27/09/2013 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Welcome to Friday's Look North. In the programme tonight: Pamela

Jackson's killer is found guilty of manslaughter. Tonight, one of the

detectives who brought him to justice reveals to Look North the

complicated trail that led to his conviction. Also tonight, the Prime

Minister tells us the North East's economy is recovering, but says the

region needs to build on success stories like Nissan.

Surgery pioneers celebrate the opening of the UK's first Institute

of Transplantation, at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.

And Lyndon Longhorn's dreams of Paralympic glory move closer, as

he's fitted with hi—tech artificial limbs.

In sport we look ahead to some of the weekend's big fixtures. And in

life after Di Canio, could a victory over Liverpool help Kevin Ball get

the Sunderland job? She was battered to death and her

body, hidden in a shallow grave more than100 miles away from her home in

County Durham. Pamela Jackson met her killer, Adrian Muir, through an

online dating site. He buried her with flowers, and even recorded an

apparent confession on his mobile phone. But Muir, from Halifax in

West Yorkshire, denied murder. Today a jury accepted that plea but

convicted him of manslaughter. In a moment, more on the massive police

operation that brought him to justice. First, Gerry Jackson has

this report from Newcastle Crown Court.

55—year—old Pamela Jackson, a loving mother of three, but with a string

of unhappy relationships behind her. By March two, she had been seeing

Adrian Muir for around a year. It was the day she vanished. Her

remains were found nearly three months later in a grave and the west

Yorkshire Moors, more is that Adrian Muir admitted he knew well. Adrian

Muir denied her murder. He said they had a row after she wanted him to

inject Botox into her face. At his trial, the jury was told only the

killer knew exactly what had happened in the moment she met her

death. Mobile phone records place Adrian Muir very near the grave site

and two separate evenings. Some prints were taken from a carrier bag

that was placed on top of Pamela's body, and samples of soil matching

the grave were found in the car of Adrian Muir. Here, a supermarket

security camera catches him trying to wipe away evidence of Pamela's

last journey, tied up in a bloodstained duvet. While sitting in

his car, Adrian Muir recorded a memo on his mobile phone, a confession

the court heard. She got my knife. I got it off her. It was a disaster. I

am heartbroken. I can't live. To date the jury found Adrian Muir

guilty, not of murder, but manslaughter. There were gasps and

tears in the public gallery. He will be sentenced on Monday.

So how did the police find Pamela Jackson's body? They'd arrested

Adrian Muir and charged him with murder, and a judge had set a date

for his trial. But at that stage, they had no idea how he'd disposed

of his victim. And if they didn't find her, they knew their case

against him wouldn't be as strong. One of the detectives who led the

investigation has been back to the site of Pamela's grave with our

Chief Reporter, Chris Stewart, to explain what led them to their

discovery. The main thing that brought us up to

this area was the seven—day test. We analysed an iPhone which showed

mercy had been in the time after his —— after her death. We had quite an

area of this road to concentrate on, so that is where we started. As we

were searching we try to narrow down where we believed she had been

buried. The truth of the matter is, you could still be searching for her

body, because this is a huge area. It is a massive area. At the time,

we did not know where he had buried her or if he had disposed of her

body. You used specialist dogs to pinpoint the grave. Tell me about

that. We were very grateful to the South Yorkshire police. In this

instance, we knew that we were looking for a deceased body. The

dogs are trained to detect a scent given off of a grave, and very

quickly they located but we believed from initial inspection was the

grave. And there was something very odd on top of Pamela's body as well.

