21/12/2011 Look North (Yorkshire)

Good evening. Tonight, jailed but forgiven by the family. The woman

who killed a little girl while driving down a pedestrianised

alleyway. The driver is sincerely remorse for, being a mother of

three herself. Nevertheless, Shamirah's death has left a heart

rending gap within our family's lives.

Also tonight, the latest case of grooming ends in a life sentence.

The murderer of a teenage mother is sent down for 17 years.

And the long and short of it is that the world's tallest actor is

appearing at the Alhambra. It is looking world in the run-up to

Christmas, join me for that details. The parents of a nine-year-old girl

killed by a learner driver have today spoken of their forgiveness

for the woman behind the wheel. Shamirah Grant died when a car ran

out of control in a pedestrianised alleyway close to her home in Leeds

in May this year. The driver, 34- year-old Beatrice Mawamba, was

today sentenced to two years in prison. After the hearing,

Shamirah's mother and father said they had forgiven all those

involved. Olivia Richwald reports. She was beautiful and talented,

Shamirah's parents say their little girl could light up a room with hat

energy. In May, she was playing with friends in this pedestrianised

alley way which he was hit by a car. The woman behind the wheel was a

neighbour on her first driving lesson. Beatrice Mawamba was being

taught by her husband. The had given her some instructions but as

she moved into first gear, she lost control. Leeds crown court heard

today that she had not know where the break was. She had not thought

to steer the car away from this alleyway and had not tied -- tried

to turn the ignition off. The judge said she had shown an ignorant of

the most elementary principles of driving. The result was the tragedy.

The judge jailed her for two years. But instead of Britain as

commissioner's parents have found be given and. We appreciate that

such an event was not intention. -- intentional so we have accepted

that the driver was sincerely remorse for being a mother of three

herself. Nevertheless, Shamirah's death has left a heart rendering

gap in our family's life. Leeds crown court heard today that Lynda

Baumber, a mother of three, she was still inconsolable. He pleaded

guilty. We accept that it was ignorant, maybe it was stupid and

irresponsible. But we know how intent was not to kill anybody. To

have taken somebody else's child in that way, we appreciate that it

must be a difficult situation. still live next to the place their

daughter died. It is a painful and daily reminder. But inspired by

Shamirah's love of dancing and singing, they are now setting up a

performing arts company in her name to help young people. We just want

to enlightened other children with her spirit. There was nothing that

Shamirah was frightened of going. She was a very positive young

person, unbelievably so. That is what we want to instil in young

people, instead of that dysfunctional background, they

still have every reason to be positive about life in the future

in spite of that. Could you forgive? We'd like to hear what you

think about the remarkable things Shamirah's parents have said. You

can post a comment on our Facebook page or you can send us an email.

Or you can tweet us @BBCLookNorth A teenager has been jailed after

murdering a young mother. Ashtiaq Ahmed repeatedly stabbed Laura

Wilson and dumped her while she was still alive in a canal in Rotherham.

Today he was told at Sheffield Crown Court that he would serve at

least 17 and a half years in prison. 17-year-old Laura, the mother of a

young daughter, is thought to have been groomed for sex by Asian men

in the South Yorkshire town. Our crime correspondent John Cundy

reports. It was nearly three days of the

Laura Wilson was stabbed in October last year before her body was

recovered from the South Yorkshire navigational canal. During two

trials, juries heard that Laura was held down at knifepoint in the

water by 18 year-old ash Tyacke Ahmed as she struggled to survive.

-- Ashtiaq Ahmed. It was her sexual relationship with two men which led

to her murder. The Asian men were said to have been separate --

desperate to stop their families from finding out that they had been

with a white girl, Laura. At the lonely spot here where Laura was

murdered, his friend -- Ashtiaq Ahmed's friend was cleared. It was

another case where young girls had been groomed for sex with adults,

have been Laura's case from the age of 12. Rotherham's safeguarding

children's board will be publishing a serious case reviewed in the New

Year about Laura Wilson. There have been concerned for her for five

years. In a statement today they I am satisfied that Laura was

stabbed multiple times, some of those stab wounds prevented her

from climbing out. She had a significant injuries to her hands

and wrists which would have prevented her from climbing out.

