Latest news with #CoDurham
Telegraph
10 hours ago
- General
- Telegraph
Front-line prison officers to wear stab vests after string of attacks
Front-line prison officers in high security jails are to be issued with stab vests after a series of knife attacks on staff, the Justice Secretary has announced. Shabana Mahmood told MPs that all prison officers working in specialist units where terrorists and dangerous offenders were isolated would be equipped with body armour. The move has been recommended by a rapid review ordered by Ms Mahmood after Hashem Abedi, the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber, attacked three officers with two makeshift knives and hot cooking oil at the high-security HMP Frankland jail in Co Durham. Last week, an officer at Long Lartin prison in Worcestershire was seriously injured when he was stabbed by an inmate. The weapon was believed to have been brought into the high-security jail by a drone. Ms Mahmood said stab vests would initially be issued to officers in separation centres where the most dangerous terrorists were held, of which there are three in high-security jails. Officers will also be provided with body armour in close supervision centres and segregation units, which are used to isolate inmates in the eight high-security jails in England and Wales. The review is understood to say that more evidence is needed to determine whether the stab vests should be issued more widely. Ms Mahmood told MPs: 'This is my initial response to the review but I will set out further action on body armour in due course.' Review 'must go further' Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, urged Ms Mahmood to go further after he commissioned a report recommending that all front-line officers should be issued with stab vests. 'When will she have the backs of all our brave prison officers by giving each and every one of them the protection that they need in the form of high-collar, stab-proof vests, not just a privileged few in the most limited circumstances?' he said. The Ministry of Justice has already suspended the use of kitchens in separation units after Abedi is believed to have crafted his knives out of a baking tray. It is also planning a trial of Tasers in jails. Ms Mahmood has commissioned Jonathan Hall, KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, to explore ways of segregating dangerous offenders after the attack by Abedi, who is serving life for his part in the murder of 22 people in the Manchester Arena bombing of 2017. The Prison Officers' Association has not only called for stab vests for staff but also for all terrorists and violent prisoners who assault officers to be held in US-style 'supermax' units or separate jails. They would only be allowed out of their cells for one hour a day, handcuffed and supervised by three officers. Ms Mahmood also announced that Dame Vera Baird, the former victims' commissioner, will become interim chairman of the beleaguered Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) after it was heavily criticised over its handling of the scandal over Andrew Malkinson. The CCRC's blunders delayed the release of Mr Malkinson from jail for a rape that he did not commit, leading to the removal of its chairman Helen Pitcher.
The Sun
18 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
Two more girls, 14, arrested after ‘cheeky, happy' boy died in tragic industrial park fire
TWO more schoolgirls have been questioned after a "cheeky and happy" 14-year-old boy died in a horror fire last month. Layton Carr's body was found after the blaze at an industrial park in Gateshead, Co Durham, on May 2. 7 7 7 More than two dozen children have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the incident at Fairfield Industrial Estate in the Bill Quay area. A total of 26 kids, aged between 11 and 14, have been detained as part of the investigation before being bailed. The latest suspects questioned were two girls, both aged 14, Northumbria Police has confirmed. A force spokesperson told The Sun: "I can confirm a further two girls, both aged 14, have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and have since been bailed." Layton was originally declared missing before cops confirmed he had perished in the fire. Layton's family previously paid tribute to him in a statement released by police. They said: "Layton was such a kind, caring and loving boy. "From the minute he was born it was obvious the character he would turn out to be. Layton was your typical 14-year-old lad, a cheeky, happy lad. "Despite his cheeky side Layton had an absolute heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. "He was loved by all that met him, and it showed. "He was a family boy that loved his mam and sisters more than anything in the world. 'Layton, we love you more than any words can ever explain. You will be missed more than you'll ever know. Our bright and beautiful boy.' They added: 'As a family we would like to say a massive thank you to all that helped in finding Layton. 'A massive thank you to the police and all services involved. "We're incredibly grateful for the work that you do every day to bring closure to families like ours.' Police have previously appealed for anyone who was at the industrial park on the night of the fire to get in touch. Detectives have also asked for anyone with video footage relating to the incident to share it with them. Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, said last month: 'Our thoughts remain with Layton's family at this devastating time. 'Our specialist officers will continue to support them in any way we can. We ask that their privacy be respected at this time. 'I would remind everyone not to speculate on details of the incident online or in the community – what might seem like a simple post on social media, could disrupt an on-going investigation. 'Circulation of malicious communications is classed as a criminal offence and those who choose to be involved could face prosecution. 'It's also important to note that anyone suspected of a crime must not be named publicly for legal reasons and those who are under 18 have anonymity. Thank you for your continued support and co-operation at this time.' Anyone with information in relation to what has happened, should speak to Northumbria Police directly by sending a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat or report forms on the Force's website. Those who can't contact the Force online, should call 101. Please quote reference number: NP-20250502-1124. 7 7 7 7
