10/04/2017 Look North (North East and Cumbria)

Hello and welcome to Monday's Look North.

A woman demands answers after her father's organs

were stored for 22 years after his death.

A soldier goes on trial charged with murdering his ex girlfriend

The Price of Wales starts a two day visit to Cumbria.

And one man and his ferret set off on an 84 mile trek along

In football - another blank weekend for our two Premier League clubs,

and not much joy further down the divisions.

But there's a World Cup medal for our teenage Olympian -

He died more than 20 years ago after falling from a block

But now the family of Terry Simpson say they're shocked and confused

after discovering some of his organs were taken away and

It's emerged the Northumbria and Cleveland Police forces

are visiting at least a dozen other families to tell them they've

found tissues belonging to their loved ones, too.

Tonight, the police said they're offering support to those affected.

Our correspondent Peter Harris reports.

22 years after her dad's death, Sarah Simpson is facing up

The police called to say body parts - she says including his brain -

We didn't know that any organs had been taken out.

We knew the postmortem had been carried out,

but we thought he would be fully intact once he was

He used to always say, you do not know what parts

And we thought we'd done the right thing at the hospital by saying

Terry Simpson died here at Newcastle General Hospital in 1995.

His organs have subsequently been found at South Tyneside Hospital.

Northumbria Police say this is the result of an audit

They also say that they are confident the risk of this happening

again is low because the rules around which human tissues

The police say before new rules came in, some forces kept human tissue

They were taken to South Tyneside by a pathologist who covered

the North East and kept them for what the police now say

In a statement, the Human Tissue Authority said...

Relatives like Sarah say all of this has stoked the grief

The life and soul of the party. He was a good bloke.

I am going to be putting a complaint into the police, the coroner.

Yes, I will go for legal action if they don't get the right answers,

Peter, there still seem to be some unanswered questions here?

One of them will be how many people are involved. We know Cleveland

Police are in the process of speaking to 13 families and

Teesside, but we don't know how many people are involved in Northumbria.

How often where this whole body organs, and how often it was this

sample is? They often would keep some samples in unexplained deaths.

This family we have been speaking to us and, as far as they are aware,

his death was not suspicious, the verdict was misadventure, as they

can't understand why it was necessary to retain key at all. --

tissues. A court's heard how a soldier

accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend stalked her before

slitting her throat. The prosecution was outlining its

case against Lance Corporal Trimaan Dhillon - also known as Harry -

over the death of Alice Ruggles. The 24-year-old was found in a pool

of blood in her bathroom The 26-year-old soldier

denies the charge. Alison Freeman was at Newcastle

Crown Court and joins us now. The prosecution described Lance

Corporal Trimaan Dhillon as a controlling, obsessive and

manipulative man who stopped Alice Ruggles in the run-up to her death.

She saw her on Facebook and they started an online relationship. That

choice and ship was soured when he returned from Afghanistan. His

aggressive behaviour started to make Allah is not such a bubbly person

any more. The court was told -- Alice's behaviour was not as bubbly.

What happened on the evening of her death? The prosecution said today

that Alice tried to end the relationship. That lead to emotional

blackmail, the threat of putting Internet images on the Internet.

Hacking her phone. -- Internet images. The continued to contact

her. She did not want him to be arrested. That was a move the

prosecution site may have cost her her life. On the 12th of October

last year, it is alleged that Lance Corporal Trimaan Dhillon lay in wait

from her. When she returned from work, he broken, a struggle ensued,

and he is alleged to have slit her throat. The defence will say he was

trying to stop Alice from harming herself.

A priest who's accused of sexually abusing a teenage boy

during the 1970s has today been described as caring -

Father Michael Higginbottom, who's been suspended

from St Augustine's Church in Darlington, is alleged to have

carried out the abuse at Upholland Seminary in Lancashire.

Fr Higginbottom's friends have been giving evidence today

His defence say the complainant has made up his story

Father Higginbottom denies eight offences.

