FORMER Hull KR coach Justin Morgan has coached in more Super League derbies than anybody else – and has the best record of all.

During his spell in charge of the Robins, he led them to 10 wins out of 16 against the Black and Whites, including three from three at the Magic Weekend.

Here, he tells the Mail how he prepared, selected and motivated his side for the city's biggest rugby league game.

PREPARATION

In the build-up and in the press the week of the game myself and either Peter Sharp or Richard Agar would say it was just another two points but, in reality, it was never just another two points.

You try and play the game down in the press, but internally that would never be the case for me. I knew what the game meant to everyone in the city and we'd always make sure every single one of our players knew that too.

I'd not want derby week to arrive and all of a sudden the pressure just hit the players, so I'd be planting the seed for a long time beforehand.

Even at the start of the season, when the fixtures came out, I'd highlight the derby games to the players so they knew exactly when we'd be playing Hull FC.

I'd want it in the back of the minds of the players, even if it was right at the back.

Then, maybe a month before, I'd bring it up again, then again a couple of weeks before.

I'd only touch on it, we wouldn't make a big deal of it because there were other games to play and win, but it would be mentioned.

Then, when derby week came around, we'd spend the first couple of days after our last game talking it up. After that everyone knew their roles and what it meant and we could focus on training and preparation.

PAST RESULTS

It always depends on where you are with regard to your season and whether you have won or lost the last derby.

If you are going into a derby with back to back losses then you need to focus on a positive and I'd often pull out the tape of the last derby if we had won it.

On the flip side, if you are in a good run of form then you never want to look too far back and the last derby will hardly be referenced. The approach always changes depending on your current situation.

What is important is that despite all the cliches, the last derby result does matter.

If you are the team that loses the first derby of the year, like Hull are this season, then you desperately don't want to go two-nil down in the series, especially when there are only three games that year to play.

It has no direct bearing on the game itself, but it does affect your psyche and certainly impacted on me as a coach in terms of my approach.

Quite often we went into derbies in poor form and when that was the case we would look at what we did well in the last derby and try to replicate it.

TEAM SELECTION

One of the things I always tried to do with my team selection was pick, where possible, local players. I'm not saying the derby didn't mean the world to players like Clint Newton or Scott Murrell, because it did.

But it can never have the same meaning as it does for a player from Hull who has grown up in the city and has lived it. Someone who has their friends and family, everyone they know, looking at them to get a result.

I'm sure it was the same approach at Hull and you only have to look at the performances of Danny Houghton or Lee Radford as evidence for that.

No matter what form they were in, those two in particular always played very well against Hull KR.

I'd not select local players for the sake of it, but if, for example, there was a toss up between Jason Netherton and another player, Jason would win out.

GAME DAY

What is important is to talk to the players who have little or no experience of the derbies to make sure they realise and are prepared mentally and physically for just how intense it is.

I'd spell out to the players that this would be the most intense game they would play all season, save for a play-off clash.

The players have to be ready for what is to come because for 80 minutes there is no hiding place and the opposition will rip into you for every single minute of the match.

In a long season you cannot expect the players to be at 100 per cent every single week. Sometimes as a coach you know they may only be at 80 per cent, and you have to deal with that, but you cannot afford to be at anything less than 100 per cent in a derby.

If we had played Wigan the week before, I'd say to the players that however tough they felt that was, add another 25 per cent, and that's what you can expect from this derby.

I'd often bring people in to speak to the players too.

Whether that be Colin Hutton, Wayne Parker, Stanley Gene, Paul Fletcher or the chairman Neil Hudgell.

Neil always spoke like a true fan, which he is. His passion would have the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.

What is important is that, despite what you say in the build-up, the players cannot leave the dressing room thinking that this is just any other game, because it isn't.

MAGIC WEEKEND

Whether the game was played at Craven Park, the KC Stadium or in Cardiff, there was no difference for me in terms of our approach or experience.

The changing rooms may feel strange, but once you walk out and that sea of red and white and black and white hits you, it feels no different.

During my time we played three Magic games in Cardiff.

The night before the match, or even on the morning of the game, I'd not put a curfew in place and I had no problem with the players heading out into the city centre.

It gave them a chance to sample the atmosphere and helped take away any feeling that this match was different because it was so far from Hull.

It was important to soak up the atmosphere, to get that big game feeling.

I just hope the RFL have sorted the issue of where the coaches sit during the game.

I remember in the first-ever Magic Weekend the seat given to me saw me sat behind hundreds of Hull fans.

I cannot begin to reveal the colourful language that was sent my way throughout the game, it was an experience, but thankfully I was smiling at the end.

WHAT IT MEANS

As a coach more often than not it comes down to self preservation. I lived in Hull during my entire time at Rovers and living in Hull means you have to do things like go to the shops to get your bread and milk.