From our investigation we are satisfied that she was alive when

she went into a canal, made efforts to get out but was prevented from

doing so by the man in court. At knife point, I think the knife was

used to prevent hope of getting out. In the words of the judge, the

murderer had used an element of sadism who brave -- against Laura

Wilson who had bravely stood up to him. But he had decided that the

goal, who had become a sexual target for older men, could not go

Denis MacShane, the MP from Rotherham, joins us from London.

What are your concerns? It is a terrible tragedy, for Laura's

family. Also at this man, we are teeming -- talking about teenagers

here, not adults, he has gone to prison for 17 1/2 years. There are

so many into related problems. The problem of grooming, the problem

that we pour into our children's minds the idea that sexual

gratification at an early age is the norm. The porn industry, the

fact that people are Trafford into Britain, men produced -- if men

produce �50 they can have sex in a brothel anyway there -- anyway

they'll want. We are talking about all of the country, not just

Rotherham. We have problems in Yorkshire towns because I think

there is a generation gap between men and women, a culture of

treating women as easy meat, to use a horrible expression. We also have

some very dysfunctional families, Laura was getting some affection

and good treatment, she did not come from a happy family background.

We also have the agencies, social services and police, the schools,

not quite reading the signs. Parents not even reading the signs

and understanding what is going on. We have this concept of shame...

The government is trying to do something about this, to try and

make us aware of this kind of thing going on. What would you like to

see happen in that initiative or is that going the wrong way? There is

no government argument with this. We have to highlight this. We have

to be very frank and say that in modern Britain, the concept of

shame and honour, the idea that if your son has sex with a goal and

then has a baby, that brings no shame, or rather it is a family

problem. Unprotected sex is a terrible problem among teenagers

anyway. We have to say this does not lead to violence to honour

killings, or this kind of death. I would like to see the concept of a

Guardian, so that where we fear that a person has been traffic or

internally traffic or groomed for sex, and individually -- an

individual adult can take responsibility and say to the

police and social services, this is what needs to be done. It does not

cover people shuffled between other agencies, individuals are

encouraged to take responsibility for someone who is very

dysfunctional. That is one way forward.

Thank you very much indeed. Later: Helping retrace the roots of

travellers. It's not all big fat gypsy weddings, a plea for

youngsters to come forward to help I do not think in all their ears

that we have been doing this, I have seen CCTV footage as shocking

as this. The British transport police in

South Yorkshire are warning party goers to take care after one was

caught on CCTV falling off a train and onto the railway tracks. Tom

Ingall is at Barnsley station now where the incident happened and can

tell us more. I am standing on the platform at

Barnsley Interchange where this accident happened. It was earlier

this year but British Transport Police have released the dramatic

pictures today because they want to warn people to be safe if they are

using public transport this Christmas, particularly if they are

going to a party and drinking. You might find these pictures shocking,

they will take your breath away. The Lady get out of the train,

clearly the worse for wear, and falls down the gap between the

train and a platform, ending up on the tracks next to the wheels.

Important to say, the train did not move, apart from some cuts and

bruises she was not injured. But a lucky escape. As a footnote, the

trains were delayed so it set up -- it messed up some plans for the

evening. British Transport Police are warning Pele -- a warning other

revellers today. They say, plan your journey before you start

drinking, particularly your return journey. Know your limits with your

alcohol, keep an even temper, and most importantly, as they say on

London Underground, mind the gap. The death of a two-year-old girl in

Dewsbury could possibly have been prevented if professionals involved

in the case had not misjudged the risk to her. Jasmine Bellfield was

smothered by her mentally ill mother Sonia at their home last

February. A nurse and care worker had visited their home hours before

the killing but didn't see the little girl. A serious case review

has made 26 recommendations calling for improvements in social services

and health workers in Kirklees. A gang involved in carrying out a

number of so-called sham marriages has been sent to prison. Farruka

Khan devised the scheme to persuade vulnerable Slovak women to marry

Pakistani men so the men could stay in Yorkshire after their visas ran

out. The crime came to light when UK Border Agency officials and

police interrupted a fake wedding at Leeds Town Hall. Khan was

sentenced to two years and three months in jail. Other members of

the gang were given sentences of between 12 months and two and a

half years. We have not only had 20 marriages interrupted, by our

enforcement, but we know that we have stopped 70 more this year

alone. We have been operating in other parts of Yorkshire other than

Leeds. It is that kind of effective enforcement that act as a long-term

deterrent. 48 Yorkshire jobs are going at the

shoe chain Barratts. 43 of them are at its Bradford headquarters, the

other five at a branch of the Priceless chain near Leeds.