A paramedic called to the scene of a gas explosion in York has told

an inquest he thought a plane had crashed when he arrived

Paul Willmott was killed in the explosion last February

after a gas pipe fractured under his home in Haxby.

The house that was demolished is in the process of being rebuilt.

While the houses alongside it are being repaired as well.

Life here on Springwood is slowly turning to normal.

14 months ago, things were far from normal here.

With this residential road making national headlines.

On the 19th of February last year, people living on Springwood,

a quiet residential road in York, woke to a catastrophic scene.

At around 7:30, number 20, a detached property,

was destroyed in what was later

The owner of the house, 63-year-old Paul Wilmott was found

The inquest heard he'd suffered serious head injuries

Andrew Hewison, an ambulance paramedic seen on the right,

was one of the first emergency workers to arrive.

Today, he described a scene of devastation.

Mr Hewison was asked by the coroner at what he saw when he arrived.

He said it was evident that one house was completely missing.

He says residents looked dazed and confused.

He was then asked, what did you think happened?

To that, he replied, I thought a plane had crashed.

Paul Wilmott's partner, Olivia Costello, told the jury

there had been a strange now in the house several weeks before,

but an ants nest was discovered in the wall and that,

they thought, was to blame rather than leaking gas.

The Tees Valley Mayor will want to bring high quality

new jobs to the region - but will also have to make

sure people here have the ability to do those jobs.

Skill is an area the mayor will have some direct power over.

David Macmillan has been trying to find out, with the help of one

of the region's greatest inventions.

It is nearly 200 years since John Walker invented the friction

One of the mayor's jobs is to pass on that flame of skill and agility.

In the college, the students are preparing for a career

To me, the aerospace injury is the very cutting

I am in the process of joining the Royal Navy.

I want to get on an advanced apprenticeship course.

The college principal says the mayor will have to keep an eye

on the latest industrial developments.

Energy and this concept of the circular economy,

we have advanced manufacturing, and also the digital sector.

What we try to do here at Hartlepool College is make sure

that young people get the skills and qualifications needed to exploit

How can the powers of the mayor influence skills?

The mayor will be providing guidance to colleges as to what sort

of skills need to be taught to make sure that the jobs in

the Tees Valley that needs than are getting done

by people with the right qualifications and abilities.

For example, the mayor might say, I want Hartlepool to become

As such, I need people to the taught chopping.

I need people to be taught roasting, I need people to be

Of course, advanced manufacturing will probably be more of a priority

Some Teesside firms are already out on the cutting edge.

CPI helps people develop their bright ideas.

This is a region that has always been at the forefront of innovation.

Very much at the forefront of the iron and steel industry

Whatever the mayor does with their brief, they may never

produce an innovation in the Tees Valley as revolutionary

But if the the mayor can get it right on skills,

they will provide a huge boost to the economy.

The Prince of Wales has been in Cumbria today at the start

Prince Charles attended engagements in Barrow,

A regular visitor and firm supporter, he still drives

Everyone in the front row had a word with him, you know.

It was good. I was quite impressed with him.

Treated to a performance of a clog dance, a piece

composed in Whitehaven, he is following the Queen Mother

and Princess Margaret on the Rosehill royal guest list.

He is search a friendly, warm personality.

And he really seemed to enjoy the performance.

The theatre has been closed since 2015 for extensive refurbishment.

This is the first performance since that work has been completed.

He was very impressed by the restoration.

He said it was very good to see buildings like this

He was also very impressed with the Association of Apprentices.

Taking to the stage himself, the prince was presented

with an award in recognition of his continued support

As you know, will go on doing whatever I can to help.

His Royal Highness hopes this visit highlights the importance

of maintaining local heritage sites like this one.

Here in the kitchen and in the new restaurant,

he is meeting people who will generate extra revenue

to keep this old favourite a sustainable business in the future.

