07/02/2014 North West Tonight

Hello and welcome to the programme. The headlines...

Jail for the gang leader who masterminded the smuggling of ? 00

million of drugs while in prison. This man and his network spread

across the north`west of England. We were supplying wholesale drugs to

suppliers. 22 of his accomplices, all from the

North West, are also behind bars. Also tonight...

The wheel of fortune but is Liverpool a step nearer a bigger

share of the UK's EuroMillions? This may be a little

uncomfortable... We're with Blackburn's new Chief Nurse as she

tries to turn a failing hospital around. It is the first game of the

new super league season. I talk to the Head Coach of Wigan Warriors

later. I talked to a little boy who has

given up his bed for the night to help the children of Syria.

At gang which import cocaine worth ?100 million to be sold across the

Northwest is beginning a prison sentence totalling 217 years

tonight. 23 people were involved in the drugs ring that spread across

the region. Warrington Crown Court heard it was coordinated by a career

criminal who was being held at a prison in Lancashire at the time.

500 kilos of cocaine worth ?100 million. It was imported by a

network of organised criminals spread across the north`west. At its

centre was this man Richard Brickhouse. He was already serving a

22 year sentence for importing heroin and cocaine. He used mobile

phones snuggled into prison to run his latest drugs business. When he

was given periods at home leave to prepare him for his release from

prison, he used that to hold meetings with his co`conspirators.

He was helped by his wife Diane The court heard she enjoyed an

extravagant and indulgent lifestyle, receiving expensive

handbags and a new car from him and spending thousands of pounds on

haircuts and Botox treatment, despite claiming to be reliant on

benefits. She drove him to meetings with drug dealers across the region.

Working closely with the prison service and monitoring behaviour, we

were able to track his movements and see him eating other high`profile

organised criminals. That led to a significant seizure of ?12 million

worth of socket `` gave in April last year. Paul and Stephen Harwood

from Manchester with a careers. They were stopped in Essex on their way

back from France, having used a fishing trip as a cover. Police

found 78 kilos of cocaine and two kilos of heroin. The gang clearly

supplied half a tonne of cocaine with a potential street value of

?100 million. This is a massive hole. It is a dent in the organised

criminal network across the North West. A total of 23 people have

convicted in relation to the investigation. Today, it teamed up

them were sentenced to a total of 217 years in prison. Richard

Brickhouse was sentenced to 20 years. Meanwhile two men have been

charged near after nearly ?8 million of class a and class B drugs were

seized by police near Sandbach yesterday. Man will appear before

Manchester Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has today defended the

decision to take Bill Roache to court on sex charges. It's right, he

says, to let a jury decide when there's a reasonable chance of a

conviction. The Coronation Street actor was cleared yesterday. One of

his friends, Christine Hamilton the wife of the former Tatton MP Neil

Hamilton, is calling for anonymity for those accused of rape. She told

me how she felt when the she heard the verdict. I was absolutely

delighted. I never doubted him for an instant. But when you have a

court case and a jury there is always room for error. I am

thrilled. He always looked very composed when he was walking to

court but it must have been true Matic. Unbelievable. He has been

through a living hell for almost one year. He has great inner strength.

He has a wonderful supportive network of family and friends and

that enabled him to get through plus knowing he was innocent. It is

something he will have to live with for the rest of his life and that

will always be there, because unfortunately there will be people

who think no smoke without fire You have been through something like

this because you and your husband were accused of something similar

around ten years ago. We were accused of rape and we went through

the entire process and had our house searched and everything seized. We

were arrested. It was absolutely ghastly but the police fortunately

backed off before we got as far as court. Should those who are accused

in joy, just as the accused? It is a difficult question. We have two ends

of the spectrum which everyone agrees, firstly that no rape should

go unpunished and that no innocent man should have to go through what

William Roache has gone through How we meet that in the middle is very

difficult. What I would like see, up the least, is people who are accused

have anonymity at least until they have actually charged, but on the

other hand, we must not be anything to deter genuine rape victims from

coming forward. The trauma that a woman has to go through to take

something like this to court should not be underestimated. It takes

great courage. Hillsborough campaigner Margaret

Aspinall has expressed concerns about the possible introduction of

safe standing areas in the region's football stadia. Football League

clubs have backed calls for the introduction of such areas at

Championship grounds where all`seater stadiums have been

compulsory since an inquiry into the Hillsborough Disaster ` which

claimed the lives of 96 fans. If they do bring standing back, we had

our warnings. They had plenty of warnings about people being crushed.

