Latest news with #BBCSunderland
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Man accused of rape and deliberate HIV transmission
A man has appeared in court accused of raping five males and also intentionally transmitting HIV. Adam Hall, currently of no fixed abode but previously of the Washington area, appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. The 42-year-old is charged with five counts of rape and a further seven counts of causing grievous bodily harm which relate to the transmission of HIV, police said. He has been remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance at Newcastle Crown Court on 2 July. He has also been charged with two counts of controlling or coercive behaviour and one count of supplying a Class B drug, GHB. Det Ch Insp Emma Smith, of Northumbria Police, urged anyone with information to continue to get in touch with officers. "We recognise the nature of the charges may raise concern and anxiety within our communities," she added. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. HM Courts and Tribunals Service
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Grandma killed in crash had 'years left to give'
The family of an 86-year-old woman who died after being hit by an electric motorbike on a pedestrian crossing have said she had "years left to give". Gloria Stephenson, from Silksworth, Sunderland, died on the city's Burdon Road on 16 May. Northumbria Police said it was understood she was using a zebra crossing when she was struck by a black Sur-Ron electric motorcycle. An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail. In a statement, Ms Stephenson's family said: "We are devastated at the loss of our vibrant, active, beautiful and intelligent mam, grandma, mother-in-law and great grandma." They also thanked the people who supported Ms Stephenson and her daughter and grandson at the scene. "The press described her as an 'elderly lady', however we want to make absolutely clear that our mam was full of life," the family said. "She was active, fit, healthy and had years left to give her love and share her energy and zest for life with everyone who knew her." Northumbria Police said the rider initially drove away from the scene, but was arrested later on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and the bike was recovered. He remains on bail while the investigation continues and Sgt Russell Surrey urged any witnesses to contact the force. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Elderly woman struck and killed in hit-and-run Northumbria Police
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Voting opens to name Sunderland's new footbridge
Voting has opened to decide a name for Sunderland's latest multimillion-pound landmark. More than 1,000 possible contenders were submitted by the public for the new Wear footbridge. The favourites have since been whittled down to a final three for people to choose from - Keel Crossing, Wear Crossing and Beacon Bridge. Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said a panel of representatives from local community groups had been "overwhelmed" by the response. "We received over 1,000 in total, which shows just how much the campaign captured everyone's hearts and imaginations," he said. "We've had entire families, school classes and community groups coming together to think of ideas, so hopefully this next stage will spark even more excitement." The panel included Rob Lawson, chair of Sunderland Business Partnership. He said he hoped the shortlist would "capture hearts and imaginations for generations to come". Due to open this summer, the bridge is a central figure in the development of Riverside Sunderland, described as one of the UK's most ambitious urban regeneration projects. Measuring 10m-wide and spanning 260m, at a height of 30m above the river, it is one of several high-profile developments under construction. About £31m has been spent on the bridge, commissioned by the Labour-led council, which will link Keel Square with Sheepfolds and the Stadium of Light. In recent months, parts of the bridge have made their way across the North Sea after being manufactured in Ghent, Belgium. The footbridge naming vote is the first feature to go live on Your Sunderland, the new online platform launched by the council. The vote closes on 6 June. Mordey added: "By providing an open forum where residents can have a say on ongoing city developments and projects, we're ensuring everyone has a chance to shape the decisions directly impacting their lives and communities." Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook and Instagram Final section of city's bridge lifted into place Construction of city footbridge hits 'milestone' Your Sunderland Sunderland City Council
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Community volunteers awarded top honours
Volunteers have been awarded the highest honour their local authority can grant for outstanding services to the community. Chester-le-Street residents John Adey and Jimmy Carroll were among those given a Chairman's Medal by Durham County Council thanks to their community efforts to commemorate those from the borough who have fought and died in wars. The pair were instrumental in creating the town's Remembrance memorial and annual parade, offering residents opportunities to reflect and pay their respects. Also recognised were volunteers from the Open Door Church for their support for vulnerable residents across Willington. After raising funds for the town's war memorial in 2009, Mr Adey and Mr Carroll dedicated their efforts to growing a regular community event. Meanwhile, the Open Door Church regularly run a range of activities to bring residents together, helping them develop skills such as day-to-day budgeting. The medals were presented by Joan Nicholson, Durham County Council's outgoing chairperson. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Volunteers honoured for community work Rugby club's 'towering figure' honoured Durham County Council
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man groped unconscious stranger on night out
A man who groped a stranger after she passed out in an alleyway on a night out has been jailed for more than four years. Mark Hogarth, 39, claimed he was helping the woman in Sunderland city centre but instead sexually assaulted her, Newcastle Crown Court heard. Another man and woman stopped the attack, with Hogarth arrested a short while later. Hogarth, of Burnbank in Sunderland, was jailed for four years and four months after he admitted assault by penetration. Both Hogarth and his victim had been out drinking in Sunderland on the night of 13 January 2024, prosecutor Jessica Slaughter said. The pair had spoken briefly earlier in the night and at about 05:00 GMT on 14 January, Hogarth found her collapsed in an alleyway. He then groped her before a passing man and woman intervened, the court heard. Hogarth claimed the woman was a friend of his and he was helping her but neither of them believed his lies, the court heard, with the man taking a picture of Hogarth which was quickly sent to police. The victim was interviewed by officers and underwent intrusive forensic testing, with a DNA match for Hogarth proving he had molested her, the court heard. The woman told officers she was "10 out of 10" on the drunkenness scale and was in and out of consciousness in the alleyway, the court heard. Judge Robert Spragg said it was an "extremely unpleasant" assault on a totally defenceless woman and it could have been much worse if the two passers-by had not intervened. Hogarth must now also sign the sex offenders register for life. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas here. HM Courts and Tribunals Service
