Bahrain condemns Iran’s ‘blatant’ interference in its domestic affairs

Bahraini foreign ministry condemned Iran’s “blatant interference” in its internal affairs saying the kingdom categorically rejects it, the Anadolu Agency reported.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry’s statement came in response to remarks issued by the Iranian foreign ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham who condemned the Bahraini authorities’ arrest of the Al-Wefaq Islamic Society’s Secretary General Ali Salman.

The Bahraini foreign ministry called on Iran to “adhere to the principles of good neighbours and respect Bahrain’s national sovereignty and stop interfering in internal affairs”.

It also called on the Iranian officials to apply human rights principles and democracy to provide a natural and dignified life for Iranians.

Afkham condemned Salman’s detention after a court ruled to postpone his trial to 25 February.

Aitor Karanka: 'We're stronger now than we were when the summer window closed'

Aitor Karanka says Boro will end the transfer window in a stronger position than when the September deadline day passed.

The club have added two new players to the first team squad so far this month, with Tomas Kalas arriving on loan and Adam Forshaw joining from Wigan.

Departures include loan signings Jamal Blackman and Milos Veljkovic, who have returned to Chelsea and Tottenham respectively, and Andy Halliday, who has joined Bradford City.

“I think the squad is complete now,” said Karanka.

“I can feel that now. I think we are in a better position now than when the last transfer window closed in September.

“We have lost Milos, but in his position Adam has come in.

“We have also signed Tomas Kalas, and that is very good for us. I am very pleased with the squad.”

Huddersfield's James Vaughan injured in a clash with Tomas Kalas.

Karanka expects to include injured duo Mustapha Carayol and Ryan Fredericks in his first team squad sooner rather than later.

And full-back Damia Abella could make a competitive return in March.

“I hope Carayol will be with us soon,” he added.

“He is closer than a week ago, but it’s not going to be within the next week or so because he’s coming back from 11 months out.

“He needs to be confident, and to do that, you need to play games. He needs more minutes, and he needs to play some real football.

Mustapha Carayol

“He needs time, but the main thing is that the injury is behind him, he is happy and he is training very well.

“Maybe, in another month or so, we will have Damia back with us too.”

Forshaw, meanwhile, could make his Boro debut in today’s televised clash against Brentford at Griffin Park but won’t be in the starting XI according to the head coach.

“At the beginning, for sure, he is not going to play but during the game I don’t know,” Karanka said.

“It depends how the game is going, it depends how the players are during the game.

"I can’t say now if he is going to play.”

Follow the Gazette's matchday live blog from 11.15am HERE

Aitor Karanka: 'Emmanuel Ledesma is staying at Boro until the end of the season'

Several young Boro players could leave on loan in the coming days and weeks but Argentinian winger Emmanuel Ledesma will see out the remainder of his contract before leaving at the end of the season.

The flanker enjoyed a loan spell at Rotherham earlier this season with Steve Evans hopeful of taking him back to the New York Stadium ahead of the transfer deadline.

Evans is reported to have had a bid for Ledesma knocked back earlier this month and Karanka revealed the wide-man will be going nowhere before the season is out.

"He will stay here," explained Karanka. “His contract finishes at the end of the season, so it would be pointless to send him out on loan to play for another team when he is going to leave at the end of the season.

Action Images

Emmanuel Ledesma celebrates scoring against Blackpool for Rotherham earlier this season

“I prefer to keep him with us because he is a player I know, and he has scored many goals for us.

“He is a good player, a threat from set-pieces, and if he is with us, he could play a role."

While Ledesma could have a part to play in the run-in, Boro's boss is hoping to secure loan moves for some of his promising young players.

Bryn Morris, Luke Williams and Ryan Brobbel are just some of Boro's young guns who enjoyed stints away from the club earlier in the campaign, gaining vital match experience.

Bryn Morris and Aitor Karanka

But the boss will only agree to temporary moves for Boro's young starlets if he feels they're in the best interest of the player concerned.

"We are working to send some of our young players on loan,” added the Boro boss.

“Players like Bryn Morris and Luke Williams will benefit from being on loan.

“It is better for them, and if we can find the right place for the players, we will send them on loan.”

Live: Boro Transfer Deadline Day - updates and latest news all day

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Chris was appointed editor of the Gazette in January 2012. He is also a former Gazette news editor. Chris has more than 20 years experience as a journalist and has previously worked in senior positions in Newcastle, Exeter and Nottingham.

Gazans at breaking point following suspension of UN aid

The owners of destroyed homes have expressed their complete rejection of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)’s decision to end the aid provided to them. They have demanded that the agency assume its responsibilities and obligations towards those affected.

During a massive march that began after Friday prayers in the town of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, those affected urged all concerned parties to hasten the process of reconstructing what was destroyed by the occupation during its most recent attack on Gaza. They also called for finding a solution for the tragic conditions they are suffering in shelters and temporary accommodation centres.

In a speech the Mayor of Beit Hanoun Muhammad Al-Kafarneh warned that they are on the verge of a mass outbreak due to the delayed reconstruction.

Al-Kafarneh also condemned UNRWA’s position, considering it a means of tightening the blockade and suffocating the people of the Gaza Strip.

“Reconstruction is a humanitarian matter that must not be linked to politics,” he added. Al-Kafarneh also urged UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to speed up the reconstruction process in order to alleviate the suffering of the thousands of affected people.

He condemned “the silence adopted by the Palestinian government and Authority regarding the decision”, and called on them to stand by the Palestinian people in Gaza, and bear all responsibilities.

He also appealed to the Arab League and the international community to carry out their responsibilities towards the Gaza Strip. At the same time, Al-Kafarneh called on the Palestinian factions to pressure the government to hasten reconstruction.

MEMO Photogrpaher: Mohammad Asad

Stockton pub knifeman told by judge: 'It could have ended in a murder charge'

A knifeman was told he could have been in court for murder if a brave pub manager had not disarmed him.