He did not listen. We lost 96 lives and we were listen to, and brought

all`seater stadium. An investigation's underway into how

plasterboard fell from a ceiling at a Manchester nightclub in the early

hours of this morning. Around 8 0 people were inside Factory 251 at

the time and seven were taken to hospital. It's thought a screw head

in a piece of plasterboard snapped, causing a large part of it to come

free. A High Court judge says he's

extremely concerned for the welfare of a Lancashire teenager who may

have been forced into marriage overseas. Alyssa Din and her two

younger sisters were apparently sent to Pakistan last October because

their parents feared they'd be taken into care. Ilyas and Mazeley Din

from Preston are currently in prison for refusing to say where they are.

The courts took the unusual step of naming the family in the hope of

tracing the children. A motor racer from Lancashire who

killed a cyclist after talking on his mobile phone whilst driving has

been sentenced to 21 months in prison. Frank Wrathall, from

Barnacre, had been on the phone to his girlfriend for eight minutes

when he hit father`of`one Paul Fingleton on a roundabout near

Preston last year. The Chief Constable of Greater

Manchester Police, Sir Peter Fahy says he's exasperated by the time

spent by officers at the anti`fracking protest site in

Salford. Over ?600,000 has already been spent policing the site. It's

thought that could reach a million over the next two months.

The Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties have defended

themselves against accusations they haven't campaigned vigorously enough

for next week's by`election in Sale East and Wythenshawe. Labour's Paul

Goggins died last month and his party are favourites to hold onto

the seat with bookmakers suggesting UKIP could finish second. We have

large numbers of volunteers and we had large numbers last weekend. We

will be distributing leaflets. We have a very energetic candidate and

we have Cabinet members visiting. We have a large number of professional

candidates. We want to do well in this by`election and there is no

question of treating this constituency in a serious way. I

know the Deputy Prime Minister is backing our candidate and he will be

in Manchester knocking on doors and beating with residents. That is

something you would expect. We are taking this seriously.

There are a total of seven candidates contesting the

Wythenshawe and Sale East by`election. The full list is on

your screen. Polling day is next Thursday. And four of the candidates

will be joining Arif in the studio on this week's Sunday Politics. To

hear them put their case to be our newest MP, join Arif and the team on

Sunday morning at 11am on BBC One. Still to come on North West

Tonight... Six months ago, but trust running this hospital was placed in

special measures but find out what they are doing to fight back. And

the Olympic dream. We need the Northwest hopefuls as they prepare

to take on the ice and snow in Sochi. I loved the Winter Olympics.

What happened to Liverpool's missing EuroMillions. Today the Mayor

accused the Government of legalised robbery. What's more, the High Court

appears to have backed him. The High Court has ruled that a 65% cut in EU

funding via the Government, needs to be re`considered. Will they see the

cash? Here's Jayne McCubbin. Liverpool has been transformed with

European money. There have been a number of developments. Where would

the city be without it? But then in the latest round of funding, this

happened. The government passed on 65% less than the government was

expecting, and ?83 million cut. The city said it was daylight robbery by

David Cameron was having none of that.

We have done very fair assessment, not only between the regions of the

United Kingdom but also the nations. We have distributed fairly.

So Liverpool took the case to the High Court, not only to fight the

cut but also that other more affluent areas were given more.

Warrington, 157 euros per person compared to 147 in Liverpool. 1 5 in

Manchester and 182 per person in Lancashire and Cumbria. Remember,

Liverpool has the lowest GDP of any area in the north`west. The results

of the High Court ruling were published and the government has to

look again at the decision. I think it is wrong. But the

government did was take 150 million from Liverpool and give that to more

prosperous regions in the UK. That was wrong. The judge has found that

today. I asked the government about the missing Euro millions this

evening. A spokesman said the decision might have been technically

unlawful but that does not mean it is wrong. This row might involve

Euro cash but it is a very domestic political argument. The government

will look at this again, but they might come up with the same

decision. Jo`Anne Dobson still has a fight on his hands. Thank you.

An investigation into our crash in Manchester City centre involving

five bosses say it may have been caused by a faulty accelerator. The

crash happened during rush hour yesterday morning. Police and

transport providers are continuing to investigate. An investigation has

been launched on Merseyside after cannabis farm was discovered inside

a former community hall. 140 plants were seized from the building in

well nearby residents reported a strong smell.

A hearing on whether to prevent alcohol sales in Blackpool after 3am

has ended. Police have asked the council's licensing committee to

introduce a restriction order to curb alcohol`related violence. A

recommendation is due next week and the final decision expected by

March. Last July it was one of just two in

the North West put in special measures following the Keogh report.

Among other concerns it highlighted low staffing levels, high mortality

rates at the weekends, and a high number of pay`outs for clinical

negligence. In October, it was given two formal warnings by the health

watchdog the CQC and told to improve after an inspection revealed

concerns over patient dignity, care, and record keeping.

