A former Northumbria Police detective, Sue Thorpe, has been given a suspended prison sentence after a court found her guilty of stalking her ex-boyfriend and misusing police computer data to harass him. The 44-year-old bombarded surfing instructor Barry Henderson with abusive messages and falsely accused him of serious crimes, including being a paedophile, in a year-long campaign following their breakup.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that Thorpe's actions were part of a deliberate attempt to damage Mr. Henderson's reputation and his surfing business. She not only sent abusive voicemails, texts, and emails but also used the Police National Computer to illegally access information about him. Thorpe's false allegations were spread to his friends, family, and new partner, and she even set up fake social media accounts and email addresses to further her campaign.

The court sentenced Thorpe to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered her to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days. A 10-year restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting any contact with Mr. Henderson. The judge highlighted the seriousness of Thorpe's misuse of police resources, noting the potential to erode public trust in law enforcement.

In a victim impact statement, Mr. Henderson described how Thorpe's actions had left him feeling 'physically sick' and as though she was 'on a mission to destroy' him. The case sheds light on the severe consequences of stalking and the abuse of power by those in positions of authority, underscoring the importance of accountability and the protection of individuals from such malicious campaigns.

Sandy Gall, the revered war correspondent and long-standing ITN broadcaster, has died at the age of 97. Known for his fearless reporting from some of the most dangerous conflict zones around the world, Gall's career spanned over six decades, during which he became one of the most trusted voices in British journalism. His passing marks the end of an era for war reporting and broadcast journalism.

Gall's journey in journalism began in the early 1950s with Reuters, covering significant global events such as the Suez Crisis and the assassination of President Kennedy. His transition to ITN in 1963 marked the start of a legendary tenure that would see him cover pivotal moments in history, including the Vietnam War and the Soviet-Afghan War. Gall's dedication to reporting from the front lines, often without official clearance, underscored his commitment to bringing the truth to the public.

Beyond his achievements in journalism, Gall was also known for his humanitarian efforts. After retiring from ITN in 1992, he founded Sandy Gall's Afghanistan Appeal, a charity aimed at aiding victims of war, particularly those injured by landmines and children in refugee camps. His work off the field was a testament to his compassion and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those affected by conflict.

Sandy Gall's legacy is not only defined by his groundbreaking reporting but also by his mentorship to younger journalists and his unwavering integrity. As tributes pour in from colleagues and admirers worldwide, it's clear that Gall's contributions to journalism and humanitarian efforts will continue to inspire future generations. His was indeed a great life, generously and courageously lived.