Louise Hobson

Callum Howe, 23, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison, followed by five years on extended licence, for the manslaughter of his friend Mohammed Shaan Ali Rasul in Hartlepool. Howe repeatedly struck Rasul in the face and head with an axe or hatchet during an altercation at his flat in November, causing fatal injuries. He claimed self-defence, but prosecutors described a drug-fuelled attack and the judge said Howe had initiated the use of the weapon and gone far beyond any legitimate self-defence. Howe was acquitted of murder but convicted of manslaughter; he must serve at least two-thirds of his custodial sentence before parole consideration.

A teenager from County Durham who struggled in mainstream education has flourished after joining Empowher, an alternative provision where he trained in hair and beauty and launched his own weekend business. Another student, Chloe, similarly found mainstream school overwhelming due to autism-related anxiety but gained qualifications and employment through the programme. Empowher’s director, herself previously excluded from school, emphasises the importance of tailored support for young people who do not fit traditional educational settings. Both families report significant improvements in wellbeing and confidence.