There were times when I had to have my head to the ground staring at the floor after a loss.

You want to walk with your head held high with pride.

I understood from day one how important a derby win is for the fans of either side.

I'd often be told by our fans it didn't matter what we did all season as long as we came out on top against Hull FC. I'm sure many Hull fans felt the same.

There's nothing to beat a derby win, but a defeat is very tough.

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AS ONE of the world's most famous fashion chains, it has attracted designers such as Kate Moss, Stella Vine and Kate Bosworth.

Now, four Hull girls are seeing their fashions grace the shelves of high street chain Topshop.

Sisters Katie and Sarah Bowes, their niece Karma Bowes and Amy Ellerton have launched an exclusive "Hull Loves" collection at stores.

Their designs, inspired by the city's heritage, include "pattie butty" and "chip spice" printed T-shirts.

Katie, 25, who co-owns fashion label Bowes Threads in west Hull, said: "We are absolutely over the moon to have secured a deal with Topshop.

"Our collection focuses on Hull and how unique it is as a place.

"We have lived in the city all our lives and have fallen in love with its quirky traditions, such as pattie butties and chip spice seasoning.

"We want people to be able to show off their heritage with pride, while looking stylish."

The handmade collection was launched at Topshop in St Stephen's shopping centre on Sunday, with more than 15 items selling on the first day.

It is part of a Bowes Threads concession, including a selection of vintage jerseys, tie-dye maxi and midi dresses and custom denim shorts.

Katie said: "Our clothes are all about individuality and vintage style. They are created by hand and truly are one- of-a-kind.

"Most high-street brands offer duplicated items of clothing, which is why we are hoping our collection will stand out."

Katie and Sarah, 27, are no strangers to fashion, having owned vintage fashion shop Bowes Vintage in Princes Avenue, which they ran for three years, before bowing to pressure from the recession.

They launched Bowes Threads in January, with the help of Karma, 17, and friend Amy, 21.

Sarah, who studied fashion at the University of Hull, said: "I had been made redundant from my seamstress job. I reassessed my life and decided I liked designing and producing my own branded clothing.

"The others felt the same and Bowes Threads just took off from there.

"We had always dreamed of taking our products to Topshop as we love their designs and styles so much."

The girls set about realising their dream by sending an email to the global brand's bosses.

Katie, who specialises in designing T-shirt logos, said: "We sent them an email, but we didn't really expect anything to come from it. We always thought a brand like Topshop would be out of our reach."

She said she had been "stunned" after finding out their designs would be on sale in St Stephen's.

She said: "It seemed so unreal, but I was so happy and excited.

"I go to the Topshop all the time and it is incredible to see our designs on sale there."

The fashionistas were told to produce 100 items for the launch, with stock needing replenishment on a weekly basis. They created the clothes in a small loft in Chanterlands Avenue, west Hull.

Katie said: "It was a huge amount of stock for four girls to produce, but it was made even more tricky because of our working circumstances.

"We are still producing garments in Sarah's loft as we can't afford to buy a proper workspace. We are hoping to move somewhere bigger later this year."

The girls have other big hopes for the future.

Sarah said: "We'd love to expand our collection to Topshop branches around the country and perhaps the world. We'd also like to secure deals with other fashion chains."

THE family of a man found hanged in a cemetery say he was driven to suicide by slurs on social networking site Facebook.

Steven Rudderham, 48, was traumatised when his name, address and photograph were published online, along with a message calling him a "dirty perv", claiming he was a paedophile. Within 15 minutes, the message had been shared hundreds of times and he began receiving death threats on Facebook.

An inquest in Hull heard he was found hanged in Hessle cemetery three days later.

As Humberside Police considers an investigation to track down the culprits, Mr Rudderham's daughter Bethany Beaumont said: "They've destroyed an innocent life for no reason. It was disgusting. It was slander."

His mother Carol Matthews said: "I want to know why someone did something like that. I hope they rot in hell. It took a person's life. We will never get over it."

An inquest yesterday heard Mr Rudderham was a bricklayer and was working towards examinations as a building site manager before the internet accusations.

He normally saw Bethany, 19, every day and she realised immediately the profound effect the paedophile accusations had on him.

She said: "He just couldn't believe it. He was just looking at the wall and he wouldn't eat. It was like someone had ripped his life apart."

Mr Rudderham was afraid of walking the streets in case he was spotted and decided to stay with his daughter to prevent him being targeted at his home close to Hull Marina.

Bethany told the inquest even people who had known her father for years joined in the cyber bullying.

"There were people who had known him for years commenting on it," she said. "He was so upset. I had never seen him like that.

"He stayed at my house that night because of what the comments were saying, about people coming to his house and smashing it up."

Mr Rudderham discussed giving police a memory stick with evidence about the accusations on it but it did not happen before his death.