Mark Peter Smith, 47, had an eight-inch kitchen knife in one hand and a barbecue fork in the other as he stepped into the Rimswell pub in Fairfield, Stockton.

Pub manager Steve Sharp saw the weapons, ran behind him and grabbed his wrist.

He pushed Smith against the bar, straightened his arm and, with the help of another man, got him to the floor,

They managed to take the knife and fork off him as he struggled, Teesside Crown Court heard today.

A judge, Recorder Eric Elliott QC, said single parent Smith acted “completely and utterly out of character” while on a night off from childcare.

He told Smith: “That night off could have ended in a murder charge.

“And you’re extremely fortunate that people, in particular Mr Sharp the publican, have stepped in to what could have ended up as a very, very ugly scene.

“Fortunately the courageous Mr Sharp intervened and disarmed you and avoided what could have ended up in a terrible and horrific scene.”

The trouble started while Mr Sharp was cleaning up in the pub, which had about eight customers just after midnight on March 11 last year.

A fight erupted outside with Smith and another man rolling about on the ground.

The other man was taken into the pub lounge while Smith was not allowed inside.

Rimswell pub in Stockton

Smith walked off and one witness heard him say: “I’ll ****ing kill him.”

He returned 20 minutes later armed with the weapons he had taken from his home.

He calmed down quickly and was escorted outside after he was disarmed in front of shocked onlookers.

After his arrest he said: “I was jumped by some young lads in the pub.”

He pointed to an injury to his face, saying: “I grabbed a knife. I was scared. I still am.”

He claimed he feared an adversary would “exact vengeance”, the court was told.

Smith, of Fairfield Road, Stockton, gave no replies in police interviews but later pleaded guilty to affray and having a bladed article.

He had not been before the courts for 11 years and had no violence on his record for 26 years.

Duncan McReddie, defending, said: “He can offer no rational explanation for his behaviour on the night in question.

“He regards it as being entirely out of character, and indeed his record of previous convictions does seem to support that.

“Mr Smith can only attribute his behaviour to a state of anxiety brought on by a cocktail of medication that he needs to take for a chronic long-standing and serious disorder in the region of his stomach.”

He said the prescriptions for Smith’s ill health included a form of morphine.

Mr McReddie made a plea for mercy, primarily because of the impact on his daughter if he went to prison.

He said her life would be disrupted and she would have to move home and school.

He added Smith was a good parent who stopped offending after his child was born.

The judge told Smith: “Whatever your intention at the time, it must have struck fear into the people that were sitting quietly in that public house having a drink in the early hours of the morning.

“It’s quite clear that these days normally you are a decent man doing your level best to bring up your young daughter.

“If I were to sentence you to prison you would come out, you would be homeless and, much more importantly, your daughter would have been deprived of your love and care.”

He gave Smith a one-year jail term suspended for two years with a year’s supervision, saying this was in both his and the public interest.

Jonathon Taylor: A win at Brentford would cap off the dream January for Boro

You can almost picture the scene when Aitor Karanka met Steve Gibson a couple of months ago to discuss Boro’s January transfer plans.

I imagine they were both sat in a warm office at the Riverside. There is a friendly atmosphere between two men who share an immense amount of respect for each other.

And most importantly, both share the same determination to see Boro back in the Premier League next season.

Karanka’s January wishlist is carefully scribed onto an A4 piece of paper, placed on the desk just in front of him. It is short but clear. It’s the final dossier showing how Boro can finally return to football’s top table.

Gibson listens intently. The Spaniard explains that a host of fresh faces are not required. It’s just a little bit of tinkering now, merely putting the icing on the cake.

Boro’s promotion-chasing squad is almost complete. Now let’s clinch promotion in style.

I suspect there were three things on Karanka’s treasured piece of paper.

Number one - negotiate a deal with Chelsea to keep Patrick Bamford on Teesside until the end of the season.

Number two - bring in a versatile defender who can offer cover in Boro’s problematic right-back berth. After losing Damia Abella (cruciate) and Rhys Williams (Achilles) for the rest of the season, back-up is required.

Then number three, sign a young, energetic midfielder who can add competition in Boro’s engine room. Grant Leadbitter, Adam Clayton and Dean Whitehead have all been outstanding during the first half of the campaign, but an injury would leave the team short. We need one more face.

Chris Vaughan/CameraSport

Middlesbrough goal-scorers Patrick Bamford, left, and Kike celebrate the win over Manchester City in the FA Cup

Gibson reaches the bottom of the A4 piece of paper and turns it over, almost expecting there to be more writing on the back. But it is blank.

Fast forward to today and Gibson has delivered on every single one of Karanka’s requests.

Bamford, deal extended. Tomas Kalas, signed. Adam Forshaw, signed. Does the Boro chairman’s commitment to the cause show no limit?

It’s been a superb month for Boro, both on and off the field. January is so often the cause of sleepless nights for some clubs with prized assets itching for moves and transfer rumours swirling around the training ground.

But that’s not the case at Rockliffe. Forshaw’s arrival this week was the final bit of the promotion jigsaw. You can hang a “closed” sign on the door of the Riverside and unplug the phones. There will be no more business here.

It must be so refreshing for Karanka to have a chairman like Gibson, especially in what is his first managerial job in a different country. In yesterday’s press conference the Spaniard confidently told the media that no first-team stars would be leaving Boro this month.

Of course, the rumours are circulating. George Friend has been linked with almost all of the Premier League’s bottom eight clubs - again.

But will it happen? Absolutely not. Business at the Riverside is done. Nobody is coming in, and nobody is going out.

Having broke the 50-point barrier, Boro are more than half-way to achieving their promotion dream. Why would Gibson and Karanka threaten that, after so much hard work has been put in so far?

On the pitch, January couldn’t have been much better for Boro. A draw at Reading may have been a victory, granted, but it was a clean sheet and a valuable point against a team buoyed by the arrival of a new manager.

FA Cup victories at Barnsley and most notably Manchester City, as well as back-to-back home league triumphs over Huddersfield and Cardiff. Not bad at all.

