Croydon Advertiser Latest Stories Feed

A DRUG dealer has been convicted of leading a conspiracy to flood the streets of Hull with tens of thousands of pounds of the heroin. Edward Badago, 35, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply the drug after a trial lasting more than two weeks. His wife Lisa, 23, who gave evidence in her own defence claiming she was "shocked" by the accusations against her husband, was found guilty of money laundering around £26,000 in drug money. Jolene Thompson-Carney, 31, was also convicted by the jury of conspiracy to supply heroin. Co-accused Adrian "Ado" Owen, 32, pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply the Class A drug on the ninth day of the trial. At Hull Crown Court, Badago claimed he was a secret heroin addict who bought and sold cars to feed his habit but denied being the ringleader of the major drug dealing network. Instead, he claimed he was only a money counter, paid £500 a week to mind thousands of pounds of cash for an unnamed Mr Big. However, the jury saw through his lies and he now faces a "substantial" jail term. Badago was arrested when officers raided his caravan in High Farm Country Park, Routh, and found £68,000 cash hidden in River Island bags, a JD Sports bag and stuffed under a mattress.

Hull heroin dealer Edward Badago and gang guilty

Stoke manager Mark Hughes hopes his team can build some momentum following their stunning defeat of Chelsea. The Potters secured only their second win in 10 Barclays Premier League games as Oussama Assaidi struck a brilliant late winner against Jose Mourinho's men at the Britannia Stadium. Hughes has been impressed by how Hull City, under his former Manchester United team-mate Steve Bruce, have performed back in the top flight following last season's promotion. He said: "It's a difficult game because they are an accomplished team. "I think they have acquitted themselves really well in their season back. "They have got a lot of players that have played at the level before, they have got a little bit of know-how about the Premier League. They are not going in blind. "They understand what it is all about and have got an experienced manager as well. "They have had a number of good performances and good wins. "Obviously they had a result against Crystal Palace which I am sure they are disappointed about but they bounced straight back against Liverpool and had an outstanding win. "It is another test - as all games in the Premier League are." Stoke have earned some praise for their fluid football this term and Hughes believes they have a good platform to convert good performances into positive results. Hughes was particularly satisfied by the spirit that accompanied the pretty play against Chelsea. He told the club's website, www.stokecityfc.com: "You go into games against the top teams and you hope for a good performance, an intensity to your work, and that's what we got. "We found it difficult after we conceded and then we obviously had to hang on in there but we did that. "We got ourselves back level and then in the second half I thought we were exceptional. "It is pleasing when we are able to produce what we produced against one of the better teams in the Premier League. "That gives you confidence that you can go up against anybody and give them a game. "The proviso is that you have to perform and be right on your game and you have to excel at what you are trying to do. "That comes from preparation, mentality and belief in what you are trying to achieve. "We had that in bucketfuls against Chelsea and we will have to hit the same heights again against Hull away." Stoke head to the KC Stadium for the Saturday evening fixture a point behind the 12th-placed Tigers in the table. Stoke have lost five and won just one of their seven away games and Hughes knows that record must improve. He said: "I think everybody enjoyed last weekend, it would be wrong not to. "Wins make everybody happy and we want that to continue. "If we can go on and pick up points on our travels that will help us muchly in terms of final totals. "As always, back-to-back wins, which we have an opportunity to get this weekend, would be massive for us." Stoke have a doubt over goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who suffered a thigh injury in training earlier this week. Thomas Sorensen, who has not started in the Premier League since the final game of the 2011-12 season, is standing by to replace him.

Hull City v Stoke City: Mark Hughes expects stern test from former team mate Steve Bruce

THE trial of a teenager accused of killing his grandmother has collapsed. Lewis Dale, 17, has been on trial accused of murdering his grandmother Irene and stabbing his grandfather Allan as they were lying in bed. However, this afternoon the jury in the case was discharged for legal reasons. A retrial is expected to be held next year. Irene, 78, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Allan, 80, suffered serious injuries.

Trial of murder accused Lewis Dale collapses at Hull Crown Court

A WOMAN branded a nightmare by her neighbours has told the community: "Nobody controls me – I am going nowhere." Kelly Williams has been making life a misery for families in Bransholme, who have been forced to make regular complains about her threatening behaviour, bad language and loud noise from her property. Ms Williams, 37, has also been banned from North Point shopping centre and supermarket Morrisons – both less than 100 yards from her home – for suspected shoplifting. Now, Ms Williams is hitting back against the allegations mounting up against her. In an exclusive interview, she ... Insists she will not leave the estate – claiming the community has "picked on the wrong person". Brags she is "very good" at shoplifting and it gives her a "buzz". Insists she is the real victim after being targeted by people who hate her and her boyfriend Danny Edwards, who is currently in jail. However, she did apologise for the mountain of rubbish that has built up outside her home and has cleared the mess since the Mail's story earlier this week. Ms Williams said: "I admit I have done some naughty things and I have been thrown into prison cells. But who hasn't? I am no angel, but I am a good person, too. It makes me laugh that people think I am bad. "I honestly believe the birth of my first daughter Marlierae was a Godsend. She has stopped me really going down a horrible path in life. Maybe then the community would have something to complain about." The huge pile of rubbish had been in the garden outside her home in Roborough Close for months, causing distress to her neighbours. Ms Williams claims she was suffering from depression following the recent death of her father as the rubbish piled up. Hull City Council took action against her to Hull Magistrates' Court last month in an effort to tackle the junk once and for all after she faced a similar prosecution last year. She was fined £250 and ordered to clean up the mess. She has since removed the rubbish but insists most of it was caused by other people chucking rubbish bags over her fence. "I do apologise for the rubbish – it should never have got to that," she said. "People would walk by at night and throw their rubbish into my garden. So it wasn't all mine."