On Saturday, January 26, his body by a member of the public.

Police were called at about 2pm but Mr Rudderham was pronounced dead at the scene. A memory stick was recovered from Mr Rudderham's body and police have also seized a computer hard drive.

Mr Rudderham's mother was told of her son's death on her birthday and puts the blame solely on her son's Facebook accusers.

"I went berserk when I found out what had happened," she said.

"He didn't want to stay in his house because he was frightened."

Mr Rudderham's family say he served time in HMP Hull in 2010 for fighting but had no convictions for sex offences.

Dr Latifu Sanni was also told about the paedophile accusations made against Mr Rudderham before he carried out the post mortem.

The inquest heard there had been no evidence of medical depression in the months before his death. No drugs and no significant amounts of alcohol were found by a post mortem.

The inquest was attended by Mr Rudderham's family, including his mother and stepfather David Matthews, his sister Lisa Elm and daughters Bethany, Anna and Danielle Beaumont.

Recording a verdict of suicide, Coroner Paul Marks said: "The medical cause of death was hanging.

"He was actively pursuing a qualification to improve his status and job prospects. In the last few days of his life, he received a pejorative message on a social networking site which greatly troubled him."

Police have confirmed they are considering an investigation into the Facebook posts in the days leading up to Mr Rudderham's death.

A YOUNG mother has died of a brain tumour, leaving her grieving husband to bring up their two young children alone.

Sarah Foster, 30, lost her two-year battle against cancer last Thursday when she died at the family's west Hull home.

Her husband, Lee, says the couple shielded their children, Darcey, five, and Deacon, three, from the worst of her illness and ensured they always led normal lives.

Factory worker Mr Foster, 34, said: "I can honestly say there was nothing bad about the past two years we had with Sarah. Our family had the most amazing time.

"Sarah was incredible. She was a woman who gave everything for her children and that meant us leading happy and full lives, despite what she was going through.

"Sarah used to tell Darcey and Deacon, 'Mummy has a pea growing inside her head, but the doctors are trying to fix her'.

"She was out of bed every day. She never gave up.

"As a family, we never ever allowed ourselves to think negatively. None of us ever stopped fighting."

Mrs Foster was diagnosed in March 2011 following a seizure. She underwent surgery at Hull Royal Infirmary soon after her diagnosis and had further surgery to remove the tumour in January last year.

However, weeks later, a routine scan revealed the tumour had returned, prompting doctors to rule the condition was inoperable.

Mr Foster paid tribute to his wife of almost eight years, who, despite recovering from chemotherapy, joined her family on trips, including a break to Disneyland Paris last October.

He said: "I am so proud of her. She was special. It was fantastic how well she coped with her condition.

"It was lovely to see our children's faces at Disneyland – that kept us going.

"We enjoyed days out. We went to Legoland. We went to Blackpool, our special place, as usual at Easter time.

"Sarah was in a wheelchair, but she wanted to keep things as normal as possible for our children.

"I am so pleased we crammed so much into such a short space of time.

"Sarah was a fantastic woman. She lived for her children."

Mr Foster described the moment he told his children their doting mother had died.

"I told them their Mummy will always be there for them," he said.

"I told them Mummy's star will shine so brightly for them.

"They are both now telling their friends at school and nursery that.

"Looking back, it wasn't the best idea – they are refusing to go to bed until 9.30pm when it gets dark, so they can see Mummy's star."

Mr Foster said he will ensure his children grow up remembering their mother.

"They will know all about the amazing woman Sarah was," he said.

Mrs Foster's funeral will be held at St James' Church in Sutton, the same venue where they married in July 2005.

Family and friends are asked to wear bright colours.

"The children are too young to attend but there will be two posies on top of Sarah's coffin – one from each of them – next to a picture of us all," said Mr Foster.

"And the flowers will be cremated with her coffin. The ashes will be spread at Blackpool, where we all went every Easter."

Mr Foster, who works for Kohler Mira in Melton, thanked staff at Castle Hill Hospital and Hull Royal Infirmary, as well as nurses who visited their home, for their care.

He also thanked the couple's family and friends, saying: "Their love and care meant so much."

Mrs Foster is also survived by her parents, Melvin and Leslie Purkiss, and sister Leanne.

Her funeral will be held at 10am on Friday at St James' Church, followed by a service at Chanterlands Crematorium.

HULL is full of unsung heroes. Every day, our pages are bursting with readers who have performed remarkable feats for their community.

So, the Mail is launching Pride Of East Yorkshire – a new awards ceremony to honour our local heroes.

Whether it is starting new projects and inspiring young people, or saving someone from danger, we have plenty of heroes on our own doorstep.

The Pride Of East Yorkshire Awards, in partnership with Hull City Tigers, will be a chance to say thank you to those who work tirelessly to help others.

