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Concerns over unregulated children’s homes in County Durham

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Concerns over unregulated children's homes in County Durham

Joy Allen, County Durham and Darlington’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), warned that some privately regulated facilities around the region are putting children at risk and impacting police resources. 

The Labour PCC has written to the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, and local MPs to raise concerns about the growing use of accommodation that falls outside the children’s home regulatory framework. 

Speaking at a Police and Crime Panel today (Monday, June 8), the PCC said her concerns were sparked after hearing about the case of a 15-year-old girl who was allegedly abused after being placed in an unregulated setting intended to provide care and protection.

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“What made it even more shocking was that it happened here in County Durham,” she said.

While many of these settings are not required to register with Ofsted because they are intended for short-term placements of up to 28 days, concerns have been raised that some children remain in them for much longer periods. 

PCC Allen added: “County Durham’s relatively low housing costs can make the area attractive to providers commissioned by authorities from elsewhere in the country. Too often, local agencies are not made aware of these arrangements until something goes wrong – and police are called to respond. 

“It’s quite horrific what’s going on. People are sending children from places as far as Wales into our local area, and we are unaware of them until they come to our attention. There are vulnerable children in our communities, not being safeguarded as we want them to be.”

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The intervention follows reports highlighting the scale of unregistered settings operating across England.  

Under current legislation, registered children’s homes are subject to Ofsted inspections, safeguarding requirements, recruitment checks and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) vetting. 

However, PCC Allen said an increasing number of children are being placed in alternative forms of accommodation, often described as “supported accommodation” or arranged through emergency placements, where the same level of oversight may not apply. 

The PCC added that the current regulations had effectively created “a two-tier system” in which some providers operate outside the safeguards required of registered children’s homes while charging local authorities substantial fees for placements. 

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Bridget Philippson, Education Secretary, described such cases as “unspeakable evil” and committed to ending the use of unsafe, unregulated accommodation.

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England’s Ben Stokes & Gus Atkinson investigated over nightclub incident

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England captain Ben Stokes looks on at Lord's

England were criticised for their off-field conduct during the 4-1 defeat in Australia, particularly a boozy mid-series holiday to the coastal town of Noosa.

In the aftermath of the trip to Noosa, a video of Ben Duckett was posted on social media, with the opener appearing to be intoxicated.

Director of cricket Rob Key investigated the time in Noosa, but denied the team had a drinking culture.

At the end of the Ashes series in January, details of the incident involving Brook in October were revealed.

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Brook initially claimed to have been alone at the nightclub in Wellington, only for it to emerge that he was alongside team-mates Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue.

The midnight curfew was first imposed for the limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in January and the T20 World Cup that followed, both when Brook was captain.

It has remained in place for the start of the Test summer, when Stokes, 35, has returned to lead the side.

After the conclusion of England’s win at Lord’s on Sunday, Stokes said: “I’m not going to lie, I’m very, very happy that we’ve won this week. I knew how big this game was in terms of the result and how it was going to be perceived externally if it didn’t go well.

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“I won’t be really happy until I get to share a beer with the boys.”

In 2017, Stokes was involved in an incident outside a Bristol nightclub that resulted in him being charged with affray.

He subsequently missed the Ashes tour of 2017-18 before he was cleared of the charge the following summer.

England are due to name a squad for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval, beginning on 17 June.

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But the result of the investigation could have an impact on the squad, including the possible omission of Stokes and Atkinson.

Atkinson, 28, took seven wickets in the match, including 5-30 in the second innings as England completed a 115-run win.

Stokes, however, suffered a frustrating Test with the bat – scoring 12 in his first innings before a three-ball duck in the second.

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Rafael Leao told only way he can secure dream Arsenal or Man Utd move | Football

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Rafael Leao told only way he can secure dream Arsenal or Man Utd move | Football

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In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

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Met Office issues next heatwave verdict as temperatures set to soar past 30C in days

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Manchester Evening News

The UK could be set to see another heatwave

The Met Office has issued a verdict on when the UK could see its next heatwave, with the weather agency warning that temperatures could reach, or soar past, 30C towards the end of the week.

