Reece Wood was found guilty of the offence, which was said to have been committed in County Durham, in 2022, on the sixth day of the hearing, on Monday (February 9).

The 30-year-old defendant of Galt Street, Thornley, County Durham, denied the charge at a plea hearing in April 2024.

His original trial took place at the court in October 2024, but the jury failed to reach a verdict and was discharged.

Defendant Reece Wood was convicted of rape after a retrial at Durham Crown Court ended on Monday (February 9) (Image: The Northern Echo)

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Weeks later, the Crown confirmed it would be seeking a re-trial, with the start date agreed for February 2 this year.

Following Monday’s guilty verdict, the trial judge, Judge Richard Bennett, adjourned the sentencing hearing for five weeks to allow for preparation of a background Probation Service report on the defendant.

Judge Bennett remanded Wood in custody to appear at the sentencing hearing at Teesside Crown Court, where he will then be sitting, on Monday March 16.

Fans will be eager to know where Netflix’s must-watch comedy crime drama How to Get to Heaven From Belfast was actually filmed

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How to Get to Heaven From Belfast is the latest project from acclaimed Derry Girls writer Lisa McGee, and it’s hitting Netflix this week.

All eight episodes will be dropping on Thursday, 12th February, treating subscribers to an unmissable binge-watch packed with thrills, conspiracy and comedy.

Roisin Gallagher, Sinéad Keenan, and Caoilfhionn Dunne lead the cast as Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara, a trio of old friends who reunite in their 30s to investigate the strange death of the fourth member of their group.

When they begin to suspect something more sinister is afoot, they embark on a reckless investigation across Northern Ireland to discover the truth.

Showcasing stunning landscapes and picturesque Irish towns, let’s take a closer look at the real locations where the new series was filmed.

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Where was How to Get to Heaven From Belfast filmed?

Belfast locals will be thrilled to learn that the series was indeed filmed in the Northern Ireland capital and surrounding areas.

Shooting began back in July 2024 and wrapped up later that same year. Photography took place primarily in Belfast and Northern Ireland, though some scenes also take place in London.

Some of the most pivotal sequences were shot in County Antrim, in the province of Ulster. This included key scenes in the Harbourview Hotel, formerly the Londonderry Arms, in the village of Carnlough, which was transformed into the fictional Knockdara Hotel. The town of Donegal was also used in place of the fictional village explored in the series.

Filming also took place in Dublin, including at Christ Church Cathedral in Wood Quay.

Speaking exclusively to Reach, creator McGee admitted: “I’m going to sound so grumpy, I hate location [shooting]. I know it looks beautiful, but it’s freezing!

“I’m really glad we did it, but I’m going to write a studio sitcom after this, with a coffee machine and a nice chair.

“Now, I’m really glad we did it. It’s a stunning country and it changes so much. We can go an hour down the road and the landscape’s completely different. It’s just gorgeous.

“I like all the scenes in Donegal, I like the twisty-turny roads. I had this thing in my head that the journey should represent the story. You’re going down all these little paths, so that was quite cool.”

And actress Caoilfhionn Dunne was thrilled to represent the full glory of Northern Ireland on Netflix, bringing its most beautiful locations to a wider audience.

“It’s important to acknowledge the past because it’s a huge part of what has made Northern Ireland the Northern Ireland it is today,” she explained.

“But, I think with this new wave of stuff that’s happening more, Lisa does it specifically a lot with her comedy, the Troubles aren’t the central focus. This is part of who the people are, but it is not all that they are.

“And they’re such wonderful people in Belfast, you want to do right by them because they deserve the world and they’ve been c****ed on and s*** on by so many people over the years, so you just want people to look at it and go, ‘God, that looks like a cracker place. And those people seem like the best fun’.

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“We really wanted to showcase the best of it because that’s what’s deserved.”

Parts of the series were also filmed in Majorca, Spain, though viewers will have to tune in to find out why Saoirse, Robyn and Dara’s investigation leads them there.