The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Fury as sick Manchester terrorist granted £1,200 in taxpayers' cash for ‘discrimination' case after £354k legal aid bill
MANCHESTER Arena terrorist Hashem Abedi was granted more than £1,200 in taxpayers' cash to launch an equal rights case in jail. The sum went to his lawyers for a complaint of religious discrimination. 3 3 It has been added to a huge legal aid bill to fund his trial defence — even though he refused to take part in the court process. Figures disclosed under a Freedom of Information request show the total now stands at £354,015. Prison bosses also had to instruct their own lawyers before the latest wholly unjustified claim was discontinued. Tory Shadow Justice Secretary, Robert Jenrick, said: 'This is just another outrageous example of taxpayers' money being wasted on a convicted mass killer.' The claim was made before Abedi, 28, seriously wounded prison guards in a stabbing and scalding oil attack at HMP Frankland, Co Durham, last month. He was jailed in 2020 for a minimum of 55 years for helping his suicide bomber brother Salman kill 22 Ariana Grande fans in 2017. In 2022 he was given another three years and ten months for attacking two officers at Belmarsh Prison in South East London. Manchester terrorist Hashem Abedi leaves prison in van after sick knife & boiling oil attack on 3 prison officers 3
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Daily Mail
The tragedy behind skydiver, 32, who jumped to her death from 10,000ft
EXCLUSIVE The tragedy behind skydiver, 32, who jumped to her death from 10,000ft For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit or visit A skydiver feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky had split with her boyfriend shortly before the tragedy, it's understood. Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist who had accomplished more than 400 jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances and were understood to have discovered notes disclosing her intentions. MailOnline understands that Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day prior to taking to the skies. She had been in a relationship with Ben Goodfellow, 26, also a keen skydiver, for around six to eight months. The couple had lived together in a double room at a property rented out to parachutists near to the airfield for a number of months. One friend said: 'The two of them were inseparable. 'They spent all their time together, they didn't really engage with anyone else. They did skydives together all the time. Skydiver Jade Damarell, who is feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky had split with her boyfriend shortly before the tragedy, it is understood She had been in a relationship with Ben Goodfellow, 26, also a keen skydiver, for around six to eight months The couple had lived together in a double room at a property rented out to parachutists near to the airfield for a number of months 'They had been living in the lodgings since Christmas and had been together a couple more months before that. 'The night before Jade died, Ben called off the relationship. 'He went to work the next day, and that's when Jade fell to her death.' Mr Goodfellow, a technician at car manufacturer Nissan, did not respond to requests for comment. He is also the lead singer and guitarist in Sunderland indie band Post Rome, whose songs have been featured on BBC Introducing. The band cancelled a gig in the wake of the tragedy citing 'unforeseen circumstances'. Initial reports had assumed Ms Damarell's death on April 27 was a tragic accident. But SkyHigh Skydiving later issued a statement saying that her death was suspected to have been 'a deliberate act'. A friend claimed a suicide note was found by police 'referencing the break up' The experienced parachutist died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham An inquest opened into Ms Damarell's death this week heard there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure'. A friend claimed a suicide note was found by police 'referencing the break up'. They said: 'I know Jade had broken it off with Ben a few times, but the Saturday was the first time he had called it off with her. 'Ben is a quiet guy - he is absolutely distraught by what has happened.' Ms Damarell, who worked as a marketing manager for Silver Spoon after graduating from Leeds university, had undertaken more than 80 jumps this year. Friends said her parachute did not open as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph. In a statement, Ms Damarell's mother Liz and father Andrew paid tribute to their 'beloved daughter'. They said: 'It is with immense sadness that we share the loss of our beloved daughter, Jade. Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances Initial reports had assumed Ms Damarell¿s death on April 27 was a tragic accident. Pictured: Jade Damarell with her parents Liz and Andrew SkyHigh Skydiving later issued a statement saying that her death was suspected to have been 'a deliberate act' An inquest opened into Ms Damarell's death this week heard there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure' 'A brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary person. A bright, adventurous, free spirit, she lived with immense energy, passion, and love, and touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness.' The tribute continued: 'Professionally, Jade was exceptionally talented and admired for her creativity and dedication in marketing. 