Mechanic sentenced for lighting estranged wife on fire with a blowtorch

A ex-mechanic turned maniac who lit his estranged wife on fire with a blowtorch in 2013 and then tried to do the same to his former boss was slammed with 35 years to life behind bars on Thursday.

Carlos Diaz’s actions “were calculated, were callous and frankly, judge, they were cold-blooded," Assistant District Attorney Randolph Clarke Jr. argued at Diaz's sentencing.

Clarke, who recommended an even stiffer sentence of 50-to-life, argued that Diaz was supremely selfish for the Inwood attack and that “instead of taking responsibility for his failed marriage, he took revenge.”

“This defendant did not care about anything or anyone but himself,” the ADA added.

Diaz was found guilty at trial in December of attempted murder, assault, attempted assault and attempted arson.

Diaz's attorney Erin Darcy had argued that Diaz's problems stemmed primarily from untreated mental illness — but Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro was not swayed. He said that while Diaz may suffer from psychiatric issues, his terrifying conduct was deliberate and intentional.

"I fully also believe he understood his actions and they were wrongful and intentional," Carro said.

Darcy said a 20-to-life sentence would have been appropriate. Diaz is set to be deported to the Dominican Republic upon his release from prison.

Darcy said that on the surface and prior to his arrest, Diaz appeared to be a functional, hard-working man who supported his family and cared for his two children.

But the reality was a much different picture, she argued.

Looking closely, "you would see a very mentally ill man deteriorating rapidly, untreated, undiagnosed, suffering year after year," the lawyer said.

Diaz, through a Spanish interpreter, expressed remorse.

“I regret what happened. My heart is broken,” Diaz said. “I am not that.:

Cathy Zapata, his former wife, gave emotional testimony at the trial about the pain she suffered during and after the incident.

Diaz left her suffering in a parking lot when he left her ablaze and went to a body shop he used to work at. There, he tried to harm his former boss — but his attempt was foiled.

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Singer Celine Dion's husband, René Angélil, dies after cancer battle

Celine Dion's heart will have to go on without the love of her life, husband Rene Angelil.

René Angélil, the husband of award-winning Canadian singer Celine Dion, died at the age of 73 after a long battle with cancer, Dion announced.

"It's with profound sadness that we are announcing that René Angélil, 73, died this morning at his Las Vegas home after a courageous battle with cancer. The family wishes to mourn in private," her website said. "Other information will be provided in the next few days."

The 73-year-old Angelil, who guided the French-Canadian singer to superstardom, "passed away this morning as his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer," a rep told People Magazine in a statement.

Angelil, who was 26 years his wife's senior, had originally been diagnosed with throat cancer in 1999 and staved off the disease twice before.

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Celine Dion and Rene Angelil endured plenty of scrutiny because of their age difference and the Angelil's professional role in her life, but their marriage was strong. 

Dion immediately cancelled the scheduled Saturday and Sunday shows of her Las Vegas residency at the Caesars Palace in the wake of the news — but planned to return for the Feb. 23 show, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

The "All By Myself" singer returned to her residency in August after taking a year off to take care of her husband as he underwent aggressive treatments.

She told USA Today at the time of her return that Angelil's dying wish was to "die in my arms."

Sources close to the singer told the gossip site TMZ that the death was unexpected, since the businessman felt better in recent weeks.

During their high-profile courtship, the couple endured plenty of scrutiny because of their age difference and the Angelil's professional role in her life. But the romance proved to be as strong as the lyrics of a Dion ballad since their 1994 marriage.

He stepped down as her manager in June 2014.

Angelil leaves behind three children with Dion — René-Charles and twin 5-year-old boys Nelson and Eddy — and three other adult children from a previous relationship.

Mohamed Elneny completes move to Arsenal from Basel

Mohamed Elneny has completed his move to Arsenal from Basel

Arsenal have secured their first signing of the January transfer window by completing a deal for Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny, according to Sky Sport.

The 23-year-old was in London on Wednesday to complete the formalities on a four-and-a-half year contract having already undergone a medical with the current Premier League leaders. 

Arsene Wenger confirmed following his side's 3-3 draw with Liverpool that a deal for Elneny had been completed and hoped to have him available for the Super Sunday clash with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

Arsenal have now confirmed Elneny's arrival at the Emirates Stadium, subject to the completion of the regulatory processes.

Elneny, who has been capped 39 times by Egypt, started his career in his homeland with El Mokawloon before joining Basel in 2013. 

He has helped Basel win three successive league titles in Switzerland and also helped them reach the Europa League semi-finals during his first season at the club, losing to eventual winners Chelsea.

Elneny made 28 appearances for Basel this season, scoring six goals.

DasukiGate: EFCC filed a seven count criminal charge on corruption against Mr. Metuh

National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Olisa Metuh

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC has filed a seven count criminal charge on corruption against Mr. Metuh, before a Federal High Court in Abuja and he will soon be arraigned on the charge, according to Channel Television.

Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs speaking with journalist at the Federal High Court, says contrary to the insinuation that Mr. Metuh is being held unlawfully, the Commission had obtained a court order in line with the administration of Criminal Justice Act, approving the detention of the politician pending the completion of investigation into the allegations against him.

However Counsel to Mr. Metuh, Mr. Ifedayo Fadipe complained that his client was held illegally by the Commission, because of failure to arraign him in court within the time stipulated by law.

He is therefore asking the court to compel the Commission to either release his client on administrative bail or charge him to court as required by law.

Cops catch Pennsylvania fugitive after he texts while driving in Holland Tunnel

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Mitchell Neil Thompson, 24, was busted in Jersey City on Tuesday evening.

A Pennsylvania man wanted on a burglary warrant was fiddling with his phone, veering from lane to lane in the New Jersey-bound Holland Tunnel at 7 p.m. Tuesday, when his U-Haul van nearly crossed into the path of a bus, police said.

Port Authority Police Officer Christopher Paskovich pulled him over, and learned of the warrant, cops said.

Mitchell Neil Thompson, 24, was arrested in April, after cops said he and at least two accomplices broke into an acquaintance's house in Phoenixville, Pa.

One member of his group waved a gun and told a man inside, "You got five seconds and I am going to shoot up the house," according to a criminal complaint.

Thompson, who was charged with burglary, making a terroristic threat and other offenses, skipped out on a court date, officials said.

Cops said Thompson handed police an expired New Jersey driver's license. He was busted in Jersey City and was locked up at the Hudson County jail while awaiting extradition, Port Authority Police spokesman Joseph Pentangelo said.

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