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Following record-breaking temperatures during late May’s heatwave, the UK has been experiencing a spell of unsettled weather, with rain and showers expected to continue through to Friday (June 12) for most of the country. However we could see a sharp change in the weather as we approach the weekend, as the Met Office forecasts “much warmer” temperatures.

The Met Office has suggested that the weekend could bring temperatures which exceed the seasonal average, which is placed at around 21C for southern England. With the UK expected to see warmer conditions across Saturday (June 13) and Sunday (June 14), forecasters have added that there is potential for the country to see another heatwave.

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Dan Stroud, meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “We’re looking at temperatures climbing into the weekend, particularly on Saturday and Sunday, so feeling much warmer than recent days, with temperatures quite widely above average, especially across the south come Saturday, and even more so on Sunday.”

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Mr Stroud added that current indicators suggest temperatures may hit, or exceed, 30C in some places. He said: “How high the temperatures gets is still open to a fair amount of debate. There is growing signal that temperatures will be heading comfortably into the high 20s, perhaps breaking 30 degrees again.

“There is definitely a chance of temperatures scraping into the above 30 degrees on Sunday, and then more so on Monday. We keep close tabs on it because there is always the potential for hitting heatwave criteria again.”

He continued: “End of this week, high pressure starts to build from the south, with clearing skies and rising temperatures over the continent. It’s just a perfect recipe for temperatures to actually start climbing.”

Temperatures are expected to be highest in the south and across South East England, according to the Met Office. However in the run up to the weekend, conditions are expected to remain unsettled.

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Tuesday (June 9) is set to bring sunny spells and showers for most, with Thursday (June 11) set to be wet and windy for many. From Friday, conditions are expected to turn drier and increasingly settled.

Mr Stroud said: “Thursday is likely the wettest day of the week, with an organised band of rain moving across us. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

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Road rage thug pepper sprays men in van as row over parking space in picturesque village gets out of hand

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Manchester Evening News

Curtis Rogerson, 45, has now been jailed

A driver who pepper sprayed two men after a row over a parking space in a leafy Cheshire village has been jailed. Curtis Rogerson, 45, left his victims with ‘burning’ faces after launching the ‘terrifying’ attack in Lymm last Autumn.

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The men were in a van which had begun reversing into a parking space near Eagle Brow, in the centre of the village, when Rogerson drove his car into it first. One of the men ‘shouted his annoyance’, police said, prompting Rogerson to fly into a rage.

The men were were still the in the van, which had now found another space, when Rogerson pulled his car up alongside them, hitting the driver’s side wing mirror.

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He then sprayed a then unknown substance through the open window into the men’s faces before driving off. “Both men felt burning to their faces and were helped by passers-by” Cheshire Police said.

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The substance was tested and identified as Capsaicinoids, which are typically found in pepper sprays. The two men have thankfully since made a full recovery, the force added.

An investigation was launched and Rogerson’s car was identified before he was traced and arrested.

He pleaded guilty to administering a noxious thing with intent to injure/aggrieve/annoy, possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid/gas, and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was also sentenced for two offences of intimidating a witness, which were committed in Trafford and which police said were unrelated to the Cheshire case.

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Rogerson, of Chaise Meadow, Lymm, was sentenced to three years and four months by a judge at in prison at Chester Crown Court on Thursday (June 4).

In a statement issued following the hearing, Detective Constable Kelsie Sherratt from Cheshire Police said: “Rogerson let a small annoyance over a car parking space spiral out of control, purposefully spraying a substance into the faces of the two victims with the intent of causing them harm.

“The victims were merely sat inside their vehicle, and this must have been terrifying to suddenly be in pain with no knowledge of what they had been sprayed with and if they would be left with any lasting damage.

“Thankfully, both made a full recovery and Rogerson was held accountable for his actions and is now facing time behind bars.”

