Stories for 13 September 2006

The Northern Echo News

Police dog savaged while on drugs raid

A POLICE drugs sniffer dog underwent emergency treatment after being savaged by a bull mastiff.   more...

Police hunt gunman

A HOODED gunman left two shop assistants terrified during a hold-up at an off-licence.   more...

Alcoholic guilty of murdering girlfriend

AN alcoholic who strangled a mother-of-five will serve a minimum of 14 years in jail after he was convicted of her murder last night.Peter Wyatt, 51, battered and strangled his girlfriend, Audrey Badger, in her home after a drunken row.Wyatt then spoke on the phone to his son Andrew - who himself is serving time for murder - and the conversation was recorded by the prison authorities.In it, he said: "I'm sorry, I've killed someone. I've killed my girlfriend. I've strangled her."The body of Mrs Badger, 42, was found in the living room of her home in Stirling Way, Thornaby, Teesside, on February 11 this year.She had suffered 14 bruises and abrasions on her head and neck, as well as numerous other injuries to her arms and legs.Teesside Crown Court heard how a week before the attack, Wyatt had tried but failed to strangle Mrs Badger by putting a scarf over her neck and pulling hard after he was told that she had slept with someone else.The defendant, of Mansfield Way, Thornaby, had admitted her killing, but denied murder, claiming that he was provoked during the course of the previous fortnight.Yesterday, a jury of eight women and four men took about two hours to return a unanimous verdict finding Wyatt guilty of murder.As the foreman read out the verdict, Wyatt, who was wearing a dark jacket and jeans, barely showed any emotion other than a slight shrug.The judge, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, Peter Fox, said that the defendant should serve a minimum of 14 years before he was considered for parole.Mr Fox said he did not agree that Wyatt did not intend to kill Mrs Badger.He said: "Having seen the manner of your killing of the deceased, I cannot accede to that submission."On this occasion, your intention was to end her life."You repeatedly, over an extended period of time, threatened to strangle her."Drunkeness affords you no excuse in that regard."Toby Hedworth, for Wyatt, had claimed there was a lack of pre-meditation in Wyatt's crime.He also said that the defendant was of relatively good character, having only a record of minor offences from his past.Detective Chief Inspector Darren Best, of Cleveland police, who led the investigation, said: "Clearly, justice has been done."From my perspective, I would like to thank all those witnesses that were brave enough to attend court and give evidence."Despite the tragedy, and devastating nature of the crime, the children of Audrey Badger have, throughout this whole process, dealt with things in a dignified manner."I am sure Audrey would have been proud at the way they have handled the experience."I just hope they can now get on with their lives knowing that justice has been done."Peter Wyatt was a long-term alcoholic and drink was a major driver and motivator in his life."The defence case was that he was provoked, but he could have walked away and he did not."Instead, he put his hands round Audrey Badger's neck and applied pressure for a period of 30 seconds, killing her.  more...

Council boss 'stole to help charity'

A FORMER council chairman has admitted he stole from a community association's funds in order to bail out a charity he had founded.Alex Clements, who stood down as chairman of Wear Valley District Council when the theft allegations came to light, stole £1,135 from the Henkowle Community Association in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.He made out a cheque for £865 to pay some bills on behalf of the Playdays charity, which he set up and which runs a holiday play scheme for disabled children in the town.Clements then effectively banked the rest for his own purposes, Teesside Crown Court was told yesterday.The 60-year-old, of Bishop Auckland, who was treasurer of the community association, had asked secretary Betty Todd if he could use association funds on a temporary basis to pay the bills.She said it was as a temporary measure, if the money amounted to less than £1,000.However, she would not have given permission for a greater sum, said Colin Harvey, prosecuting.Mr Harvey said that, during Mr Clements' term as treasurer, it was found there was a cash shortfall.However, he added: "It is clear that the accounting procedures in that association were quite dismal."Referring to Clements' role as treasurer, he said: "He was no good at it." Clements, who chose Playdays as his nominated charity when chairman of Wear Valley council, yesterday pleaded guilty to theft on July 30, 2004.A further charge of stealing £1,738 was not pursued. It is thought this sum has been paid back by Clements.Sentencing will take place in about five weeks.  more...

