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Full Report: Signs missed in baby death case

A damning report has found that social workers missed vital warning signs that led to a County Durham toddler dying from a brutal attack at the hands of his mother's boyfriend.

Slater Sharkey's father had raised concerns weeks before but officials failed to act.

As Gregg Easteal reports, Durham's Safeguarding Children's Board has now apologised for the failures and says changes have already been made to its procedures.

You can watch his full report below.

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Social workers missed vital warning signs in baby death case

It has emerged that social workers missed vital warning signs that led to a baby suffering catastrophic brain damage after being attacked by his mother's partner.

A serious case review found that the father of 13 month-old Slater Sharkey raised concerns in the weeks before his son was attacked, but officials failed to act.

Richard Morgan was convicted of manslaughter after he experienced what he called a "momentary lack of control" in December 2010 and attacked Slater while his mother was out.

The baby suffered 25 bruises to his body and died as a result.

Durham's Safeguarding Children's Board has now apologised for the failures and say recommendations have been acted upon.

Durham road closures during Pearl Izumi Tour Series

The following roads will be affected by road closures during the Pearl Isumi Tour Series - which is due to take place around the Durham area today.

  • Quarryheads Lane (south) – strictly residents only access between 7.00am and midday. Road closed from midday to midnight.
  • Grove Street, Margery Lane (south) and Quarryheads Lane (north) – road closed from 7.00am to midnight.
  • *North Road (east/bottom of Crossgate) *– road closed from 10.00am to midnight.
  • Margery Lane (north), Crossgate, South Street, Pimlico – road closed from midday to midnight.

The A690 Crossgate Peth and Alexandria Crescent will remain open at all times.

Pricey paintings on the walls at Durham University

Picasso next to a lift at Durham University's Palatine centre.
Picasso next to a lift at Durham University's Palatine centre. Credit: ITV news

More than £1m has been spent on artwork at Durham University.

Pieces by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Alexander Calder hang on the walls of buildings like the Palatine centre.

The University say developing collections is essential. Students say the money could be put to better use.

A wall of Alexander Calder art work on a 3rd floor mezzanine.
A wall of Alexander Calder art work on a 3rd floor mezzanine. Credit: ITV news
Andy Warhol paintings in the entrance to Durham Law school.
Andy Warhol paintings in the entrance to Durham Law school. Credit: ITV news

Durham Uni: "Spending money on art is essential"

A spokesman for Durham University said developing its collections of art was "essential".

Students have called it a disgrace that the university spent £1.4m on art while increasing tuition fees to £9,000 a year.

But the statement, released by the university, said:

“Durham University is a custodian of many fine treasures and developing our collections of graphic art and sculpture for public display was an essential part of the original concept for the Palatine Centre.

“Some of the artwork was commissioned and reflects the University’s academic strengths and the heritage of our region.

“The works that can now be viewed represent a rich and varied presentation of 20th and 21st century art.

“The University organises free guided tours and staff, students and the public are encouraged to come and enjoy it.”

– Spokesman, Durham University

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Queen at service for church organ restored in Durham

The Queen has attended the rededication of a church organ after it was restored in Durham.

The organ was removed from its chamber at the Temple Church in London in August 2011. It was dismantled and taken to Durham for cleaning and repairs, but is now back in place.

The joint chairs of the organ fund appeal committee, Sir Anthony May and Michael Blair QC, said: "The organ has not simply been repaired; it has been restored to its original and proper glory."

Evensong at Temple Church
The Queen was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire
Queen
The royal couple attended evensong to mark the rededication of the organ Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire
Queen
The Queen signed three scrolls as part of the service. Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire
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