© CameraSport

Middlesbrough's Jelle Vossen celebrates scoring the opening goal

Ahead of tomorrow’s match at Brentford, Boro sit one point off the league’s summit. That may change if Bournemouth beat Watford in tonight’s Championship offering, but as things stand Boro are a single point off their rivals, having played the same number of games.

At the end of December, following the 0-0 draw at Blackburn, Karanka’s side were five points off the pace. Second-placed Ipswich also had a game in hand, which potentially could have put them four points clear of Boro.

So looking at the table now, it’s been an excellent month for Boro. Victory at Brentford tomorrow could send Karanka’s men top.

Boro have clawed themselves back into the automatic promotion race.

I remember saying four weeks ago that January could be the defining month in Boro’s promotion push. That isn’t to be misunderstood - the team’s gruelling run of fixtures in March are clearly going to go a long way to deciding their fate.

Nothing is won in January, but plenty can be lost.

At the beginning of the month rumours were spreading that Derby were keen to sign Bamford on a permanent deal, Jelle Vossen was unsettled, and Karanka himself was in-demand at a certain Premier League club up the road.

Fast forward four weeks and Bamford scores Boro’s opener at the Etihad Stadium in front of 5,500 travelling fans. Vossen - bemused by the inaccurate reports - gives Vincent Kompany a torrid time.

And Boro’s head coach categorically rules out any move away from the Riverside.

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson

It would have been “typical Boro” for any of those things to have happened - but not this season. Not when the end objective is so close.

It’s inevitable that on the Twittersphere will go into meltdown on Monday with rumours of incomings and outgoings.

Then after the transfer window shuts, fans of other clubs will be in uproar after they ‘haven’t signed a striker’, or have ‘sold their best player’ on deadline day.

But Boro fans should be thankful. It’s all quiet on the Rockliffe front, and that silence is bliss.

A victory at Brentford tomorrow would cap off a wonderful month for Boro. And much of the credit goes to Gibson and Karanka.

Boro are sailing towards the Promised Land, evading icebergs and perilous obstacles in their path.

It would be very fitting if Karanka and Gibson were sat in that very same Riverside office on Monday night at 11pm, deservedly enjoying a glass of wine.

It’s been the perfect month for Boro.

Here’s to a magical February.

Man jailed after he was seen with a 12-inch kitchen knife in the centre of Redcar

A young man has been jailed after he was caught on camera taking out a knife in the street after guzzling three litres of cider.

Drunken David Standley, 21, was seen gesturing towards a group of three men on Bath Street, central Redcar.

CCTV footage played at Teesside Crown Court showed him holding his arms aloft as he walked along the road.

Prosecutor Paul Lee said Standley put up his hood and took a 12-inch kitchen knife from his pocket.

He then dropped the knife and kicked it across the ground on the night of May 30 last year.

Police stopped him and found a 12-inch stainless steel kitchen knife in a search of the area.

In an interview he told officers he had drank three litres of cider at his home.

He said the knife had been thrown from a window at his home, he picked it up to prevent trouble and kept it on him.

He claimed three men shouted abuse at him, he followed and threatened them, but did not intend to harm anyone.

“It doesn’t appear they were doing anything towards him,” Mr Lee told the court.

Standley, of High Street, Redcar, admitted possession of a bladed article, which carries a maximum sentence of four years’ imprisonment.

He later claimed he would have stabbed one of the men if he had not been caught, the court heard today.

Andrew White, defending, said Standley said let his mouth run away with him and said daft things he did not really mean.

He said remarks to a probation officer and psychiatrist were merely “bravado” and “hot air” at a time when Standley wanted to go to prison, had nowhere to go and felt helpless.

Now, Standley maintained he never wanted to use the knife or harm anybody.

Mr White said the weapon was not used or brandished and Standley acted out of character with no previous violence or weapons on his record.

The defendant had been in custody since October, was off drink and drugs and wanted to tackle his issues, supported by his mother.

The judge, Recorder Eric Elliott QC, said: “People carrying knives in public places, particularly at night, inevitably go to prison unless there are exceptional circumstances.

“There are no exceptional circumstances here.”

He jailed Standley for a year.

Appeal withdrawn against rejection of 550-home plans for Ingleby Barwick

An appeal against the rejection of a 550-home development on green wedge land in Ingleby Barwick has been withdrawn.

The controversial plans for the development on an 80-acre site, next to Thornaby Road and the new Free School site, were thrown out by Stockton Council last April.

A public inquiry was due to be heard on February 10 at Stockton’s Baptist Tabernacle after the developers appealed the rejection.

But the appeal has been withdrawn after Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Environment, last week refused permission for another neighbouring 550-home development.

Steve Barker, planning consultant for the landowner Ian Snowdon, said the Secretary of State’s decision “has caused much debate and confusion”.

He added: “We understand that there is a significant possibility of his decision being challenged in the High Court and until that process has been run through, there is no scope at this time for Mr Snowdon’s appeal to progress.

“We will await the outcome of any legal challenge and consider where we go from there.

“If the homes aren’t built here, they will have to be built elsewhere in the borough and I don’t think many people will be pleased if yet another Yarm scheme comes forward instead.”

Hundreds of people signed an online petition against the Thornaby Road plans and 21 letters of objection were lodged.

Concerns had included loss of greenfield site; shortage of school places particularly at primary level; that Ingleby Barwick does not need more housing and the impact on wildlife.

Commenting on the appeal withdrawal Stockton South MP James Wharton said: “Finally developers are getting the message. We do not want any more building on our green sites, too many are already planned and enough is enough.”

Councillor Bob Cook, leader of Stockton Council, said: “That another unnecessary development in Ingleby Barwick is in doubt is welcome news and the reasons given by the applicant only serve to reinforce what have said about the confusion that exists in the national planning system.

“However, the applicant’s claim that the homes will have to be built elsewhere in the borough if they are not built here is absolute nonsense. All planning applications are considered on their own individual merits and just because homes aren’t built in one area it doesn’t mean they will be built in another.”

