A TEENAGER hanged himself after a row when he was caught following a woman into a pub toilet, an inquest has heard.

Michael Wanjau, 18, took his own life in December 2012 after Natasha Murphy, a friend of his, raised the alarm on finding him behind her in the loo.

After screaming, Kevin Murphy, Natasha’s dad, calmed Michael down outside the Sir George Arms in Wombwell.

However, Michael was later found hanging near some outside steps at the pub and died in hospital a week later from a serious brain injury.

The inquest, held at Sheffield Coroner’s Court, heard the teenager had been living above the pub for three months, having previously been homeless and living in a tent in a park.

Mr Murphy told the inquest it was about 1.30am when Michael became involved in an argument ‘over something and nothing’.

Natasha went to the toilet and Michael followed her in.

Mr Murphy said Michael seemed ‘a bit upset’ and they both went outside, where they ‘chatted about bits and bobs’.

"I told him not to worry," Mr Murphy added. "He may have had a few drinks but didn’t seem intoxicated. He seemed all right when he went upstairs."

When Natasha went upstairs 15 minutes later, she saw Michael's body on the fire escape.

Mr Murphy pulled the teenager aside, shouted for help and tried to resuscitate him. Paramedics arrived, but Michael could not be revived.

Siobhan Kelly, assistant deputy coroner, said: "A number of friends, family members and staff had finished work and were having a drink together.

"There was a dispute between Mr Wanjau and Mr Murphy’s daughter.

"She went into the ladies and, a short time after, he went in as well. Natasha was cross about this and shouted at him. He appeared to accept it."

The inquest recorded a verdict of suicide.

ABOUT 300 bales of hay were set alight on a farm in Monk Bretton.

The bales had been placed on the back of a trailer at Manor Farm on Cross Street when they were set on fire at about 4.30am last Tuesday.

Crews from Cudworth and Barnsley tackled the blaze for about four hours and managed to stop it from spreading.

The cause of the fire is being investigated, but a spokesman for the fire service said it was believed to be deliberate.

ACCORDING to Reds boss David Flitcroft, Luke Steele was 'relieved' when he was told Mike Pollitt was replacing him in the Barnsley goals.

Pollitt, 41, signed on a 28-day loan from Wigan Athletic and became the Reds' oldest player in history and, since his arrival, has played two games.

Steele, who's played 199 games for the club, was stripped of his captaincy and remained on the bench throughout the cup defeat to Southampton and Saturday's much-needed win against Huddersfield Town.

On Steele's reaction to his omission, Flicker said: "There was a hint of relief as he's under real pressure. He's the number one here and he carries that burden.

"You can get complacent, though. I've brought someone in who I think can rival Luke as, at times, Ben Alnwick hasn't given him the competition he needs.

"If you're not scoring goals, everyone's at you to bring a striker in. We're conceding a lot of goals, so I've brought another goalie in."

What do you think? Has Flicker made the right choice in signing the veteran 'keeper and put his number one on the bench? Have your say below. 

A STREET collection in the town centre held by Barnsley and District Animal Welfare raised £911.

Ann Taylor, secretary of BADAW said: "We would like to thank everyone who helped, including staff from Pets at Home and all those who contributed.

"It also resulted in forever homes for two of our rescue dogs."

COUNCILLORS are striving to be 'a step ahead' when it comes to ensuring new jobs coming to the area go to local people.

Upon completion, the Aldi depot in Goldthorpe is expected to create between 300 and 400 new jobs. The depot is scheduled for completion for the back end of next year.

Cllr Ralph Sixsmith wants to ensure young people and the long-term unemployed are capable of doing jobs there by the time Aldi begins recruiting.

"We shall be seeking to see what Aldi want and need in terms of qualifications for jobs at their depot," said Cllr Sixsmith.

"There are going to be a lot of jobs created there and we want to make sure that people in the Dearne are capable of doing them.

"Whether it be a basic qualification in English and maths or the ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) we would look to get them qualified before the recruiting starts."

A MAN has been given a 12-month conditional discharge after admitting possession of cannabis.

Dolars Kravcenko, 30, of Eldon Street North, was also ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge when he appeared at Barnsley Magistrates' Court.

FORMER council offices in Worsbrough Bridge were deliberately set on fire.

Firefighters from Barnsley and Tankersley tackled the blaze at the derelict property on Park Road at about 12.30am last Tuesday.