Defiant Bransholme troublemaker Kelly Williams says 'I'm going nowhere' after bid to throw her off Hull estate

Deanb Windass says Hull City will have to be wary of Stoke City's towering set piece specialists IF ever a Premier League game had 0-0 written all over it, then tonight's clash between Hull City and Stoke at the KC is it. Neither side is renowned for its goalscoring prowess, and defensively they aren't too bad either. The Tigers have just come through a tough run of matches unscathed, but for me tonight's game with Stoke is much tougher than those against Liverpool, Arsenal and Swansea. It's one of those games that pits two former team-mates together and I'm sure Steve Bruce will have a warm welcome for his former Manchester United team-mate Mark Hughes. As a kid growing up, I enjoyed watching Hughes. He was one of the best at holding the ball up and bringing other players in as a result. He made it look so easy in a great United team that was built on the bravery of Bruce at the back. Bruce and Hughes enjoyed great times at Old Trafford winning trophies in England and Europe. As managers, they are finding it much tougher to get their hands on the trophy. City can open up a four-point gap on Hughes' side with a win. And if they do, then they are going to have to be very good at defending set-pieces. This is the key area for me. If Peter Crouch plays, he will be a handful, both in the air and on the ground. Stoke will look to send as many balls into the penalty box as they can and see if the big man can find the net. With a quality player like Charlie Adam supplying the crosses, Crouch could find some success. Robert Huth is another big man that can damage sides in their own penalty box. But I have been impressed with what I have seen from the Tigers' back four this season already. Curtis Davies has been immense at the heart of the defence and he has been ably assisted by the likes of Paul McShane, James Chester and Alex Bruce who has come in for the last couple of matches. With Allan McGregor in commanding form behind them, City have looked assured at the back. And they will have to be again as Stoke have plenty of quality in their side. Glenn Whelan is a good footballer, who knows how to pass very well. The Tigers need to be switched on right from the very first minute to the final whistle. I was very impressed with how City coped at Swansea, who had the lion's share of possession in Monday night's 1-1 draw. If the Tigers can be like that again, they should be able to get something from tonight's fixture. Another few wins should see City stay in the Premier League and that would be a brilliant achievement. Luck was once again against Bruce's men in Wales with a couple of decision going against them. But sooner or later, City's luck will change and maybe today they'll get a slice of it. I'm glad Danny Graham got off the mark against his former team and hopefully he can find the back of the net again against Stoke. A point would be a good result, but City could do with all three, especially as they can pull away from Stoke in the table.

Dean Windass: Hull City have to bring Stoke City's Peter Crouch down a peg

THE last time Robert Koren was a Premier League footballer he was part of a West Bromwich Albion side relegated back to the Championship within 12 months of winning promotion. Style was allowed to reign awkwardly over substance during the 2008-09 campaign at the Hawthorns. The inevitable, ruthless result was a place at the foot of the table for Tony Mowbray's pretty side. Koren has been made to wait for his second crack at the top flight, plying his trade in the Championship for four consecutive seasons, but the veteran midfielder has already seen enough to suggest the same grim fate will not befall Hull City under Steve Bruce. Welcoming Stoke City to the KC Stadium this evening, knowing a sixth win of the season would propel them up to 10th, the Tigers are showing few of the frailties that betrayed Koren and West Brom five years ago. As well as accommodating both finesse and fight through an unfazed side, the Slovenian believes City's team spirit built up by promotion last term sets his current class apart. "Unfortunately, at West Brom we didn't have the luck to stay up and we got relegated," said Koren, who was a near ever present for the Baggies in 2008-09. "But this is a different story and different mentality in the club. The team spirit is good and we are looking forward to this challenge and are focused on our jobs. "We are a relaxed group of lads and we enjoy playing and training together. That's something different. "The concentration of the individual players here is of a higher standard. The manager is doing different things and it's more about getting the right results. "Back then at West Brom, it was really focused on concentrating on playing good football. But in the end, that didn't help us. "It's about results and staying in this league and everyone here is focused on their own job. Hopefully, we can keep going and get enough points to stay up." Although Koren has become a master in escaping the Championship, completing his hat-trick of promotions in May as City skipper, there is a desire to enjoy the twilight years of his career in greater surroundings. At 33, he has learned the hard way what it will take. "You need to be focused in every game and every game is three points," he added. "Sometimes people think you might have a hard game and then you are winning. And then you are expected to win a game and you don't get the right result. "You must go step by step and prepare yourself right all week, not get carried away and think too far forward and think we have achieved something. "We know we are underdogs. We are working hard to stay in this league and so far, we have done well. So, we're full of confidence and hoping we can play well and stay in this league." Koren has a vested interest in ensuring City do not allow their good work to slide. Having arrived in East Yorkshire to join a club in crisis following their own relegation in 2010, he played more times than any team-mate during City's three-year restoration. Free transfers come no better. As one of the few to sample the famine that preceded the current feast, Koren takes satisfaction from what the club has become. "If you go a couple of years back, the club was not in a good level. But with the new owners and manager, everything went the right way," said Koren, who has played 135 times for City and scored 26 goals. "Now things are in the right place, we just need to make sure we are doing the right things. This club is moving in the right direction. "In such a short time, a lot of things have changed and I am proud I can be part of this." That brings Koren around to the contention currently seeping out of the City boardroom. During the last two home games there have been vocal protests against Assem Allam's plans to rebrand the club as Hull Tigers in time for 2014-15. After the Football Association were informed of the proposal this week, more of the same is expected this evening. "I just think everyone needs to respect each other. People need to make a decision now and they will make a decision," said Koren. "At the end of the day, we are players and need to do our jobs on the field. We just hope the fans support us and do the right things, as they have been doing so far, to give us this extra lift and energy. That always matters. "The fans are doing a great job and we are pleased with that. Hopefully, we can play good football. Then it's easier for everybody. "There was only one game we messed up which was the Crystal Palace home game. "That's the game we need to forget and learn from. The home form is brilliant and hopefully we can keep that going and pick up some points away from home because that is really important in this league as well." Koren's role in this evening's clash with Stoke is unclear. Although he was part of the side that conquered Liverpool last time out at the KC, Steve Bruce's preference was Danny Graham alongside Yannick Sagbo in the trips to Arsenal and Swansea. Although Koren started the first four Premier League games this season, a broken foot diagnosed in September has markedly reduced his involvement. Now in the final year of his deal it is far from ideal, but Koren is confident he has at least two more years in his tank. "I am just concentrating to be fit and do my job for the team," he said, confirming talks over a new deal were yet to begin. "I am just enjoying my time here. I am fit and doing the right things every day. I still think I have a couple of years left and I will not stop playing. We will wait and see what happens."