Barratts went into administration earlier this month after running

into financial difficulties. A protest has been held in Leeds by

people unhappy with the way elections have been handled in the

Democratic Republic of Congo. Around 200 demonstrators gathered

in Millennium Square. The EU has severely criticised last month's

vote which saw the President stay in power.

Scrap metal thieves are believed to have taken a sculpture by the

Wakefield-born artist Barbara Hepworth. The bronze work called

Two Forms was taken from a park in South London. The local council is

offering �1,000 reward for help finding it.

For women going through breast cancer, losing their hair and

scarring or disfigurement has a huge impact on their self

confidence. Two West Yorkshire women are bringing their personal

experiences to a new business which is proving at the very least, an

uplifting experience for women across Yorkshire. Our health

correspondent Penny Bustin reports. Two friend to the common purpose.

To make women at their lowest ebb feel better. I and Debbie, this is

duly. Baby suffered a total hair loss and Julie is less than two

years on from breast cancer. Today they are on visiting someone who is

still having treatment for breast cancer diagnosed in June. One of

the problems I had was finding a bra that was comfortable. More to

the point, feminine and pretty. I had a few not very nice experiences

in major high-street stores, where you are made to feel a bit of a

freak. I thought about doing something like this for quite a

while, because I wanted to stop lady's going through the same

problems and the embarrassment that I had. Have you had any ideas on

clothes? Or weeks? Blonde, I think. It is just a little stocking cap.

found it very difficult and embarrassing to get a week. It is a

few years since that, but I still do not have any hair and I still

wear the hair pieces. I'd wanted to do something topical in their own

home to make them feel comfortable and relaxed. Because I am wearing

one as well it makes them feel How does that feel? It is lovely.

It is a good colour. That is the one I think. I'd definitely like

the blonde. We look like sisters! Just lean slightly forward for me,

Magritte. Bringing the fitting experience to people's Homes is

helpful because it takes the embarrassment out of it. Some

people, following surgery, if it is quite radical, are uncomfortable

and they have major scarring and they do not want to be tugged

around in a shop. I have not been able to wear a proper bra, I have

had to wear a sports bra, which do not do anything for you. To have a

proper bra is really good. I feel more like a woman, like my old

self- again. The more relaxed they feel, the better response we get at

the easier it makes our jobs. It is so nice when you can do something

for somebody, that makes them feel good. What a wonderful experience.

We wish them all the very best. Before 7pm, an Ironman with a

difference. The extreme event athlete who's dominating the world

in her discipline. And Robin Hood has come to Bradford,

and I am here with the world's largest Little John. Join us later

She is 6 ft 4 as well! If you're already making plans for

getting fit again in the New Year after all that Christmas dinner,

you might take inspiration from one of Britain's most accomplished

athletes, who passed through Yorkshire today. Chrissie

Wellington is reigning Ironman World Champion for the fourth time.

And they came from far and wide to meet her, or was it to try and beat

Tell us why you are here. To see Chrissie Wellington, when are you

going to get another chance to train with Chrissie Wellington?

you mean a chance to beat her? will see, I might take it easy!

came down and then, Chrissie Wellington walked in, and it was

like, wow! It actually her! Chrissie Wellington can light up

the gloomiest of December at Yorkshire afternoons just by

arriving at the track. That makes her a perfect patron for Jane

Tomlinson's charity. Today's run with Chrissie event was an equally

appropriate fund raiser. Jane's appeal continues to inspire and

Christie picked up the baton for her fans and followers. But she was

not the only one in good nick for Christmas. It has been very jovial,

people are enthusiastic and excited. I am the same, I am excited about

the opportunity to talk to people. High achieving sportswomen, present

and future, all on one December afternoon in north Leeds. You can

bet future sports personality of the air shortlist will not be all-

male. I love triathlon. I just love it. Are we talking to a future

world champion? I think so! It is something that I want to instil, in

as many children as possible. Not necessarily the competitive aspect

but just the joy and passion for sport. Do you have ever have a day

off? Of course, but just not Christmas Day! Absolutely

remarkable. My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding was

probably one of the most memorable TV documentaries series of this

year.It certainly got people talking and brought a lot of

attention upon the travelling community. That and a man from

there ended up winning big brother as well. And if you didn't watch it,

or even if you did, here's a reminder of those huge dresses.

