23/01/2014 North West Tonight

shaking your head. That is horrible. That is all from the

Good evening. Welcome to North West Tonight with Roger Johnson...

And Annabel Tiffin. Our top story: Bill Roach's trial hears how his

comments in a television interview prompted one of his accusers to come

forward. We live with the from Preston Crown

Court. `` we are alive with the latest.

Also tonight: The epileptic teenager who hopes a

revolutionary American treatment can stop him suffering hundreds of fits

a week. What's the Mata with Man U? As

United prepare to smash their transfer record, the season hits a

new low. And when is a drain cover more than

just a drain cover? When it features in a limited edition calendar. We

will meet the man who will go to any lengths to find them.

Child sex abusers need to be sought out and are dealt with. That is what

the Coronation Street star William Roach said in a television interview

last year. The court watched excerpts of a show broadcast in New

Zealand. Comments made in the interview are said to have angered

one of the women who claims he indecently assaulted her as a

teenager. Our chief reporter Dave Guest has been following the hearing

at Preston Crown Court. Tell us more about this interview

and its relevance to Mr Roache's trial. What more did he say? He went

on to discuss his belief that if people where, in his words, pure

love and therefore lived it then these things would not happen to

them. That prompted the New Zealand interviewer to ask him this. To some

people, that sounds perhaps like you are saying victims bring things on

themselves. Is that what you're saying? No, not quite. And yet yes I

am. In that everything that happens to us is a result of what we have

been in previous lives. That interview was aired in the UK

in March of last year and among those watching it was one woman who

was particularly incensed. She went on to accuse the actor of indecently

assaulting her as a teenager in the 1960s. She gave evidence earlier

this week and veggie had been particularly upset that the apparent

suggestion that victims of abuse were being punished. `` and said she

had been particularly upset. This is the eight of the trial. He denies to

allegations of rape and five of indecent assault that have been made

by five woman. As you see, the eighth day of the

trial. It is coming to the end of the second week in a three`week

schedule. What else has been happening in

court today? The QC for Mr Roach has been

questioning a detective, in particular asking how thoroughly

police investigated these allegations before bringing it to

court. The jury will not be sitting here tomorrow. They will be back on

Monday when the prosecution is expected to conclude its gaze and

then the defence against. Thank you much.

When Van Davies was three years old he had a seizure. Since then, the

16`year`old from Manchester has developed uncontrollable epilepsy,

sometimes suffering several hundred fits a week. His condition can't be

helped by conventional drugs. But his parents say an oil made from

cannabis plants being trialled in America has had an astonishing

affect on other children like him. They're now trying to raise ?30 000

to get him there. Abbie Jones reports. Goodbye.

This is Van's safety helmet. Some of his seizures are so severe he falls

violently forward, suffering terrible injuries. His parents say

they've destroyed his chance of a normal childhood. It is incredibly

difficult. Very intense. It is a 24`hour vigil. It is. You has broken

his nose, his teeth. He has had about 50 this week.

Van's tried drugs and diets. None have worked. But after years of

research, his parents heard about CBD oil from the cannabis plant The

oil, though, is low on the chemical that gets you high. But it's not

available in the UK. Now, the family are trying to raise ?30,000 to get

them from Manchester to America 4000 miles away, where the oil is

being trialled. American studies claim the oil has dramatically

helped children like him but a farmer ecologist, who has been

testing a pure form of oil, says many are regulated. There is a huge

strain on parents of children who are living with this condition day

in, day out. But that sliver of hope that one wants to grab onto should

not replace the need to do carefully controlled studies that prove that a

medicine is safe and effective. His parents insist that the effects

are minimal. We have researched it and are taking advice from families

who have been there and done it and who have no hope. This offers hope.

The Moors murderer Ian Brady, a patient at Ashworth high security

unit in Liverpool, has been re`admitted to hospital. He was

treated for two broken bones earlier this week after a fall. His

condition and further treatment is being reviewed.

A holocaust survivor has left more than ?1.5 million to the University

of Manchester. Professor Fanni Bogdanow, who was 86, spent most of

her career at the University as a student and lecturer. The academic,

who fled Nazi Germany as an 11`year old girl with the Kindertransport

mission, was considered one of the world's foremost scholars in her

area of study. A Manx company planning a new ferry

service between the Isle of Man and Liverpool say they won't be up and

running by March. Ellan Vannin Line was hoping to launch a rival to the

Steam Packet Company by offering a freight and passenger service.

Bosses say they're still waiting for a Government response to their

application so can't give a start date.