There was praise for local businesses in Ennerdale, too.

Where the Prince celebrated the success of the community hub.

Amid the handshaking and plaque unveiling,

it is hoped this Royal's love of Cumbria will encourage

Now, many a foot-sore tourist has walked all 84 miles

of Hadrian's Wall between Wallsend and Bowness on Solway.

But, to our knowledge, no-one has ever done it with a ferret!

Today, one man and his pet ferret, called Bandit, began their epic

journey to raise money for a good cause.

Little legs - but a big journey ahead for this furry friend.

Bandit - perhaps the first ferret in history to walk Hadrian's Wall.

We are raising money for the Saint Elizabeth's Hospice in Ipswich.

It is a little bit bonkers, isn't it?

For me, it is out there, but it is not unfamiliar ground.

With Bandit a couple of months ago, we walked Mt Snowden together.

So we have done it before, but this is the longest

It'll take the little creature four days to make the 84 mile journey

along the northern frontier of the once mighty Roman Empire.

It is a long way for a human to walk over three or four days.

I think we have what it takes to do it together.

The route will take them from Tyneside, through the rugged

Northumberland countryside and on into Cumbria,

ending on the banks of the Solway at Bowness on Thursday.

No creature comforts for this pair - they're camping.

But they did manage to ferret out some support -

members of North East Ferret Rescue on hand for the send-off.

A man, his pet and a trip through some of England's

Thanks Carol - not one of our better weeks -

And yet again, no goals for either Sunderland or Middlesbrough.

We said it was in the week for Middlesbrough. Sadly, one point.

I think the biggest worry for Sunderland fans

David Moyes already warning fans there'll be another

rebuilding job next season, with so many players out of contract

It could be a while before they are back. The longer they are down

there, if they go down, the harder it will be to come back. They could

do a backbone and disappear without a trace? Too big a club to do that.

Plans are already affluent to bounce back. What is a red card? I think it

is more orange! He is leaving a bit on him. Lots to think about for the

owner. They have lost six games since their trip to New York. They

haven't scored since. What about the lack of goals.

It is not just down to any one person.

We haven't necessarily scored from a set piece.

Not necessarily scored a shot from outside the box

So all that we have to try and improve.

We didn't get the result, we haven't had the result

But we are professional footballers and we have heart

and we have fact and pride, and we will fight until

So - win all seven games left and Sunderland

would have 41 points - just about enough to stay up!

If you look at the table, though - you have to say it's looking

Middlesbrough have some tough fixtures and Sunderland. A big ask

for them. Only a goalless draw against Burnley. Try the things have

that letting golden. Try to get back to basics. -- letting goals in.

Really, if you are going to win any games, that was the one? An lucky

there. -- an lucky. They did come close. Accidentally touches it away

from goal. Just to compound the misery. Gets it back of the line not

once but twice. It doesn't matter who you play,

they are all difficult games. Against Burnley, against Manchester

United, they are all difficult. We should have won today

about the pleasing thing You can't fault us for

effort and commitment. In the Championship,

Newcastle are pretty certain to be promoted -

but they're doing it the hard way. Beaten at Sheffield Wednesday,

but once again fortunate the teams just below them couldn't put any

pressure on them. Still that 10-point gap

over Huddersfield - Four points will be enough. But they

have to get over the line. Sheffield Wednesday the latest team to beat

them. Straight to the football league. Bad news for Carlisle?

