Middlesbrough man with axe down trousers spared jail

A man who told police he was “mortal drunk” after he was found with an axe down his trousers, has been spared jail.

Aaron Harvey told police he had the axe in his possession because he was “aware of threats made against him”.

He appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court yesterday for sentencing via video link from Holme House Prison where he had been on remand.

Harvey, 23, of Newley Court, Middlesbrough, had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

The court heard that on July 17 Harvey was arrested for an outstanding bail warrant.

He was taken to Middlesbrough Police Station, in Middlehaven.

He was searched and it was there that police saw the axe at the bottom of the right leg of his tracksuit bottoms.

Prosecuting, Lorraine Cooper said: “He was interviewed but he did not answer questions until it was nearing the end of the interview.

“He said he was mortal drunk and couldn’t remember anything.”

The court heard that Harvey has a number of previous convictions.

This included a conviction from November 13 last year when he was given a community order for possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Mitigating, Gary Wood, said that Harvey had the axe in his possession as he had been made aware of threats against him and he had done it for protection.

He added that Harvey had not brandished the axe on anyone and when asked at the police station by officers, if he had anything on him he willingly gave them the axe.

Mr Wood said that prison had been a “horrible experience” for Harvey.

“It is one he would not wish to relieve.” He added.

Magistrates gave Harvey an eight week prison sentence suspended for 24 months with supervision.

They ordered for the axe to be forfeited and destroyed and he was ordered to pay £85 costs.

Children from across Teesside become pirates for the day

Youngsters from across Teesside enjoying their summer holidays as pirates for the day.

Kirkleatham Museum in Redcar played host to a family pirate activity day.

Children were able to get creative in various organised activities which included designing their very own treasure chest which was inspired by the ‘Celebrity Movie Treasures’ exhibition which is also currently at the museum. The children also took part in a ‘Get Creative in the Tees Valley’ Museum Trail.

The event was part of the Making a Mark Project, which is funded by Arts Council England to promote the use of museums by schools and families. The aim of the project is to try and develop the relationship with children and museums and encourage children to be creative.

To find out more about other events being held at Kirkleatham Museum this summer call 01642 479500.

Art college stalwart Margaret Mineham retires for the second time at the age of 70

An educator in the arts is ready to retire - for the second time - after 40 years at a Teesside college.

Margaret Mineham will be drawing an end to her time as head of further education at Cleveland College of Art and Design’s Middlesbrough campus, on Green Lane in Acklam, as she celebrates her 70th birthday.

And Margaret, who retired for the first time from the specialist arts college in 1994, insists that this time she won’t be coming back.

“I was only retired for a month last time before I was back,” said Margaret.

“I’d been asked by the principal to go on secondment to help get the college ready for its first inspection which we passed with flying colours.

“When it came time for me to go back to my role in the fashion department I didn’t want to go. I’d learned so many new skills that I needed a new challenge, so I took early retirement, but with the understanding that I could come back as the college’s business development manager the following month.”

Margaret began teaching at CCAD in 1974 after successfully forging a career in the fashion industry, including working for design house Dannimac and running her own bespoke bridal studio.

Starting as a part-time lecturer, teaching young girls with behavioural issues, Margaret quickly became a full-time tutor in women’s and children’s clothing then course leader for fashion, before being promoted to business development manager, curriculum manager and finally head of further education.

“I never thought my career would pan out as it has but I wouldn’t change a thing,” said Margaret.

“I’ve loved every minute of it and the best thing of all has been the students.

“Seeing them grow and achieve is my reward. Many of them I taught, such as Vicky Wake and Stephen White, have even come back to CCAD after highly successful careers in the fashion industry, to teach as tutors themselves.”

Margaret, of Norton, who was awarded an MBE in 2010 for her services to education, is now looking forward to spending her retirement with her husband Ged.

“My plan is not to make any plans,” said Margaret. “I’m just going to take everyday as it comes and enjoy life.

“I think working with young people gives you a young outlook on life and I’m now ready to go out and enjoy mine to the full.”

College principal Marin Raby, who has worked with Margaret for six years, added: “CCAD just won’t be the same without Margaret.

“She brought a distinctive focus to the quality of student work, an unparalleled attention to detail, a deep concern for welfare, a passion to succeed and a desire for great outcomes. She will be very much missed by staff and students alike.”