Jailed for boiling puppy

THE North-East's reputation for animal cruelty sank to a new low as two dog owners were jailed for causing horrendous injuries to their pets.A 55-year-old mother was jailed for four months yesterday after trying to drown a puppy in boiling water.At a hearing in Sunderland, a magistrate was reduced to tears as she heard how a ten-week old puppy lingered in agony for a week after Lynda Cairns tried to kill the unwanted pet.Clive McKeag, prosecuting, said that, when it came to animal cruelty, "this case is as bad as it gets".Cairns, 55, of Kidderminster Road in Sunderland, wept as she was led handcuffed from court after admitting cruelty and abandoning a puppy named Ruby.Cairns' son, David, 21, admitted abandoning the still living puppy, and her daughter, Lianne, 19, pleaded guilty to not seeking proper care and attention for Ruby.Mr McKeag told the court Ruby's injured body had been found on waste ground. Referring to photographs of the dead dog, he told magistrates: "You will find them gruesome."As he outlined the condition of the dog, one of the female magistrates put her hand over her face as tears rolled down her cheeks.Mr McKeag said Cairns had not told her son and daughter she had poured boiling water over the puppy. Both believed the injuries were caused by fights with its mother, Trixie.Nigel Barnes, mitigating, said Trixie had ten puppies and homes had been found for all of them - but Ruby had been returned.When fights broke out between Trixie and Ruby, Cairns wanted the puppy put down but the family could not afford to pay a vet.David Cairns, he said, had been persuaded by his mother to abandon the dog. Lianne contacted an animal charity for help, but was told she would have to seek the help of an independent vet.Cairns, said Mr Barnes, had medical and psychiatric problems.Lianne Cairns was given a conditional discharge for two years, disqualified from keeping a dog for two years and must pay £525 costs. David Cairns was given a two-year supervision order with 100 hours community service, was banned from keeping a dog for ten years and must pay £525 costs.Lynda Cairns was jailed for four months and was banned from keeping a dog indefinitely.l In a separate case, Gateshead Magistrates sentenced Geoffrey Carruthers, 65, of Dovedale Gardens, Beacon Lough, Gateshead, to four months in prison and banned him from keeping animals for life after his 14-year-old boxer dog, Amber, had to be put down.Inspector Tony Jackman found the boxer with a severe back wound, which left the animal's tail hanging by a thread of tissue. Amber's wound had been left to fester for weeks.Mr McKeag, who also prosecuted this case, said the injuries "beggared belief".RSPCA Inspector Emma Ellis told The Northern Echo the jail sentences were "a salutary message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated".  more...

Arsonists blamed for training centre blaze

ARSONISTS are believed to have started a blaze at a fire brigade learning and development centre.   more...

Cat shot in the kidney

A CAT is clinging on to life after it was shot in the kidney with what is believed to be an air rifle.   more...

High price of heating costs are revealed

HOMEOWNERS in the region are wasting £57m annually because of a lack of cavity wall insulation, according to new figures from the Energy Saving Trust.Recent statistics suggest that about 500,000 homes in the region have uninsulated cavity walls.The findings have prompted the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre, based in the North-East, to launch a major cavity wall insulation campaign.With fuel bills rocketing, centre director Steve Hunter urged homeowners to act quickly.He said: "Many consumers are initially discouraged by what seems like such a huge undertaking when, in fact, insulating your cavity walls is a clean and simple procedure."Usually completed within three hours, the insulation is inserted into the cavity between the outer and the inner walls, from the outside of your property."This alone can save up to £160 off your household's bill and can reduce heat loss through the walls by 60 per cent."Grants are available for cavity wall insulation, reducing costs to about £260 for a typical house.A no-obligation survey can be carried out by calling the centre on 0800 512012.People can also find out about grants to help with the cost, as well as other measures to stay warm and save money.Alternatively, go to www. est.org.uk/myhome  more...

Get hitched at the drive through

Lovebirds looking to tie the knot in a quickie wedding no longer have to elope to Gretna Green or Las Vegas.A County Durham hotel hopes to rival the two wedding destinations by offering couples "drive through" ceremonies later this year.Seven couples will share the same big day when The Paramount Redworth Hotel, near Newton Aycliffe, crams seven weddings into one date.In a single marathon marriage session, ceremonies will be held every 45 minutes between 10.45am and 3.15pm.After each ceremony, guests will toast the bride and groom before making way for the next ceremony. The happy couple will also have photographs taken in the grounds of the hotel, set in 150 acres of beautiful countryside.Extras can be added to the standard wedding package - which includes a buttonhole and slice of cake for guests - such as a table in the restaurant or a reception for up to 50 people.The package also comes with guaranteed wedding night fireworks for every couple - as the quickie ceremonies will all take place on Guy Fawkes Day, November 5.Rebecca Grimston, hotel wedding co-ordinator, said: "We decided to introduce the drive through wedding for couples who want to get married but don't want the expense or fuss of a big ceremony and reception."And we hope if it's a success on November 5, it will be something that we can do regularly."For information, call (01388) 770641.  more...

