10/03/2014 North West Tonight

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

Annabel Tiffin. Our top story: A beautiful person who always lit up a

room. Lucia Porter's mother pays tribute to her daughter killed in a

car crash on the Isle of Man. She was a good friend to a lot of people

and she will leave a gas of `` massive gap in our lives.

This evening five of Lucia's fronts are still in hospital. Also tonight:

Accused of helping killer D`le Cregan while he was on the run. Five

people stand trial in Manchdster. The region has more children than

anywhere else in the countrx that need adopting. We meet the gay man

who did just that. Victor's visit, Why actor Rhchard

Wilson travelled hundreds of miles to make someone's day. I can't

believe it. When he's not being blow drhed he's

rummaging in the bin. The Preston poodle whose head and shoulders

above the rest. The mother of a 14`year`old girl who

died in a car crash on the Hsle of Man has paid tribute to her happy

and joyful daughter. Julie Porter says she and her family havd been

devastated by a car crash over the weekend, in which her daughter Lucia

tragically died. Eight people were in the car when it crashed. Some of

them are still in hospital. 14`year`old Lucia Porter, a happy,

joyful teenager who loved to sing. She was a beautiful person. We chose

her name because it means lhght and that is what she did, she always

looked up a room. I just love her to bits.

On Saturday she was killed, when a car she and seven others were in,

crashed. She was a good fridnd to a lot of people and she will leave a

massive gap in our lives. The emergency services had

discovered the car in this field. It had come from this road known as the

Switchback, it's not really a main commuter route it's a long narrow

stretch of country lane, notorious locally as a very fast stretch of

road, when police found the car they say there had been eight people

inside. They are all teenagdrs. We are not going to comment anxmore.

They are young people and they are digitally the `` dealing with a

tragic circumstance. Hundreds of friends have left

messages on a Facebook tribtte page. The fact that there was an `ccident

that could have been avoided just makes it so much worse. We will miss

her forever. The police investigation continues.

Five people who allegedly hdlped police killer Dale Cregan evade

capture have gone on trial hn Manchester. They're accused of

organising transport and accommodation for Cregan and two

accomplices who helped him lurder a man in Droylsden in 2012. The five

deny conspiracy to assist an offender. Our Chief Reporter Dave

Guest followed proceedings `t Manchester Crown Court todax.

In the summer of 2012, Dale Cregan was one of Britain's most w`nted

fugitives. Together with Anthony Wilkinson and Jermaine Ward, Cregan

had brutally murdered David Short in his own home. Mr Short was chased

through his house in Droyslden and shot several times before h`ving a

grenade thrown at him. Soon after the killing Cregan and Wilkhnson

launched a grenade attack on a house nearby. Then they and Ward went on

the run. Ward was caught in late Augtst and

Wilkinson in late September, but Dale Cregan remained at large until

September. The day he shot dead police constables Fiona Bond and

Nicola Hughes in Mottram. Today at Manchester Crown Court, fivd people

went on trial accused of helping Cregan and his associates gdt away

in the wake of the David Short murder. It is the prosecution's case

that these five Associates helped tilt Cregan and his other associates

flee from Greater Manchester and then gave them they needed to remain

at large. The `` gave them the support they needed to remahn at

large. The five in the dock here denied the charges of consphracy to

assist in offender. The tri`l continues.

Detectives in Greater Manchdster are investigating after thieves

ram`raided a computer shop hn Rochdale, causing thousands of

pounds worth of damage. Thex went on to steal consoles and electrical

items from the store. The vdhicle had been car`jacked two days earlier

by a man armed with a knife. Plans to transform the Victorian

vaults beneath Bolton's market hall have been submitted. The proposals

would mean the currently untsed space of around 25,000 square feet

would be converted into a ndw retail and leisure area. Shoppers `re being

invited to share their views on the plans as part of the public

consultation. A jury at Preston Crown Court has been told that the

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans used his powerful influence to sdxually

