The Northern Echo

Killed by a Loving Mother

Court hears how mum's mental collapse led to death of son, two A MOTHER who carried the lifeless body of her son into a police station killed him after suffering a catastrophic mental breakdown, a court was told yesterday.

Man 'Will Admit to Killing Partner'

A NORTH-EAST man will admit to killing his partner and putting her body in a suitcase, a court heard. Lawyers representing music teacher Andrew Lindo, who is originally from Stockton, told a judge he is prepared to admit the manslaughter of Marie Stewart.

Roads Closed Following Acid Leak

EMERGENCY services were called to a North-East microchip processing plant yesterday following a hydrochloric acid leak. Roads were closed at the RF Micro Devices (RFMD) plant on Aycliffe Business Park, County Durham, at about 5am, but opened a few hours later.

Pupils Juggle Schoolwork and Learning New Skills

CHILDREN enjoyed themselves by clowning around in class. The pupils at Shotley Bridge Infant School, near Consett, were learning circus skills as part of a themed day.

Mixed Reaction to Plans for Lloyds Data Centre

PROPOSALS for a huge data centre on the outskirts of Darlington have been welcomed by planners. However, the multi-million pound application by Lloyds TSB has received objections from local residents and conservation groups.

She Wanted to Save and Protect Him

How did a loving mother, whose life revolved around her son, become so ill that she ended up killing him? Gavin Engelbrecht reports MELANIE RUDDELL was a loving and doting mother who worshipped her two-year-old son, Christy.

Festival Will Reignite the North-East Skies

A FESTIVAL to mark the history of steelmaking on Teesside could turn into an evening of celebration. A year ago today, the Corus blast furnace was closed. So on the first anniversary The Fire and Steel Festival will reignite the skies above Redcar.

Entries Needed for Revived Pancake Race

TRADERS and businesses in Northallerton are being encouraged to take up a renewed pancake race challenge. After a 20-year absence, the town's Lewis and Cooper store reinstated the annual Shrove Tuesday pancake race last year.

Villagers Prepare for Plans Inquiry Battle

VILLAGERS are preparing to continue their fight against a proposed retirement village at a public planning inquiry next month. Nigel and Judy Bell, who own cheesemaker Shepherds Purse, had their application to create the 60-acre Thornton Gate project between Thornton-le-Moor and South Otterington, near Thirsk, refused by Hambleton District Council in April last year.

Fat Medicine at Club to Aid Services Charity

AN entertaining night has been organised to raise funds for injured servicemen and women through the Help For Heroes charity. Marske Sports Club has drafted in the support of local band Fat Medicine to ensure the evening has an uplifting beat.

Overnight Ban for Lorries Under Study

ARTICULATED lorries could be banned from driving through Yarm and Eaglescliffe overnight. Residents have raised concerns for years over the high number of lorries rumbling past their homes.

Sixteen Arrests Made in Crackdown

BURGLARS operating in part of the region had a rude awakening yesterday morning when detectives came calling. The raids targeted 26 suspected burglars in connection with offences across the Redcar and Cleveland area.

'Police to Cut 120 Jobs and Control Room'

A POLICE force is proposing to reduce police station opening hours and close one of its two control rooms, union leaders say. The North Yorkshire Police branch of Unison said last night that chiefs were proposing to shut the control centre at Newby Wiske, near Northallerton, with a loss of 120 jobs.

Man Drugged and Raped Victim in Home

A JURY has convicted a supermarket boss of drugging and raping a woman in her home only weeks before he was to get married. Majid Malik - who looked close to tears and shook his head at the verdict - was warned by a judge to expect a lengthy prison sentence.

Council Finds Funding to Delay Plans for Closures

Support groups hope to keep reaching for books in libraries PEOPLE who fear losing library services as part of county council cost-cutting have welcomed a cash injection to give them a stay of execution.

At Your Service - Tiber Tiber

Dismayed at the Church of England's direction, the folk of St James the Great move ever closer to Rome ST James the Great may almost be an understatement. Musically magnificent, liturgically levitating and choreographically coruscating, it is the church that - with the exception of Durham Cathedral - the column has most visited these past 17 years.

[Pounds]4.6m Whitewater Sports Course Nears Completion

A [pounds]4.6M world-class whitewater facility is taking shape as the project nears completion. Work to transform the course at the Tees Barrage, in Stockton, into an internationally recognised venue is expected to be completed by the summer.

Davies Returns to Boro On Loan

FORMER Middlesbrough defender Andrew Davies finally sealed a return to the Riverside Stadium yesterday and hopes to figure in this afternoon's trip to Millwall in the Championship. As suggested earlier this week in The Northern Echo, the graduate of the Rockliffe Park Academy system has completed a loan move from Stoke City until the end of the season.

Bennett Aims to Learn From Alves in Bid for Top

JOE BENNETT has previously turned his hand to netball and regards himself as a decent badminton player, but what the young Middlesbrough defender has in his sights is to become an international full-back. Bennett's style has been likened to that of Gael Clichy and Ashley Cole since bursting on to the scene, albeit with a few years experience and appearances on the Premier League stage to make up.

Hands Off Nile, Warns Pardew

ALAN PARDEW has warned off Nile Ranger's suitors by insisting the Newcastle United striker has a crucial role to play between now and the end of the season. The 19-year-old has not started a game in the Premier League, even though Shola Ameobi has been ruled out through injury since Andy Carroll's departure.