The fire was started on the first floor and the aerial ladder platform was also used.

The roof was badly damaged, but the fire did not spread and nobody was injured.

The crews left at about 2.30am.

A spokesman for the Fire Service said the fire was started deliberately.

THE new town hall gardens and fountains in Barnsley are to get a royal seal of approval.

The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, will officially open the newly-named Barnsley Pals Centenary Square on September 13.

People haven't waited to make full use of the new town centre feature, though, as hundreds have been showing up to play among the 30 weaving water jets.

They're already so popular extra seating has been installed to cope with the numbers.

Will you be heading down to its official opening?

PROTESTERS against the so-called 'bedroom tax' camped out in a town centre park.

The group set up camp in Sparrow Park, on the corner of Shambles Street and Summer Lane, last Saturday.

The group is angry at having money for a spare room deducted from their rent, causing a shortfall which they must make up - but many have been unable to do so.

Darren Glover, 47, of Spring Bank Close, Carlton, was at the site collecting names to sign their petition.

He said about 400 people had signed the petition since last Saturday, taking to total signatures up to about 6,000.

One woman from Athersley, who did not want to be named, said she has to pay £20.37 per week to make up the shortfall in her rent.

Many had left the site by Tuesday, but there were still four tents and people in the park on Friday.

A MAN has been given a 10-week jail term after dancing and skipping across the M1 at Dodworth in one of the craziest ever attempts to leave Barnsley.

A lorry ground to a virtual halt and cars took evasive action as Joshua James Fisher repeatedly crossed the motorway waving his arms around, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.

Fisher, 23, stood on the edge of the hard shoulder and urinated on the slow lane before beginning his antics, said Joanne Lewis Crooks, prosecuting.

Probation officer Rita Dyson said binge drinker Fisher and a mate had come to Barnsley on a night when drinks were cheap. Fisher paid for the taxi here and the friend agreed to settle the fare home.

But the friend ran out of money and they decided to to walk home following the motorway southbound. The friend got a police caution because he never went on the motorway.

John Jones, defending, described the decision as 'bizarre, frightening and potentially dangerous'.

District Judge John Foster, who described his sentence as lenient, said: "Repeatedly running across three lanes of the M1 could have led to all sorts of accidents and potential injuries to road users and yourself. I cannot imagine what you thought you were doing."

Fisher, of St Leonard's Lane, Eastwood, near Rotherham, admitted causing danger to road users, an offence which carried a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.

A MAN accused of murder has appeared at Barnsley Magistrates' Court.

David Sindall, 33, made no plea to a charge of murdering Dean Armitage.

Mr Armitage died nearly three weeks after being injured outside his house on Skiers View Road, Hoyland Common, early on July 21.

Sindall was sent to Sheffield Crown Court where he will make an appearance on September 11.

Walter Brook, defending, who made no bail application, said the trail of Sindall, of Selbourne Street, Eastwood, Rotherham had been fixed for February 10, 2014.

THE Reds earned their first win of the season against Huddersfield on Saturday.

Chris O'Grady opened the scoring on eight minutes, while Marcus Pedersen added the second after 32 minutes.

James Vaughan pulled a second-half goal back for the visitors in the 61st, but the hosts held on for a much-needed victory following two heavy defeats in the Championship and the Capital One Cup in the past week.

"It's really pleasing to get three points on the board," said David Flitcroft, whose side has come under a lot of pressure after their poor start to the season. "We went toe to toe with an in-form Huddersfield team and put in a good performance.

"We've been knocked and not won games we possibly should have won so I'm pleased that we've come out on top today. All the players deserve credit.

"The players were fighting for the cause and fighting for each other and I thought they were excellent."

MOBILE speed cameras will operate on the following roads from Monday.

A61 Park Road

A628 Barnsley Road, Penistone and Silkstone

A628 Cundy Cross - Shafton Two Gates

A629, Wortley

A633 Rotherham Road, Athersley South and Monk Bretton

B6096, Wombwell-Snape Hill

B6411 Houghton Road, Thurnscoe

Brierley Road, Grimethorpe

Pogmoor Road.

THE town's got another centenarian! Hilda Steward has celebrated her 100th birthday.

The dominoes-loving great-grandmother lived in Millhouse Green until the age of 94 and Hilda, formerly of Manchester Road, reached the landmark occasion on August 16.