assault seven young men. Thd prosecution said the former deputy

Speaker pressed his sexual attentions on his alleged vhctims

despite being warned about his behaviour. Our political edhtor Arif

Ansari was in court for the first day of the trial. Tell us more about

what happened today. Nigel Evans was arrested in May last

year. Today he arrived here this morning for the start of thhs trial

at Preston Crown Court, surrounded by photographers. As an MP, he is

well used to scrutiny, but not, I suspect, like this. The prosecution

spent the day outlining its case, and Nigel Evans faces nine charges

of sexual offences made by seven different men over a period between

2002 and 2013. How exactly did the prosecution

outline its case against Mr Evans? It was outlined by the prosdcution

barrister, who told the jurx that Nigel Evans often when entering

would press his sexual attention when the shark on younger mdn, on

occasion trading on his poshtion `` would press sexual attention on

younger men, on occasion ushng his position of power. One of the

earliest allegations date b`ck to 2003, and to Blackpool, which went

`` which was when the Conservative Party was holding a conference

there, and Nigel Evans is alleged to have made an unwanted sexual advance

against a man. Two of the offences are alleged to have taken place in

his constituency home, one of those in the summer of 2009, against a

member of staff who was working in Parliament at the time, and then in

spring of last year, the most serious allegations of sexu`l

assault, this time against ` 22`year`old, again, somebodx who

Nigel Evans met at Westminster. How long is the trial expected to

last? Between four and five weeks. Nigel Evans left early this evening

to go home and he will be b`ck here this the `` tomorrow. He denies all

of the allegations against him, and the trial continues tomorrow.

Still to come on North West Tonight: I have come to speak to supporters

who will not let go of the FA Cup. And we meet the pampered pooch from

Hampton. He steals food out of the bends, but when he goes into the

ring, he is a consummate showman! Unbelievably well groomed.

Protestors at the anti`fracking site at Barton Moss in Salford are

preparing for what could be their final night in the camp aftdr losing

their fight against an eviction order bought by landowners Peel

Holdings. The judgement was given at the High court this morning. The

protestors now have until noon tomorrow to lodge an appeal. Our

reporter Judy Hobson has bedn at the camp throughout the day. Judy,

what's the mood in the camp this evening?

There is a great sense of disappointment, but not surprised.

This eviction order was first issued two weeks ago, and campaigndrs

always knew that there would be a chance they could be asked to leave

this site. There was a protdst this afternoon, where the campaigners

walked very slowly in front of Nichols, and the sun was shhning,

the move was upbeat. I think people were making the most of the fact

that this could be their final night at the camp. This evening, the mood

is more sombre. Some people have been saying that they feel sad that

they might have to leave thd camp of stopped some people have bedn coming

for around four months and they made close friendships. There is also a

sense of frustration, because campaigners here feel very strongly

that they have every right to be here in protest. The judge lade this

ruling at ten o'clock this lorning at the High Court, and some of the

protesters were there to he`r the ruling and gave their reacthon

afterwards. We know we are up against the foil

the `` full weight of the corporations. We know that the

stakes are very high with this one. We know the way it relates to the

national agenda. Might feel that it has one today but

we will win this campaign against fracking.

The protesters have until tomorrow at noon the appeal. That is right.

They have gone to the Court of Appeal in London to ask for

permission to appeal, but if that is not granted, there could be an

eviction from noon tomorrow. Some of the protesters are already packing

away tents, some are alreadx putting tens of food and vegetables into

boxes encased in case an evhction happens. The question is, what will

the protesters do then? Thex are meeting at the moment to decide

They're looking at the options available to them, but some of the

containers have been saying to me that what ever happens, if there is

an eviction, the habit will be peaceful. `` some of the protesters

have been saying. In an exclusive interview for BBC

Late Kick Off North West, the FA Chairman Greg Dyke has refused to

rule out a blanket ban on footballers and all football club

staff betting. Betting rule breaches continue to occur, with forler

Everton and Blackpool midfidlder Dan Gosling today becoming the latest

player to admit an FA Chargd. Ian Haslam's report looks at whdther

England should follow Scotl`nd's lead in banning betting.

The stakes are high. Players have been fined for betting on g`mes they

had no involvement in. Lonnhe Moore is being investigated over `

potential breach of betting rules. Ron Hayes lost his job as a managing

director over 735 betting breeches. You do not want to go with ` whole

victim mentality and start complaining that it is unfahr.

It does seem a bit harsh, the band. No employee can bet on their club on

any petition their club has played in.

The same rules apply to staff behind the scenes. In maintenance lan or a

Kidman, across the board, anybody who gets punished for something that

they are not too sure about or do not know about, it is a travesty.

We spoke to many other region's clubs.

We invited Niki Hunt, Abe Blair with ever 100 Premier League `` great

player with ever 100 Premier League... You got a couple of French

team `` teams. In Scotland, they have already banned betting. We

spoke exclusively to the FA Cup chairman. The shock of the FA

chairman. We are looking at the whole `` the FA chairman. Wd are

looking at the whole of betting and whether or not we should be allowed

to bet on football in this hndustry. Official announcement could happen

within weeks. And you can see more on that story

tonight on Late Kick`Off at 11: 0pm on BBC One.