Yes. There were carnations that have been laid across her torso to shock

her torso. —— torso. That just strengthen our case against him. He

continued right to the end saying that it was not him. How did he

think he would get away with it? As you heard throughout the court case,

the fibre evidence, the fingerprint found in the gate —— grave, it all

just build layers of a very strong case against him. Whether he has

convinced himself he hasn't done it, who knows? He also recorded what

might have been a suicide note in which he apparently confesses to the

crime. He said he did a terrible thing as part of the message that he

recorded the night after we believe Pamela died. Sadly, we will never

know what was going through his head because we still do not know what

happened to Pamela. Only he knows. The Prime Minister claims the North

East's economy is recovering, despite the area having the highest

unemployment rate in Britain. But David Cameron says the region's

strong export figures, and success of large firms like Nissan, must be

built on. Our Political Correspondent, Mark Denten,

interviewed him ahead of next week's Conservative Party conference and

joins me now. So we've heard it said the economy's turning the corner,

but the North East still has the highest unemployment rate in the

country. Why does the Prime Minister think things are picking up for the

region? Well, essentially, the message from David Cameron is, yes,

we know about the figures. The 10.4% unemployment rate in the region, the

low level of new businesses starting up, but there are signs things are

going in the right direction. Only today, a report from Nationwide said

house prices rose 8% in a year. But it's still mixed prices in Carlisle,

dropped by 2%. The PM says he's not complacent but things the region's

economy is heading in the right direction. These early days and

difficult times, but the number of people claiming unemployment

benefits in the North East is down. The number of people claiming an

important benefit is down 10,000 on the year. There are 70,000 more

people working in the private sector than there were when we came to

power. Many more small businesses have started. We need this recovery

to build. We needed to be a recovery for everybody. How do we help make

that happen? In One other issue that's got a lot of people steamed

up over the summer, Conservative peer Lord Howell's comments about

what he called a "desolate" North East. —— What did David Cameron have

to say about that? Well, Lord Howell made those comments about fracking,

talking about what he called "the uninhabited and desolate areas in

part of the North East" where he said there's plenty of room for

fracking. He later revised his comments saying he meant Lancashire,

but Labour leader Ed Miliband says the comments show what the

Conservatives really think about the North East. I do not accept that for

a moment. What I thought I heard at the conference last week is that

they were going cold on the idea of this vital new North—South railway

line which will link our great seek Eschbacher cities. You think that

does not sum up the feelings of the region? Some of our absolutely most

vital businesses are in the North East. I want to see the North East

economy recover. We are making a start with the number of people

employed and the claimant count coming down but there is a long way

to go. Well, you can hear that full interview with the Prime Minister on

Sunday Politics this coming Sunday morning at 11, where you can also

hear David Cameron's thoughts on the situation at Cumbria's hospitals.

Thank you for coming in. It's been decided that Ingleby Barwick on

Teesside will be getting a free school.

Stockton Council had initially refused to grant planning permission

for the school building and a further 350 homes. But now,

following a public inquiry, the Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles,

has overruled that decision and the school will be built.

A new Institute of Transplantation was officially opened in Newcastle

today by two of the world's most distinguished surgeons. The facility

has been built at the Freeman Hospital, and is the only dedicated

centre of its kind in the UK. The guests of honour were transplant

pioneers who led the way in Europe from the late 1960s. Damian O'Neil

reports. Professor John Wallwark and

Professor Sir Roy Calne's records of surgical achievements are too long

to list, but between them they carried out Europe's first liver

transplant, first heart and lung transplant, and the world's first

liver, heart and lung transplant. There was no mistaking their

approval of Newcastle's new institute. In Newcastle, people

really work together from all those different directions and they have

one objective, to produce a place where people could meet each other

and look after patients, the research would come and be

discussed. I have been around the facility and I was extremely

impressed. Excellent facilities and first—class nurses. The recent

government decision to halt the review of children's heart surgery

has left a? Over the Freeman, so is today a way of keeping the

hospital's profile on the radar? You cannot have too many places doing

too few infants or children, because if you do not have the

infrastructure to provide the number of people to look after them...

There needs to be some sort of rationalization, where it will be

and so forth. It just demonstrates how we get on with the job in the

North East. We see the politics come and go, but as they say in the

Northwest —— as they say in the North East, we are getting on with

it. You could argue that such a high—profile event was not going to

chance us any harm. The turnout was a disappointment at

just 15%. But the people of Middlesbrough have voted to keep

their elected mayor. Just over 15,000 voted in the referendum, and

more of them chose to keep the current system, than to return to an

elected council leader and cabinet. A new mayor will be chosen when Ray

Mallon stands down in May 2015. This was never going to be a long

night for those counting. Just 15% of people in Middlesbrough who could

vote actually did. The result came just before one o'clock. Those who

voted for the mayor, 8674. Those who voted for a litre, 6004 in June and

55. 6455. —— 6455. Delight for Andy Preston the man with ambitions of

becoming Middlesbrough's next mayor. I am pleased, relieved, and

Middlesbrough really needed a single, accountable leader and we

will have one. Labour had campaigned against elected mayors, but will now

look to find its own candidate to stand. Do you accept you have lost?

I think it is the people of Middlesbrough expressing their vote.

It is of the question of winning or losing. The people have made this

very clear as far as I am concerned. It will be sometime before we know

who the new will be. The current mayor does not stand down until May

2015, so expect the campaign to replace him to be a long one.