The Government says secret papers relating to the jailing of Liverpool

actor Ricky Tomlinson could be released next year. Mr Tomlinson and

other trades unionists were convicted of conspiracy and affray

following the 1972 builders' strike. In the Commons, MPs said there had

been a clear miscarriage of justice. We know now more than ever before

about the manipulation that scarred the working lives of 24 a day men.

They were wrongly convicted on trumped up charges with six of them

unjustly jailed. These papers are due to be reviewed by the Cabinet

Office for their security and sensitivity every ten years, as all

other papers are. They will fall to be reviewed next year.

An investigation is underway in Stockport into how two men fell from

the same roof on the same day, killing one of them.

The other man is seriously ill in hospital. The workmen were part of a

demolition team working on empty retail units.

The union, UCATT, which represents construction workers, says workmen

in the trade should blow the whistle on Health and Safety breaches. Mark

Edwardson reports. The men were working at vacant units

on Manchester Road in Heaton Norris on Tuesday. A 45`year`old fell 5

feet through the roof at about :15. A second man, 42, fell through the

same roof just before 4pm. Both were taken to Wythenshawe Hospital. The

younger man died from his injuries in hospital. The other is in a

serious but stable condition. The construction worker's union says

that this is common. This is one of those situations that is easily

preventable. There are many protections that can be put in place

to stop these incidents occurring. Our view is that they are very

preventable. So far, no one from the contractor C

Smith and Sons has been available for comment. The Health and Safety

Executive have said... If there is a Health and Safety risk

and that is perceived, that they stopped work and reported to whoever

was responsible for Health and Safety onside, you can take advice

and form the union and we will give advice and clarity as to what it is

they are supposed to do. The manager is of the properties

said they were saddened to hear of the events of Tuesday and that their

thoughts are with the families of the men. They cannot comment further

until more is known. The UK Independence Party has

launched its campaign for the Wythenshawe and Sale East

by`election, triggered by the death of the Labour MP Paul Goggins.

Voting is three weeks today. UKIP says it wants to reduce immigration

and take Britain out of the European Union. Its candidate John Bickley

was born in the constituency and says he would make a good MP. Our

job is to represent the constituents. All too often, in the

last 20 years, people who have gone to Parliament have ended up towing

the party line, not supporting their constituents' view and I do not

intend to do that. An official Church of England report

has found that a group of parishioners on Merseyside behaved

so badly towards their new priest that the church was forced to move

him out. Father Simon Tibbs took over at St Faiths Church in Crosby

early last year. One of the issues where he and his

flock clashed was over the number of church events where alcohol could be

served. Some parishioners even withheld money from collections Our

Merseyside Reporter, Andy Gill, has the story.

This is Crosby's Parish Church, an imposing building on the main road.

Here, over the past months, an unholy row has festered between the

priest is of the churchgoers. The priest is fine and tips. He is now

serving at a nearby church. The retired bishop who read the official

report says the conflict comes down to a clash between reverend tips's

modern views and the very traditional views of some

parishioners. Over a period of time, a small group of people felt

that they owned the church. As a result, maybe it had become a bit

too much of a club rather than a church looking outward and trying to

serve its community. The report says Father Ted has at

times been insensitive and taken a more collaborative approach was

abusive support from the church could have been better. There is no

doubt where he directs the bulk of his criticism. At a small group of

officials and lay people here who's bullying has forced the priest out.

The report says the hostility by some members to reducing drinking

after church was out of proportion. Some withheld collection money in an

effort to get the church to remove the priest. That the form of

blackmail. `` that is a form of blackmail.

In a statement, Father Tibbs said... We contacted a number of officials

at the church. All declined to comment.

Still to come on North West Tonight: as the Commonwealth Games return to

the UK for the first time since Manchester, the countdown is on to

Glasgow. And the dream man. How a great new

calendar reveals the secrets of what lies between the Lake District. ``

the drain of man. Manchester United fans are coming to

terms with another major setback. The Reds were knocked out of the

Capitol One Cup semifinal on penalties by Sunderland last night

at Old Trafford and Richard Askam is there now.

Our correspondent. A lot has happened in the 24 hours since you

were there last night. Not just that defeat but the possibility of a

record transfer. How do United recover from this, Richard?

It is not going to be easy but things do not stand still here for

very long. We're expecting confirmation any time that Juan

Mata's ?37 million transfer from Chelsea has been completed.

Incidentally, we do not believe there is a problem but we do not

expect it to be completed until tomorrow. But there are major issues

on and off the pitch to solve. The latest list of football's richest

clubs came out today. And United have dropped out of the top three

for the first time. latest list of football's richest

clubs came out today. As you can see, Real Madrid, Barcleona and

European Champions Bayern Munich all have revenues greater than United's

423.8 million Euros. Manchester City are now in sixth, above the likes of

Chelsea, Arsenal and Juventus. That reflects their growing business

power. Liverpool, the 12th richest, are out of the top ten for the first

time even though their revenue grew by almost 10%.

are out of the top ten for the first time even though their revenue As

for United, wherever they go from here it was a night of real tension

last night. There was plenty of evidence that the changes that need

to be made are going to need to be fundamental after a really 10th

night here at Old Trafford. They almost got Sunderland napping. `0!