Hull City v Stoke City: Robert Koren confident relegation demons won't return

ROVERS prop Justin Poore believes the chemistry in the Hull KR camp is perfect for the most difficult period in pre-season. The Robins are jetting off to Tenerife for their warm-weather training camp next week, a traditionally tough time in the training calendar. But Poore believes the mix of youthful exuberance and experienced heads is already pushing everyone to their maximum. "I absolutely love turning up at training," Poore told the Mail. "The group of players I have around me makes it so much fun. "As a result we have been pushing each other all the way in the gym to get the best out of everyone. "I may be getting older, but I feel stronger and fitter than I have in a long time. "This is the most prepared I have been throughout my career. "Rugby league is the hardest game in the world and I've been very impressed with the commitment within the squad. "Not one person has quit during any session. "It's been very tough, but it's very enjoyable." After 12 years playing at the top level in both Australia and England, Poore is one of coach Craig Sandercock's more senior figures in the squad. As a former State of Origin player for New South Wales, he certainly has plenty of experience to share with the rest of the Robins' squad. And next week the 28-year-old will room with fellow new signing Jonny Walker to pass his knowledge on to the young talent. "I'll try to take Jonny under my wing while we are in Tenerife," Poore added. "He is a tough young kid who I'm excited to play alongside next season. "He's pushing everyone hard in the gym and he is an example of how everyone is pulling in the same direction to take the team to the next level next season. "I've been working closely with the forwards and Jamie Langley and Mick Weyman have also impressed me. "They have been there and done it in the game and they are passing their knowledge down to the younger members of the squad. "I've only been here a few weeks, but already I have some really good friends in this squad. "It's a pleasure turning up for training every day and when you're happy, you tend to do work a lot better."

Hull KR signing Justin Poore says Rovers players are pushing hard in pre-season training

DETECTIVES believe a "Mr Big" of East Yorkshire's drug underworld made millions from his crimes. Edward Badago's heroin-dealing gang is thought to have made more than £25,000 every week from a distribution centre covering Bransholme alone. Police believe Badago had similar bases in north, east and west Hull, potentially taking his earnings to £100,000 a week. Detective Sergeant Ian Dobson, of Humberside Police, said: "I investigate organised crime groups and I have known of no bigger. Edward Badago is a Mr Big in the criminal world. In this part of the world, he sits on top of the pyramid as a pharaoh." Badago, 35, was yesterday convicted by a jury of conspiring to supply heroin after a two-week trial at Hull Crown Court. His wife Lisa, 23, described as a "drug-dealer's Wag", was found guilty of laundering £26,000 of drug money. Heroin addict Jolene Thompson-Carney, 31, was also convicted of being part of the conspiracy. After the verdicts were announced, a smiling Badago asked Judge Buckingham: "Can I go now?" When she said yes, he replied, "Nice one". Thompson-Carney shook her head and said: "It's a miscarriage of justice, that." When police raided Badago's caravan in Routh, they found £68,000 in cash and a Rolex watch worth £38,000. He and his wife had Mercedes cars and went on several luxury holidays, including a honeymoon in Barbados and trips to Rhodes, Egypt and Tunisia. Neither had jobs. Detective Constable Neil Kitching, who investigated the case, said: "He has done this for nothing but greed. We have unearthed a very small part of this operation. We know one centre was making about £55,000 every two weeks and we think there would be three more similar centres." Badago is now facing years behind bars after his conviction. His second-in-command Adrian "Ado" Owen, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin on the ninth day of the trial. DS Dobson said: "It was very difficult to catch Badago with drugs, but it is very revealing how he had so much cash and how his lifestyle was. This displays he was the Mr Big in heroin in Hull." The gang used a house in Swinderby Garth, Bransholme, to take delivery of heroin from outside the city. The drugs would then be transported to a house in Mullion Close, off Wawne Road, where they would be broken down into smaller amounts and sold on to dealers. DC Kitching said: "These wouldn't be street sellers, they would be dealers who would sell it on again to street dealers." When police raided the house in Swinderby Garth, they found 110g of heroin – worth about £5,000 – stashed in rucksacks in the downstairs toilet of the house. Bags of cash were also found inside, as well as a small cannabis factory. Owen, 32, was in the house with a woman. His fingerprints were found on a mobile phone, which was found in the rucksack holding the heroin, along with sealable plastic bags and digital scales that had traces of heroin on them. In Mullion Close, police found £8,650 stuffed behind the stereo and digital scales with traces of heroin and cannabis. Thompson-Carney was inside with two other men, Robert Jackson and Ian Smalley, who admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin. Judge Buckingham released Thompson-Carney on bail, but warned her she will be facing a "substantial sentence of imprisonment". Kevin Rickatson was also a member of the gang and has admitted possession of heroin with intent to supply. All seven members of the gang will be sentenced next month.

• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

• Crime news for Hull and East Yorkshire

Hull drug 'pharaoh' Edward Badago made £100,000 a week from heroin empire

Bafta-winning cartoonist Tony Collingwood, who was brought up in Hull's Etherington Road, tells Sam Creighton about his work on a Dr Suess The Cat In The Hat television Christmas special to be shown on CITV.

WITH his striped top hat and bright red bow tie, The Cat In The Hat is instantly recognisable to generations of children. Now, Dr Suess's famous character is bouncing back into all our living rooms, appearing in a Christmas television special.

For most people, taking on such a well-loved story would be daunting but Hull-born cartoonist Tony Collingwood, who has five Baftas and 120 episodes of The Cat In The Hat Knows A Lot About That behind him, is taking it in his stride.