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Brits have worked out the perfect time for a catch up – and it’s oddly specific

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Brits have worked out the perfect time for a catch up - and it’s oddly specific
People relaxing at The Squeeze It Inn, in Shoreditch, London, a pop-up bar designed to encourage impromptu catch-ups with friends (Picture: Ollie Dixon / Madrí Excepcional)

When it comes to meeting up with friends, many of us feel that life, work and commitments at home get in the way. 

But new research has found that the perfect catchup doesn’t need to be lengthy and can be slotted into the average week. 

The ideal time is 84 minutes – which gives ample opportunity to cover key topics such as family (51%), work updates (45%) and relationships (43%), according to research by beer company Madrí Excepcional.

It’s great news for those who feel getting together is increasingly hard, with just 18% managing a casual drink with mates once a week.

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People place the blame on obstacles such as packed schedules (43%), feeling too tired after work (30%), and travel times (20%).

Despite this, 73% of Brits wish they had more casual catch ups with friends.

Madrí Excepcional is bringing the sunny spirit of Madrid to London with a pop-up micropub outside Boxpark, Shoreditch.

The Squeeze It Inn will serve Spanish-style snacks and complimentary samples of Madrí Excepcional 0.0% and the new lemon-flavoured Madrí Excepcional Limón.

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Anca Secara, marketing controller for the brand, said: “Our research shows nearly three quarters of Brits are craving more casual catch-ups with friends, alongside the big, planned get-togethers. 

“And that feeling only grows in summer, with 67% saying the warmer weather makes them more open to impromptu plans. 

“That’s exactly what inspired The Squeeze It Inn in celebration of the new Madrí Excepcional Limón – a nod to Madrid’s vibrant social scene and a celebration of easy-going summer meet-ups, great conversation, and those simple moments of connection.’”

You can win a four pack of the new beer and an Ultimate Garden Catch-Up Kit by following @Madríexcepcional on Instagram.

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Jail for York man Peter Harris for having phone in prison

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Jail for York man Peter Harris for having phone in prison

Guards at HMP Lindholme near Doncaster found the device when Peter Harris, 45, was detained there on October 9 last year, York Magistrates Court heard.

Harris, of James Street, central York, was also before the court for other offences committed following his release from the prison.

He pleaded guilty to having a forbidden item while in prison, having a bag of cannabis at St Saviourgate in central York and stealing four cans of Martini from the Co-op in Stonebow worth £16, both on May 2, theft of items worth Marks and Spencer in York on May 24, and theft of items worth £151.85 from a Spar shop in York on May 31.

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He was jailed for six weeks and ordered to pay £151.85 compensation to the Spar shop, £16 to the C-op and a £154 statutory surcharge.

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Two seagulls shot near Muston Road and Reynolds Street

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Two seagulls shot near Muston Road and Reynolds Street

North Yorkshire Police have responded to the “distressing” incidents, which happened on Wednesday (June 3) in Filey.  

One bird, police confirmed, was found near to Muston Road and the other near Reynolds Street.

A force spokesperson said: “We’re appealing for information about these distressing incidents, as we believe that someone may have seen or heard something that could assist our enquiries.

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“You can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

“Please quote reference 12260102718 when passing on information.”

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Lorry driver sentenced, again, after A19 crash victim’s death

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Lorry driver sentenced, again, after A19 crash victim's death

Kevin Hubbard was driving a heavy goods vehicle on the A19 southbound near Sunderland when he collided with a Ford Transit van, on November 5, 2014.

Keith Jameson was attempting to open the bonnet of the van in the nearside lane after it had broken down, when he was struck by the lorry.

The emergency services attended the scene and found Mr Jameson suffering serious injuries, before rushing him to hospital in a bid to save him.

Lorry driver sentenced for second time at Newcastle Crown Court following death of collision victim almost a decade after the incident (Image: The Northern Echo)

A further vehicle was also damaged in the incident, but the driver was not badly injured.

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Mr Jameson survived the crash but suffered life-changing injuries after being diagnosed with quadriplegia, leaving him paralysed in all four limbs.

After nearly ten years of receiving around the clock care, he died as a result of his condition at the age of 71, on April 16, 2024.