She now lives in a care home in Birkenshaw, near Bradford, to be close to her only child, daughter Sandra Hines.

Hilda, who has two granddaughters and two great-grandsons, also had a spell living in Stocksbridge when late husband John worked at the steelworks before the couple moved to a poultry farm in Millhouse Green.

Daughter Sandra, who lives in Leeds, said her mum used to enjoy playing dominoes at Millhouse Institute and her name would regularly feature in the Chronicle as a winner.

REDS boss Patrick Cryne could face disciplinary action over his conduct as an accountant despite being told last month that a seven-year-long effort to bring a criminal prosecution against him had failed.

Mr Cryne, the multi-millionaire co-founder of scandal-hit NHS software group iSoft, made £41million from selling shares in the firm between 2001 and 2005.

The 62-year-old owner of Barnsley FC had been the main target for prosecutors at the Financial Conduct Authority.

But the regulator last month ditched its case against Cryne and three other former iSoft executives after a trial at Southwark Crown Court collapsed amid serious procedural failings in the prosecution case.

Now the Financial Reporting Council - the accountancy watchdog with powers to fine and strike off accountants - has said it's considering reopening its investigation into the iSoft accounting scandal.

The financial watchdog can only pursue disciplinary actions against accountants, such as Cryne, who are members of certain accredited professional bodies, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

A spokesman for the Financial Reporting Council said: "In view of the outcome of the criminal proceedings we will need to review this case generally, and in particular in respect of our investigation of the members who were the subject of the criminal proceedings."

A PUB is hoping to charge just 8p per pint to celebrate its 50th anniversary in September.

The Telstar pub in Wath on Quarry Hill Road will mark the milestone on September 7.

Landlord David Hunter said he's planning on going back to the original prices of the time for a short period on the night.

"The original landlord Pete O'Grady has been in touch and confirmed the pub opened near that date fifty years ago," he said.

"We're hoping that the brewery will come on board and then we can charge people for the 1960s cost of a pint which was eight pence.

"There will be an old theme to it with a 1960s band playing."

SIR Steve Houghton has called for a review into the doomed Digital Region broadband project.

The publicly-funded high-speed broadband scheme is being shut down after failing to attract enough customers.

Sir Steve, Barnsley Council's leader, has asked for a review into the project to find out where it went wrong - particularly with its financial management.

"I have asked for an independent review into Digital Region Ltd. as to what happened and why it didn't go as planned.

"I'm going to insist that's carried out and know why this has got to this point."

The project was launched to give high-speed access to homes, schools and businesses across South Yorkshire.

But the government said it had been 'deeply flawed' and revealed only 2.7 per cent of Digital Region's required 108,000 customers had signed up.

The government invested about £48million in the project, while Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham councils committed £7million each and Sheffield City Council £14million.

"We had no other option but to bring the project to a close," said Cllr Houghton. "To keep it going would have cost around £83million. To close it down will be less than that."

All four local councils agreed to close the project to save taxpayers £12.5million.

Cllr Houghton said there are hopes to claw back some of the public money spent on the project by selling the DRL network to a private provider.

THE town's estate agents have said it has been their busiest July and August for many years.

The increased interest has prompted hopes it could fuel a marked rise in property values across the borough.

Summer months are traditionally a quiet time for the housing market, but this year's been different.

Although it's not led to an immediate surge in prices, market analysts say the increased demand is exactly what the stagnant property market needs.

Mollie Hall, residential sales manager at Wilbys, said: "The signs are very encouraging indeed, I have never known us be so busy at this time of year.

"It's as if people who have been sitting and waiting to make a decision to buy a house have decided now is the right time.

"I get the impression that many people sense that perhaps the economy is finally moving in the right direction and that property values are going to start to improve. It seems like they don’t want to get left behind on the property ladder."

Staff at estate agents across the borough all confirmed interest is high.

Debbie Taylor, sales negotiator at Lancasters, said: "There are currently a lot of buyers out there. We're seeing a lot more people coming through our doors and I would describe our mood as cautious optimism."

Online estate agent and property valuer, Zoopla, said sales figures for the past six months showed property prices in Barnsley rose by an average of 1.5 per cent.

REDS defender Scott Golbourne has left Oakwell for Wolverhampton Wanderers after the two clubs agreed a fee.

Golbourne, who joined Barnsley in January 2012 from Exeter, has signed a three-year deal with Kenny Jackett's side.