Three North East factories are on the short list for the 2013 Best

Factory award. Two of the contenders are from Blyth, Tharsus, which makes

electro—mechanical products, and Milliken Airbag products. Teesside's

represented by a factory that makes tea bags. It's based at

Eaglescliffe, owned by the Indian company, Tata, and makes tea bags

quicker and more cheaply than any other plant within the group,

including those in India. Tetley has made tea bags made tea at

this factory since 1969. And it generates some impressive

statistics. The Teesside plant makes about 290 million tea bags every

week. It sells into 70 countries. And it supplies about half the tea

that all Canadians drink. And it could soon have the Factory of the

Year award to boast about. It's on the short list as recognition that

it's a place of lean manufacturing. Its parent is the Indian

conglomerate Tata. But it makes tea bags faster, quicker and cheaper

than any other factory in the group. So how do is it do it? Make the

equipment run faster, more efficiently, and from that aspect,

the direct Labour content involved in processing a tonne of tea for us

is considerably less than it is in India or the Czech Republic. 60

robots help too. But they mean that over the years, people have lost

their jobs. Robots, though, can't yet do this, taste the blends of tea

from China, India, South Africa, Argentina. But on the factory floor

it's different. And the task for this plant now is to make more

products faster, become yet more productive. If it does, it can look

forward to further investment, and being here, appropriately enough on

Teesside, for many more years to come. Coming up next, the latest on

Lyndon Longhorn's road to Rio. And when the going gets tough — bring

out the volunteers. How a touch of do it yourself is transforming a

tiny Cumbrian school. And it looks like it will be a good

weekend. I will be here with all the details of where to catch the very

best of the northern sunshine. Lyndon Longhorn lost both his legs

and an arm when he contracted meningitis at just eight months old.

Now, he's training hard for a spot on the Paralympic swimming team.

We've been following his progress. And today, the teenager from Crook

in County Durham moved a bit closer to that goal, when he had hi—tech

prosthetic limbs fitted at Lancashire's Specialist Limb Centre.

Megan Paterson went with him. Lyndon's first practice with his

lighter, more flexible, comfortable legs. Legs he's certain will make a

massive difference: —— difference. They will make a massive difference.

They were starting to get tight and eight and I did not want to be in

them. I had to motivate myself to get walking. Now that I have this

new pair, it will make a massive difference. What will you be able to

do that you did not do before? Hopefully they will let me dry, so

that will be more motivation for myself to be more independent. His

infectious enthusiasm and determination has gained Lyndon many

supporters. One of the more recognisable was keen to see his new

legs in action. I have known him for five years now, and to watching

today, hopefully walking for the first time with his new legs and no

crutches, it will be —— phenomenal. Lydon's mum Tammy says she's

overwhelmed by what Lyndon's achieved over the last 17 years, but

for her son it's simply a question of attitude. You have got to have a

go at everything. Even if you have something thrown at you, you cannot

say you cannot do something. You do not know until you actually try. It

is a can—do attitude. You have to keep going and the yourself forward.

I always say to myself, believe and achieve. You have to just keep

going. A torch bearer in 2012, Lyndon narrowly missed out on a spot

on the Paralympic team. Now he's determined to be in the pool in Rio

in three years time and his new legs will help him take on that

challenge. An amazing young man. Now, we all

know money is tight these days. But one West Cumbrian school has come up

with a do—it—yourself solution to the problem of how to accommodate a

40% increase in pupils. Flimby Primary, near Maryport, has

persuaded volunteers and local businesses to help expand its

classroom space. This school report from Mark McAlindon.

These volunteers are all employees of a major hardware outfit and are

hoping to have this space painted by the end of the day. It is a tough

world and money is tight. If I can do that, I think it is really great

that we can do something to help them. The government is not helping

out and money is so tight, so I do not mind giving my time. This math

class has 24 peoples, but next year will have to house at 30. Space is

at a premium here, and the school must manage its costs. Teachers have

got their pay rise for the first time this time for three years, said

that is reflected in the number of children. We need more teachers for

more children. That is where the majority of our budget goes. This is

an old building that needs a lot of maintenance. It is really tight. An

old bike shed was converted the summer into the new library. When

looking for more space, they have little choice. This derelict

building was once part of the school, it was the headteacher's

house, but it was sold off by the local authority some years ago.

Teachers are now saying that if they could get this space back, it would

ease the pressure on an expanding role. They are now having to

refurbish and used parts of the school and outbuildings. Lately, the

school has gone from 112 children to more than 150. It is hoped they will

all have space now to learn and play. With a good idea! Time for

sport. —— what a great idea! What a big weekend and so many levels.

Absolutely huge. Sunderland take on Liverpool on Sunday in their first

Premier League game since Paolo Di Canio was sacked. Gus Poyet is still

the bookies favourite to take over but if the Black Cats get a result

this weekend it'll do caretaker boss Kevin Ball's chances no harm at all.