Last week Eric Pickles disagreed with the planning inspector’s recommendation in ruling an adjacent 550-home development near Little Maltby Farm in Ingleby Barwick will not go ahead.

The plans were taken to appeal by developers Jersey-based Tiviot Way after being unanimously rejected by Stockton Council’s planning committee last year.

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane launched into foul-mouthed road rage rant, says taxi driver

A taxi driver says Roy Keane launched into a foul-mouthed road rage rant after being told to 'smile'.

Fateh Kerar, 44, was left 'shaking and terrified' after the alleged bust-up in leafy Hale in Manchester.

A few minutes after pulling up alongside Keane, Fateh says the former United captain jumped out of his Range Rover at traffic lights in

Altrincham and subjected him to a foul-mouthed tirade before driving off.

Police are now investigating the incident - near the Unicorn pub on Ashley Road, Altrincham - which is said to have been witnessed by scores of onlookers.

The taxi passenger has also told the M.E.N Keane's behaviour was 'aggressive and nasty'.

Fateh, from Altrincham, said the row began when he and his female passenger recognised Keane as they stopped at a cash machine on Cecil Road in Hale.

He said: "We were both saying 'that's Roy Keane' but he was just glaring back at us, looking really angry. I said 'hello' to him, then said 'smile'.

"He drove behind us going into Altrincham and as we got to the traffic lights, he stopped beside us and turned to us still looking really angry.

"He got out of his car in the middle of the road, held two fingers up and walked out in front of me.

"He was pointing and swearing and being very aggressive.

"He shouldn't be allowed to treat people that way. There were lots of people stood around who couldn't believe what they were seeing."

Passenger Hothan Isman, 38, said: "He was staring aggressively at the driver - I was saying 'wow, he's really staring at you'. He would turn away then turn back and keep staring.

"When we got to the traffic lights he turned and stopped the car. He got out and was gesticulating with his arms and shouting furiously.

"The driver looked terrified and was shaking quite badly. I said he should call the police because it was very nasty, unpleasant, aggressive behaviour."

Keane, 43, has lived in Bowdon, Cheshire, for more than a decade and is currently assistant manager of Republic of Ireland.

Police are now investigating the incident and are set to speak to Mr Kerar tomorrow.

A GMP spokeswoman confirmed: "At 11.30am police were called to Ashley Road, Altrincham to a report that a man had behaved aggressively towards another man.

"An investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident."

Redcar singer John McGrath wins Come Dine With Me

A singer from Redcar has proven he’s a grand cook by rustling up a winning meal for four strangers on Come Dine With Me.

John McGrath has taken part in the popular Channel 4 cooking show which sees a group of strangers cook a three course meal for each other over a week.

Guests give each cook a score out of 10 and the winning contestant wins £1,000.

Tonight viewers watched the 28-year-old scoop the top prize.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said John, a singer with the stage name John-Andrew.

John, who was born in Middlesbrough and grew up in Redcar and Guisborough, served up teriyaki tiger and scallop skewers for starter, Brazilian feijoada - a black bean stew - for the main course and French crepes with boozy berries for dessert.

“I have travelled all over the world so that inspired my menu,” said John, who now lives in Heaton, Newcastle with his partner, Gavin.

“I worked on the cruise ships in South America and in the Caribbean, I lived in France for over a year and in Australia and been to more than 20 countries.

“But I think it was my entertainment that swung it for me. I sang - of course - but I sang a song I’d written myself.

“It’s a ballad called The Man with the Beard, it’s a happy tune with sad lyrics. I wrote it about my life when I was not expecting to find anybody, I’d seen all these beautiful things but I have now met my love!”

John McGrath took part in Channel 4 show Come Dine With Me

The filming wasn’t strange for John, a self-confessed “born performer” but squeezing 11 people - the contestants plus the film crew - into his flat was a challenge, he said.

“The three women - Clare, Liz and Vicky - were just fantastic,” he said.

“Clare was my favourite, she was so funny. I didn’t realise how funny she was until I saw the show.

“David was a right miserable git and always had a face on him. We didn’t get on with him.

“I was lovely all week but I finally said something to him on the last night.”

When his show was aired last night he watched it with his mum Angela and sisters Sophie, Deanna, Natalie and Kiera.

“I was actually quite gobsmacked when I won, I didn’t know what to say,” said John, who made it to the final audition stages for Star Academy - the French version of Fame Academy - in 2007.

“I couldn’t believe I’d won a grand.”

So what did he do with his winnings?

“I bought a new pair of shoes and we went out for a meal at the Steakhouse in Newcastle and blew the rest gambling in Vegas on holiday!”

Gunman who aimed rifle at oncoming cars in Stockton street is jailed for 16 months

A gunman who brought terror when he stood in a road aiming a rifle at oncoming cars was jailed for 16 months today.

Gary Mann was told by the judge that the public would expect nothing less than an immediate prison sentence for his actions in Stockton as schools emptied for the day.

The 24-year-old was having problems with his depression medication when he took the air rifle in its case to a bus stop in Harrowgate Lane, Bishopsgarth, Stockton, at 3.30pm on Tuesday, November 4.

He unzipped the bag, produced the rifle and then stood in the carriageway forcing motorists to drive around him.

VIEW GALLERY

Prosecutor Sue Jacobs told Teesside Crown Court: “He aimed it at motorists driving towards him.”

She said that one man who had his wife in the car thought that he might have to drive over Mann to protect her.

When they got home his wife vomited and suffered chest pains, fearing an angina attack.

Another driver who had picked up three children from school said that if Mann had fired it would have gone through his car and possibly hit him or the children.

Mann and his father used the air rifle to shoot vermin and they had targets set up in their garden.

But a Cleveland Police firearms expert who examined it said that it was broken.

The incident sparked a major police alert as officers hunted for Mann after receiving reports of a man with a gun.

Armed officers searched two buses on Stockton High Street, including a number 59 bus, which runs from Harrowgate Lane into the town centre.

Bishopsgarth School was put into lockdown, with 50 children told to remain inside after staff were told of someone carrying a weapon.

