Jack Patrick Tuttle, 30, of Oak Green, Brandon, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on May 25.

Tuttle pleaded guilty to driving a Nissan Juke with more than 800 Benzoylecgonine in his blood on November 13, 2025, exceeding the legal limit.

Tuttle also admitted driving without a valid licence and using the vehicle without third-party insurance on the same date and location.

The court took his guilty pleas into account.

For the drug drive offence, Tuttle received a 17-month driving ban and a £200 fine.

He must also pay £85 in prosecution costs and an £80 surcharge, with deductions to be made from his benefits.

No separate penalties were imposed for the licence and insurance offences.

The proposal for the Greencroft Estate in Lanchester faces several objections from residents, who are concerned about its impact on the local landscape. 

Planning documents submitted to Durham County Council state how the new complex would be built around a central ‘hub’ facility next to the site of the former Greencroft Hall.  

A shop, spa facility, swimming pool, fitness studios, and picnic huts are all proposed.

(Image: True North)

The proposed 140 lodges would be located within separate ‘lodge zones’ around the site and are part of the wider plans for Greencroft Forest Park – a new development for Lanchester Valley and wider County Durham, extending to over 290 hectares. 

True North, the applicant, said more than 160 jobs would be created during the construction phase, leading to 44 permanent roles. If approved, the site would generate up to £2.1 million for the local tourist economy.

A planning statement read: “As a locally led initiative, the wider True North team is committed to delivering a lasting and positive legacy, creating a place that the community can value and take pride in, while enhancing wellbeing and opening up this historic estate to celebrate its heritage. 

“The proposals have been carefully shaped to respect the character and history of the former estate. They will retain and integrate remaining heritage features, enhance existing woodland, and open up access for local communities, while also delivering meaningful ecological improvements.”

But the application has been opposed by 27 objections, raising concerns over flooding, tourism development needs, and transport sustainability. 

Luke Akehurst, MP for North Durham, said: “The proposals would cause significant damage to the character, identity and heritage of the area.”

And recommending the proposal be refused, the local authority’s planning department said: “Whilst the principle of development has the potential to be acceptable, the development as presented would result in moderate to substantial landscape harm.”

Durham County Council’s planning committee will consider the application on Tuesday (June 2).

The entertainment and hospitality destinations in Newcastle, St James’, Seaburn, and Middlesbrough will show screenings of the big games of the World Cup.

With international street food, themed cocktails, and interactive events, Stack is aiming to offer the ultimate World Cup experience.

Mary O’Shea, operations manager at STACK, said: “The World Cup is one of this summer’s most eagerly anticipated events and we wanted to make sure that Stack is at the heart of it.

“Everyone knows our venues as the perfect place to watch sporting events, not only because of the giant HD screens but because of the incredible atmosphere.

“That will certainly be the case when the World Cup takes place and we have lots of other exciting plans up our sleeves which will make it the perfect spot to enjoy all of the sporting action.”

Festivities begin with the opening ceremony and first match on Thursdy, June 11, when Mexico faces South Africa.

Fans will be able to catch the action on big screens while sampling the venues’ diverse international food offerings.

A limited-edition cocktail menu inspired by competing nations will be available, with a twist – once a team is eliminated from the tournament, its namesake cocktail will also be removed from the menu.

The menu will narrow down to just the finalists as the games progress.

Stack is also running an interactive football quiz at all sites, challenging guests to identify the flags of all 48 competing nations.

Every participant will receive a free drinks voucher valid through July and August, and the overall winner will earn a £200 Stack gift card.

Additional plans include live DJs and entertainment during all England matches.

Group bookings for tables and benches are available for parties of eight or more at selected venues.

Stack is also offering corporate packages and private hire options for businesses wanting a more exclusive viewing experience.

Matches will be shown throughout the tournament, including England’s group games on June 17, 23, and 27, all the way through to the final on July 19.

Fans are encouraged to check the Stack website for venue-specific details and to secure a spot for what is expected to be a lively summer of football.

More information is available at stackleisure.com.

Christopher Higgins faced a range of allegations at a misconduct hearing earlier this month

A Northern Irish mental health nurse has been struck off after being found to have sent a naked picture of himself in a bubble bath to a colleague and performed a sex act at work with another.

Christopher Higgins, who was a band 6 mental health nurse at Craigavon Area Hospital, was struck off following a Nursing and Midwifery Council Fitness to Practice hearing – during which he faced a number of allegations arising from incidents that took place between mid-2016 and March 2023.

The hearing, which took place between Tuesday, May 5, and Thursday, May 21, was held in Mr Higgins’ absence, as he had not engaged with the NMC regarding it. He faced 11 charges at the hearing, with it finding that six of these were proven.