'Personally, Jade had recently begun training for her pilot's licence and as a keen skydiver, Jade found freedom and purpose. 'Skydiving and its fantastic community meant so much to Jade, and we're incredibly comforted by how admired, respected, and deeply loved she was. 'We miss her beyond words, but Jade's love, brilliance, courage, and light will live on in our family and among all those who knew and loved her. Some stars are so bright, they burn through their time too quickly - but their light never truly fades. 'We want to extent our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the emergency services and the local first responders, as well as the skydiving community. Your care and compassion mean more to us than we can express. 'Lastly, if you are struggling, please reach out. Talk to someone - a friend, loved one, or professional. You are never alone.' Police and emergency services were called to Wreford's Farm in Shotton Colliery, where she landed, but Jade was pronounced dead at the scene. One person - a fellow skydiver - was believed to have witnessed the horror. Friend Danni Willis, who worked at SkyHigh Skydiving described Ms Damarell as 'a beautiful girl inside and out'. She had previously been married to a Leeds-based lawyer but was said to have divorced. SkyHigh Skydiving confirmed the death in a statement, claiming 'all indications' from police were that 'this was a deliberate act'. A spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April, 2025, involving a valued member of our community. 'All indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act. 'This heartbreaking news has deeply affected all who knew her, and our thoughts are with her family and friends as they face this unimaginable loss. 'At this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy and compassion for those grieving.' A friend of Ms Damarell, who was born in Hong Kong, claimed she 'chose not to open her parachute' during the fatal descent. Ms Damarell, who worked as a marketing manager for Silver Spoon after graduating from Leeds university, had undertaken more than 80 jumps this year Friends said her parachute did not open as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph They said: 'This wasn't a skydiving accident - we believe she intended to take her life, sadly. 'She skydived with someone else, broke off and turned onto her back and impacted. 'She chose not to open her parachute and she landed on her back. 'Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community. 'She was mad for it. In the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year.' SkyHigh Skydiving confirmed the death in a statement and said that they had been given 'all indications' from police that 'this was a deliberate act'. A spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April 2025 involving a valued member of our community. 'All indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act. 'This heartbreaking news has deeply affected all who knew her, and our thoughts are with her family and friends as they face this unimaginable loss. 'At this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy and compassion for those grieving.' The centre added: 'If you are struggling or in emotional distress, please know that you are not alone. Support is available. We urge anyone in crisis to speak to someone or reach out to a mental health professional. Even in the darkest moments, there is help and hope.' An inquest into the circumstances of her death was opened and adjourned at Crook Coroners's Court, Co. Durham, on Thursday. During a short two-minute hearing, area coroner Jeremy Chipperfield heard how there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure'. Coroner's officer Alexis Blighe said the provisional cause of Ms Damarell's death was listed as 'blunt trauma'. Ms Blighe said: 'This 32-year-old female was born on October 6, 1992, at Kowloon, Hong Kong. 'Her last employment status and occupation was a marketing manager. 'She died on April 27, 2025, on farmland near Fleming Field, Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. 'I understand the circumstances to be that Ms Damarell was involved in a parachute incident on April 27, 2025. 'On May 2, 2025, Dr James Henry conducted a post-mortem examination at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary mortuary and gave cause of death as follows: 1a) blunt trauma.' The inquest was told that Ms Damarell's body was identified by Bryn Chaffe, the chief instructor at the skydiving club. Mr Chipperfield adjourned the inquest to August 21. Mr Goodfellow, of Sunderland, did not respond to requests to comment. - For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit or visit
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The tragedy behind skydiver, 32, who jumped to her death from 10,000ft
A skydiver feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky had split with her boyfriend shortly before the tragedy, it's understood. Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist who had accomplished more than 400 jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances and were understood to have discovered notes disclosing her intentions. MailOnline understands that Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day prior to taking to the skies. She had been in a relationship with Ben Goodfellow, 26, also a keen skydiver, for around six to eight months. The couple had lived together in a double room at a property rented out to parachutists near to the airfield for a number of months. One friend said: 'The two of them were inseparable. 'They spent all their time together, they didn't really engage with anyone else. They did skydives together all the time. 'They had been living in the lodgings since Christmas and had been together a couple more months before that. 'The night before Jade died, Ben called off the relationship. 