How to Get to Heaven From Belfast releases Thursday, 12th February on Netflix.

At least nine victims have been killed after a school shooting in a British Columbia town in Canada.

The shooting in Tumbler Ridge, a small town with a population of just 2400, is one of the deadliest mass casualty events in Canada’s recent history.

Here’s what we know so far.

Suspect among people killed

Police say they received a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which has around 175 students, at 1.20pm on Tuesday (8.20pm UK time).

When officers entered and searched the school, they found multiple victims dead.

An individual believed to be the gunman was also found dead with what appeared to be a self‑inflicted injury.

At least six victims died at the school, while another died while being transported to a hospital.

Follow shooting aftermath updates live

Another two victims were found dead in a nearby residence, believed to be in connection with the incident.

Overnight, police said approximately 25 others were being assessed for non‑life‑threatening injuries.

What do we know about the shooter?

Police superintendent Ken Floyd has told reporters that investigators had identified the suspect – but would not release a name.

A public alert sent to phones described the shooter as “a female in a dress with brown hair”.

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At least ten killed in school shooting

Mr Floyd said the suspect’s motive remained unclear and that authorities are “not in a place to understand why or what may have motivated this tragedy”.

He added that police were still investigating how the victims were connected to the shooter.

Children ‘barricaded themselves’ as parents waited for news

Children who were at the school at the time were frantically trying to barricade themselves in their classrooms as the attack unfolded, according to local reports.

Citing the reports, Sky News’ international correspondent John Sparks said: “They were putting desks and chairs up against the doors, trying to keep the shooter out of their classroom.”

There were also “desperate scenes” in the town of Tumbler Ridge during the attack, Sparks added.

“Parents were shepherded to a local hall to await news of whether their children were affected by this.

“In a tight-knit community like this, it’s very difficult for the people who live there.”

‘I probably know every victim’

Canadians in the small town, located more than 600 miles north of Vancouver, near the border with Alberta, are grieving after the tragedy.

Darryl Krakowka, mayor of Tumbler Ridge, told reporters: “I broke down. It’s devastating.”

He described the town’s small community as a “big family” and added: “I have lived here for 18 years. I probably know every one of the victims.”

Canadian prime minister Mark Carney offered his “prayers and deepest condolences” to the families and friends of the victims after the “horrific” attack.

“I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens,” he said in a statement.

“Our ability to come together in crisis is the best of our country – our empathy, our unity, and our compassion for each other.”

The premier of British Columbia, David Eby, added: “Our hearts are in Tumbler Ridge tonight with the families of those who have lost loved ones.

“Government will ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days, as we all try to come to terms with this unimaginable tragedy.”

The school has said it will be closed for the rest of the week.

What are the gun laws in Canada?

While its neighbour has some of the most relaxed firearms legislation in the world, Canadian laws are much stricter.

Anyone wanting to possess a firearm in Canada needs to obtain a possession and acquisition licence (PAL).

Some types of firearm – such as handguns – need a restricted possession and acquisition licence (RPAL), which is issued by police.

In 2022, the government introduced a freeze on the importing, buying or selling of handguns.

A previous mass shooting in Nova Scotia in April 2020, in which an attacker killed 22 people, prompted the government to announce an immediate ban on the sale and use of assault-style weapons.

Justin Trudeau, then the prime minister, announced the ban of more than 1,500 models and variants of assault-style firearms, including two guns used by the 2020 gunman as well as the AR-15 and other weapons that have been used in a number of mass shootings in the US.

But almost six years later, possession of such firearms is not illegal – yet.

A compensation programme in which gun owners register their interest in turning in these firearms in exchange for cash runs until the end of March this year.

Owners have until the end of October to hand over any banned assault weapons.

After this, anyone in possession “will be breaking the law and could face criminal prosecution”, government briefing documents say.

It’s not yet been made public what type of firearm or firearms were used in the most recent attack.