We have all been there. It gets better, I promise. It might not do

for him in the short term. The very next day a players revolt saw Di

Canio ousted. Under—21 boss and former captain Kevin Ball oversaw

the midweek victory in the League Cup and he's no stranger to the role

having taken charge for ten games following the departure of Mick

McCarthy in 2006. He's made no secret of the fact he'd like the job

full time but admits he hasn't formally applied for the role. It

would be difficult to job —— apply for a job I am already in. Have I

firmly said I want the job as such, I still speak with everybody here

and they are aware of what is going on with the job. Ball may have to

fight his own corner. Bookies favourite Gus Poyet is quoted in a

national newspaper as saying "my opportunity to manage Sunderland is

there. I am waiting nervously". If the club chooses to go down that

route, that is their idea. I am not going to watch the news or read the

papers. I like watching the news, but people just get fixated. It is

just life, isn't it? Are the players out to prove a point against

Liverpool after being publically criticised by Paolo Di Canio? If

that is how they feel, good on them. That is if they feel that way. That

is their prerogative. If they want to do that and they have a point to

prove that is up to them. Elsewhere, in the Championship,

Middlesbrough face a tough test away to early leaders Queens Park Rangers

tomorrow. In League One, Carlisle are at home to struggling Notts

County. Hartlepool host Oxford in League Two while York City are at

home to Portsmouth. It's a big weekend for Newcastle

Falcons. They've already had two of their toughest tests against

Leicester Tigers and Bath and must now front up at home to Gloucester.

Falcons are switching the bulk of their fixtures from Friday nights to

Sunday to try to boost attendances, Peter Harris reports: —— reports.

They're the club flying the flag for professional rugby in our region,

which is why from this week they'll be on their Sunday best. Moving to a

Sunday gives everybody the opportunity to come and watch the

game, and hopefully we will get a good crowd. It has been important to

attract people from remote parts of our regions, so be it the borders or

North Yorkshire, these are interesting times. These are

interesting times for Rugby Union. Falcons are supporting the planned

Champions Cup, a breakaway competition to replace the existing

Heineken Cup. And this week the deputy chairman of Premiership Rugby

claimed some Celtic clubs face oblivion if it doesn't go ahead.

Something has to be done about that. Financially or from a competitive

landscape. Let's look at the positive here. I think everybody

will get behind this. On the field after last week's predictable defeat

at Leicester Tigers, Sunday brings a more realistic challenge from

Gloucester. Teams don't like coming here. That is what I have heard and

that this what we proved last year in the championship. I expect them

to come up and probably keep their game playing pretty simple to start

off with. Want to get our points on the board, I think we will have

proved a decent and worthy challenge. They have arty faced the

Giants of Leicester and staff. They are hoping for their first home

wind. The new basketball season starts

tonight, with a local derby between Newcastle Eagles and Durham

Wildcats. As relative newcomers, the Wildcats are improving year on year

and have signed former Eagles forward Joel Madourie as well as a

new coach this season. The Eagles have three new faces including a

return for Paul Gause as they bid to come back from a season where they

failed to wind a single trophy. Cricket and Durham's title—winning

season ended on a low note with a six wicket defeat at Sussex. Durham

had fought back to set the home side 295 to wind but a century from Chris

Nash saw Sussex home. The end of season feel was confirmed when

wicketkeeper Phil Mustard was given an over and took the wicket of

England all rounder Luke Wright. Yorkshire meanwhile ended with a

draw at Surrey. Gary Ballance completing an unbeaten century. That

is probably the end of summer, isn't it squished —— isn't it? We are in

for a decent weekend. You could be forgiven for thinking it is summer

in Cumbria in particular. Sunny and it will be warmer, but look at this

beautiful sunset from last night. The headline is going to be a very

nice weekend indeed. Some more pleasant sunsets to come. Through

this evening and overnight, it is clear and dry, particularly in the

West. Starry skies and half a waning moon to look at overnight, as

temperatures dipped between eight and 10 Celsius. Light winds

overnight tonight. Increasingly sunny across the North East

tomorrow, and particularly in Cumbria. Beautiful blue skies in the

West and clearing skies in the East as well. Here, it could just be a

bit breezy or on the coast. A fine day across much of the reason ——

region. I salute Jennifer's civic pride, she wanted to see Darlington

on the map. It is going to be fine and dry across the site, North

Yorkshire and the North East. Crossing westwards, the very best of

weather here. 20 Celsius in lighter winds across Lakeland. It will be

fearing —— feeling summary instead of all, no. Things will be settled

underneath this ridge. To the West, fine weather for our region and that

holds through the weekend. It could be just a little breezy always along

the East Coast, the southeasterly flow making it cooler here. Top

temperatures will be found in the West. The southeasterly breeze will

favour western coasts. The highs and Sunday are around 16 to 18 Celsius

and it stays fine through Monday as well. In the North East,

temperatures not far below. Bright blue skies across the East on

Sunday. Just a little bit more cloud is likely on Monday, and the

temperatures will start to return to nearer the average for this time in

late September. That around 13 and 15 Celsius, but post—equinox, the

nights are no longer than the days. We do have sunshine to make up for

it this weekend. That is how it looks. Sounds good! That is good for

now. She is going to go put her peak —— speak up for the night. We will