He said: "When you approach something that is so well-known, across the generations, you have to remain true to that which made it successful in the first place and try not to move too far away from it, even though you are adapting it for a new medium.

"So, if you look at our series or the Christmas special, you can see it looks the same as Suess drew it. We didn't try to adapt it or make it modern because this style has stood the test of time and why would we want to mess with something that works?"

That is not to say it is easy, however. From the start of the writing process to the show being ready to air, it has taken Mr Collingwood a year- and-a-half of work, always under the watchful eye of the Suess family.

"We actually came up with three or four different ideas for the show," he said.

"Because, quite rightly, the Suess estate have final approval and want to make sure the story we tell is one they are happy with.

"This is a thing where if you get it wrong, it can harm a property and they want to keep it alive for the next generation.

"Throughout all 120 episodes of the TV series we made, they looked at every script and every design to make sure we were staying true to the Suess legacy."

After having made so many of the normal ten-minute The Cat In The Hat episodes, Mr Collingwood jumped at the chance to tell a story big enough to fill a one-hour special.

He said: "Breaking free of a ten-minute show and into an hour really allowed us to have a lot of fun. There are some lovely songs within the Christmas special.

"In ten minutes, you can tell a small story with a small theme, with an hour, we can let the songs breathe and have a few verses and choruses building, we can have characters that develop more and send them off on a far bigger story."

Tony, 53, grew up in Etherington Road, north Hull, in the house where his mother still lives.

Even as a child, he knew where his aspirations lay.

He said: "When I was 13, I knew I wanted to be a cartoonist. From before I can remember, I was always drawing cartoons and writing silly stories, so they came together for me in animation.

"I used to listen to the Goon Show on the radio and the surreal humour of Spike Milligan was always something I loved.

"I think the first story I wrote, when I was eight, was called The Hairy Legged Murderer, who left leg hairs at the scene of every crime, so I was writing sub-Goon show scripts, I think."

He has come a long way since then, however. In the 25 years since he set up his animation company, Collingwood and Co, he was won five Baftas for four different shows, twice beating Bob The Builder to the award.

The secret of his success? He said: "We don't do wham, bam, violent shows, they are all based on humour and simple little moral or educational messages, we keep it light and fun."

The Cat In The Hat Christmas Special is being aired on CITV at 9.25am on Saturday, December 21.

Hull cartoonist Tony Collingwood behind The Cat In The Hat Christmas special on ITV

Rapid Solcitors Hull Stingrays face Edinburgh Capitals at Hull Arena tonight (Saturday) at 6.30pm. Here, coach Sylvain Cloutier explains why he's glad to be back in front of home fans.

AFTER three games in Scotland it's nice to be back in front of our own fans at Hull Arena tonight.

It's been hard with all the stuff happening, the arena flooding and players getting injured.

We lost Sam Towner and then Tom Squires in Fife last Saturday to facial injuries.

To see Sam lying on the ice with blood everywhere and the same thing happen to Tom on the team bench a few minutes later was really tough to take.

It's not being cold or anything, but we had to focus on getting the job done and check between periods how they were, as we knew the medical staff were taking good care of them. I saw Tom on a stretcher being put in the ambulance, and that was the last I saw of him until after the match.

Sam came back to the hotel, but was throwing up so we took him to the hospital in a taxi. We got back at 4am and still had to play later on.

However, despite all our problems we've taken four points out of a possible six in Scotland this week.

That would have been a great achievement if we'd had anywhere near a full squad, but to do it with so many players missing was outstanding.

We beat Edinburgh last Sunday so we need another win to keep those points coming and move closer to Coventry, who are sixth.

With no game tomorrow there's nothing to save ourselves for in terms of energy levels.

We should have more bodies back in the line-up so hopefully we can come out and get the job done.

Stingrays reporter Cathy Wigham asks if Sylvain Cloutier's side have enough fuel left in the tank to beat Edinburgh at Hull Arena.

WILL the last man standing please turn off the lights?

Stingrays have felt the full force of the domino effect.

Matt Suderman left, then Bobby Chamberlain departed on GB under-20s duty, three players picked up injuries in one night, and two couldn't play in midweek due to work commitments – the list just went on.

Suffice to say, there was plenty of room for the remaining 11 out-ice skaters and two keepers to stretch out on the team bus to and from Dundee on Thursday.

The good news is veteran Pavel Gomenyuk proved playing ice hockey is like riding a bike – you don't forget the art once mastered.

The even better news is Hull Arena is back in business after last week's flood nightmare.

It was shut for less than a week and opened in time for Stingrays to train on Tuesday morning.

In essence, the murky Humber's presence caused the arena's cooling plant to trip out rather than fry its circuitry.

Hence, the Arena closure was measured in days, rather than weeks.

In the worst-case scenario, exactly how feasible would it have been for Stingrays to train and play out of town?

Arguably, not very, so perhaps the hockey gods have been smiling on Stingrays after all, in their own sweet way.

In the meantime, Stingrays have strung together three amazing efforts to collect a point out of Fife, two from Edinburgh and another one in Dundee to enhance both their overall Elite League standing and position at the top of the Gardiner Conference.

Fingers firmly crossed, Stingrays will have Gomenyuk and Jamie Chilcott back in the line-up for tonight's visit of Edinburgh.

Having beaten the Scots with a depleted squad on their home ice less than a week ago, you'd think Stingrays could rustle up another victory with a fuller team tonight in Hull.

You'd like to believe so, but there's nowt so strange and illogical as sport – it's littered with 'who'd have thunk it' stories.

Fortunately, Stingrays have no game tomorrow night, which is probably just as well.

Surely there can't be much petrol left in the tank after two Scottish trips inside a week with such a small squad?

However, is there even enough fuel to get the job done tonight?