Family tried in vain to rescue father who drowned in river

THE death of a man who fell into the water at a riverbank party in front of his helpless family has been described as a tragic accident.Cameron Hawkins, 27, died after he fell into the River Wear near Hunwick, County Durham, on one of the hottest days of the year. The father-of-two, from Primrose Hill, Newfield, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, had swam from one side of the river to the other as friends and family planned a barbecue on the riverbank on Friday, June 9. But an inquest in Chester-le-Street Magistrates' Court heard how the branch he used to haul himself out of the water snapped, plunging him into the river and causing him to drown.Family and friends dived in to search for him, but the water was too deep.Emergency services were called but Mr Hawkins' body was not recovered until an underwater police search team arrived more than four hours later.He was pronounced dead on arrival at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.Dr Anthony Senadhira, who carried out the post-mortem examination, said there had been some injuries to his forehead as well as his knee, leg and upper arm.He said the head injury may have disorientated him when he went underwater, causing him to drown.He said: "It is quite possible he might have been either dazed or concussed."Although Mr Hawkins had been drinking, only 68mg of alcohol was discovered in 100ml of blood, well below the drink-drive limit.His cousin, Stephen Pardew, said they had drank about three cans of alcohol when they decided to cross the river.He said: "We both went in swimming and went over the other side, and I came out first. The branch snapped that he was pulling himself up with, and he went into the water. We just couldn't find him."Recording a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Andrew Tweddle said he often saw people sitting by the river and holding barbecues.He said: "I think it is also important to note that, although there was alcohol in his system, it was not a significant amount. It was not a situation where he was drunk out of his head and just messing about. Clearly, what happened was an accident." Mr Hawkins had a fiancee, Joy Lally, and two young sons, Cameron and Kyle. Speaking after the inquest, Mr Hawkins' father, David, said: "I miss him very much; so do his sons."It is just a tragedy that this happened.  more...

Policewoman is exonerated after drugs inquiry arrest

A POLICE officer has been cleared after she was arrested by colleagues investigating the supply of cocaine in a city.The 25-year-old female police constable, who was based at a police station in south Durham at the time of her arrest in June, has been exonerated and last month returned to duty.Two men arrested as part of a lengthy inquiry into the supply of drugs in the North Road area of Durham were yesterday charged as they answered police bail.A 24-year-old man from Langley Moor, a former doorman at the Walkabout pub, in Durham, was charged with supply of class A drugs and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.A 20-year-old unemployed man from the Sherburn area of the city is facing eight charges relating to the supply of class A drugs.Both will appear in Consett Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.A third man, aged 30 and from the Durham area, failed to answer bail and police inquiries are under way to trace him.A police spokesman said: "The police officer's bail was cancelled in early August, her suspension from duty was withdrawn and she has been back at work for several weeks."l In an unconnected case, a female officer serving with Northumbria Police has been charged with a public order offence.The 29-year-old officer, whose name has not been released, was enjoying an off-duty night out in Durham when she was arrested following an incident that was recorded on CCTV.The officer was suspended from duty two months ago after she was arrested.She was released on police bail following an altercation in the city's Market Place.The officer has now been charged with a public order offence will also appear in Consett Magistrates' Court on Tuesday  more...