Mann, a depressive with a drink problem, was arrested on November 5 as searches were carried out at his semi-detached home in Leam Lane, close to Harrowgate Lane.

Police officers could be seen bringing out a rifle from the boot of a car parked outside his home (video), which was then taken away.

Mrs Jacobs said that Mann appeared to have problems with alcohol because he had two convictions for drink driving and criminal damage.

Alex Bousfield, defending, said that Mann had no clear memory of the incident, but he accepted that it could have caused fear. Earlier he had taken his dog for a walk and had drunk three cans of lager.

A psychiatrist said that he had symptoms of a psychiatric illness, but he did not present a future threat now that his medication was under control.

Mr Bousfield said: “He did express remorse and he was able to convince the psychiatrist that he is now under the control of his medication.

“It’s not particularly clear why he did what he did, he is not able to explain it.

“It is an offence which could have had far-reaching consequences if the weapon had been capable of being fired. But I would urge it is not an incident as bad as it first appeared.”

INCIDENTS ON TEESSIDE

Police in Stockton High Street carrying out searches

The judge Recorder Felicity Davies told Mann: “What is particularly of concern to the court is that it is not clear what was going through your mind at the time that you behaved in this fashion.

“What is significant about your previous convictions is that two of them have to do with alcohol and they do indicate that you have a problem with alcohol, and I have come to the conclusion that alcohol has played a part here but it is not possible to discern exactly what.”

The judge added: “This is an offence that is so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence must be passed. The public would expect nothing else for an offence of this nature.

“In my view this case is of more concern because there is no clear explanation for your behaviour and the fear which you created likely to arise in anyone who was in the area.”

Mann was jailed for 16 months with £100 victim surcharge after he pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

'Griffin Park is a bit of a fortress, the fans are really close to the pitch': Adam Forshaw gives lowdown on Brentford success

Brentford have taken the Championship by storm.

But how has a team of largely unheralded players established themselves in the play-off places?

To find out the secret of the Bees’ success, The Gazette's Boro editor Philip Tallentire spoke to new boy Adam Forshaw about his time at Griffin Park.

There's no doubt about it, Brentford are this season’s surprise package in the Championship.

Leaders Bournemouth have also done incredibly well, but the Cherries showed last season they had to be respected and manager Eddie Howe has benefited from significant investment in players.

The Bees have come from nowhere – well, League One – to compete for a top six finish.

Ahead of their televised fixture against Boro, they trail the leaders by just two points.

It’s a remarkable achievement by manager Mark Warburton, who took charge at Griffin Park little more than a year ago, and his players.

Adam Forshaw enjoyed two extremely successful seasons at Griffin Park, though the first ended in heartbreak when the Bees blew automatic promotion on the final day of the 2012/13 season when Uwe Rosler was in charge.

Forshaw was on the bench when his team-mate Marcello Trotta hit the crossbar with a stoppage time penalty.

Had he converted it, Brentford would have won the game and sealed promotion. Instead, Doncaster broke away and scored the winner clinch the League One title.

Brentford manager Mark Warburton

To compound their misery, the Bees went on to lose the League One play-off final at Wembley.

However, a year later, the club won promotion under Warburton, who replace Rosler six months earlier when the German took charge of Wigan.

Forshaw didn’t play for Brentford in the Championship. He was injured at the start of the season and, on transfer deadline day, followed Rosler to Wigan.

He’s now a Boro player and could make his debut at Griffin Park tomorrow.

The 23-year-old says there’s no secret to his former club’s success, just togetherness and hardwork.

“When I was there the changing room, the squad’s togetherness was brilliant, as good as you are going to get,” he explained.

“Everyone is fighting for each other and it’s a team game at the end of the day. The belief that was installed into them from the staff was brilliant.

“They’ve got a great set of players, players that maybe aren’t as big names as other players in the Championship but they are really good footballers and they’ve got a massive togetherness in the dressing room.

“They had great support from the fans so a lot of things were going well for them at the time and they have continued that momentum.

“The fact that they did so well last year, maybe momentum has carried them through this year, it’s just installing belief in players and when players are confident there are no limits most of the time.

“I think everyone is looking at it and thinking they’ve got to fall off eventually,” he added, “but it hasn’t happened so far.

“The owners is putting towards a news stadium so they are definitely heading in the right direction, so who knows what they can do come the end of the season, let’s wait and see.

Action Images

Griffin Park

Brentford have only lost twice at home this season and Forshaw believes the atmosphere at Griffin Park is a major asset.

“I think they thrive on that, it’s a bit of a fortress for them, the fans are really close to the pitch, it’s a proper family feel club so I think they do rely on that, the home form is important for them,” he said.

“It will be the first time I’ve been back there and I don’t know what sort of reception I’ll get.

“I would like to say I gave my all in the three years I was there and the fans were brilliant to me, everything there was really good and they are on the up so it will be a really good game on Saturday.”

While Forshaw is happy to praise his former club, he’s made it crystal clear that he’s absolutely delighted to now be a Boro player following his move from Wigan earlier this week.

“It came as a bit of a surprise,” he admitted. “I was in the middle of a relegation battle at Wigan and I got a call from my agent saying that Middlesbrough were really interested so I was over the moon with that and I’m just happy to be here now.

“It was a tough six months for me and the team, the choice I made to go to Wigan in the summer was to try make the next step in my career but unfortunately it was a bit stop-start with the manager being sacked and a lot of players coming in and going out.

“It was a bit of a turbulent time and I didn’t have a great time but I’m now looking forward to my time with Middlesbrough.

“It’s lovely, I’m really happy that I’m here and I’ve got the chance to play for a good club like this with great players, great fans and a really good manager and staff as well. I’m just relishing the opportunity and hopefully we can play in the Premier League next year.

“Everyone you speak to say Middlesbrough are one of the best sides in this league without a doubt.

“They have the best players and have a good manager and a good fanbase, everything is set up for them to go to the next level and go to the Premier League.”