Battered and bruised, but Hull Stingrays ready to beat Edinburgh Capitals

Interactive coverage of the Premier League match between Hull City and Stoke City at the KC Stadium. Updates from Brad Rial and Philip Buckingham.Hull City are unchanged to face Stoke. Starting line-up: McGregor, Chester, Bruce, Davies, Figueroa, Elmohamady, Meyler, Huddlestone, Livermore, Sagbo, Graham. (Subs: Harper, Rosenior, Koren, Brady, McShane, Boyd, Faye).Stoke City: Begovic, Muniesa, Whelan, Arnautovic, Wilson, N'Zonzi, Shawcross, Cameron, Assaidi, Ireland, Crouch. (Subs: Sorenesen, Pieters, Pennant, Palacios, Jones, Adam, Wilkinson).

Hull City v Stoke City: LIVE interactive commentary from the KC Stadium

North Ferriby United thrashed Conference Premier side Woking 4-0 at the Visual Media Stadium to reach the last 16 of the FA Trophy. Ferriby led 1-0 at half-time after Anthony Wilson opened the scoring from close range. Danny Clarke doubled the lead shortly after the break, before Liam King bagged a late brace.A full match report will follow.

North Ferriby United 4 Woking 0: Villagers march into FA Trophy last 16

Hull City missed out on the chance to move into the top half of the Premier League as they were held to a competitive but ultimately uninspiring 0-0 draw with Stoke City. The two well-matched sides had chances to win a tight contest at the KC Stadium but both were perhaps content to emerge with another point banked as goalkeepers Allan McGregor and Asmir Begovic shone. Ahmed Elmohamady and Yannick Sagbo were both denied by Begovic as the Tigers did all the running for the first hour, but Steve Bruce's men were eventually grateful to McGregor for his late heroics to earn a point. The Scotland international twice denied Peter Crouch with excellent saves, while Ryan Shawcross came closest of all when striking the crossbar 15 minutes from time. City's 19th point of the season keeps them 12th in the table but now six clear of the bottom three as the halfway mark of the campaign creeps closer. Unchanged for the first time since September, City continued the promising form shown in a 1-1 draw at Swansea for much of the opening period. The only concern was that their territorial dominance went without reward. The midfield battle was won convincingly by the Tigers and set the stage for Elmohamady to make regular gains down the right flank. The Egyptian almost opened the scoring after 12 minutes when expertly controlling and unleashing a dipping volley bound for the top corner. Only a smart save from Stoke goalkeeper Begovic kept Elmohamady at bay. The wing-back then turned provider for Sagbo. Getting in behind Marc Muniesa, who appealed hopefully for a foul, Elmohamady set up Sagbo to shoot, but again Begovic was on hand to save low at his near post. All of the chances were coming for City and Curtis Davies will have been disappointed not to hit the target from Tom Huddlestone's sumptuous free-kick into the penalty area. The advanced defender had done the hard part when timing his run to perfection, but the glanced contact brought a header wide. Sagbo enjoyed another chance when the improved Danny Graham flicked on Maynor Figueroa's floated ball. A volley from the edge of the box had the venom but not the accuracy. Although the first half offered little of the entertainment required to capture the imagination of a national television audience, the best of the play undeniably belonged to the home side. Only when Marko Arnautovic played a dangerous ball across the six yard box late in the half could Stoke claim to have come close to troubling McGregor. That it went unconverted said much about the Potters' attacking threat. The second half brought an increased sense of adventure from both sides. At one end Begovic denied Elmohamady once again with a scrambling save to keep out a back-post header, while the Potters made a mess of a golden counter attack. Jake Livermore's powerfully struck pass was intended to go all the way back to McGregor with City attacking, but Figueroa's interception set the visitors away. Arnautovic's indecision with Oussama Assaidi in support allowed Elmohamady time to cover and clear. Stoke's threat increased significantly as the game wore on and they were first to have the ball in the net when Peter Crouch's header was saved by McGregor and turned in by Stephen Ireland. Only a correct offside call from the assistant referee chalked off a Stoke goal. McGregor was excellent again soon after when pushing wide Crouch's crisp first time drive from Ireland's centre and from the resultant corner it was Shawcross who inherited a look of exasperation when his header came back off the crossbar. It was the last meaningful act of a poor spectacle where neither side fully deserved to make the giant leap up to 10th.Hull City: Allan McGregor, Ahmed Elmohamady, James Chester, Alex Bruce (Robbie Brady 66), Curtis Davies, Maynor Figueroa, David Meyler (Liam Rosenior 78) Tom Huddlestone, Jake Livermore, Danny Graham (George Boyd 82), Yannick Sagbo. Subs not used: Steve Harper, Paul McShane, Abdoulaye Faye, Robert Koren.Stoke City: Asmir Begovic, Marc Wilson, Marc Muniesa (Erik Pieters 66), Ryan Shawcross, Geoff Cameron, Glenn Whelan (Wilson Palacios 77), Oussama Assaidi, Stephen Ireland, Steven N'Zonzi, Marko Arnautovic (Charlie Adam 89), Peter Crouch. Subs: Thomas Sorensen, Andy Wilkinson, Jermaine Pennant, Kenwyne Jones.Attendance: 23,324 (1,004 away).