Hanging on to the late -- last play-off spot. A big game coming up

on Friday, Hartlepool against Carlisle. It looked like a good

point before the Newport results came in. A massive game against

Carlisle on Friday. Gateshead losing their way in the play-off race? Just

coming up short this year. Plans in place for a big push next year. A

very good when, 2-0 at Chester. Out of the relegation zone. Good size

there. What a goal there. And we should say well

done to Blyth Spartans - promoted, as champions

of the Evo Stick Premier League. And South Shields, who're moving up

out of the Northern League Steve thanks very much -

we'll see you a week Now - what about the

rest of the sport? 17-year-old County Durham gymnast

Amy Tinkler put in a medal winning performance at the new World Cup

of Gymnastics in front a a 12,000 strong crowd

at the London's O2 Arena. Tinkler was fourth going into her

favoured final round on the floor and an impressive display

saw her add another bronze medal There was a dramatic last minute

victory for Newcastle Falcons The Falcons had taken the lead

through Juan Pablo Socino only for the visitors to level the score

at 7-7 by half time. But Gloucester lead by a single

point with seconds left on the clock only for the Falcons to be

awarded a pnealty. Joel Hodgson shouldered the pressure

to slot the kick and send almost 8,000 fans wild and keep Newcastle's

faint hopes of But there was disapointment

for Brian Ellison's Malton stable in the Grand Natonal when highly

fancied Definitly Red was pulled up at Valentine's,

although it was another day to remember for five-year-old

Bradley Lowery and his family. The five-year-old Sunderland fan

who has cancer was a special guest at Aintree and even got

to meet the winner. Time for the weather. And news of

our hotly contested where that calendar. To reveal our winning

picture, we had to meet the person making the decision. Making a lady

who helps look after one of the region's best kept secrets. --

meeting a lady. I am Claire Marsland.

I am the curator at Ushaw College. Which is a former Catholic seminary,

now opening as a new visitor The term hidden gem

is probably overused, but in terms of Ushaw College,

it is quite accurate. It was also a large employer

in the area for a very long time. There is so much social history here

of what it was like as a school. We are still really uncovering

the history of the place. Claire is used to delving

way back in time. But we asked her to consider

the more recent past in the shape Daffodils, crocus, lambs but then

also the unexpected weather. You can never be quite sure

what much is going to do. And when you look through

the selection of weather pictures, Yes, definitely.

There was a mix. It shows the snow had

in the middle of March. The overall winner, that's

really jumped out at me, I love historic buildings,

and he has captured a wonderful And then very cleverly managed

to get crows flying in the shot. I thought that's really stood out

as the picture for March. is the March page of the weather

calendar. After quite a hot weekend in places, it will stay generally

try with a fresh appeal to things. It will be breezy and certainly

cooler than it was over the weekend. Mostly dry picture this evening and

overnight. The cloud in theory they can to produce the odd spot of rain.

Most places dry. Gaps in the cloud. Temperatures dropping no lower than

six or seven Celsius. Tomorrow, a mostly dry start. Most places dry

through the day. Again, the odd like Chamakh here and there, but nothing

really to talk about. Most places hang onto broken cloud, some blue

sky and sunny intervals. A nice, dry bright, if rather breezy day. A

ghastly westerly wind. Russian art through the course of the day. --

gusty was the temperatures close to the seasonal average. Temperatures

tomorrow afternoon peak around 12 Celcius, 54 Fahrenheit. I've

pressure on the chart tomorrow. We keep a north-westerly breeze coming

round of the high pressure. A couple of weather fronts. Its pieces of

rain but not huge amount. Wind coming from that direction, things

are unlikely to want up. When they looked like another mostly dry day.

-- warm up is unlikely. Risk north-westerly wind making it feel

cold. Similar numbers, 12 and 1330. The wind will make it feel cold on

Wednesday. Thursday and Friday, not a great deal changes. Mostly dry.

The risk of the odd shower on Thursday. Temperatures peaking at 12

Celsius. Breezy said, thicker cloud fraternity for Good Friday. Similar

numbers again, 11 and 12. Through the afternoon, and the cloud thick

enough to produce patchy rain on times on Friday. That is the next

few days. A closer look on the late programme. And you can get updates

on the app. You promised us a great weekend and it was even better. We

want a good Easter weekend. Never satisfied. Goodbye.

There are times in the life of a nation

when the choices we make define the character of our country,

times when people stand up and demand real, significant change.