Almost 600 people have backed the petition on Charge.org which was started by the Labour councillors for York’s Guildhall ward, Dave Merrett, Rachel Melly and Tony Clarke.

It states: “We call upon the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the City of York Council to work together to urgently undertake measures to address the serious and regular congestion and queuing back from the hospital car park into Wigginton road.

Petition calls for action to cut York Hospital congestion.

“The congestion is badly affecting both nearby junctions and roads beyond, and causes major delays to local bus services 1, 5 and 6 and other traffic. Journeys, including those to the hospital, are unreliable, time consuming and stressful.

“Residents who live near the hospital are badly affected too – the congestion increases local air and noise pollution and access difficulties.”

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Among the online signatories is Peter, York who lent his support to calls for action, saying: “The congestion in this area is significantly impacting surrounding junctions and neighbouring roads, causing serious delays to local bus services 1, 5 and 6, as well as other traffic. Journeys, including essential trips to the hospital, have become unreliable, lengthy and stressful.

“Residents living near the hospital are also suffering, with increased air and noise pollution and ongoing access difficulties affecting daily life.”

Meanwhile, Nicholas, York wrote: “Traffic is horrendous most days. You can be stuck in a queue for 20 to 30 minutes and it’s all cars waiting to get into the hospital car park.”

Press readers have raised their concerns over the congestion and delays round York Hospital on numerous occasions by voicing their views in letters to the Letters Page and in comments on our website.

One reader who lives in Huby wrote: “How much longer is City of York Council going to allow the appalling daily morning traffic congestion in Wigginton Road to continue?

“It is almost impossible for patients from north of the city to access hospital appointments in timely fashion, nor can York Bus have any hope of maintaining the schedule for the no. 40 route.

“A simple modification to the road at the hospital entrance to allow through traffic to continue would solve most of the problem.”

Another Press reader said:”The multi-storey car park contributes to the problem, when the car park barrier is not letting vehicles in. But we have to appreciate the people using the car park are old or new to using the car park. It’s so small and tight for people to use. This causes the traffic to back up on to Wiggington Road. It was built far too small in the beginning.

“As I’ve mentioned before if the station goes ahead in Haxby build the car park twice as big as any survey suggests, and make the spaces extra large so people can use them quickly and safely.”

Another reader suggested a ‘simple solution – re-open Vyner street, Fountayne Street, Lowther street and Penley Grove Street’.

Another commentator said there needed to be a dedicated turning into and out of the hospital.

“Get rid of the mini roundabout and create a junction with traffic lights and dedicated lanes for cars in and out of the hospital and pedestrians in and out of the hospital. Then phase the lights based on actual data.. that will maximise traffic and pedestrians in and out of the hospital. The problem is partly to do with insufficient hospital parking spaces – BUT it is also due to the stupid road layout and lane width restriction on Wigginton Road, when approaching the hospital entrance mini roundabout heading into town.”

The Press has approached City of York Council and York Hospitals NHS Trust for a response and will include them when we receive them.

The two victims, aged 12 and 13, remain in a serious condition in hospital with one being stabbed in the neck and the other in the midriff

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Terrified children at a school creamed “mummy” and banged on the windows after two pupils were stabbed, according to locals.

Emergency services rushed to Kingsbury High School in Brent, north west London, following reports of a 13-year-old pupil allegedly stabbing his classmates. The teenager then fled the scene on Tuesday, February 10.

He was later arrested by police and now counter-terrorism police have now taken over the investigation. Two victims, aged 12 and 13 are in a serious condition in hospital, reported the Mirror.

It is thought that one child was stabbed in the neck and the other in the midriff around 12:40 pm. Many witnesses recalled harrowing scenes following the stabbing which included pupils banging on the windows for help.

They began desperately knocking on the glass after the 13-year-old alleged attacker came into a classroom with a weapon. Witness Maeve O’Callaghan-Harrington said children could be heard crying when they left school.

“I walked outside and heard one boy saying, ‘Mummy, Mummy’,” she told MailOnline.