Mr Higgins was found to have sent an explicit photograph of himself to a colleague, which showed him in a bubble bath holding a glass of wine, with the bubbles being moved in order to show his penis. He later told investigators that he had “no memory” of this, and his actions were influenced by alcohol.

In another incident that was found to be proven, Mr Higgins and a colleague engaged in oral sex in his office and later went on to message the colleague saying that he was “falling in love” and/ or “in a hopeless marriage”. The colleague told the hearing that these messages were unwanted and inappropriate.

They also said the incident involving the sex act in his office left them feeling “disgusted and completely ashamed” and that they did not believe it to be consensual. They said they did not report the incident as the colleague “did not want her mother to know about it”. However, the hearing did not find an allegation of a non-consensual sex act to be proven.

When asked about this incident by investigators, Mr Higgins said there was “no truth in the rumour”, but later said the incident did actually happen.

Other charges, which were found to be proven against the mental health nurse, were incidents where he had made sexual innuendos towards members of staff at the Southern Trust.

Mr Higgins was struck off following the hearing, and pending an appeal, with the panel finding “that Mr Higgins’ actions were significant departures from the standards expected of a registered nurse and are fundamentally incompatible with him remaining on the register.

The panel was of the view that the findings in this particular case demonstrate that Mr Higgins’ actions were serious and to allow him to continue practising would not protect the public and would undermine public confidence in the profession and in the NMC as a regulatory body.”

A Trust spokesperson said: “The Trust participated fully in this Nursing and Midwifery Council Fitness to Practise Hearing regarding serious breaches of professional standards by a former employee. We will carefully review the NMC written findings. There is no evidence that patient safety was directly affected.

“We are committed to ensuring that any allegations relating to our staff are fully investigated and appropriate disciplinary action is always taken in line with robust governance processes.

There are clear standards of behaviour required of registered nurses and serious breaches of professional standards must be identified and stopped as a priority.

“We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct and to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for both patients and staff.’”

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“It has been a long time waiting for Scotland to reach another World Cup. I wish he was here to see it.”

An Army veteran has turned his heartbreak into a rolling tribute to the Scotland team ahead of the World Cup.

Colin Carroll, from Cranhill in Glasgow, has decked out his beloved Mini Cooper in Saltires and tartan as the country gears up for their first World Cup since 1998. The motor belonged to his late partner Robert Paterson who passed away while the couple were on holiday in Benidorm on December 30, 2019.

The tartan-clad motor is Colin’s way of keeping Robert’s memory alive while paying tribute to the national squad.

Colin said: “Robert was a massive fan of Scotland. It was one of the many things we bonded over.

“It has been a long time waiting for Scotland to reach another World Cup. I wish he was here to see it. The place is absolutely buzzing already for the tournament.”

The former Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders soldier revealed the Mini had been Robert’s favourite car and after his death he struggled to even look at it.

He said: “My partner loved the car, it was his favourite. After he died while on holiday in Benidorm, I was going to sell it. It reminded me too much of Robert and who I had lost.

“It had too much sentimental value for me though that’s the reason why I wanted to customise it – out of respect for Robert, Scotland and to put a smile on everyone’s face who we pass by.”

In a cruel blow, Colin was diagnosed with cancer just three months after losing Robert. But after a five-year battle, he received the all clear on April 13 last month.

He said: “Bereavement took so much out of me and will never go away but it, alongside my cancer diagnosis, has given me a new outlook on life.

“It’s made me realise how special and precious life is and we must grasp it. It has inspired me to live life to the fullest.

“You can only live in the moment. I live everyday by the motto – Yesterday is history and tomorrow is a mystery.”

Colin and his Scotland themed mini has become a social media sensation too. He has been documenting his journey customising it on TikTok and YouTube after years of unimaginable pain.

He added: “It’s been hard dealing with life since Robert’s death but starting my TikTok and YouTube channel has helped give me peace mentally.

“The reaction so far has been amazing. A Glasgow tour bus even drove by and all the tourists got off and took photos with it. It was unreal.”

“I now want to bring a smile to the faces of everyone who helped me get through all of this hardship and support my country at the World Cup.”

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“There’s one thing that’s nagging at me, though – he’s a widower and has two teenage kids living at home with him.”

Dear Coleen

I’m a woman aged 41 and have been divorced for a few years. I’ve had the odd date since my marriage ended but nothing to write home about and none of them developed into an actual relationship.

However, I’ve seen this guy a couple of times recently who I’ve really clicked with. He’s the brother of a friend and she introduced us, as she thought we’d get on. He’s the first man I’ve thought could be a potential partner – he’s so easy to talk to and has a wonderful sense of humour.

There’s one thing that’s nagging at me, though – he’s a widower and has two teenage kids living at home with him. I’m not a parent, so I don’t know what to think about this, as I know his children will always be part of the picture. It’s not that I’m anti-kids or anything but I realise it makes things a bit more complicated.