David Flitcroft said in yesterday's press conference that it's been coming for two weeks.

"Initially, he didn’t want to leave," Flicker said. "He didn’t want to go and play League One football because he’s worked desperately hard to get himself to the Championship and then last season stay in the Championship.

“The talks were that he wanted to stay and then whatever happens, whether he’s been got at or whatever, Scott's decided he wants to leave the football club and the club, rightly so, have decided that the price is good and we’ll accept the bid.

"He wants to go and play for Wolves, that’s the bottom line. It doesn’t matter how you try and keep a player if his heart’s not in it and his head’s not in it.

"I feel the last two week his head and heart’s not been with us, but before that his commitment to the club’s been impeccable.

"He’s one of the most professional players we’ve had the pleasure of dealing with. He goes with our blessing, I just wish the last two games he’d have produced the football I know he’s capable of."

POLICE have arrested a fifth person on suspicion of murder after a man died after a serious assault.

A 30-year-old is the latest to be detained after a 57-year-old man was attacked at a home in Thorpe, on the outskirts of Leeds.

The deceased - a man who has not been named - was allegedly the victim of a gang attack. It's thought that they smashed their way into a property last Saturday.

He sustained head injuries and died in hospital on Sunday morning.

A 16-year-old male and a 40-year-old man, who were arrested in Doncaster and Wombwell, have been released on bail.

Another 16-year-old and a woman, aged 37, were also arrested in the Bentley area of Doncaster earlier this week and remain in police custody.

A TOP Barnsley business leader has questioned how much people will benefit from the HS2 project after a think tank warned the high-speed rail link could end up costing more than £80billion.

The new figure was revealed by The Institute for Economic Affairs and is almost double the original estimated cost of £42.6billion.

The think tank expects the cost to inflate due to lobbying by local councils for extra infrastructure and design changes.

The controversial high-speed rail route will pass through parts of Barnsley and business leader Owen Gleadall, the president of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, is concerned the benefits to Barnsley and the north will be very little.

"Is there going to be a gain, and is it worth £80billion? I wonder in fact if that money could be better spent in other areas," he said.

"Perhaps some of the money would be better spent in a slightly more joined up transport infrastructure, linking us up to the Pennines and to Manchester?"

The IEA has said HS2 needs to be scrapped and the money spent on other transport schemes.

However, the company behind HS2 believes the scheme would create an 'economic asset' and provide 'significant value'.

What do you think? Have your say below.

A MAN admitted he was 'as guilty as sin' when police found £100 worth of cannabis in a wheelie bin, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.

Paul Alan Roberts, 48, of Calder Crescent, kept the drugs in the bin so they were out of the way from his grandchildren when they visited, said Julie Grant, prosecuting.

Alan Greaves, defending, said Roberts was a long-term cannabis user. He said the drugs helped him cope with health problems.

Police turned up at his home after getting a call from someone.

Roberts, who admitted possession of cannabis, was given a 12-month conditional discharge, ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

The Town Hall square and gardens will be named Barnsley Pals Centenary Square.

Commemorating the Barnsley Pals battalions who lost their lives in the First World War, the naming of this prestigious square comes in time to mark the 100-year anniversary of the First World War, a turning point in history which claimed the lives of over 16 million people across the globe.

"The Barnsley Pals Centenary Square is a very welcome addition to the town centre, perfectly complementing the Experience Barnsley Museum which has welcomed almost 40,000 visitors so far," said Cllr Roy Miller.

"I’m happy that we could dedicate the gardens to the memory of our local heroes, to mark the centenary of their extraordinary bravery and service fighting for their country.

"I hope that as well as enjoying the gardens' beauty, people will take a moment to reflect on the lives lost so that they can enjoy freedom today."

The Barnsley Pals were two battalions during the First World War made up of men who had enlisted together in local recruiting drives, with the promise that they would be able to serve alongside their friends, neighbours and work colleagues, rather than being sent to regular army regiments.

Both Barnsley Pals battalions took part in the attack on Serre on the first day of the Somme campaign. The 1st Barnsley Pals suffered 275 casualties while the 2nd Barnsley Pals suffered 270 casualties on July 1, 1916.

The name plaque will be officially unveiled on September 13.

What do you think to its name? Have your say below.

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a fire broke out in Monk Bretton.

They were called out at 4.50am on August 27 at a location on Cross Street, Monk Bretton.