Officers located the weapon that they believed had been used in the stabbing and later the suspect was arrested. Police said they are investigating possible motives for the attack.

Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said in a statement: “At this very early stage, we are keeping an open mind as to any motivation behind this attack. However, due to the surrounding circumstances, the investigation is now being led by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London, who are working closely with our local officers in response to this incident.

“This has not currently been declared a terrorist incident and the investigation team will now be working at pace to gather any evidence and to establish the full circumstances of what has happened as quickly as possible.

“I absolutely recognise that this incident will cause considerable concern – especially among our local community, students and parents of the school. I hope the news that we’ve arrested and detained the suspect will provide some reassurance, but our officers will remain in the area to offer support and answer any questions.”

The suspect is in custody and is now being questioned by officers. The Met Police said it is a “fast-moving” investigation and that officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the stabbing.

Detective Chief Superintendent Williams said officers were alerted at 12:40pm following a report a teen had been stabbed. Armed and local officers were on the scene within 13 minutes of the 999 call.

“Israel is concerned that in the haste to get a deal with Iran, the president might embrace a deal that doesn’t address Iran’s missile programme or support for proxy groups, or that allows it to have some remnant of its nuclear programme,” said Daniel Byman, a professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

Our Yorkshire Farm star Clive Owen celebrated his 70th birthday on Our Farm Next Door and opened up about his hopes for his children to take over Ravenseat Farm

Our Yorkshire Farm star Clive Owen contemplated his future during Monday evening’s Our Farm Next Door as the farmer marked his 70th birthday.

Near the conclusion of the programme, Clive was presented with birthday gifts from his daughters and former wife, Amanda Owen, as they celebrated his special day.

He said, “Well, it was lovely for the girls to give me the sheep horns for my birthday. I’m using them for paperweights. Everyone needs a paperweight. And thank you for the coat, because I’ve been saying lately, I need a coat, haven’t I?”

Addressing the camera about his appreciation, the farmer continued, “I’m very, very fortunate to still be well and still be doing things. Life has been great.

“I definitely feel privileged to have led the life, absolutely. It’s such a strange thing, isn’t it, to come out of a mining village in South Yorkshire and to end up here,” reports the Express.

Clive remarked, “The journey has been quite remarkable. I loved it, and always have. The most important thing in all of this is the kids. It would be lovely to think that some of the children would take over and farm here at Ravenseat. And it would be lovely if my great-grandchildren are here in 100 years, wouldn’t it? But whether they will, who knows?”

This isn’t the first occasion Clive has discussed his children inheriting the farm from him.

“I am almost 70 now, so I have got to think about what comes next,” Clive revealed in an earlier episode of Our Farm Next Door. “It is something the family are discussing at the moment to see where the future lies for everyone It is nice for me to pass on my shears.”

He further stated, “What the future holds, you can never quite be sure. It is something the family are discussing at the moment to see where the future lies for everyone.”

Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids is available to watch on My4.

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**

An American man now living in the UK has shared five “lies” he’s discovered many Americans incorrectly believe about our country, and he’s keen to set the record straight

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An American man living in the UK has shared five “lies” Americans believe about life in the UK. Despite both nations speaking the same language, there’s a wealth of differences in our cultures and the way we live.

Misconceptions and assumptions can be common and, before long, become widely believed as though they’re fact but Zach Lincoln, a man from the US who now splits his time between the UK and Spain, is keen to dispel some of the inaccuracies. In a video shared on Instagram, Zach began: “Here are five lies that Americans believe about the UK. Disclaimer – America’s huge, not everybody believes these, but they’re common.”

1. Our food is terrible

Kicking off his list, Zach started with a widespread American misconception about the food in the UK being bad. He said: “Number one, and the most important probably, is that the food sucks.

“This is bad information just because obviously a country of this size, of this amount of diversity, has so many different cultures influencing its food scene, like how could it possibly suck?

“People think of this World War II ration-level food scarcity thing, and that’s just so not where this first world country is. Visit, eat, enjoy.”

