Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 1 May 2014

1. GERRY ADAMS IN MURDER ARREST

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams is being questioned by Northern Ireland police in connection with the 1972 murder of Jean McConville. Adams, who was arrested yesterday, spent the night in custody at Antrim police station. Speaking before his detention yesterday evening, Adams said he is "innocent of any part" in the murder.

Gerry Adams arrest: victim's daughter to 'name names'

2. PEACHES GELDOF: HEROIN 'PLAYED A ROLE'

Heroin is "likely to have played a role" in the death of Peaches Geldof, an inquest has heard. Toxicology tests revealed that she had the drug in her system when she died last month. The celebrity had a long history of drug abuse. In 2008 there were reports that she had to be revived after an overdose. In the same year she was seen offering a drug dealer £190.

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Peaches Geldof 'had been a heroin addict', inquest hears

3. TRIAL HALTED OVER LEGAL AID CUTS

A serious fraud trial has been stopped because the defendants were unable to get legal aid because of government cuts. Alex Cameron QC, brother of the Prime Minister, told Southwark Crown Court that the state had "failed to provide" adequate representation for the accused. The judge agreed there was no prospect of a fair trial and halted the case.

4. ‘DAZZLING’ PAXMAN QUITS NEWSNIGHT

Jeremy Paxman is to quit Newsnight after 25 years as host. He said it is “time to move on” and that he should “rather like to go to bed at much the same time as most people”. The BBC said the 63-year-old is a “rare and dazzling talent”. It said decided to leave last summer but “generously agreed” to stay until June to help the show through a turbulent period.

Paxman quits: why did he go with juicy election coming up?

5. POLICE ‘DON’T RECORD FIFTH OF CRIMES’

Police are not recording a fifth of crimes, claims a report from a watchdog. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, which is investigating how forces in England and Wales record crime data, says 14 alleged rapes were among the offences that had not been recorded by officers. The home secretary Theresa May says the report exposes "unacceptable failings" by the police.

Police not recording one in five crimes, claims watchdog

6. HOT TICKET: LILY ALLEN SHEEZUS TOUR

Singer-songwriter Lily Allen is touring the UK to promote her new album Sheezus. Allen performs songs from Sheezus as well as popular hits including Smile and It's Not Fair. "Sparkling," says The Guardian. Sheezus is due out 6 May, gigs 23-24 May Aberdeen, Glasgow.

Lily Allen – reviews of 'vibrant' Sheezus comeback tour

7. BOTCHED EXECUTION WAS ‘TORTURE’

There is growing pressure in the US for a moratorium on the death penalty after a condemned prisoner woke up during a failed execution and endured 43 minutes of agony before he died. Clayton Lockett’s experience, which culminated in him suffering a heart attack, has been branded by death penalty opponents as “torture”, “malpractice” and “a science experiment gone wrong”.

Botched execution: Arizona prisoner takes two hours to die

8. NIGEL FARAGE HIT BY EGG IN NOTTINGHAM

Ukip leader Nigel Farage was hit by an egg as he toured Nottingham ahead of European and local elections. Farage was getting out of a car when he was struck on the left shoulder. He quickly got back in and drove away, leaving supporters behind. The anti-Ukip protester, who gave his name as Fred, was taken away in a police patrol car.

9. CLARKSON DENIES USING N-WORD

Controversial Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has denied using the n-word while filming the hit BBC motoring series. In unseen footage the 54-year-old is allegedly heard reciting the rhyme “eeny, meeny, miny, mo” before muttering “catch a n***** by his toe”. Legal experts say he could potentially have breached equality legislation.

Jeremy Clarkson: I didn't mean to use N-word - video

10. JUDGE BRISCOE GUILTY OF HUHNE LIES

Judge and author Constance Briscoe has been convicted of intending to pervert the course of justice during the Chris Huhne speeding points scandal. The barrister and crown court recorder lied to police in an attempt to "bring down" the politician after he was accused to points swapping by his former wife, Vicky Pryce, a friend of Briscoe's.