Nominations are open to all and with eight awards categories, this is the time to put your hidden heroes in the spotlight.

The finalists will attend a glittering awards ceremony in September at the KC stadium.

Our first nominee is Keleighsha Thorpe, 11, who alerted her grandma when arsonists targeted their home.

Keleighsha was nominated by her grandma Sandra Sawers for the Child Of Courage Award, having already been recognised by the council with the Amy Johnson Cup for her bravery.

Ms Sawers said: "I wake up in the morning and think, 'If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here.

"She'll be my little hero until the day I die.

"She would really, really deserve this award."

The awards, which take place in September, will be marking the actions of ordinary local people doing extraordinary things.

We want to recognise all of you helping to put Hull on the map and highlight those brave souls who go over-and-above the call of duty.

Mail Editor Neil Hodgkinson said: "When some people can achieve celebrity status simply for being on TV, the Pride of East Yorkshire awards will celebrate the real heroes in our community.

"These are people who don't look for gratitude or public thanks, but have nonetheless made a remarkable impact on people's lives.

"We cover stories every day about people making a difference in their communities. Hopefully, with the help of Mail readers, we can find those people and, together with our sponsors, give them the recognition they richly deserve."

The awards are also being supported by Hull City and the club's managing director Nick Thompson said it was fitting the first event was being held in the year the Tigers were promoted to the Premier League.

He said: "There is a huge amount of pride in this city and in the broader region across East Yorkshire and the Humber. With Hull City's promotion to the Premier League, there has been a whole new level of interest in the area.

"We recognise that many people see our club and the footballers as local heroes. These awards gives us a chance to salute the real local heroes out there in the local community."

The award categories cover so many areas to give all achievements recognition.

We are looking for those in the public services who not only make it their job to keep the rest of us safe and sound, but make it their life.

We want to honour youngsters who have overcome trials and tribulation with courage and a positive attitude.

One of our awards, Inspiring Youngster, is made in partnership with Hull Children's University, the Mail's charity of the year.

Dr John Buttrick, director of Hull Children's University, said: "The Pride of East Yorkshire awards will be a terrific event for this great city and our region.

"We are always pleased to support anything that raises aspirations of young people who have a positive and determined approach and attitude to life.

"It's always great for a young person to win an award, as it makes them aware that people believe in them and that is important."

As well as young people, the awards will thank local people for all sorts of selfless activities, from saving a life to raising countless pounds for charity.

And it is not just the man on the street – those in business, who have made a huge impact to help their community, deserve to be rewarded.

We all know about the sporting success of golden boy Luke Campbell pulling no punches in the ring, and the moment Hull City returned to the premiership against the odds dominated the headlines. But there are plenty of sports success stories that go under the radar.

We are looking for coaches who have inspired teens to get active and given local youngsters, such as Luke, the confidence to pave the way in sport.

As well as sports, we are still riding high after a huge year for the Humber.

We have scored a number of artistic coups, including the recent Da Vinci show, bringing in exhibitions that have proved to the rest of the country that Hull is blazing the way.

People elsewhere obviously took note.

Although our City Of Culture 2017 bid was originally sniffed at, we are emerging as a credible option.

With the Slipstream sculpture created here soon to be gracing Heathrow Airport's new Terminal 2, we are now being seen as a region to take seriously.

And through these awards we want to show what our region is made of, and prove the people here are not only selfless, courageous and generous, but the Pride Of East Yorkshire.

Nominations are open now but do not miss next Friday's Mail for a guide to the awards and more information on how to nominate someone for a Pride of East Yorkshire award.

Humberside Police have pledged to take action against anyone posting social media comments inciting violence or racial hatred after a soldier was murdered in south-east London.

Drummer Lee Rigby, 25, was murdered in a suspected terror attack in Woolwich on Wednesday.

A Humberside Police spokesman said: "We are aware of a number of messages that have been posted on social networking sites by a small minority of individuals.

"These messages appear to be an attempt to incite trouble by posting messages inviting people to assemble and cause trouble at particular locations.

"We are monitoring these sites in Humberside and we will take action against those intent on attempting to incite violence or post messages of a racial nature."

Officers have also reassured the community that they are ready to tackle any disorder.

YOU could say the writing is on the wall for Hull's bid to be the UK's City Of Culture 2017.

Or at least it was.

Leaning against a wall in an old fruit-packing warehouse in Humber Street stands an 8ft-tall, black canvas painted with the legend "From Hell, Hull and Halifax, good Lord deliver us" – the 17th century gag that's haunted the city for the best part of half a century.

It's a miserable, dark, forbidding piece of artwork, matching the leaden drizzle outside – but it won't be for long.

As graffiti artist Nick Horsefield, better-known by his tag name SI2, sets to work painting over the damning words with more hopeful visions of a modern, vibrant Hull, it appears the city is preparing to write itself a new, brighter future.