The personal touch. Today it's back to the floor Friday when senior

staff go out to the wards to catchup with how patients and staff are

doing. It gives me the opportunity to go out and sit with someone and

ask them about their experiences. Our patients receiving the care that

matters? If there are problems, I would much prefer to sort these

issues out straightaway. This is a new monthly initiative, part of a

package of measures to improve communication here. It's been a

rough few months for the East Lancashire Hospitals Trust which

runs the Royal Blackburn and Burnley General.

Last July it was one of just two in the North West put in special

measures following the Keogh report. Among other concerns it highlighted

low staffing levels, high mortality rates at the weekends, and a high

number of pay`outs for clinical negligence. In October, it was given

two formal warnings by the health watchdog the CQC and told to improve

after an inspection revealed concerns over patient dignity, care,

and record keeping. Christine Pearson took on the job of chief

nurse a month ago. It is about changing the culture, how people are

received at the front door and how they are receiving their care and in

the community. We want to provide good community services. People

welcomed the move. It is a great idea.

Make the quality of care better It is a good thing. You get to know

what is going on. It I bad nurses, then they get to know. There are no

bad nurses here. The trust knows this is not about

altering rules and regulations. It is about changing a culture and that

takes time. But they are adamant by the end of this year, the hospitals

will be the sort of place as any patient will be happy to spend time

on. It's the day Super League fans have

been waiting all winter for. The start of the new season with

champions Wigan Warriors hosting the Huddersfield Giants. The game has

been brought forward to help Wigan prepare for their World Club

Challenge tie with Sydney Roosters in Australia in a fortnight. Richard

Askam is at the DW Stadium for us. Can the Warriors possibly repeat the

success of last season? It will be very difficult. Of course they won

the double last season, and the Challenge Cup as well. But talking

to supporters there is plenty of optimism here. They are very happy

about the start of the new season. All the players that are playing

tonight, all of the supporters, they cannot wait to get going. We are

joined by the Head Coach Wigan Warriors. Great to see you. On that

question, do you think that you can repeat what you did last year? We

are going to have a great try. We had a great pre`season. We have

players who are staying with us and they are more positive. We are a lot

further on down we were this time last year. We will give ourselves a

good chance to get trophies again. We go to Australia next week. That

would be a really good match. You lost Sam Tomkins but you have bought

five new players. Do you believe you can replace him? Yes, he was a great

player. But there are different styles. But we have moved and good

players who are teaching our young children. All of our players bring

an individual quality to the team and the squad. I am happy and

confident going into this year. What about the world club challenge tie?

You fly out tomorrow. For people who do not know about rugby league, how

big a deal is this? Absolutely huge. They are the best team in the super

league in great written, laying against the best team in Australia.

`` Great Britain. We have beaten them already. It would be a very

physical game. We are going over there and we are confident. We will

play a warm up game in New Zealand and we are taking it seriously. We

are going to go over there and fight the corner for British rugby league.

What would it mean to you if you could win that match? Absolutely

everything. It would be huge. I have a lot of local people in my team and

that means a lot. I will be taking a lot of fans over to Australia. There

are lot of Wigan people in Australia. I do not want people to

think that we are not going there to win. We are determined to win. It

will be a great match. We are behind you. Thank you.

Manchester United boss David Moyes says the decision for Nemanja Vedic

to leave the club was made by mutual agreement. The 32`year`old Reds

captain announced today that he will quit in the summer when his contract

ends. The Serbian international won 15 trophies including five Premiere

League titles and the Champions League in his eight years at Old

Trafford. I want to change in time. I cannot do it overnight. That was

not the reason for this. This decision was made by mutual

agreement and he felt it was the right time for him. He has been a

brilliant player. It will stay that way until the end of the season

Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers says the individual talents of Luiz

Suarez and Daniel Sturridge will outgun Arsenal in tomorrow's crucial

top of the table clash. The Premier League's most prolific partnership

has scored 37 goals this season They both have a goal`scoring

mentality. They arrived in the same area but how they get there is

different. They have different qualities. They are both

goal`scorers. They are prolific In Rugby Union, Sale Sharks host

Gloucester tonight with 14 changes to the side that narrowly lost to

the Ospreys in the LV Cup. Jonathan Mills is the only survivor with

Danny Cipriani and Mark Cueto among the big names returning.