'He went to work the next day, and that's when Jade fell to her death.' Mr Goodfellow, a technician at car manufacturer Nissan, did not respond to requests for comment. He is also the lead singer and guitarist in Sunderland indie band Post Rome, whose songs have been featured on BBC Introducing. The band cancelled a gig in the wake of the tragedy citing 'unforeseen circumstances'. Initial reports had assumed Ms Damarell's death on April 27 was a tragic accident. But SkyHigh Skydiving later issued a statement saying that her death was suspected to have been 'a deliberate act'. An inquest opened into Ms Damarell's death this week heard there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure'. A friend claimed a suicide note was found by police 'referencing the break up'. They said: 'I know Jade had broken it off with Ben a few times, but the Saturday was the first time he had called it off with her. 'Ben is a quiet guy - he is absolutely distraught by what has happened.' Ms Damarell, who worked as a marketing manager for Silver Spoon after graduating from Leeds university, had undertaken more than 80 jumps this year. Friends said her parachute did not open as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph. In a statement, Ms Damarell's mother Liz and father Andrew paid tribute to their 'beloved daughter'. They said: 'It is with immense sadness that we share the loss of our beloved daughter, Jade. 'A brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary person. A bright, adventurous, free spirit, she lived with immense energy, passion, and love, and touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness.' The tribute continued: 'Professionally, Jade was exceptionally talented and admired for her creativity and dedication in marketing. 'Personally, Jade had recently begun training for her pilot's licence and as a keen skydiver, Jade found freedom and purpose. 'Skydiving and its fantastic community meant so much to Jade, and we're incredibly comforted by how admired, respected, and deeply loved she was. 'We miss her beyond words, but Jade's love, brilliance, courage, and light will live on in our family and among all those who knew and loved her. Some stars are so bright, they burn through their time too quickly - but their light never truly fades. 'We want to extent our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the emergency services and the local first responders, as well as the skydiving community. Your care and compassion mean more to us than we can express. 'Lastly, if you are struggling, please reach out. Talk to someone - a friend, loved one, or professional. You are never alone.' Police and emergency services were called to Wreford's Farm in Shotton Colliery, where she landed, but Jade was pronounced dead at the scene. One person - a fellow skydiver - was believed to have witnessed the horror. Friend Danni Willis, who worked at SkyHigh Skydiving described Ms Damarell as 'a beautiful girl inside and out'. She had previously been married to a Leeds-based lawyer but was said to have divorced. SkyHigh Skydiving confirmed the death in a statement, claiming 'all indications' from police were that 'this was a deliberate act'. A spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April, 2025, involving a valued member of our community. 'All indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act. 'This heartbreaking news has deeply affected all who knew her, and our thoughts are with her family and friends as they face this unimaginable loss. 'At this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy and compassion for those grieving.' A friend of Ms Damarell, who was born in Hong Kong, claimed she 'chose not to open her parachute' during the fatal descent. They said: 'This wasn't a skydiving accident - we believe she intended to take her life, sadly. 'She skydived with someone else, broke off and turned onto her back and impacted. 'She chose not to open her parachute and she landed on her back. 'Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community. 'She was mad for it. In the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year.' SkyHigh Skydiving confirmed the death in a statement and said that they had been given 'all indications' from police that 'this was a deliberate act'. A spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April 2025 involving a valued member of our community. 'All indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act. 'This heartbreaking news has deeply affected all who knew her, and our thoughts are with her family and friends as they face this unimaginable loss. 'At this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy and compassion for those grieving.' The centre added: 'If you are struggling or in emotional distress, please know that you are not alone. Support is available. We urge anyone in crisis to speak to someone or reach out to a mental health professional. Even in the darkest moments, there is help and hope.' An inquest into the circumstances of her death was opened and adjourned at Crook Coroners's Court, Co. Durham, on Thursday. During a short two-minute hearing, area coroner Jeremy Chipperfield heard how there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure'. Coroner's officer Alexis Blighe said the provisional cause of Ms Damarell's death was listed as 'blunt trauma'. Ms Blighe said: 'This 32-year-old female was born on October 6, 1992, at Kowloon, Hong Kong. 'Her last employment status and occupation was a marketing manager. 'She died on April 27, 2025, on farmland near Fleming Field, Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. 'I understand the circumstances to be that Ms Damarell was involved in a parachute incident on April 27, 2025. 'On May 2, 2025, Dr James Henry conducted a post-mortem examination at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary mortuary and gave cause of death as follows: 1a) blunt trauma.' The inquest was told that Ms Damarell's body was identified by Bryn Chaffe, the chief instructor at the skydiving club. Mr Chipperfield adjourned the inquest to August 21.
