A few months ago Calendar brought you the story of a music teacher from North Yorkshire who was playing the piano to orphaned elephants in Thailand. But now Paul Barton has gone one better - the elephants have joined in playing the piano . Jon Hill has the story.
A registered sex offender who absconded to Thailand whilst on police bail has been sentenced to 5 years imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court. Simon Paul Watson, 45, previously lived in Ilkley and was convicted in 2005 for possession of indecent images of children.
In 2009, a further investigation was launched by West Yorkshire Police into similar offences and it was during this investigation that he disappeared after failing to attend a bail appointment. Following an investigation by West Yorkshire Police, Watson was tracked down to Bangkok in Thailand.
"It is down to the tireless work of our Officers, as well as work with agencies both here and Thailand that we were able to locate Watson. Watson's action lead me to believe he poses a significant threat to children who'll now be protected from him while he remains in custody" Det Insp Chris Stones
A Leeds businesswoman is to climb one of the world’s tallest mountains to raise money for Yorkshire attack victim Adam Pickles.
Read the full storyThe family of a teacher from West Yorkshrie who was attacked in Thailand say they believe his coma may be lifting.
Adam Pickles has lived in Thailand for the last 7 years, working in an international school. In May he was attacked and underwent surgery to remove blood clots from his brain. He has been in a coma ever since, fighting infections.
Recently, there has been movement in his hands, arms and head, which his family believe to be a sign he is going to be out of the coma soon.
The parents of Yorkshire teacher Adam Pickles have spoken of their relief at the arrest of his alleged attacker in Thailand. Andrew and Adele Pickles said they hoped the British man arrested in relation to the assault that nearly killed their son would be kept behind bars until he goes on trial
They have now instructed a legal team in Thailand to deal with the case as it progresses. The arrest came in Bangkok on the same day hundreds attended a Leeds event in aid of Adam, 40, who remains in a coma in the city’s General Infirmary.
“It is a relief to us to know there has been an arrest - we hope and pray that this man is now kept off the streets until the official trial takes place. We do not want any other family to go through the hell we are experiencing," said Adam's mother Adele.
Meanwhile staff at Wakefield’s Cathedral School, where Adam taught between 2001 and 2005, have organised a race night fundraiser that will take place on July 13 from 8.15pm at Thornes Cricket Club, Field Lane.
Campaigners raising money for a teacher from Bradford, who was badly injured after being attacked abroad, have collected more than twenty seven thousand pounds.
Adam Pickles, who's head of English at a school in Thailand, was attacked with a metal bar as he made his way home from a night out. He's already had two operations on his brain, but his family say his travel insurance will not cover the £70,000 needed for the cost of his treatment.
They've set up a Facebook group for the father-of-one which has more than six thousand members.