Only on the rarest of occasions the Gypsy and non gypsies celebrate

side by side. But today, the two communities have come together to

see 17 year-old not travel less damage marry her gypsy boy friend

Pat. Some people in the travelling community felt they were unfairly

portrayed in the series and even ridicule.

Now young gypsies and travellers in Yorkshire have been asked to

produce their own DVD, a book for a showing another side to their

community. The project is being run by Violet Cannon. You are a gypsy?

Yes, I am. Why did you not like it? It up like a caricature up of the

community rather than an insight fork -- an insight into the

community. Even though some people saw the moral side of our community,

people who read certain tabloid newspapers watched it and saw very

over-the-top wealth, often patients shows of wealth and questions were

raised about where they got the money without looking at where the

-- how the show was made. Was there anything positive that came from it,

do you think as my from its I got a From that, I got a book deal, but I

also got a documentary in -- on another channel. I know you want to

explain this. The you mind being called a gypsy? Some people say you

are called a traveller. What is the difference between a road map and

agrimony, and the traveller and a gypsy? I work with seven different

groups of people, and within that you have got two lifestyle choices,

to macroeconomic travellers and four ethnic travellers. We are

working with Eastern European gypsies, they are roaming the

gypsy's cousins, they share their same culture. We have similar views.

And then wrote many gypsies? They are English, I prefer to say

English gypsies. If you say Romany I am fascinated by this. There are

a lot of lessons to be learned. Hopefully your DVD will help.

It wouldn't be Christmas without panto, and here in Yorkshire we've

got everything from Aladdin to Jack and his beanstalk. But in Bradford,

Robin Hood has come to The Alhambra Theatre and alongside the usual

heroes and villains, there's one character who will stand out more

than the rest. Amanda Harper can explain.

We are minutes a wave from the performance tonight of Robin Hood,

and I am with arguably the biggest star of the show. Lovely to meet

you, how tall are you? I and 7th at seven. You are Britain's tallest

man? I am. -- I and seven ft 7. I am playing Little John, it is my

first time in Bradford and it is a pleasure to be here. So far so good,

the pantomime is going great. background is in basketball, so how

you enjoying this change of career? I have been playing basketball for

half my life, I went to the state in a scholarship. But I have always

wanted to get into acting. -- and went to America on a scholarship. I

have now done three pantomimes, I have done television. And a couple

of films. Let's talk about Hollywood. And Kuoni Reeves, no

less, one of your co-stars? Yes, I have just done a film with him

which will be out next year, he is the hero in the film. I play a big

bad guy but it is basically Samurai, fighting, action and sci-fi, it was

a lot of fun and it was really nice to get to know him, he was really

nice. Bringing you back to Bradford, what can our audiences expect?

is a great show for the kids and family, we have got some great

special effects, dragons and that sort of thing. The kids will love

it, it is a great day out for the family. Hopefully we will see you!

I will not argue with you! There are tickets still available, 70,000

have been sold so come along and see Neil at the hall -- and the

whole team for yourself. A good job that we didn't sell --

cent Paul! He is Littlejohn. The whole point

is that he was tall. Asli said last week, no chance of a

white Christmas. On Christmas Day it could be 12 degrees, so very

mild indeed. In the short term, cloudy and damp in the West,

brighter in the east. We are in a warm sector, said temperatures are

actually 11 degrees. This cold front will bring some rain on

Friday. You can see the extent of the cloud on the satellite sequence,

there have been a few breaks in the last couple of hours across eastern

areas. There could be some breaks tomorrow. Sunshine across the coast.

Drizzle or light rain across the Pennines, a little bit getting

across further east. We will have a West/East split. It is not -- it

will be frost-free. A lot of cloud around three Thursday. It will be

fit enough at times for some drizzle and light rain across

western areas, in particular the Pennines. Further east it looks dry

and at times it will be bright as well. There will be a blustery west

and the then South West wind, breaking the cloud up. Temperatures

will reach out to top degrees. Even over the Pennines, -- 12 degrees.

Even over the Pennines, 10 or 11. Light on Friday and then especially

in the morning. Christmas Eve looks quite nice, dry with sunshine.

Cloudy and the risk of rain on Some comments about the main story,

one says, the woman who killed a little girl has gone through enough,

she would be prepared to go to prison for a lot longer. Another

says, I would not have been able to have the forgiveness of those two