Pathologist denies test 'errors'

The pathologist who first ruled newspaper seller Ian Tomlinson died from natural causes at the G20 protest has denied bungling the post-mortem examinations of two young children.

Dr Freddy Patel appeared before the General Medical Council (GMC) in London accused of failing to spot that a five-year-old girl had been violently attacked after suffering a "serious fall".

The 63-year-old is also charged with failing to preserve a blood clot he discovered on the brain of a dead four-week-old girl.

If found guilty of misconduct by the panel, the pathologist could be struck off.

Family concern for boy death mother

The family of a mother questioned over the murder of her two-year-old son were so concerned about her behaviour they took her to hospital the day before she carried his lifeless body into a police station, it has emerged.

Melanie Ruddell, 39, was taken to Hartlepool General Hospital on Sunday by relatives and was later allowed to leave.

The following morning Mrs Ruddell, who is believed to have split from her husband several months ago, walked into a County Durham police station, carrying her son Christy.

Police quickly realised something was wrong and as the little boy was rushed to hospital, Mrs Ruddell was arrested.

Mum of drowned Wrexham teenager dies of cancer

Claire Saunders

A BRAVE mum whose son was killed after being swept out to sea by a huge wave has died.

Tributes were yesterday paid to Claire Saunders of Old Farm Road, Rhostyllen, Wrexham, who has died following a battle against cancer.

Tragically her son Jack Saunders, 18, was killed when he was knocked off his feet by a huge wave while on the Blackpool coast in October last year.

Desperate attempts were made to save him by two friends but he drowned.

Gwynedd council faces £47m spending cuts

Money

GWYNEDD Council is braced to make massive cuts in its spending over the next four years.

Senior officers last night warned the council may have to find as much as £47 million of savings between 2011 and 2015.

The Council Board yesterday heard the Government’s recent emergency budget could lead to reductions of 25% in most departmental budgets.

Cllr John R Jones, who leads the council’s financial strategy said: “Following the Chancellor’s recent budget, the extent of the financial challenge facing public services and the communities we serve is becoming clearer – and the situation is looking extremely bleak.