Bronze Age find declared treasure

A BRONZE Age hoard found under a County Durham field was officially declared treasure yesterday, and could now find a home in a museum. The three amber beads, two bronze rings, one bugle-shaped fitting and one spearhead fragment, thought to be up to 3,000 years old, were given the official status in an inquest held at Chester-le-Street Magistrates' Court yesterday.The items could now go to The Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, which has expressed an interest in buying them. They were discovered in August last year in a field belonging to Sedgefield farmer Robin Watson by metal detector enthusiasts Sue Lister and Phil Townsend, and are thought to have been part of an ancient burial ritual. Mrs Lister, of Wolsingham, who took up searching for buried treasure four years ago, said: "I've found a lot of things in that time - people say I'm lucky."Her husband, Alec Lister, who has been a searcher for 30 years, said: "I think she's got the metal detecting x-factor."Experts believe that the Late Bronze Age find, thought to date from between 1000-800BC, confirms that there were fixed settlements in the Sedgefield area at the time. The treasure inquest made a nice change for Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle.He said: "Treasure inquests in this area are few and far between."I particularly like the amber beads. I think my wife would have quite liked to have kept them."The items have not yet been valued but, despite their rarity, Mrs Lister does not expect the discovery to make her rich."I don't think we're going to get thousands of pounds from this," she said.Much of the treasure found in County Durham is bought by The Bowes Museum. Its principal keeper, Jane Whittaker, said: "We are delighted that it has been declared treasure, and there is now an opportunity to bring it into the public arena."However, The Bowes Museum's interest must necessarily be dependent on the valuation and our ability to raise the funding to meet it."  more...

Family saved by neighbour as blaze rips through home

A FAMILY trapped in an upstairs bedroom as fire engulfed their home were ten minutes from death when they were rescued by a neighbour.Emma Softley and her three children, of Woodside, Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, were pulled to safety by neighbour Wayne Thexton with only minutes to spare, firefighters said.Mr Thexton acted before firefighters arrived at the blaze, putting a ladder to the bedroom window to get his neighbours out.The family's ten-week-old puppy, Sasha, was rescued later by firefighters.Ms Softley, 27, said: "I was shouting for 15 minutes before anyone came to help."If it hadn't been for Wayne coming with his ladder, we would all be dead. I want to thank Wayne - he saved my children's lives." Mr Thexton was also praised by the head firefighter at the scene, Andy Whitehead."His actions are to be strongly commended," Mr Whitehead said.Mr Thexton said: "Anybody would have done the same thing, I was the only one with a ladder."But he said he realised his actions were just in time, adding: "Another few minutes and I think there would have been flowers here this morning."Ms Softley was sleeping downstairs as the fire began at about 2am yesterday, apparently behind her fridge. When the fire woke her she ran upstairs, to where her nine-year-old son, and seven-year-old and 19-month-old daughters were also sleeping. However, as the fire spread throughout their rented home, the family was trapped.Their large bedroom window could not be opened so, to create an escape route, Ms Softley threw a television at it.The family's kitchen was severely damaged by the blaze, and the house's front room and bedrooms were also affected.Ms Softley said: "I've had to work for years to build up what I had in there, and now it's all gone."I'm on income support. I've got nothing left. Devastated is not the word."Three fire engines and 15 firefighters attended the blaze. Mr Whitehead, a fire service assistant district manager, said Ms Softley did the right thing in keeping her doors closed as the fire spread, and only smashing the window when the escape plan was set. "She did everything right except that the house had no smoke alarms," Mr Whitehead said.He urged all homeowners to think about how they would escape from their home if a fire were ever to break out.Ms Softley and her children were taken to Bishop Auckland General Hospital following their escape, suffering from smoke inhalation.Ms Softley was released later yesterday morning, and the children were released yesterday afternoon.   more...

Banned driver spared prison

A MAN who drove while disqualified for the eighth time in three years avoided prison yesterday.Lee James Marsh, 22, of Westmoreland Court, Darlington, could have received six months custody - but was instead given a four-month suspended sentence.Marsh, who was banned for three years in August 2003, was caught driving a Ford Mondeo in Dinsdale Crescent, Darlington, on July 5.Darlington Magistrates' Court heard Marsh told officers he thought his ban had expired, and so had bought the car.Robert Mochrie, mitigating, said his client's seven previous convictions for driving while disqualified came in the first 16 months of the ban - when Marsh was "out of control".Although Mr Mochrie said Marsh had responded well to subsequent supervision orders, he said: "My client is expecting and accepting of a custodial sentence."As well as the suspended sentence, Marsh was given 200 hours community service. He was banned from driving for two years, given eight penalty points, and ordered to pay £34 costs.Marsh pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.Patricia Wilson, magistrates' chairwoman, told Marsh: "Believe me, this is not a let-off. "If you don't go along with what we have said, you will serve the custodial sentence."  more...