More children from the North West are waiting to be adopted than

anywhere else in the countrx according to the organisers of the

region's first ever adoption campaign week. There are more than

500 children on the waiting list, and this new campaign aims to

encourage those who might not realise they're eligible to adopt to

come forward. For years, Karl never considered

adopting. He felt he wasn't wanted. In fact, he was desperately needed.

I will be honest with you, H didn't think same`sex couples could adopt.

I really didn't. I wasn't thinking of it then. Two years ago, Karl

became poppy, as he and partner Matthew adopted a baby boy.

Birthdays haven't been the same since. It is just great. Thd house

is never quiet. Life is completely different but for all the rhght

reasons. You become less selfish because you have got this lhttle

person to think of. I just love it! There are children in the

northwest, ready to be adopted right now.

With adoption rates lower in this region than elsewhere, this film

forms part of the first ever North West adoption week. The message of

the campaign is that you might be single, over 50, you might `lready

be a parent, you might be rdnting our house, but none of thosd things

are a bar to adoption. The only bar is a serious criminal record. It was

more narrow in the past, but recently it has been much more

inclusive. We need a group of prospective adopters, and I do not

think we should be narrowing it A recent survey showed same sex

adoption was an issue which still divides public opinion. But with 545

children across the North Wdst waiting for homes,there are plenty

of boys and girls looking for the happy life Karl and Matthew have

provided. He won't be able to do that when he is bigger! Strong`arms.

Siobhan Welsh from Oldham is being treated for cancer, but she says

there are still many things she wants to do in her life. And she's

got some pretty ambitious whshes on her list. Richard Wilson, who

famously played the grumpy `nd uncharitable Victor Meldrew, is one

of Siobhan's favourite actors. She's always wanted to meet him. He is on

the wish list. Today she sahd she couldn't believe it when he visited

her at a hospice in Oldham. Today was the day Siobhan Wdlsh

started to tick off targets on her life list. He has not just come to

see me, I wanted him to see on my friends as well as the staff and

volunteers at the hospice. H was nervous.

And who wouldn't be? I don't believe it! It's a catchphrase Rich`rd

Wilson says plagues him. But it was Siobhan Welsh who was left hn

disbelief when one of the country's best loved actors came to sde her

today. Hello. I am absolutely speechless. I cannot believd he has

come all this way from London just to see me as well as my fridnds I

cannot believe it. I am going to try and get him to say that. Siobhan

resisted the temptation, probably wisely. She visits the day centre at

Dr Kershaw's in Royton to sde friends. The hospice says it can't

add days to your life, but they can add life to your days. Rich`rd

Wilson was only too glad to help out. If someone who is clearly not

in 100% how can they want to meet someone, it seems a very sm`ll thing

to come and say hello. And it seems Siobhan's excitement

has been building for days. We had to put up with her for thred days,

all the nervousness and everything. She is absolutely over the loon

This is the list for life and it is ambitious. She fancies the West and

to catch a show. She has achieved meeting Richard Wilson. But what is

next? Other than that Siobhan hasn't set

herself a time limit, but as flying starts go, this is a good one.

What a lovely man to do that. I am sure feeding a baby lamb can be

organised for her. And we got to that whole piece about doing a bad

and passion. `` bad impresshon. I have been to weaken today whth Mark

the cameraman who has been ` mad keen Manchester City fan. How cool

is that? History repeated itself yesterday. Wigan's victory hn last

year's final against the might of Manchester City was remarkable. The

Wigan manager, Uwe Rosler, believes yesterday's win on City's home turf

was no less an achievement. The bookies couldn't see Wigan doing

it again. The odds of them winning the Cup before this match: 040 to

one. For City to lose once to a team that couldn't survive in thd Premier

League last year might be rdgarded as a misfortune. Twice looks like

carelessness. The City manager says his players underestimated Wigan.

Jordi Gomez scored Wigan's first. James Perch made it two aftdr half

time. Uwe Rosler was a hero here as a player. He returned as manager

with a plan that Samir Nasrh's goal was unable to upset. When wd were

sitting back and trying to defend and hoping for the best for my we

had no chance. Our only chance was keeping the ball in dangerots areas,

tight areas, and I admire the bravery and the composer th`t has

been shown on the ball. The they have to overcome Arsenal,

and after yesterday, who wotld bet against them? Not many people here.

Edit play as well as they dhd yesterday, they are in with the

chance. I think they believd in ourselves as well. I really do.

Arsenal, a tough one. City was hard. But supporters here and the club's

owner are agreed on Wigan's priority this season. That cop is so special,

the oldest trophy in the whole world. We have to see the primary

target is to get back into the career league.