Hull City 0 Stoke City 0: Allan McGregor outstanding in tight contest

Hull City skipper Curtis Davies hailed goalkeeper Allan McGregor for "saving" the Tigers as they drew 0-0 with Stoke at the KC Stadium. A largely lacklustre game ended goalless after Scotland international McGregor made two brilliant saves from Peter Crouch, while Stephen Ireland had a goal disallowed and Ryan Shawcross hit the crossbar. Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic was also in sparkling form to keep out Ahmed Elmohamady and Yannick Sagbo. But the Tigers - the better side for an hour - lost their way in the second half and were left saluting their number one. Davies said: "It was a boring game for Sky TV, a 0-0 on a bobbly, windy pitch, but it's another point towards survival. I thought we were lucky to get a point in the end. Allan McGregor saved us, he made a couple of great saves. "We were making mistakes in the second half and they were capitalising and creating chances. Neither team looked like creating chances without mistakes." Ireland's effort, which was immediately ruled out, came following up a header from Crouch, who for once had got away from Davies, only to be denied by McGregor. "Every time the ball gets in the box you've got to look out for him," said the defender. "There was once I let him get away because I was worried about the second run from Stevie Ireland and he almost scored." Assistant manager Steve Agnew - on media duty because Steve Bruce was struggling with a sickness bug - said McGregor "had done the lads proud". "The draw was the fair result," said Agnew. "It was a game of two halves in terms of chances. We had the better one first half, they had the better of the second. "We were a little bit loose with the ball second half. Consequently they came into the game and Allan McGregor was outstanding. "Every point is valuable in the Premier League. We're confident we'll keep chipping away accumulating points and will retain our Premier League status." Stoke's period of dominance coincided with the withdrawal of Alex Bruce through injury. The centre-back had again proved his worth with a solid display at the heart of a three-man defence but now looks a doubt for next weekend's trip to West Bromwich Albion. Agnew said: "He was struggling a little bit after the Swansea game with a groin strain. He was determined to play (today). As the minutes ticked by second half it just tightened up a little bit. Fingers crossed he'll be okay (for West Brom)." Stoke boss Mark Hughes was frustrated by his own side's failings in front of goal. "We created chances and we needed to take one of them," said the Welshman. "We're pleased with the point, the only frustration is that we haven't taken one of the chances. To be fair, the keeper's played exceptionally well and made some very good saves."

Hull City and Stoke's bore draw lit up by Allan McGregor's saves, says Curtis Davies

Edward Badago has been revealed as the head of a Hull drug-dealing empire that was making tens of thousands of pounds every week. Crime Reporter Jenna Thompson examines his downfall. HE WAS jobless and living in a caravan but boasted an income to rival that of a Premier League footballer. Edward Badago, the head of one of Hull's biggest-ever drug-dealing empires, lived a lifestyle many could only dream of. He and his wife, Lisa, had expensive cars, designer clothes and accessories, including a £38,000 Rolex watch, and went on luxury holidays. But, after a year-long police investigation, Badago is now facing years behind bars for conspiring to supply heroin. "He has been absolutely cash-rich, never paying into the system, not working at all," says Detective Sergeant Ian Dobson, of Humberside Police. "He is a clever, innovative criminal, hence sitting at the top. He is devious and astute, which makes it even more pleasing to bring him to justice." Badago, 35, headed a gang believed to have been making about £100,000 a month selling the class A drug in Bransholme alone, despite having few criminal convictions. Police believe there were similar operations in north, east and west Hull. His wife Lisa, 23, was found guilty of laundering £26,000 of drug money, splashing the cash on designer clothes and holidays. "She is the face of the successful drug dealer, his Wag," says DS Dobson. "She was not blind to the riches, she lived it, which was way beyond her means. She wasn't working, wasn't contributing, but led a champagne lifestyle." During a two-week trial at Hull Crown Court, Badago took to the stand to claim he was a secret heroin addict. "That is a falsehood," says DS Dobson. "He has used that to engineer empathy, which is a low, low tactic." His empire was structured and organised, with different jobs assigned to different people. Directly beneath Badago were Jolene Thompson-Carney, 31, and Adrian "Ado" Owen, 32, who made sure the regimented operation ran smoothly. They would be responsible for ensuring the drugs would be transferred between a safe house in Swinderby Garth, Bransholme, and a distribution centre in Mullion Close. Owen would also threaten and assault street dealers who acted against gang members' wishes. "Each person had a role in the organised structure and they had rules to abide by," says DS Dobson. "Owen was a muscle who brought fear to other street dealers. "If they need to use violence, they will do – and we are talking serious, life-threatening violence. He was the only person who would have direct contact with Badago." In exchange for her work, addict Thompson-Carney would receive free heroin. Despite her appearance being ravaged by years of drug use, Thompson-Carney knew exactly what she was doing, say police. "She is quite lucid," says Detective Constable Neil Kitching. "She has carved a career out for herself, looking after money for him and supplying heroin." Kevin Rickatson, who has admitted possessing heroin with intent to supply, was in charge of looking after the drugs at the house in Swinderby Garth. They would be collected by Owen or Thompson-Carney and taken to Mullion Close. Robert Jackson, 30, and Ian Smalley, 43, would work for Owen to distribute the drugs to lower-level dealers. After raiding the properties, detectives meticulously examined phone records to try to find the head of the empire. "We started at the bottom and traced our way to the Mr Big, which is Badago," says DS Dobson. Despite having caught seven members of the gang, police believe there are many more out there. "Without doubt, there were more people involved in this," says DC Kitching. "We believe there were a number of similar distribution centres in other areas of the city involving the same process." Detectives are now appealing for people, including heroin users, to reveal who else is involved. "The heroin trade is a despicable one," says DS Dobson. "Users of heroin should know this is what their money is funding, for people like Edward and Lisa Badago and Adrian Owen to have a nice lifestyle, purely because of greed. This drug kills people and breaks up families and we need the public's help to bring groups dealing in this misery to justice."Drug gang's assets set to be seized Badago will now face having all his assets seized and the prospect of repaying thousands of pounds. Humberside Police's team of financial investigators have begun combing through his assets ahead of applying to the court to seize them. Detective Sergeant Ian Dobson said: "What he was doing creates an unfair society. He didn't contribute. He causes misery to families and communities in Hull then gets all the richness from being a law-breaker. "People see him living an unfair lifestyle. Our mission was to bring them to justice and now is to bring his assets back to the authorities." Adrian Owen and Lisa Badago could also face similar investigations. DS Dobson said: "They have been living beyond their means. Now, we are continuing to investigate Badago's assets and I would ask for any information about this person or any organised crime groups to come forward." Anyone with information should call Humberside Police on 101.

• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

• Crime news for Hull and East Yorkshire

The downfall of Hull's 'Mr Big' Edward Badago and his 'Wag' with the Premier League lifestyle

A HULL landlord undergoing treatment for "aggressive" prostate cancer received a letter informing him his hospital check-up was being delayed three months. Tony Dunbar, 66, who runs The Alexandra Hotel in Hessle Road, west Hull, was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.