View: Ray Duck joins The Gazette's Camera Club

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Every day The Gazette features the very best of pictures sent to us from readers around Teesside.

We’ve been so impressed we launched Camera Club, a regular feature in which we profile different photographers, find out a bit more about them and share a selection of their latest shots.

To have your pictures featured visit http://bit.ly/1ITUzYX

Name?   Ray Duck

Where are you from?  Loftus

Tell us a little bit about yourself:   I am 58, married and a grandad. I grew up in Loftus but have also lived in Redcar, Marton and Marske. I have been interested in photography and wildlife for over 40 years.

What do you like taking pictures of?   I like taking pictures of my family, scenery and wildlife.

To be featured in Camera Club click on this link

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Wedding of the Week for Gemma Davies and Daniel Lowery

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Bride and Groom: Gemma Davies, 27, and Daniel Lowery, 30, both of Eston.

Married at: Judges Country House Hotel at Kirklevington.

When? August 24, 2014, at 1.30pm.

Where did you meet? On a blind date in 2004.

The proposal: On Christmas Day 2011, Daniel hid the ring in a bauble on the Christmas tree.

The wedding ring: Diamond cut white gold band.

What did the bride wear? A Mori Lee dress with cap sleeve, and lace with crystal beaded satin belt.

Bridesmaids: Claire Douglas, 30, Catherine Brown, 36, Susan Davies, 33, Kerry Plunkett, 27, Mollie Davies, four, and Emilia Davies, two.

Ushers/page boys: Craig Davies, 32, Joe Leach, 19, Jamie Douglas, 37, Oliver Lowery, five, and Harry Lowery, 18 months.

Best man: Andrew Parkinson, 45, of Thornaby.

The reception: Afternoon tea at Judges for 104 day guest and BBQ on evening for 175 guests.

The honeymoon: Legoland with the children for three days, we will be having a family holiday abroad this year.

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Ingleby Barwick videographer wins national award for second time in three years

An Ingleby Barwick wedding video company is toasting its success after being named the best in the country - for the second time.

Green Biscuit Studio, run by 30-year-old Wayne Connelly won ‘Best Videographer’ in the Wedding Industry Awards.

Wayne took home the trophy for the second time within three years after also winning the award in 2012.

Wayne said: “It’s very flattering to be named Best Videographer for the second time, especially with such strong competition from other regional finalists.

“I love what I do and the fact other people love what I do makes it even better.

“I’d just like to thank all of the wonderful brides and grooms who helped me get there in the first place.”

Wayne picked up the award on Thursday January 15 at Café de Paris in London.

Following on from November’s regional finals where Wayne picked up the title for Best North East Videographer, the event saw regional winners come together compete for the 27 awards up for grabs, rewarding everyone from designers and retailers to stylists, florists, planners and entertainers.

Teesside University graduate Wayne set up the business in 2011 after filming a friend’s wedding, and films ceremonies all over the North-east.

Founder of The Wedding Industry Awards, Damian Bailey said: “This year, our judges all commented on the skill, the dedication and the commitment of all our national finalists and choosing the winners was harder than ever.”

Mr Bailey said that as the UK wedding industry is now worth an estimated £10bn annually, with hundreds of suppliers in competition with each other, to be crowned national champion “is no mean feat”.

Sex offender who attacked, terrorised and groped young man is jailed for more than two years

A sex offender who attacked, terrorised and groped a young man in his home has been jailed for more than two years.

The innocent victim could not answer his own door at times since his violent and terrifying ordeal at the hands of Patrick Price.

Price, 38, threatened to stab him, pinned him to the ground and molested him in his living room, Teesside Crown Court heard today.

Price - who has convictions for indecency against a young boy and a knife slashing - befriended the 21-year-old man while using a different surname.

He was invited into the man’s home - but reacted violently when the man told him he was not gay.

Price had turned the conversation sexual as he asked whether the younger man had “slept with a bloke” before.

The man felt uncomfortable and replied he was not that way inclined and he was a father.

Price’s response was to elbow the man to the left side of his face, injuring his left eye.

Prosecutor Paul Cleasby described the “disturbing attack” which badly affected the young man on September 12 last year.

Price pushed his elbow into the victim’s chest, forcing him to the floor under his body weight.

He told him not to struggle, saying: “Don’t. Stay still or I’ll stab you.”

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, believed the threat to be genuine as he thought he had seen a knife in Price’s pocket.

Price pinned him down and sexually assaulted him, the court was told.

He calmly walked out of the house after the frightened victim shouted at him to leave and pushed him away.

The injured, distressed man texted a friend saying he could not believe what had happened to him.

His friend called the police and turned Price away from the home when he tried to approach again.

In a victim personal statement read out in court, the young man said: “This incident has changed me.

“I live alone in my home. Each time I get a knock at the door I panic.

“I will not go to the door until I look out of the window from behind the curtains to see who it is.

“I don’t always feel able to answer the door and sometimes I don’t answer it.

“I don’t feel able to trust anyone at the moment. I feel it’s hard to let anyone, especially males, into my home.”

Price initially claimed it was a consensual sexual encounter, but changed his story when the victim’s injuries were put to him.

Price, of Tarring Street, central Stockton, pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

He had a conviction and one-year prison sentence for gross indecency against a nine-year-old boy 14 years ago.

He received a probation order for inflicting grievous bodily harm by slashing someone with a knife in 1996, as well as a conviction for intimidation.

Lewis Kerr, defending, said Price’s lack of openness made it difficult to know his motives beyond sexual desire.

He asked the judge to consider a non-custodial sentence to deal with Price’s “massive difficulty with reasoning in relation to sexual desires”, but the Probation Service rejected the idea of managing him in the community.

Mr Kerr said Price planned to move away from the area and was supported by his partner.

Judge Howard Crowson told the defendant: “This offence was both violent and distressing.

“He made things very clear. You didn’t take refusal well so you assaulted him.

“You reacted in a violent way and forced yourself upon him.

“He was clearly very upset by the whole incident.”

He jailed Price for two years and four months and gave him an indefinite restraining order banning him from contacting the victim or entering his street.