2. We only drink tea

Tea is arguably the most famous drink in the UK and a quintessential part of British culture but it’s certainly not all that’s drunk here.

Zach said: “Number two, they only drink tea. I mean, obviously, people do drink a lot of tea. I love tea, I drink a lot of tea while here but there is a huge coffee community.

“I would say I see probably more coffee for sale, like, out in the wild than I do tea – but I also don’t really trust other people to make me tea unless I’m, like, watching them brew it in a kettle at their house.”

3. We have bad teeth

A Hollywood smile is instantly recognisable, with many film stars and celebrities brandishing bright white grins and impeccably straight teeth.

In the UK, teeth whitening is less common than in the US – though it is catching on – and this may have contributed to our reputation for less than stellar dental hygiene and care.

Zach said: “Number three, people in the UK have bad teeth. There are people everywhere with bad teeth. I remember this joke popping up a lot when I said we were going to the UK and people would be like, ‘oh, just, you know, don’t get too close to their bad breath in their mouth.’

“And I’m like, what the f**k does that even mean? I don’t know where the origin of this bad joke is from but it’s like, not true.”

WARNING: Some strong language, viewer discretion is advised

4. We all sound the same

Across the UK, there are countless accents and variants on those accents but many Americans believe we all speak the Queen’s English and have identical accents across the board.

Zach explained: “Number four is that everybody uses the Queen’s English. This is an interesting one because I think there’s this, like, understanding of maybe England that it’s Mary Poppins-esque.

“But one thing I’ve realised since being here is that you will hear 28 different dialects of English within a small amount of space. It is so varied. Some are more hospitable than others.”

5. We all know the Royal Family personally

Zach’s final entry focused on a common misconception among some Americans that all British people personally know members of the Royal Family.

Zach said: “And the last one is my favourite by far because this one has come up so many times in my comments from people talking – like, you know, Brits that have gone abroad to the United States but not everybody knows the royal family personally.

“People don’t just know the royal family but I’ve heard a lot of people say, you know, ‘when I visited my friends in Texas, their friends asked me if I knew X, Y, Z,’ and you’re like, ‘that’s not how that works’.”

Spurs were loudly booed after defeat at home by Newcastle and fellow strugglers West Ham in the past few weeks.

Frank was also taunted by his own fans with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” during the loss to West Ham and the 2-2 draw at Burnley that followed.

After being booed off at half-time while 2-0 down to Manchester City, Frank’s side responded to draw 2-2 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Captain Cristian Romero was critical of Tottenham‘s board after that result, calling it “disgraceful” that the club only had 11 fit senior players available against City.

The Argentine then received a straight red card – his second of the season – against Manchester United on 7 February, who went on to win 2-0.

Spurs won five, drew two and lost just one of their eight Champions League group stage matches – that defeat coming away to holders Paris St-Germain.

However, their Premier League form has been largely poor since November, including a damaging 4-1 defeat by north London rivals Arsenal and a woeful 3-0 loss at relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.

Last month Frank said he felt trusted by the board but BBC Sport understands he was already under significant internal scrutiny and at least one member of the club’s executive had raised the option of ending his reign.

Tottenham took just 10 points at home in the league under Frank, but had a better away record, claiming 19 points from 13 matches on the road.

Prior to joining Tottenham, Frank spent seven years in charge of the Brentford, guiding the Bees from the Championship to the Premier League in 2021.

The 52-year-old’s tenure at Spurs started with a Uefa Super Cup defeat on penalties to PSG, with Spurs having booked their place in the match courtesy of winning the Europa League under Australian Postecoglou last season.

Tottenham beat Burnley, Manchester City and West Ham in their opening four league games, while also beating Villarreal in the Champions League. But they could not build on that start and Frank’s style of play never won over fans.

He was however hampered by extensive injury issues this season.

They have several players absent through long-term injuries, including Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Spurs are also without suspended captain Romero for the next three Premier League matches, including the north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February.