Earlier this week he received a letter from Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust informing him his appointment at Hull Royal Infirmary, which was booked for December 30, had been put back to March 3.

Mr Dunbar, who has run the pub – – once a popular haunt of the city's trawlermen – for 26 years, said: "When you have aggressive cancer, it is constantly on your mind and you expect your appointment to be kept.

"Being told your appointment has been put back three months is the last thing you want to hear from the hospital.

"Anything can happen in three months.

"To me, it's like a form of mind torture being made to wait that long."

No reason was given for the postponement in the letter, which was dated December 10 and signed off "Appointments Clerk".

It states: "We apologise, but your outpatient appointment with Mr DJ Almond has had to be changed and a new appointment has been arranged for you."

After the Mail contacted the trust, Mr Dunbar was contacted by hospital staff and given an earlier appointment.

A trust spokesman said: "We are unable to provide any specific details on Mr Dunbar's treatment for reasons of patient confidentiality. However. having discussed the matter with him and taking into account his clinical requirements, we have agreed a suitable alternative appointment date.

"All of our services have to flex to allow for circumstances such as planned periods of staff absence and, therefore, it is not uncommon for appointments to have to be rescheduled, however we would always aim to keep any new dates as near to the original as possible.

"The later appointment offered to Mr Dunbar appears not to have taken into account the specifics of his treatment plan, and is therefore not reflective of any specific pressures within the urology service."

However, Mr Dunbar believes staff are overworked due to NHS cutbacks.

"The medical staff and Macmillan nurses, especially, have been absolutely brilliant and I can't knock them," he said.

"But it seems to me they are overworked and I blame this Government for the pressure it is putting on our hospitals.

"All David Cameron and his government care about is cutting costs and getting the debt down, but what about those of us who need the NHS?"

To add to Mr Dunbar's woes, The Alexandra Hotel, which he runs with business partner Ernie Scott, was badly damaged during last Thursday's tidal surge.

He said: "I have had a real bad run of it this year.

"I'm heartbroken about the pub. This place has been my life for the past 26 years. It looks as though it is going to be shut for three months or more."

Water was chest-deep in parts of the pub and Mr Dunbar is doing what he can, given his ill-health, to mop up the damage while awaiting a damage bill from a loss adjustor.

He said: "The carpets, bandits, furniture, disco equipment, the lot, are ruined.

"We had Christmas parties booked and we've had to cancel them."

Mr Dunbar recalled the moment the surge hit the pub.

"Ernie had seen the water coming down the street and had rushed inside to move our disco equipment on to the stage," he said.

"I had to smash him out of a room because the weight of the water meant the door would not open. If the water had got any higher, he could have drowned."

• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

• Health news for Hull and East Yorkshire

My cancer 'mind torture': Hull pub landlord Tony Dunbar, of Hessle Road's Alexandra Hotel, hits out at hospital delay

THREE arrests have been made after police in Hull appealed to the public to help them find wanted suspects. Officers released a list of 17 people wanted for failing to appear at court to answer charges of assault, drug crime and theft.

Despite searches, police were unable to locate them.

But members of the public have come forward and helped track three of the missing people down.

Warrants officer Mike Milner said: "We've had three arrests from information received, plus three lots of information on others.

"Any progress is still good, even past Christmas. Nine times out of ten, we're relying on information from the public.

"These people aren't at the addresses they stated they were at, so we're hanging on the hope people will ring us anonymously and help bring these people in."

The remaining 14 people are being urged to turn themselves in or face Christmas behind bars.

Those caught by police over the festive period could face up to two nights in police cells while the courts are closed.

"If somebody is picked up on Christmas Eve, they will most likely be spending Christmas Day and all of Boxing Day in the cells," Mr Milner said.

"It will go in their favour to hand themselves in, but we also need the help of the public."

He urged members of the public to provide police with current addresses, workplaces or friends' or relatives' addresses.

"I would ask the public to call us with details of a current place of residence, a workplace or friends' or relatives' houses they may visit," he said.

"These people who are wanted could live near you and you could prevent these individuals from committing further crime in your area.

"Any calls to us will be treated in the strictest of confidence and any information, large or small, will be looked into."

Mr Milner said previous campaigns urging people wanted on warrant to hand themselves in around Christmas had been successful.

He said: "We have had a tremendous response in previous years so, hopefully, this year will be the same."

In 2010, the Mail published a list of 22 people wanted on warrant.

Four handed themselves in and seven were found and arrested over the festive period.

Ten of the remaining 11 were caught soon after and appeared in court in January.

The names of those wanted on warrant are circulated nationwide, so moving out of the Humberside area will not help.

Call the Hull warrants office on 01482 578681 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 with any information.

Police name 14 wanted on warrant

• Matthew Barber, 25, wanted for obstructing police. Last known address is Albert Avenue, west Hull.

• Lewis Biggs, 21, wanted for public order offence. Last known address is Davidstow Close, Bransholme,

• Richard Bonanjah, 48, wanted for drink-driving. Last known address is St Hilda Street, west Hull.

• Daniel Daddy, 30, wanted for assault. Last known address is Barnsley Buildings, east Hull.

• Andrew Donnelly, 43, wanted for handling stolen goods. Last known address is Sherburn Street, east Hull.

• Colleen Finnegan, 49, wanted for assault. Last known address is Vernon Road, Bridlington.

• Paul Goodwin, 37, wanted for breaching a court order. Last known address is Haydock Garth, Bransholme.

• Gavin Headley, 34, wanted for criminal damage. Last known address is in Barmby Moor, near Pocklington.

• Artur Kokoas, 24, wanted for assault. Last known address is Newland Avenue, west Hull.

• Michael Moore, 24, wanted for assault. Last known address is Priory Road, west Hull.

• Anthony Overton, 51, wanted for shop theft. Last known address is Hill Rise, Market Weighton.

• Katie Rose, 29, wanted for making off without payment. Last known address is Richmond Street, Bridlington.

• Shaun Walker, 23, wanted for theft. Last known address is Dibsdane, Orchard Park.