Price will be on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years - for the second time in his life - and may face a ban from working with children.

Middlesbrough Town Hall staff dress up as they look forward to family-friendly Pirates and Piccolos classical shows

Staff at Middlesbrough Town Hall box office have been dressing up as pirates as they look forward to the family-friendly Pirates and Piccolos classical shows next month.

Audience members are being encouraged to dress up as pirates for what is described as a “thrilling and exciting ride of classical music like never seen before” when Pirates and Piccolos transforms the Town Hall Crypt on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday February 11.

Dressed in full pirate attire, Middlesbrough Town Hall venue manager Rob Guest said: “The idea is to encourage children to take an interest in classical music. We have the classical concert series every year and each year we try and do a part of it aimed at children.

“Previously we’ve done shows based on The Gruffalo and The Snowman but this year we’ve decided on a pirate theme. The whole thing will have a very sea-faring feel with sea shanties and even a Pirates of the Caribean medley.”

Conducted by entertaining captain Steve Drummer, the family friendly show is perfect for all pirates aged between 3-7 years old and their older brothers and sisters.

Pirates and Piccolos: Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt, 4.30pm on Tuesday 10 February, and at 11am, 1.30pm and 4.30pm on Wednesday February 11. £7 adults / £6 children under 16. Family tickets £22.

For further info, tickets, or brochures, call the Box Office on 01642 729 729 or visit http://bit.ly/1v3xGja.

John Powls: Adam Forshaw's signing means Grant Leadbitter and Adam Clayton can't take their places for granted

Securing the signing of promising midfielder Adam Forshaw this week was a fine example of invest when you’re on a roll for Boro.

The move has the hallmarks of the longer term about it, given Dean Whitehead’s age and contract position, but it also covers the immediate future with the injury to Rhys Williams and the return of Veljkovic to Spurs.

Most importantly, the quality of the new recruit strengthens the squad and provides Karanka cover for and a credible challenge to the two engine room incumbents.

Leadbelter and Clayts have been two of Boro’s best and most consistent this term but Forshaw will ensure that even they can’t take a place for granted.

If the ex-Brentford and Wigan man is as adept further forward as is claimed and can recover his best goal-getting form he may well provide a similar stimulus to Lee Tomlin to maintain his recently recovered best.

All great news for a squad who now need to up their level of league form consistency to that of the best of the top eight bunch with more wins - starting at Brentford tomorrow.

The impressive Bees aren't now the side that Boro trounced at The Riverside early in the season.

VIEW GALLERY

They don’t do draws and have just as strong a home record as Boro but Ipswich showed the way, winning 4-2 at Griffin Park on Boxing Day.

McCarthy’s men countered the West London side’s well known fast start with their own break from the blocks, pressed home the advantage and had the game won well before Brentford struggled into their usual purposeful stride late on.

Warburton’s charges generally make the most of their tight pitch and are direct without reverting to the long ball.

They employ fast, one touch breaks from ball turnover with players aiming to pass forward at pace through the middle rather than retain possession or move the ball wide.

That has provided chances for top scorer Gray and for the likes of the clever Jota who backs up from midfield if the front man holds it up or lays it off.

So, Karanka won’t want the game to get too stretched or to allow too much space behind his centre-backs when out of possession and, as ever, the usual engine room two will be key.

But, going forward, Boro’s full backs might well get the space to raid upfield and Karanka may well opt to narrow his attacking four to get at the home side through their centre where they look to be most vulnerable.

Despite the encouraging Etihad display from Mejias, Dimi will be back between the sticks and I guess that Ken will replace the suspended Ayala alongside Big Ben aiming for a seamless slot in.

It seems that both Kalas and Fredericks are in contention to relieve stalwart stand in Dean Whitehead.

One will team up with Gorgeous in flanking the back line and the two in front of the back four will not be changed despite Forshaw's arrival.

Chris Vaughan/CameraSport

Middlesbrough's Kike, left, celebrates scoring for Boro at Man City

Kike may well lead the line with Tomlin in the No.10 role and have Bam-Bam and Adomah either side but tucked in.

Despite Vossen’s huge shift and decent work against Citeh and Reach’s recent assists, I expect both to be benched for this one.

I don’t see this group of players suckering themselves with either Citeh Cup complacency or Arsenal anticipation even if Special K wasn’t on their case.

The Championship is the absolute priority and it has to show tomorrow in The Reds’ performance and result.

C’mon Boro!!

Do you know these men? Police want to speak to them about Subway robbery

Police have released these images of two men they wish to speak to in connection with a knifepoint robbery.

Two men wearing balaclavas entered the Subway store on the Trunk Road in Grangetown at about 6.45pm on Saturday, January 17.

The pair were armed with knives and threatened staff, before making off with cash from the till.

The first man was wearing a light grey hooded top and tracksuit bottoms with a ‘v’ on the pocket and black trainers.

Subway

The second was wearing a dark blue or blacktop with dark coloured tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

A man who was arrested in connection with the incident has been released without charge.

Anyone with information regarding the incident or the identity of the men in the images is asked to contact PC Lindsey Forbes on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Cleveland Police

Knifepoint robbery at Subway, Grangetown

Mark Warburton: 'Adam Forshaw is a fantastic young professional, Boro have got themselves a high quality player'

Adam Forshaw's former boss Mark Warburton says Boro have signed a "high quality player" ahead of a potential reunion at Griffin Park tomorrow.

Boro's new recruit quit the Bees in the summer having just picked up the League One Player of the Year gong, opting to sign for Wigan Athletic.

It didn't work out for the 23-year-old Scouser with the struggling Latics and Boro forked out around £2.5m for his services earlier this week.

Aitor Karanka has already confirmed Forshaw won't start for Boro at his former club tomorrow but the midfield man could make an appearance from the bench.

He was given a frosty reception when he returned to his former stomping ground with Wigan earlier this season and could be in for similar treatment tomorrow.

But Brentford boss Mark Warburton said: "He gave excellent services to Brentford.

