongoing safety constraints this is likely to take some time."

An EC135 T2 like the one that crashed

Emergency services including police officers, firefighters and search and rescue teams with dogs remain at the site on the banks of the River Clyde.

They are expected to continue working through the night to recover the remaining bodies from the scene, and stabilise the building which has been deemed unsafe following the crash.

The mangled wreckage of the aircraft remains embedded in the middle of the pub.

It is now known how many people are still inside the building.

A police officer lays flowers at the crash scene

Sir Stephen House, Chief Constable of Police Scotland, said rescuers were working in a "complicated and dangerous" environment and that the rescue operation would go on for many days yet.

The cause of the crash is being investigated by police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

Witnesses said the helicopter came down "like a stone" from the sky at "a great speed", while some suggested that there was a problem with the aircraft's rotor.

Relatives console each other at the site

Grace MacLean, who was inside the pub at the time, told Sky News: "There was a band on, they were quite loud, and we just kinda heard a whoosh and some smoke.

"We looked around and no-one really knew what was going on. Everyone just carried on listening to the band. And then we kind of looked again and the roof was gradually coming down."

John McGarrigle, 38, said that he had been told by someone inside the pub that his 59-year-old father, also called John, had been sitting at precisely the spot the aircraft had come down and that he had been killed but that authorities had not been able to confirm this.

As families anxiously wait to hear news about their loved ones, special prayers will be said and candles lit for the victims at a service at Glasgow Cathedral on Sunday.

A minute´s silence will also be held later before Celtic´s Scottish Cup tie against Hearts at Tynecastle.

Senior public figures including the Queen, Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister Alex Salmond have expressed their condolences to those caught up in the tragedy.

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