A US man has been sentenced to 18 months in jail after stealing a hot dog from an innocent park goer. Massachusetts resident Antonio Judd pleaded guilty to larceny after using what had appeared to be a gun to threaten a man in Elm Park, Worcester into handing over his evening snack. In fact, the weapon was only a pellet gun, but it proved enough to persuade the victim to hand over his mustard-covered hot dog, which was promptly eaten by the criminal.

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:57:21

Competitors at an upcoming Gloucestershire conker competition are to see their conkers undergo rigorous forensic scrutiny in order to root out unscrupulous cheats. The Poulton International Conker Contest is introducing extensive testing and police-style security measures in order to prevent contestants from gaining an unfair advantage. Each conker will be checked for signs of tampering by oven baking or vinegar soaking, while elastic strings are also to be barred from use.

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:33:59

A fun runner in a fancy dress ape costume was stopped by Leicester police during a sponsored run after being mistaken for a real gorilla. Motorists had placed calls to Leicestershire Police after seeing what they believed to be an escaped simian on the loose by the side of the A6. In fact, the ape was 45-year-old Rory Coleman, who was taking part in a 143-mile run from Mansfield to London on behalf of the Gorilla Organization charity as one of 600 gorilla-suited athletes.

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:18:51

A woman in the US is celebrating becoming a medical marvel after becoming pregnant while another child was still in the womb. Julia Grovenburg of Fort Smith, Arkansas achieved the hugely rare double pregnancy as a result of a process called superfoetation. However, the mother-to-be did not even realise anything unusual had happened until a routine ultrasound revealed a second child growing in the womb next to the first one.

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:46:40

A group of Florida police officers have been left red-faced after being caught on tape playing on a Wii during a drugs raid. The Polk County cops were searching the home of convicted drug dealer Michael DiFalco when they discovered the Nintendo console minutes into the operation. Instead of continuing with their activities, the officers decided to switch on the console and have a quick go on the bowling game on hit title Wii Sports.

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:02:28

A couple in Staffordshire have become entangled in a feud after the contents of their back garden were mysteriously relocated to their neighbour's property. Phil and Linzi Wood have accused neighbour Brian Johnson of stealing their garden after their shed, plants, rockery and paving slabs disappeared while they were away, only for similar ones to appear next door. The couple had vacated the property in order to move to Lanzarote, with the hope of selling their Hazel Slade home at a later date.

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:35:45

A toddler has walked away with just a few cuts and bruises after being hit by a train in Japan. The miraculous escape happened after the girl wandered on to the tracks in Suzuka City. Crew members spotted her and the driver applied the brakes, but it was too late and the four-carriage train hit the child.

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:28:24

Two Australian teenagers have found themselves in possession of A$100,000 (£53,330) after catching more than they bargained for on a fishing trip. The two unnamed brothers found a large bag full of plastic-wrapped cash while visiting a picturesque fishing spot at Tuntable Creek near Lismore, New South Wales. It was a lot more than the boys had hoped to reel in on their angling expedition, leading the pair to spend some time deliberating whether they should keep hold of their "catch".

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:00:51

Fresh from seemingly predicting the National Lottery numbers, Derren Brown's next trick will involve immobilising millions, yes millions, of people. During his How To Control The Nation show tonight (September 18th), the illusionist plans to use subliminal messaging to make viewers stick to their sofa. "The second show is a piece of media which will be played to the viewing nation that will have the effect of rendering them immobile," he said.

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:29:36

Most people believe the Lord of the Rings character Gollum is confined to movie screens and fantasy books. Not so for children living in the town of Cerro Azul, Panama, who were terrified after an unusual creature crawled out of a lake and began approaching them. The beast, which appeared slimy and glob-like and had no hair, made for the children after clambering from a lake that the youngsters were playing by.

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:25:43