"He's a fantastic young professional and did exceptionally well for us.

"We were never going to let any good player go cheaply - they go on our terms - that's why there were protracted discussions.

"It was a good deal for the club. Adam's a great kid and is hungry to do well.

"Middlesbrough have got themselves a high quality player."

Action Images / Henry Browne

Adam Forshaw in action for Brentford last season

Forshaw admitted he was keen on completing the Boro switch as soon as he discovered Aitor Karanka had shown an interest.

He joined Wigan in the summer believing the Latics would push for promotion having made the play-offs last season.

But the 2013 FA Cup winners have endured a miserable campaign so far. Uwe Rosler was sacked early on in the season but results haven't picked up since Malky Mackay was appointed as new boss in controversial circumstances and Wigan are languishing in the bottom three, five points adrift of safety.

Brentford, on the other hand, are enjoying a remarkable season and are just two points off top spot in the Championship and Warburton used Forshaw as an example when advising his current players to think twice before moving on.

"You look at people who have left over the past two or three seasons, I can't think of too many that have gone on to better things," he told Get West London.

"It's a good place to be. It may not be as fashionable as certain clubs, but we are moving in the right direction and making real strides.

"Players need to think long and hard before you leave a good environment."

The Musketeers actress Maimie McCoy excited for where thrilling storyline could lead

Actress Maimie McCoy has come a long way since performing at regional dance competitions across Teesside.

The 35-year-old is currently receiving critical acclaim for her portrayal of the beautiful but deadly assassin Milady de Winter in the BBC’s blockbuster series The Musketeers.

And last year saw her star alongside big names such as Elijah Wood and Celyn Jones in Set Fire to the Stars, a Dylan Thomas biopic produced by Eaglescliffe -born A J Riach.

The former Stokesley School pupil recalls her humble beginnings at the Bradley School of Dance with affection.

“It felt like we were dancing every waking minute. I can still remember all the dances,” she said.

“It’s funny, some days I can’t remember what happened yesterday but I’ll never forget my first ballet solo.”

After school, Maimie was leaning towards a career in performing arts. But her hopes of enrolling at the Arts Educational Schools in London, commonly known as ArtsEd, was out of reach due to the fees.

Instead she chose a degree course at London Metropolitan University.

“I wanted to be right in the heart of London so the location was just right,” she said.

“It was a very creative and academic course. At the time it was quite revolutionary in what it was was teaching but it wasn’t as commercial as I had wanted.

“I remember on the first day they said to us ‘If anyone wants to be in Cats you’re in the wrong place’ and I was thinking that’s exactly my thing.”

Maimie is the daughter of one of Teesside’s most well-known restaurateurs - Eugene McCoy, former owner of the Cleveland Tontine who now runs The Crathorne Arms, near Yarm.

Maimie McCoy

“They’ve been in there just over a year now,” she said. “It’s an amazing pub and seems to have really brought the village together.”

“You get a great mix in there with all the local drinkers and all his old, faithful customers.

“I’ve been there a lot over the last couple of years.”

She now considers London her second home although Teesside will always hold top place in her heart.

“I’ve almost been in London as long now but I always say I am going home if I am going back up north,” she said.

Maimie’s CV is packed with credits including guest roles in Taggart, Little Devil and Waking The Dead. In 2009 she was cast as Nicole Palmerston-Amory in Personal Affairs, a role which saw her nominated for a TV Quick Award as best supporting actress.

Filming The Musketeers has been a brilliant experience, she said.

“In the first series you are in a bit of a bubble with all the initial excitement but my character has gone up a gear in the second series which I wasn’t expecting so that’s been a challenge,” she said.

“I think I’ve been more self-critical in the last series and put myself under pressure to do something extraordinary.”

Maimie is keeping her fingers crossed for a third series of The Musketeers and is expecting a decision in the next couple of weeks.

“They tied a lot of the storylines up but the idea was always to have three series and there are still places for the story to go,” she said.

Great British Bake Off judge Mary Berry to open new Barker and Stonehouse at Teesside Park

Queen of cakes Mary Berry will open the new Barker and Stonehouse store at Teesside Shopping Park.

The British baking legend and star presenter, who has hosted several hugely popular TV shows and written more than 80 cookery books, will open the £4.5m store to the public on Saturday March 28.

Customers will have the opportunity to attend Q&A sessions with Mary, win signed copies of her latest book and browse the new state-of-the art store throughout the day.

Mary, who was awarded a CBE for her services to the culinary arts in 2012, said: “I’m so excited to open the new Barker and Stonehouse store on Teesside and share my top baking tips with the people of the North East.

“I’ve always had such fantastic support from people in the region and am really looking forward to spending the day with customers and discovering everything the new store has to offer.”

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James Barker, managing director of Barker and Stonehouse, said: “Mary Berry is an icon of British cooking.

“She is hugely popular with such a wide range of people and I would think that many households up and down the country own at least one of her cook books.

“We’re thrilled to have her on board to open our store, it will make for a very special day indeed.”

Situated at the entrance to Teesside Park in Stockton, the flagship store has an in-store café, two floors of retail space spread over 48,270sq ft and a large car park for nearly 100 cars.

Archial Norr Architects designed the store in consultation with the Barker and Stonehouse design team and Dennis McLuckie of McLuckie Projects.

Teenager attacked and robbed by three men as he walked over bridge in Stockton

A teenager is recovering after being assaulted and robbed.

The 19-year-old man was walking on the bridge over the A66 from Stockton towards Thornaby Road at around 1am on Monday, January 26, when the incident happened.

Police say three men appeared from the bushes and demanded his property.

When he refused he was punched to the mouth, the men took a large amount of cash from his wallet and made off back towards Stockton.

The victim was left with a small cut to his lip which did not require hospital treatment.

The suspects are described as white males, aged in their early 20s, all wearing scarves covering their mouths, dark tops and light bottoms. Two are described as being quite tall and one smaller.

Anyone with information regarding the incident or the identity of the suspects is asked to contact DC Olly Flight from Stockton Volume Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.