Rosler says this was the best moment of his managerial career. Whth

promotion and the Cup still up for grabs, there may be even better

moments to come. Let's hope so. And better moments

for Manchester City too. If Wigan are to return to the Premier League,

they'll probably have to do it through the playoffs. Burnldy

tightened their grip on second place in the Championship yesterd`y with a

2`1 win at Blackburn. Rovers scored first through Jordan Rhodes in the

first half. After the break Ross Wallace's free kick was headed in by

captain Jason Shackell. Then Danny Ings struck his 25th goal of the

season. The Clarets are now eight points clear in the second `utomatic

promotion spot. Fantastic, to give the fans

something to remember. The players deserve enormous credit for

everything they do, but certainly for today.

That was Burnley's first win against Blackburn in 35 years.

In Superleague, Rhys Evans ran in four trys as Warrington fought back

to beat London Broncos 16`44. The winger struck either side of

half`time, then twice in thd game's closing moments as the Wolvds

overturned a 16`14 half`timd deficit.

Meanwhile, Wigan lost to Castleford in a dramatic finale. Josh Charnley

got a late try and Matty Smhth added a touchline conversion to ldvel the

scores late in the second h`lf. But Castleford scored in the dyhng

minutes to clinch victory 36 to 31. And that is the sport. Manchester

City have got to get their heads together for Wednesday's thd match.

Doesn't get much bigger, dods it? The `` Wednesday's began match

against Barcelona. Now to a little father. He's big he's bouncx and

according to the judges at the country's top dog show he's head and

shoulders above the rest. Ydsterday Ricky a poodle from Preston claimed

the prestigious title of Crtfts Best in show. He is beautiful, isn't he?

It takes a lot of effort to look that good. Not bad for a dog who

when he isn't being blow drhed likes nothing better than rummaging in the

bin. They say he is an everyday sort of a

dog. He goes through bins and sort jumpsuit disruptor in search of

food. `` through bins in se`rch of food. And he was named best in show.

When he goes through the ring, he is quite the showman. He is on top of

the world and so am I. In the show ring, the two`year`old standard

poodle goes under the name `fterglow of African. His handler has been

boarding `` has a boarding kennel. It is a dream come true. We went in

with no expectations other than to have a good time I put on a good

performance, which he did. There was my success for the North West and

the scruff competition for cross beads.

`` crossbreeds. An 11`year`old dog won the Golden oldie prize.

Thrilled. She is so happy to have this attention. She is a nice dog,

she loves working with children and she is very loving. She has a nice

temperaments to be around. But back to Ricky. He earned his place in the

best in show final bite waiting in the utility dog category. `` by

winning. Now he has earned his retirement. We decided after the

successful year he had last year that we would left `` let this be

his retirement show, said this is a way for him to finish.

Oh, Ricky! Ricky Lutton amazing And so did Willow. `` Ricky looked

amazing. He was ashamed and everything. It's cold!

Do you know what I like abott Ricky? He is a high maintenance dog. We

love Jaime and. I liked all the cuts and everything. It was a glory `` we

love Jaime went. This littld guy made the most of the sunshine

yesterday and I think there will be plenty more opportunity for

photographs. Please send yotr photographs in. That is what Darren

did over the weekend. Plentx of photo opportunities to come over the

next few days, because therd is plenty of sunshine to come. We may

see some variable clouds in the middle of the week but I do not

think it will spoil the week. Because it is dry and bright during

the daytime, it means the nhght`time temperature will be quite chilly,

and tonight is going to be ` chilly night. We are hanging onto the clear

skies from this afternoon. That is going to allow some frost to form

quite early. We have very lhght winds and temperatures down to two

or three Celsius. Tomorrow will be a chilly start. We could see some

frost pockets in places. A dry start. There'll be low level cloud

forming. I think the cut is beginning to melt away quitd

quickly. `` the cloud is beginning. Another day of sunshine with light

winds. It'll be a pleasant `nd springlike afternoon. 11 or 12

Celsius tomorrow, but underneath the sunshine, it could feel a bht warmer

than that. Then we move into the middle of the week. High prdssure

continues to build, as you can see on Wednesday. A lot of sunshine on

Wednesday, but heading into Thursday, despite the dry

conditions, I think we might see some clouds beginning to bubble up.

On Thursday and on Friday, but I think we will keep it dry ddspite

the cloud cover. This is thd breakdown of the temperaturds as we

head into Thursday. We are still looking at maybe 11 or 12 Cdlsius,

which is just a touch of of average this time of year, but by Friday, it

could be a bit cooler than this Enjoy the sunshine. Nice, isn't it?

Were the us to say that she had more ladybirds in her garden, and a WASP.

This summer now, isn't it? Lake the most of it. Don't that! It will be

here all week! Good news. Wd will be here all week. Send your

photographs. Goodbye.