Staged to symbolise Hull's blossoming bid to become the City Of Culture, the mural suggests a city looking to leave behind its old image problems and create a few new stereotypes of its own.

Hull's 63-page bid document was launched yesterday at Fruit, the independent Humber Street arts venue, which itself symbolises the city's burgeoning DIY culture scene. It's a scene you're unlikely to find at any of the other ten bidding cities' press launches – even if Hull's competitors have roped the likes of Orlando Bloom and Billy Connolly into singing their praises.

Hull, as alway,s does things a little differently.

As a gang of Andy Warhol look-a-likes mix with the city's great, good and some of the 100 people who have already contributed to the bid, tucking into smoked salmon and crème fraîche crêpes, the event firmly established the "quirky" aspect of the bid – highlighting the city's "Hullness" as a virtue that could ultimately win it votes.

The organisers behind the bid used the event to set out their stall, pushing the themes they believe will ensure Hull a place in the shortlist of four, which will be announced on Monday, June 17.

Should Hull succeed in securing the 2017 title, it would lead to an £11m investment in cultural events, festivals and artistic residencies – creating thousands of jobs in the tourism and culture sectors.

For adviser Andrew Dixon, Hull's bid is one that has avoided flighty celebrity endorsement in favour of focusing on the "serious" themes of what real benefits winning the competition could bring to the city.

Mr Dixon, who has advised cities such as Newcastle on bidding for other major cultural events, said: "The Hull bid is serious.

"It's not about celebrity endorsement, it's about tackling some of the economic problems we have in the city and then using culture to change that and really change people's lives.

"Hull has a compelling moral case to make it on to the shortlist. There is some strong competition from cities such as Leicester, Dundee and Plymouth – but I believe Hull has what it takes to be up there with the favourites.

"Hull has the need for this, and winning the title could make a real difference here.

"Making the shortlist is crucial. To use a footballing analogy, it's like working all season to make it to the play-offs.

"Once you're there, it's all about showing who's got the strength of character and the ability to come out on top."

In recent weeks, Hull has gone from outsider to real challenger, behind Leicester, Chester and Swansea in the betting stakes. In the feel-good aftermath of Hull City's promotion to the Premier League, the city saw a flurry of bets placed on it to take the culture title.

Should Hull scoop the title, it would mean 1,500 events, 25 festivals, 12 artist residencies – including one on the Humber Bridge – and cultural exchanges with cities such as Rotterdam and Reykjavik.

For Sarah Longthorn, Wedge Welly entrepreneur, member of the City Leadership Board and culture bid ambassador, the economic case for Hull's candidacy is overwhelming.

The Hessle Road-raised businesswoman knows from personal experience just how much culture can change lives.

She said: "I strongly believe that culture can inspire people and lead to the creation of new businesses and jobs.

"My business was inspired five years ago by one single cultural event and that was the first ever festival I went to.

"I saw the niche for Wedge Wellies and everything blossomed from there. I really believe winning the City Of Culture could help transform the city, bring jobs and help inspire other people to start businesses.

"We've got such potential, now all we have to do is make the most if it."

You can follow the latest Hull 2017 details on its Twitter feed @2017Hull

HE MAY have missed out on a medal at the Olympics last year but East Yorkshire hammer thrower Alex Smith can now boast being a world record holder.

It may not be the accolade he has trained years for but Alex, of Cottingham, should see his name in the Guinness World Record Book for the longest space hopper throw.

Despite the windy conditions yesterday, he managed to throw the popular children's toy 17m and 2cm down by the Humber.

The successful attempt took place in the shadow of the Humber Bridge on the north bank ahead of the charity Humber Hop on June 1, which raises money for local YMCAs.

Alex, 25, said: "It wasn't a bad throw and the conditions were pretty windy. It is good to get any kind of world record and it's definitely an achievement to get in the world record books.

"It felt like throwing nothing, really, in comparison with a hammer. But during the winter training I have been throwing light stuff anyway."

Alex hoped to throw farther but he was happy with his effort.

He said: "I tried throwing it all different ways, including like a discus.

"My original aim was to throw 30m but I soon realised that was quite far.

"I would like to try again when the conditions are better and at least break the 20m barrier.

"But it was a really enjoyable event and it's all going towards raising money for charity which is good."

Alex admits he has a quiet year ahead and will now build up towards next year's Commonwealth Games.

He said: "I have the Humberside Championships today

"Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I'll qualify for the World Championships so I will be working hard towards the Commonwealth Games next year.

"I threw a season's best of 72m 45cm last week so that was pleasing."

The successful world record attempt yesterday is ahead of the big event which sees teams from across the region racing space hoppers across the Humber Bridge to raise money.

