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Thousands of mourners fill stadium for Mandela service
Read: Obama - 'We will never see the likes of Mandela again'
Judge: fireworks organiser had "no reason to think it was a hazard"
The Judge presiding over the trial of an organiser of a firework display near the scene of a crash on the M5 said he had "no previous reason to think it was a hazard."
7 people died in the pile up on the motorway in 2011. Geoffrey Counsell was accused of failing to ensure the safety of others when smoke from a fireworks display blew onto the road before the crash.
But Judge Justice Simon directed the jury to return a verdict of not guilty.
– Judge Justice SimonThe prosecution case required Mr Counsell to appreciate and react more or less instantly to something not thought to be a hazard to anyone and had no previous reason to think it was a hazard.He added: "There was no proper basis that you could have concluded that a reasonable person would have appreciated a reasonable risk and reacted to it to stop the display
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Obama: 'We will never see the likes of Mandela again'
US President Barack Obama said the world would "never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again" as he delivered a speech at the anti-apartheid leader's memorial service.
He said: "We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again. But let me say to the young people of Africa, and young people around the world - you too can make his life’s work your own.
"Over thirty years ago, while still a student, I learned of Nelson Mandela and the struggles in this beautiful land.
"It stirred something in me, it woke me up to my responsibilities - to others, and to myself - and set me on an improbable journey that finds me here today. And while I will always fall short of Madiba’s example, he makes me want to be a better man, he speaks to what is best inside us.
"After this great liberator is laid to rest; when we have returned to our cities and villages, and rejoined our daily routines, let us search for his strength - let us search for his largeness of spirit - somewhere inside ourselves."
'Mandela understood the ties that bind human spirit'
US President Barack Obama said at Nelson Mandela's memorial service: "Mandela understood the ties that bind the human spirit.
"There is a word in South Africa, Ubuntu, a word that captures his greatest gift, his recognition that we are all bound together in ways that can be invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others, and caring for those around us."
Obama: Mandela's imperfections why 'we loved him so'
US President Barack Obama said Nelson Mandela's imperfections were part of the reasons why "we loved him so."
He said: "It was precisely because he could admit to imperfection - because he could be so full of good humour, even mischief, despite the heavy burdens he carried - that we loved him so.
"He was not a bust made of marble; he was a man of flesh and blood - a son and husband, a father and a friend. That is why we learned so much from him; that is why we can learn from him still."
Police investigate racist abuse sent to ex-footballer Stan Collymore via Twitter
Staffordshire Police are investigating alleged offensive, racist messages sent via Twitter to former footballer Stan Collymore. Mr Collymore contacted Staffordshire Police yesterday evening after a number of messages were sent to him.
Chief Inspector Carl Ratcliffe, commander of Cannock Chase Local Policing Team (LPT) said: “It’s everyone’s role to treat each other with respect. It’s our role to investigate complaints of criminal behaviour and where appropriate take action.
"When we become aware of complaints about potential criminal offences, we gather evidence to allow the CPS to make a decision on whether to charge or not.”
Officers have copies of the messages for detailed investigation of alleged crimes, and will be working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service.
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Obama: Mandela's legacy is South Africa's democracy
US President Barack Obama has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela saying that South Africa's democracy is his "cherished legacy."
He said: "It is a singular honour to be with you today, to celebrate a life unlike any other. To the people of South Africa - people of every race and walk of life - the world thanks you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us.
"To the people of South Africa - people of every race and walk of life - the world thanks you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us. His struggle was your struggle. His triumph was your triumph.
"Your dignity and hope found expression in his life, and your freedom, your democracy is his cherished legacy."
Obama shakes hands with Cuba's Raul Castro
US President Barack Obama shook hands with his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro at the memorial service . He is due to address the stadium shortly.
Barack and Michelle Obama leaf through programme
World leaders past and present attend memorial
The VIP seating area of the FNB Stadium reads like a Who's Who of world leaders.
In this photo, former prime minister John Major greets former US president George W. Bush next to his predecessor Bill Clinton.