I haven’t met them yet but my friend says they’re great kids and they’ve obviously been through a lot. My ex and I made the decision not to have children and now I’ve met a guy I really like who has two of them. Am I overthinking this?

Coleen says

Well, you’re thinking too far ahead and pre-empting problems that don’t exist. You might get along extremely well with his kids and if that’s the case, then it’s happy days.

Look, you don’t have to parent these kids – they’re not toddlers and they’re not looking for a replacement mum. In my experience, teenagers are in and out of the house all the time, developing their independence. I think the way to go is to take it slowly and see how this relationship develops. You can always use your place as a base to get some privacy and get to know each other better.

Yes, blending families isn’t straightforward and it takes time but I don’t think you’re quite at that stage yet. I also think this scenario is less of a problem that if you’d met someone who wants kids when you don’t.

I’m a single woman with grown-up kids and they’d be happy for me to meet someone. But if I met a man who felt my kids were an issue, I wouldn’t be with him. You can’t ever make someone choose between you and their kids because they’ll choose their kids every time.

If you fall in love, you’ll find your way around it, so my advice is to stop overthinking it and enjoy it for what it is right now. You might get to your fourth date and realise you don’t fancy him. Good luck.

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El Temach’s earnings from content, including these shows, is sizeable. According to our analysis, from April 2025-26 El Temach made an estimated $1.5m (£1.1m) from social media views alone. He also made $200,000-300,000 (£149,000-£223,211) from YouTube “Super Chats” – in which fans pay to boost the prominence of their comments during livestreams, often asking for relationship advice – as well as $800 (£595) per person for small-group workshops. This is in addition to the money he made from merchandise and his regular stage shows.

Emergency services were called to Ribchester at just after 2pm yesterday (Tuesday, May 26) to a report of a concern for safety after a boy had gone into the river at Ribchester and had got into difficulty while swimming with friends.

A large-scale search involving officers from Lancashire Police’s underwater search unit and the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service was launched, with North West Ambulance Service providing support.

Tragically, a body was recovered from the river around 7.50pm.

The boy was named locally as Junior Slater earlier today, a 12-year-old, and Lancashire Police have now confirmed he is from Clayton-le-Woods.

In a tribute, his family said:” Our little blue-eyed boy. He will be truly missed.

“He was the life and soul of our lives. Words can’t describe how we are feeling right now.

“We will forever love you Junior.”

Junior’s family continue to be supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

The family have asked for privacy at this time.

The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be passed in due course to HM Coroner.

His death was one of at least eight drownings which occurred across the bank holiday weekend, as the UK saw record temperatures for May, with six of these being children.

It comes as at least seven young people and two adults died in recent days

A major search operation has been launched for a young man thought to have vanished after entering a lake in Kent on Wednesday (May 27). Police raced to the scene just before 3pm following concerns for a person in the Swanscombe area.

It is believed a young man may have vanished after entering the water, according to Metro. Images shared online showed a large emergency services response, with two small rescue dinghies seen on the water.

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “Kent Police was called at around 2.51pm on Wednesday 27 May 2026 due to concerns for a person in the Galley Hill Road area of Swanscombe. Officers are currently at the scene along with other emergency services.”

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The search operation is understood to involve Kent Police, volunteers from Kent Search and Rescue, team from South East Coast Ambulance Service and specialist water rescue teams.

It comes as at least seven young people and two adults, including a 12-year-old in Lancashire, tragically died water related incidents amid the soaring UK temperatures in recent days.

Junior Slater was the latest youngster to be identified after his body was recovered after being swept away in the River Ribble, Lancashire, on Tuesday (May 26).

In a tribute to the 12-year-old his family said: “Our little blue-eyed boy. He will be truly missed. He was the life and soul of our lives. Words can’t describe how we are feeling right now. We will forever love you Junior.”

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Also on Wednesday (May 27), police in Cheshire confirmed the body of a teenage boy, aged 17, was pulled from the water following a huge search operation at Pickmere Lake in Knutsford overnight.

Professor Mike Tipton, chair of the National Water Safety Forum, told the Mirror that deaths from drowning are an ‘enormous problem’ which disproportionately affects younger people, particularly those under 40.

“People look to cool off by going into the water,” he said. “The problem is the air temperature shoots up very quickly. It’s very easy to heat air, but the water temperature takes much longer. In fact, it doesn’t reach its peak until about September.

“So we’ve got people now who are getting very hot and charging into water that’s still around winter temperatures. So it’s about 13C, and in those temperatures you get very significant physiological responses, particularly the cold shock response, which is a gasp and uncontrollable hyperventilation, which is often a precursor to drowning. About 60 per cent of those that die going into cold water do so in the first minute or so of immersion.”