Teams of between four and six can take part in the event for a registration fee of just £25 per group.

The fee covers the cost of providing a space hopper and any repairs that need to be made.

The event is being held under the Community Games banner, a programme backed by the Cabinet Office and run by County Sports Partnerships and YMCAs to encourage and develop culture and sports run and supported by local communities.

YMCA Humber's communications co-ordinator Jonathan Byrne said: "We always like to put the fun into our fundraising events, whether it is sleep-outs, heavy metal carol concerts or this space hopper challenge.

"It's going to be a wonderful event for the people of East Yorkshire, but we're also excited for people to learn a bit more about the good work the YMCAs do all year round and how they can get involved."

Jenny Hodson, community games co-ordinator for Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Humber region YMCA, said: "Humber Hop started as a crazy idea at a Community Games meeting in March but now it is coming to fruition and it is very exciting."

THE mother of a murder victim has told how she returned home to find him dead on her doorstep.

Julie Partington saw her son Dale Partington lying in the passage to her home when she returned from work on December 16 last year.

In a statement read to Hull Crown Court in the trial for her son's murder, she said: "After parking my car I walked to the passage and saw my son Dale laid on the floor.

"I called an ambulance and they confirmed what I already knew – my son was dead."

Mrs Partington said before seeing her son, she noticed blood on the floor and thought her cat had been run over.

"I then saw Dale's feet," she said. "I dropped my things on the floor and ran towards him. As I got there, I could see he was dead.

"I have emergency first aid training and even though I knew he was dead, I checked for his pulse and I saw how cold he was."

She said there was a metal bar lying next to his body.

It later emerged it was from a weight training kit.

Leon Rushworth is on trial, charged with his murder.

Mr Partington, 27, was stabbed twice in the groin and bled to death outside his home in St Lawrence Avenue, Snaith.

Mr Rushworth is accused of murdering Mr Partington over a £100 drug debt and then using Facebook to plot his alibi.

Mrs Partington said she last saw her son, who had been working on off-shore wind farms, when he returned from walking his dog.

He told his mum "see you later" before going out drinking with his friends.

The court heard it was the last time she saw him alive.

She said: "He was just his normal self. He didn't seem to be stressed about anything.

"I assumed he was going to the pub as usual. He goes to a pub in Drax as he is banned from all the pubs in Snaith.

"He loves his social life and this sometimes causes him some trouble."

In her statement, Mrs Partington said she had never known her son to use or carry weapons.

The prosecution alleges Mr Rushworth and Mr Partington met each other in the early hours in Snaith and had a fight.

It is alleged Mr Rushworth, of Chestnut Close, Snaith, knocked both his victim's front teeth out before stabbing him twice using a knife he retrieved from the glove box of his car.

The court heard that after the murder, Mr Rushworth allegedly asked his partner's nephew, James Currier, 25, to dispose of the murder weapon and asked his partner Anne Kennedy, to lie for him.

It is alleged he used information about the murder investigation as it emerged on Facebook to create an alibi.

The court heard Mr Rushworth told the police that Mr Partington got the better of him in the fight and left.

The jury heard Mr Partington had been out drinking with friends before his death and had received text messages from Mr Rushworth asking for him to repay a £100 cocaine debt.

Mr Rushworth, 37, denies murder and the trial continues.

A PENSIONER says he has found Hull's most pothole-riddled street.

Anthony Agnew, 80, says Churchill Street, off Hedon Road in east Hull, is like the surface of the moon.

Retired foreman fitter Mr Agnew said: "In all my years I have never seen a street with more potholes. I stopped counting at 100 – it was taking too long.

"Churchill Street should be renamed Pothole Alley it's that bad. It's impossible to drive around them, there are just too many."

Mr Agnew, of Ceylon Street, east Hull, uses Chequered Flag Motor Engineers in Churchill Street.

He said: "By the time I have left the garage I practically need to return again to get my suspension seen to."

He believes the whole road surface needs repairing, as opposed to what he calls "patch-up jobs".

"They should just get on with resurfacing the whole street," said Mr Agnew. "It would be make more sense than just patching up."

Rob Beattie, owner of Chequered Flag, said: "It would be nice to have a bit of tarmac in the street."

Mr Beattie says the postman has told him he also believes Churchill Street has more potholes than any other street on his rounds.

"A postie is a good indicator – they cover a lot of ground," said Mr Beattie, who has owned the garage for 18 months. "I can't think of anywhere worse than here either."

Mr Beattie fears the potholes may put off customers.

He said: "I'm just flattered I still have some customers willing to travel down the road.

"You can only go a few miles an hour – the surface is that bad. Try travelling any faster and you would risk damage to your car."

Mr Beattie believes the poor condition of the road has been reported.

"As far I know, my landlord has complained to the council on numerous occasions about the condition of the road, but as you can see it's still pretty bad."