• Anthony Wheeldon, 25, wanted for drug offences and breaching a court order. Last known address is Beverley Road, west Hull.

Three bail-jumpers arrested but 14 more wanted in Hull and East Riding

SNIPER Jereme Tendler is delighted to be "back on track" after his hat-trick helped Hull Stingrays to a 7-1 victory over Edinburgh Capitals. The club's record goalscorer had hit a relatively rough patch – not netting in five games. However, he scored once in last Saturday's 4-3 shoot-out loss to Fife, grabbed another two in the 5-4 win over Edinburgh 24 hours later and three last night to ensure he is back in the groove. Tendler said: "It's the story of my life, I go into slumps, I don't score and it's frustrating. "But as long as I get the opportunities, I'm happy and sooner or later hopefully they will go in and I get back on the scoresheet. "It feels good to get a couple of wins." Tendler netted his first with 82 seconds on the clock. He added a second at 12.33 and then player-coach Sylvain Cloutier made it 3-0 at 13.16. Woeful Capitals netted their only goal 39 seconds later through Marc Fowley. Hull completed the first period scoring with a powerplay effort at 16.50 from Jason Silverthorn. In an even second period the hosts added another marker at 29.36 from Guillaume Doucet. The Rapid Solicitors Stingrays netted another twice in the third period. The first came on 44.22 from defenceman Pavel Gomeniuk. Carl Lauzon failed to convert a penalty shot with 11 minutes left before Tendler completed his hat-trick on the powerplay inside the last 10 minutes.

Reserve fire-fighters had to deal with eight call-outs during a four-hour strike last night. Only around half of Humberside Fire and Rescue Service's resources were operational to cover Hull and the East Riding between 6pm and 10pm. Reserve crews, supervised by fully-qualified fire officers and firefighters, helped plug the gaps. None of the call-outs were serious. Deputy chief fire officer Dene Sanders admitted the strike was putting a strain on the service. He said: "The service continues to be tested by this national dispute but is continually assessing and reviewing its contingency plans so that the best possible service can be delivered to the community at times of strike action. "We will continue to provide an adequate service during strike action and, to achieve this, we need to draw on some of our current staff as well as reservists to provide that service. Their efforts are very much appreciated." Strike action also took place from 6pm until 10pm on Friday night when there were two call-outs. Neither of the fires were serious. The Fire Brigades' Union is taking industrial action as part of a pensions dispute with the Government.

Humberside Fire and Rescue deal with eight call-outs during strike

Brad Rial picks out the key talking points from Hull City and Stoke City's Premier League match at the KC Stadium on Saturday night. Read a match report here. Hardly a classic, was it? It came as no surprise to see that Hull City's game against Stoke was last in the Match of the Day running order. They'd have been forgiven for not showing it at all! Okay, so maybe it wasn't that bad, but it's not going to be a game that will live long in the memory. Still, there's plenty to talk about: the superb performance of Allan McGregor between the sticks; the disallowed Stephen Ireland goal, and why City faded in the second half ... not to mention the news that our next opponents, West Bromwich Albion, are now managerless following Steve Clarke's dismissal.Two keepers the best players on the pitch That the two goalkeepers were the two best players on the pitch probably tells you all you need to know. Asmir Begovic and, in particular, Allan McGregor were superb when called upon and ensured that their respective teams claimed a share of the spoils. In McGregor, City have a keeper who fans needn't worry about. He goes about his business in a calm and unassuming manner, without eccentricities. His shot stopping really is top drawer. In the second half, he twice kept out Peter Crouch with spectacular saves. The first required him to stretch low to his left to tip the ball around the post. The second, in the lead up to the disallowed goal by Stephen Ireland, saw him spread himself to somehow keep out Crouch's goal-bound header. Since he gave away a penalty on his debut at Chelsea, has McGregor put a foot wrong? I don't think he has.Well done to the linesman When Stephen Ireland tapped in from close range following McGregor's fingertip save, it felt like the Crystal Palace home game all over again. Although Stoke grew in confidence as the game went on, City had bossed it up to the hour mark and going behind would have been a bitter pill for fans to swallow. Thankfully, the linesman had his flag up and it was a very good decision. Referees and their assistants face constant criticism over their much-publicised errors, but you have to say they get about 95 per cent of the so-called "big" calls absolutely right. If a midfielder completed 95 per cent of his passes during a game, it would be viewed as an excellent performance. Officials are slated when they get decisions wrong, yet hardly receive any praise when they get them right.Huddlestone let the game pass him by The game was crying out for someone to grab it by the scruff of the neck yesterday, and if there were one City man you'd expect to just that, it would be Tom Huddlestone. But the game seemed to pass him by. Whether the windy conditions played a part or not, I don't know, but City could barely string more than five passes together. We all know what a wonderful passer of the ball Huddlestone is, but his radar could've done with a bit of a retune yesterday. Perhaps I'm being harsh. It was, after all, an off-day for quite a few City players and the team tired noticeably in the second half. I'm sure Tom will be back to his best before long.Best home record in the Premier League Yesterday's clean sheet means City have conceded just three goals at home – the fewest in the Premier League. That really is quite remarkable for a newly promoted side. Granted, the fixtures have been relatively kind (Liverpool aside), but it is an achievement that shouldn't be sniffed at. While City fans may not be getting the free-flowing football they'd love to see at the KC right now (the ten goals in total at the KC is also the fewest at any Premier League ground), there is no denying the Tigers are hard to beat. If City can start to earn a few more points on the road - and the Swansea performance suggests they can - it would really put less pressure on their home form. Where better to start than at a now managerless West Brom next week? Albion finished eighth last season and Steve Clarke's dismissal last night demonstrates the harsh reality of life in the Premier League. Whether it will mean Shane Long is more likely to become available for a January swap to the KC, time will tell.• Brad Rial is a lifelong Hull City fan and journalism student who blogs every week for the Mail. Follow him on Twitter @BradRial.

Hull City v Stoke talking points: A tale of two halves, two keepers and an eagle-eyed linesman