Members of Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit re-opened the case following his death, leading to Hubbard being charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

The now 67-year-old defendant, of Lichfield Road in Sunderland, admitted causing Mr Jameson’s death by dangerous driving at Newcastle Crown Court in December 2025.

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He appeared before the same court today (Monday June 8) when Judge Tim Gittins sentenced him to an additional 20 months in prison, following his original 24-month custodial sentence when he was initially convicted after trial, in February 2016.

In a victim impact statement read out at the hearing, Keith’s family shared their pain after watching him suffer for more than a decade before his death.

Sergeant Russell Surrey, who led the investigation in the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “First and foremost, I would like to express my sheer admiration for Keith and his family, who have undeniably suffered for such a long time following the collision.

Read next … more court stories from The Northern Echo, by clicking here

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“Had Hubbard been driving his vehicle in the way that was expected of him in 2014, Keith would have gone on to live a full and normal life with his loved ones.

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“When we became aware that Keith had tragically died as a result of his injuries, we immediately re-opened the investigation in a bid to secure further justice in his name.

“Unfortunately, no outcome can undo the suffering Keith endured in his final years, or the unimaginable pain experienced by his family and loved ones.”

 

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Donald Trump set to be 1st sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game

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Donald Trump set to be 1st sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is set to be the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game, bringing strict security measures that will require New York Knicks fans to navigate an extensive safety perimeter around Madison Square Garden and an expected lengthy wait to get inside the building.

The security for Game 3 between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs and the scene around the arena more closely resembled New Year’s Eve in Times Square, and for fans, it might seem more akin to a trip to the airport. They were asked to get to the game two hours early and will be required to provide a ticket to get past various checkpoints along with passing through a TSA-style magnetometer.

Trump’s appearance led the New York Police Department and Secret Service to establish a multi-block security perimeter around the arena, cancel a watch party outside and institute a no-bag policy for ticket-holders. Fans had gathered around the Garden to watch games during this playoff run, during which the Knicks have won 13 games in a row to reach the final for the first time since 1999 and move two victories from their first NBA title since 1973.

“The NYPD in coordination with the Secret Service made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference Monday. “We are looking forward to bringing back watch parties for Game 4. But I think New Yorkers are used to presidents coming to town, and they understand that that generally means lockdowns of areas and that’s what you’re going to see tonight at the Garden.”

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Trump has attended several major sporting events in his time as president, and the security measures have created major hassles for fans.

Thousands of fans missed the start of last year’s U.S. Open men’s singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner because of lengthy security lines. Even though the U.S. Tennis Association pushed back the start of the match by a half-hour, many fans still couldn’t get in because added measures meant that they had to go through screening not only when they arrived at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center but again in front of the steps into Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Trump watched from a suite.

Asked his thoughts on Trump attending, Knicks center Mitchell Robinson said: “Cool, I guess. We can still get out there and play (no matter) who’s here and who’s not.”

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other dignitaries are also expected to be at the game Monday night.

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It was already hard enough for Knicks fans to get inside Madison Square Garden because of astronomical ticket prices. The get-in price for a ticket is higher than the average cost of monthly rent in New York, surging over $6,000. The best seats are tens of thousands of dollars. Mamdani said he bought his ticket for about $1,000 directly from Madison Square Garden.

The difficulty of seeing the game in-person has prompted fans to crowd bars, streets and watch parties all over the city. The watch party near the Garden has become a major event all through the playoffs, but with Trump attending, that event will be moved a few blocks away outside the security perimeter, at Bryant Park.

“We improvise,” said Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, who is a New York native. “We’re New Yorkers. We’re going to find a way to watch a game, and that’s what we’re doing.”

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AP Sports Writer Brian Mahoney contributed to this report.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

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Plymouth Live: Cordons in place after ‘explosive device’ found near busy road

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Daily Mirror

Plymouth was one of the most heavily bombed British cities during World War Two.

More than 50 bombing raids were carried out on the city between 1941 and 1944, killing about 1,178 civilians.

Official records estimate that at least 2,820 bombs were dropped on Plymouth, with about 10 per cent failing to detonate, leaving unexploded ordnance scattered across the area.

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