Graham Hall, Hull City Council's assistant of head of service for transport and asset management, said the street has been inspected.

He said: "Highways inspectors have visited Churchill Street and identified it as an area that has failed our intervention levels and is in need of repair. Due to the condition of the road surface it needs reconstructing, rather the normal pothole repairs.

"To allow us to arrange an appropriate long-term solution, temporary repairs will be completed by May 31.

"Our funding for this year is already fully committed on other important maintenance works across the city, however we will explore the possibility of obtaining additional funding for situations such as this.

"We are committed to spending £2m this year on permanent carriageway repairs and carrying out about 600 reactive repairs a month to ensure our roads are safe for motorists and other road users."

Earlier this year, Councillor Martin Mancey, the portfolio holder in charge of Hull's roads, admitted there is a £50m backlog of repairs.

He said the local authority's highways department would need another £5m a year to even begin to restore the roads to a condition he believes motorists have the right to expect.

A BOGUS war veteran has turned over a new leaf – and been welcomed into the ranks of his local Royal British Legion branch.

Former builder John McInerney was previously exposed as a fraud for inventing a role in the Falklands war.

Mr McInerney, 68, was caught by the Mail selling poppies at St Stephen's shopping centre while wearing fake medals and the famous maroon beret of The Parachute Regiment.

But veterans have now rallied round Mr McInerney, even allowing him to continue supporting the Poppy Appeal – in return for binning his paraphernalia.

Now, Mr McInerney – credited with raising thousands for the nation's wounded heroes and their families – is favourite to be named the new standard-bearer for the Hull branch of the Royal British Legion.

He said: "I would be really honoured to be made the new standard-bearer.

"It's very important we remember all those veterans who have died."

Mr McInerney, who lives off Spring Bank West, west Hull, earned the scorn of real Falkland veterans for claiming he was awarded the Military Cross for his heroics at Goose Green.

He also claimed he fought alongside Corporal Gary Bingley, who was killed while storming an Argentine machine-gun position in the bloodiest battle of the 1982 war.

Corporal Bingley's family still live in Beverley.

But the Royal British Legion insists it believes Mr McInerney – who claimed he was a sergeant – has turned over a new leaf and appealed to the public to forgive his past misdemeanours.

Brian Edge, who fought at Aden in the 1960s, was the person who encouraged Mr McInerney to join the branch.

He said: "After the incident with the poppies, I said to him, 'John – why don't you go the full hog and come join us.

"Since then, he has been the perfect right-hand man, supporting three Poppy Appeals.

"Each year since, he has virtually single-handedly run the poppy stall at Prospect Centre."

Mr Edge, who served in the Royal Tank Regiment, is the current branch standard-bearer, parading it on Remembrance Sunday, as well as veterans' funerals.

However, he is having to pass on the honour so he can carry the standard of the newly-formed Aden Veterans' Association.

Mr Edge said he can think of no one better to hand the baton over to than Mr McInerney.

"John thoroughly deserves to be made our standard-bearer," he said.

"I would be ecstatic if our fellow branch members voted for him.

"John is a really nice chap."

Mr McInerney was rumbled when real veterans noticed him wearing Second World War medals, despite being born in 1944 – just one year before the war ended.

These days, Mr McInerney prefers appearing in public sporting a smart blazer, complete with Royal British Legion badges, trousers and highly polished shoes.

THE RINGLEADER of a teenage gang responsible for armed break-ins has been branded a "bully" and a danger to society by a judge.

Aiden Mercer, 19, was locked up for eight years by Recorder Duncan Smith after pleading guilty to four counts of robbery and another count of burglary.

His accomplices, Joseph Wilson, 19, and Macauley Smith, 15, were sentenced to four years and three years four months respectively yesterday after admitting their part in the gang's raids around homes in Boulevard, west Hull.

Mercer's girlfriend Gemma Fuller, 19, was given a 12-month community order for handling goods stolen by the gang.

Passing sentence on Mercer, Recorder Smith said: "You are out of control. You're probably beyond control. The people no longer want you in their midst.

"The carrying of weapons is only a small step away from the using of weapons.

"It only takes a victim of courage to put up a resistance to your onslaught and I've no doubt you would not hesitate to use them."

The gang terrorised families by bursting into houses armed with scissors, table legs and a knife.

Mercer and Smith entered one man's home in West Park Grove on November 14, brandishing wooden table legs, which they used to threaten him and his brother.

They stole his wallet and mobile phone.

On December 11, Mercer, Wilson and Smith forced their way inside a house in Boulevard after knocking on the door.

Mercer pointed a pair of scissors in the man's face while his girlfriend sobbed helplessly.

He and Wilson punched and kicked the man in his face while Smith stuffed two games consoles into a bag.

They also stole cash, aftershave and a mobile phone.

