The Journal

Villain Targeted Pensioners in Evil Campaign ; Sex Assault Victim Feared She'd Be Killed

AN "evil" crook was last night facing an indefinite jail term after targeting two pensioners in nine hours. Convicted rapist Terrence Gibbons burgled and sexually assaulted an 81-year-old woman in Gateshead. He left his victim fearing she would be raped or killed after confronting her in her own sitting room.

Oh Baby, It's Great to Have You Home ; Little Finn Out of Hospital to Be with Family

LITTLE Finn Dobbins is back home for Christmas - six weeks after he was born weighing just 3lb 3oz. His parents are now looking forward to the 'perfect' family festive season after their son spent his first month of life in hospital intensive care units. Finn was born 11 weeks premature at the end of October in Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Concern at Treatment Delay for Sex Crimes

A SEX attacker jailed indefinitely for an assault on a teenage girl has yet to begin treatment for his behaviour, two years after being locked up. Steven David Bowden, also known as Ring, was jailed at Newcastle Crown Court in November 2006.

Chance to Get Closer to Nature

A CHURCHYARD in Northumberland was yesterday designated as a nature spot following a project involving local schoolchildren. Ellingham Churchyard was officially opened as a Breathing Places site, where people can rediscover the wonders of nature in keeping with the Big Lottery Fund programme.

North Today: Land Army Tribute ; Civic Centre Reception

North Today: Man Injured ; Police Appeal

North Today: School Successes ; Triple Honours

North Today: Winning Painting ; Poster Contest

North Today: Council Pledge ; Planning Issues

Parking Meters Still Charge Full Vat Rate ; Councils Keep Cash Instead of Passing It On

NORTH councils are set to pocket thousands of pounds a month for not passing on a VAT cut in parking charges. Parking chiefs say there is too much work involved in reprogramming the region's several hundred parking machines to take account of the 2.5% cut in VAT announced last month.

Police Seize Tobacco Haul in Store Raid

A HUGE haul of cigarettes was recovered in a raid on a Tyneside newsagent. Police also seized 20 laptops after busting the Benwell General Dealers on Elswick Road in Newcastle's West End.

If My Daughter's My Son Does That Make Me a Dame?

A PANTO dame and his daughter will be keeping it in the family this year when they perform in Jack and the Beanstalk. Olivia Keithley, 16, will don doublet and hose to play the lead role of Jack, while dad Paul will be pulling up his skirts and slapping on the lipstick to play Jack's mum Buttercup.

Attacker Targeted Elderly ; 'Evil' Raider Faces Indefinite Jail Sentence

A CONVICTED rapist who went on to sexually assault an 81-year- old woman in a night-time raid was branded "evil and dangerous". Terence Gibbons left his victim fearing she would be raped or killed after confronting her in her sitting room where she had fallen asleep in a chair.

Britain Today: Officer's Claim ; Police

Britain Today: Pregnancy Rise ; Teenagers

Britain Today: Waxwork Lewis ; Sportsmen

Britain Today: Housing 'Watch' ; Associations

Britain Today: Dna Proposal ; Prisoners

'Finally, Justice has Been Done for Rhys' ; Father Speaks After Killer Jailed for Life

RHYS Jones's parents last night said justice had been done after their son's murderer was locked up for life. Stephen and Melanie Jones clasped hands and fought back tears as Sean Mercer, 18, was jailed for a minimum of 22 years at Liverpool Crown Court. The couple, who had waited for the day since their 11-year-old son was shot last August, praised Merseyside Police for an investigation which the trial judge described as having "remarkable energy, consistency and intelligence".

Bugs 'an Inspired Move'

IN the hours and days after the shooting of Rhys Jones, local residents spread the word that Sean Mercer was the gunman. Despite this common knowledge, many people remained too frightened of the gangs to speak out about what they knew and it took "inspired" and controversial detective methods to bring him before the jury at Liverpool Crown Court.