Latest news with #BrianWood
Yahoo
09-08-2025
- Yahoo
Former council worker launched attack on girlfriend hitting her over head with phone
A former council worker hit his former partner over the head with a phone, a court heard. Brian Wood launched the assault on his girlfriend on January 19 in Middlesbrough. The 51-year-old hit the woman twice across her face which 'knocked her glasses off' then 'hit her over the head with her mobile phone'. Teesside Magistrates' Court heard how paramedics were called to the home following the assault, with the woman left with blood on her top and Wood with scratches on his arm. Prosecutor Heather Blair outlined that the victim was the partner of the defendant at the time of the offence. The court heard that Wood admitted his actions in an interview and when police attended the home address. Ms Blair added that police were called by the North East Ambulance Service after the woman disclosed an assault. She told paramedics that Wood had 'hit her over the head with a mobile phone'. When officers attended, Wood was found with 'scratches on his arm' and 'blood on his shirt', telling officers he had 'been involved in an incident with his partner'. The woman was also found with blood on her top. Ms Blair told the court that Wood had hit twice across her face which 'knocked her glasses off' then 'hit her over the head with her mobile phone'. Wood told police that he 'didn't want to be in the relationship' and had previously left but returned due to financial reasons as his money 'got paid into her bank'. Wood, who spent 20 years working for Middlesbrough Council, pleaded guilty to assault by beating as the court heard he had one previous conviction dating back to 1998. Paul McGee, mitigating, stated that his client has made 'full admissions' and suffered abuse in the relationship. The defence barrister added that Wood has moved back in with his elderly parents and receives Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefit. District Judge Helen Cousins handed Wood, of Barton Stacey, Hampshire, a £209 court bill and a 16 week electronically monitored curfew from 9pm until 6am. Daily news from Teesside's courts, direct to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter
Scoop
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
New Zealand Portrait Gallery Appoints Brian Wood As Director
The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata is pleased to announce the appointment of curator, writer, arts collector, and marketer Brian Wood as its new Director, effective 18 August 2025. Wood succeeds outgoing Director Jaenine Parkinson, who has taken up the role of Head of Art at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. He is no stranger to the Gallery, having served as Acting Director during Parkinson's parental leave in 2021. Chair of the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Board, Dr. Alan Bollard, welcomed the appointment, saying: 'We are delighted to have Brian return to the Gallery. He made a strong impact during his time here and brings a rich and diverse skillset to the role. His background spans marketing, fundraising, curatorial work, public programmes and events. He has led teams of volunteers and managed a private art collection. These experiences, combined with his passion for portraiture, make him ideally suited to help the Gallery continue telling the stories of New Zealanders through art.' Reflecting on his return, Wood said he is thrilled to step back into the Gallery: It feels incredibly special to return—not just to a place I know and love, but to a role where I can help shape the Gallery's future. Stepping into this role feels like coming home, but with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. I had a fantastic experience in 2021 and achieved a lot during my time there. I'm looking forward to building on that momentum and continuing the strong exhibition programme. I deeply value the Gallery's role as a storyteller of Aotearoa's people.' Originally from the Kāpiti Coast, Wood has lived and worked in Wellington, London, Melbourne, Dunedin, Auckland, and now South Wairarapa. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Art at Otago Polytechnic and has held positions with The Dowse Art Museum, Te Omanga Hospice, Royal New Zealand Ballet, City Gallery Wellington, and Museums Wellington. 'Since finishing up my previous role with the Gallery, I've stayed closely connected to the arts and cultural sector—managing a performing arts company, serving as a trustee for an arts charity, reviewing funding applications, curating exhibitions, and even working in the wine industry. My time as Acting Director in 2021 was deeply meaningful—it strengthened my appreciation for the Gallery and its team. Returning now feels like both a continuation and a new beginning.' Looking ahead, Wood has ambitious plans to grow the Gallery's reach and impact: 'As we enter this next chapter, I want the Gallery to be a place where people see themselves reflected—not just in the portraits, but in our programming, exhibitions, and conversations. That means uplifting underrepresented voices, embracing diverse styles of portraiture, and nurturing emerging talent alongside our established artists. 'We're also exploring ways to increase accessibility and engagement—through digital platforms, regional outreach, education initiatives, touring exhibitions, and vibrant in-Gallery events. I want the Gallery to be a living, evolving space—one that not only reflects New Zealand's identity but helps shape, inspire, and challenge it.'