The dream of competing in the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi is about to

become a reality for several competitors from the North West

We've had the official opening of the Games today and for our nine

athletes preparing to take on Russia's snow and ice, this is where

it all starts to get serious. These are the region's sledders, skaters

and skiers aiming for Olympic glory. The region has a trio of bobsledders

to look out for. Paula Walker from Blackburn and Rebekah Wilson from

Manchester are Britain's leading lights in the women's two`man

bobsleigh. They won the World Junior title in 2011. Lamin Deen brought up

in moss Side is a former Grenadier Guardsman and will pilot two and

four`man bobs. With the right equipment and power and speed,

anything is possible. Kristan Bromely from Rossendale is one of

the skeleton bob daredevils ` 9 miles an hour head first. He

finished fifth in Turin in 2006 Preston's Stacey Kemp carries our

figure skating hopes. With partner David King her competition began

yesterday ` a little nervily unfortunately, but they do have

another chance next week. Knowing that we have worked so hard for so

many years, and being here, that makes it all worth it. As the first

British skier to win the Europa Cup title Chorley skiier Dave Ryding is

one to keep your eyes on. As is Zoe Gillings. The Isle of Man

snowboarder is preparing for her third Olympic Games. Which brings us

to our two freestyle skiers. Emma Lonsdale who learnt the tricks of

her trade as a youngster in Kendal. And Rowan Cheshire from Alsager near

Crewe, who, last month in Canada, became the first British woman to

win halfpipe gold at a World Cup event. The name for this is to get

there and I think the next Olympics in 2018 will be for we tried to get

medals. To get one in this would be amazing. `` will be square. Good

luck to them all. You can get full coverage on this tonight. There s

full commentary of Wigan's match against Huddersfield on BBC Radio

Manchester while commentary of Sale's game against Gloucester is on

BBC Online. Just follow the links. We have been talking about the world

club challenge tie. But is it a distraction? It is a big deal. They

will have two weeks until they play. They fly out to New Zealand

tomorrow. It is a good sign. The last time it took place in

Australia, it usually takes a seer, it was in 1994 and then, Wigan

played the Brisbane Broncos and they won. Let's hope they can do it

again. Lets hope they do it again. Now

when you are tucked up in your bed tonight spare a thought for this

six`year`old boy. He has been so moved by footage of children caught

up in the war in Syria, he is abandoning the comforts of his bed

to raise money for them. It hopes that by sleeping in a tent in his

garden he will get enough sponsorship to buy some blankets.

Dean hammered me only be six years old but he knows how lucky he is.

After seeing pictures of young children caught up in the conflict

in Syria he decided to raise money by sleeping in a tent, something he

has never done. I need my sleeping bag. I want to raise money and give

them blankets. By raising the money you can give them blankets and raise

money. It is winter there. I thought they would need clothes and

blankets. How did it make you feel when you saw the pictures on the

television? Very sad. You felt very sad. How do you feel that you are

helping? It makes me feel happy Very very happy. He has already

raised ?1800 which will buy 180 blankets for children who will not

have a sleeping bag tonight. What a lovely gesture. That is so

sweet. That is really good. Good luck to him. And your family as

well. I really hope that the role `` it will not be too cold or wet. Now

it is time for a weather update Unfortunately it will be both of

those things! We are going to see some rain and strong winds over the

next few days. The headline is that nothing will change. We will have

more rain and strong winds for most of the month. There is the risk of

further flooding. Actually, you can see why. We have a batch of rain

swinging in from the Atlantic. Tomorrow, we will see strong winds

and heavy rain. On Sunday, there will be less showers but it will

still be windy. It is not looking bad on Monday, but if you get

excited, here we go again. There is another deep area of low pressure

making its way in on Monday and I. That will bring heavy rain and

strong winds again. Tonight, it is no surprise that it will turn wet

and windy. It was a decent day today, but the changes happening.

The cloud is already building. The rain comes in from the west. It will

be quite persistent. It will not last. It will fall as snow in one or

two spots. By dawn, hopefully it will be dry with clear skies. The

winds will remain strong. The temperatures will reach around three

degrees. There was the possibility of frost. This is the headline. On

Saturday, strong winds, possibly gales. Sunday, it will remain windy

with fewer showers. We start off with a decent note tomorrow. Then

another batch of showers working its way in. It will bring heavy and

blustery showers and will fall as snow possibly on high ground. Very

strong winds, with the possibility of gale force winds. Temperatures

tomorrow will be disappointing. They will reach around seven degrees But

factor in the strong winds and it will feel much colder. Looking

toward Sunday, you can see some showers still remain. It is around

seven degrees. Still quite windy. Looking towards Monday, hopefully we

should see a slight improvement But it will go downhill on Monday and I

together. Let's hope that tent is very strong.

It is not camping weather. That he is doing it for a good cause and we

wish him well. It could be an adventure. We wish you well. Good

luck. Thank you so much for joining us. Good evening.

It's your job to keep law and order, isn't it?

It must be exciting being a policewoman. It has its moments.