Before they left, Wilson said he would kill the man if he went to the police.

On December 18, Mercer and Smith broke into a house in Heathfield Square, stealing five children's computer tablets, each worth £270, which had been bought as Christmas presents.

They also took a phone and televisions and games from the children's bedrooms.

A 10in knife had been taken from the kitchen and was found in a bedroom.

Mercer also robbed a 17-year-old boy of his mobile phone as he walked along a track between Anlaby Road and Spring Bank West on December 10.

The boy believed a knife was pressed against his side during the attack.

The gang was caught after Fuller was seen on CCTV at Cash Express trying to sell the children's presents, a PlayStation and a phone hours after the burglary on December 18.

The court heard Mercer has been committing crime since he was nine – including four street robberies before he was 15.

Recorder Smith said: "Robbery of people in their homes is regarded, quite properly, as very serious indeed.

"The victim has nowhere to run and in one of these cases may feel caught between the need to flee and the need to stay and protect a fellow victim, or property."

Mercer asked for an aggravated burglary and an assault with intent to rob to be taken into consideration.

He will remain on licence after his release until 2025. Recorder Smith said if he reoffended, the courts could impose a life sentence.

Humberside Police said it would not be appropriate to release a picture of 15-year-old Smith, although the court did not oppose him being identified.

A MAN pointed a handgun at the head of a teenage boy and threatened to shoot him after mistakenly thinking he had been called a paedophile.

Gary Blenkinsop, 32, was standing by his car in Mill Street, Hull city centre, when he saw a group of teenagers and heard someone call out "paedo".

He shouted: "Are you talking about me?"

When they did not reply, he pulled a semi-automatic handgun from a white carrier bag in the boot of his Mercedes and ran after the 17-year-old boy who had made the remark.

He then placed the weapon to the side of the terrified boy's head and shouted "Do you want me to shoot you? Don't think I'm scared to do it, I'm not scared to shoot".

Hull Crown Court heard Blenkinsop had been wrongly labelled a paedophile by people living around him after he had been falsely accused of asking a 16- year-old girl for a relationship.

On January 13, the 17-year-old boy was with a 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy at about 7.40pm when he shouted the insult at his friend as a joke.

Prosecutor Jharna Jobes said Blenkinsop ran up behind the boy and was a foot away from him when the teenager turned round.

She said: "He was holding a gun and aimed it towards his head and, with his arm outstretched, made contact with the boy's left temple.

"The boy was scared and panicking."

Blenkinsop then returned to his car and fired a shot at the ground.

In her statement, the 14-year-old girl said: "My friend was shouting 'Help, get him off me, there's a gun at my head'. He sounded petrified."

The group called the police, who located Blenkinsop and searched his home but were unable to find the weapon.

A month later, they discovered Blenkinsop had buried the gun after approaching his partner's cousin Ashley Larvin in an attempt to persuade him to take the blame.

He offered to pay him £5,000 on his release from prison if he would "take the rap" for the crime.

Blenkinsop, of Arnold Lane West, Long Riston, told Mr Larvin, 19, he would lose his children unless he helped him.

Mrs Jobes said: "The defendant started to dig and Mr Larvin saw a carrier bag with a gun in it.

"The defendant made him touch the gun so that there would be evidence that he handled to gun and was the one responsible for firing it.

"He said Blenkinsop made him fire the gun so there was residue from the gunshot on his hands."

Blenkinsop then marched the teenager to his solicitors and told them Mr Larvin wanted to confess.

The court heard Mr Larvin changed his mind and told Blenkinsop the teenage victim knew him and would have known he was not the shooter.

Blenkinsop pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm, namely a blank-firing 8mm semi-automatic hand gun, and to carrying out an act intending to pervert the course of justice.

His barrister John Thackray said it was obvious Blenkinsop would be facing a jail sentence.

"It all hit him extremely hard," said Mr Thackray. "He is a family man with two children.

"You will wonder why a man with very limited background would get involved in something like this."

The lawyer said there had been a "significant amount of provocation" in the build-up to the attack.

Mr Thackray said: "He was said to have approached a 16-year-old girl. It was said that he asked her for a relationship, which was not true, but others in the local area decided they would then label him a paedophile.

"There are not many insults more unpleasant than that. This insult gathered momentum and he was being called a paedophile morning, noon and night. He says that he decided he would try to put a stop to it.

"Of course he should have called the police but he just snapped. His only intention was to frighten the complainant.

"He accepts it must have been a terrifying and very unpleasant incident.

"He set about this clearly doomed enterprise to ask this young man to take the blame, detection was inevitable."

When he was arrested, Blenkinsop drew the police a map of where the gun would be found.

The honorary Recorder of Hull and the East Riding Judge Michael Mettyear jailed Blenkinsop for three years.