It was the sort of match to make the colour drained from even the most

fanatical Read. There is a chance. Into the net! He has done it!

Raphael. Saved! Sunderland are heading to the capital one cup

final. Probably a big mistake getting rid of the background star.

The club is too big for him and I really think he has to go.

COMMENTATOR: Tears of joy for the others.

I did not think we did well enough over the first and second half. It

looked as if we were going to get ourselves to the final until the

last minute. The tension cut through from

touchline to terraces. Another psychological blow to what was once

fortress Old Trafford. So how does David Moyes go about piecing that

sense of invincibility back together? Damian Hughes is a

psychologist who works with sports teams including Warrington Wolves

and West Bromwich Albion. You start looking at the emotional

intelligence of the players. How do they perform under pressure? At the

moment, there is a lot of obvious signs that they are not coping well

with change. Once you get into a situation where things are becoming

very difficult, how difficult psychologically is it to get out of

that cycle? It can be difficult What he needs to do is start to

identify who the people are that wanted to be with him and start to

use them and get them to start to establish the culture again.

A dressing room culture that, however he shapes it, David Moyes

knows needs to get United back to winning ways. Misery. More of it for

Manchester United and David Moyes. Out of the capital one cup.

It makes it worse for United, in many ways. Of course, Manchester

City are already in that final. A lot of fans will will see the

imminent arrival of Mata. `` they will see that as good. There will be

a week of which will perhaps be a further opportunity for David Moyes

to put his stamp on the club which has been used to winning for the

after drug under Sir Alex Ferguson. Richard, thank you very much.

Talking of Sir Alex Ferguson... Greater Manchester Police have

issued a reminder that 999 calls are for emergencies only, after a

drunken United fan rang the number and demanded to speak with Sir Alex

Ferguson after last night's match. A man from Crumpsall made the call

at around 10:30, minutes after his team lost the penalty shoot out

Could I speak to Sir Alex Ferguson, please? Not on a 999 line, I am

afraid. No. Please. Sir Alex Ferguson. The result is all wrong.

They had extra time and it was a total and utter load of rubbish

Sir, you're actually on the 999 emergency line. Is there any crime

you need to report to the police this evening? Crime. Yes, I will

report a crime. And what crime is that? The crime is that Manchester

United... Manchester United were absolutely knackered.

Slightly colourful language. On their Facebook page, GMP suggest

fans wanting to speak to Sir Alex Ferguson ring Manchester United and

not the police. Although he does not work there any more! Deems to be

there a lot. On a more serious note, they are

recommending callers use the 10 service for genuine, non`emergency

police related inquiries. I would probably say that was not even a

police inquiry in any way, was it? I do not think so. Maybe some United

fans would say that was an emergency.

Now, preparations for this year s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow are

well underway for many of the region's athletes. In fact, the

games open exactly six months today. More on that in a moment but first,

who could forget the spectacular memories from the 2002 Commonwealth

Games held here in Manchester. Here's a quick reminder.

It is my pleasure, in this my golden jubilee year, to declare the 17th

Commonwealth Games open. # You are chasing the moon

# Reaching out to touch the stars # But you land too soon

# What will it take to make you see # The way things really are?

Great images, great memories. That was probably an appropriate song for

the person we are going to talk to. Yes, the 2014 Commonwealth Games

open exactly six months today in Glasgow and the Commonwealth baton

is currently touring the globe. We can now cross live to our reporter

Mark Beaumont, who is currently with the baton in the Seychelles. Lucky

you! Where has the baton been? When can we expect it to reach us? The

bat on started October nine at Buckingham Palace and has been all

the way through Asia, Jones Pacific `` down to the Pacific and here in

Africa. It has been an incredibly exciting journey to follow. Meeting

all of that leads coming to Glasgow the summer and one of the highlights

was seeing Australia's early preparations for the Gold Coast

games which are to follow in 20 8. Judy was a brilliant day because

they decided six months ago to celebrate `` six months to go until

the games to take it diving. They had to protect the Queen's message

very well. It will make it back to England on the 31st of May and will

be there until the 13th of June It's 12 years since the Manchester

games, some fantastic memories. How are the Glasgow games shaping up?

Well, before I left, I got a chance to see some of the venues and they

certainly look fantastic. I am sure a lot of people will remember that

grand finale of the Queen's battled really in Manchester, when Kirsty

Howard and David Beckham made their entrance. They were the final battle

invaders in 20 02. Hopefully there will be a similar finale in Celtic

Park in July this year. It will be the follow`up home games after

Manchester so we hope for similar success.

We do indeed. Regular at. I think we can definitely expect to

see the bat on in this part of the world.

Now a story straight from the gutter press. The gutters of the Lake

District to be precise. Because a lengthsman near Ulverston has

produced a calendar to raise money for his local parish council. And

the pin`ups? Well, they're photos of the drains and grass verges that he

works on. Very nice. They are nice. Perhaps not

surprisingly, it's a very limited edition calendar. But Archie Workman

is passionate about his drains and hopes orders will soon start

flooding in. Naomi Cornwell's been to meet him. I knew it was there

somewhere! You might never notice the drains in

the road... ..but Archie does. This was made in Dudley. It is a dark

tale ACPO fall. 5804. Exciting? Spielberg not particularly because

it is quite thin. I like the heavy ones.

As lengthsman for the parish of Colton, he maintains the roads and

gulleys over 20 square miles of the Lake District. An area containing

thousands of drains. I have found drain covers found in Barrow, the

founder. All of the founders have gone. It is a Tesco supermarket now.

There is a famous name from Blackburn.

So he decided to bring them to the public's attention, creating a

calendar of curiosities. Profits are going to the parish council. It is

not your average calendar and I am hoping it gets into the UK's top ten

calendars and challenges something like tattooed librarians or yoga for

cows. Now, you might think that all drain

covers are the same but no, you d be mistaken because behind every one is

a different story. There we are That is a heavy one! What is the

most unusual thing you have ever found? I pulled a seven foot slug of

free route out of the drain. From there to the other side of the road.

The road was blocked and flooded and it was this that was blocking the

drain. It is in March on the calendar.

Archie's hoping his drain calendar could lead to stardom and floods of

offers. It could be a book or film. Confessions Of A Lengthening. You

never know. I particularly like April, the slug.

It is very picturesque. Ferritin. If you want to get hold of

a copy, the parish council website is the place to go to. There might

well have been a bit of snow there this afternoon. It started to snow

in parts of the region this evening. We know some people from Buxton have

been in touch to say that it is snowing there but look at these from

Windermere. They show a hail Stone are gradually closing in.

That is amazing. One minute, as you can see, bright sunshine and then

gradually take a look at how the storm closes on and the sky becomes

completely dark. That is... Brilliant pictures! It was

definitely snowing. I spoke to somebody on the' six and it was

going. How is it looking for the rest of the region? Or smack we have

had everything but the kitchen thing and there is more of that. I am

promising you everything and it seems as though we had all that

today. A lot of sunshine, heavy showers, hail, thunder and

lightning. You're going to see some rain tonight. The rain lingers into

tomorrow. A bit more rain on Saturday. Proper, as in heavy, rain

on Sunday. It will also be quite windy and just a little bit of rain

on Monday. Generally, you will need your umbrella at hand. For this

evening, we have a yellow weather warning for ice from the Met Office.

This is because we have had a lot of showers around this evening. They

have eased their `` eased away. Underneath clear skies it is quite

cold. We have some frost and anything lying on the ground is

likely to freeze over. That ice warning is valid until 11am

tomorrow. Then we head into Dawn was clear skies but you can see another

line of rain lying in wait and already falling over the Isle of Man

by dawn. Quite a breezy night also. Temperatures down very low. For

tomorrow, it is going to turn very wet and quite windy. We start of

very cloudy. Some patchy, light rain in the morning but you can see that

turning heavier and beginning to violence in the afternoon. The winds

are really picking up, particularly over the course. That may now be

persisted all day and it gets heavier by late afternoon. It could

be quite a miserable day, with lots of showers water on the roads. Do

take care. In terms of temperate, just six Celsius but with the wind,

it will not feel warm at all. For Saturday, just a few showers and

then on Sunday, we are going to see more heavy rain and some very, very

strong winds. Watch this space. Thank you very much.

If you were watching on Tuesday you'll know we had Bob Blakeley on

the sofa. Bob's the warehouse worker from Stockport who impressed the

judges on BBC One's The Voice at the weekend but didn't get picked.

Here are the pictures of him singing. He was back on the sofa

this morning on BBC Breakfast when composer and songwriter Mike Batt

offered him six month's mentoring in the hope it will lead to a recording

deal. And good luck! Very emotional when he revealed the

news. Well done. We wish you well. That is it from us this evening

We will be back at 1020 5p with the latest on the rain. Buy.

Goodbye. `` 10:25pm.