Nobody was injuried, but enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with any information relating to this incident should contact South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 156 of August 27, 2013.

Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

THERE were plenty of smiles at Shafton ALC as the school celebrated its best-ever GCSE results.

This year 41 per cent of pupils achieved five A* to C grades - including maths and English - topping the government floor target of 40 per cent.

"Obviously we're really pleased with that," acting headteacher Lisa Allott said. "It's the first time the school has beaten the government benchmark. It's something we want to see and keep building on."

Lisa said she was particularly pleased with the school's progress in maths, with grades up by seven per cent.

Last year the school achieved its best results so far - with 38 per cent of pupils obtaining five A* to C grades.

Lisa said she was delighted with the continued improvement and this year a number of students had achieved a multitude of A* and A grades.

A WOMBWELL lass has reached the final of a national beauty contest.

Jessie Taylor, 15, has beaten off the competition to become Junior Teen Barnsley with a place in the final of Junior Teen Great Britain 2013 this week.

The Netherwood pupil, from Spring Walk, will be staying in the Imperial Hotel, Blackpool, for Friday's final to compete against teenagers from across the country.

Interviews count for half of the judging process and finalists will be competing for prizes including £500, dresses from The Dress Studio, shoes from Daddy’$ Money by Skechers, a portfolio with FAB Photoshoots, an introduction to EKA Model Agency and goodies from Earthnicity and Beauty UK make-up.

Although she entered for fun, Jessie was very excited to have reached the final, which will be held at The Globe.

MORE than 500 people turned up to a gala held by the Dearne Valley Bulldogs as they raised funds and awareness of rugby league in the region.

The sport is traditionally more popular in West Yorkshire and Lancashire but the growing club is progressing well and has large participation numbers among youngsters.

The Bulldogs managed to win the under-eights tournament at Ings Lane Sports and Social Club in Bolton and Wath won in the under-13s category.

Visiting teams from Keighley, Crigglestone, Hillsborough, Eastmoor and Selby added good competition to the day's event which raised more than £1,000.

The club won an award earlier this year from Jacamo for being the most dedicated amateur team in the country. It bagged £1,000 in sponsorship and won a training session with the Wigan Warriors.

A PATCH of private land has been labelled as a 'disgrace' due to the amount of rubbish dumped on it.

The land, at the back of Diamond Street behind the High Street in Wombwell, has been a target for fly-tippers for years and, among other things, is strewn with mattresses and household appliances.

In the past fencing has been erected in an attempt to keep dumpers out but this was ineffective as it was simply pushed over.

As it's privately owned, the council cannot clear up and secure the site as easily as public land, but Cllr Dick Wraith said more should be done to put pressure on the landlord.

He said: "It's very frustrating. I've asked a number of times for the council to write to the owner but nothing seems to have been done.

"The problem is, if the rubbish is left there, more people will see it and think they can dump their stuff there too."

Catherine Potter, of Potter's butcher's shop on High Street, said she thought the land was a 'disgrace to the area' and caused security and health issues for the shop.

"It's disgusting that people are are prepared to dump stuff there but someone needs to get to the bottom of it," Catherine said. "It's going to attract vermin and is an eyesore, the landlord should take some responsibility."

Council spokesman Coun Roy Miller said: "While we appreciate the impact that fly tipping on private land and property can have on the immediate vicinity, we have limited powers at our disposal unless the tipping is having a demonstrable effect, such as attracting rats, polluting water, spilling onto other land, and so on.

"We can enforce clean up action if this is the case. Otherwise, the onus remains on the landowner to take action to secure their sites and remove the waste, although we're always happy to advise them as to their responsibilities and how to make their site safe."

REDS legend Bobby Hassell will lead a cricket team including fellow Reds stars against a professional Yorkshire side as part of his testimonial celebrations.

David Perkins and Luke Steele will join Hassell's 11-man team and go up against cricket stars such as Ryan Sidebottom, Azeem Rafiq and Andrew Gale.

The 2013/14 season marks Bobby's tenth year at Oakwell, having joined under Paul Hart from Mansfield ahead of the 2003/04 season.

Yorkshire's director of cricket and lifelong Reds fan Martyn Moxon says several other first team players could also turn out, depending on Yorkshire’s schedule at the time.

The game starts at 1pm at Shaw Lane on September 8 and tickets are £5 for adults and £2 for children.

A testimonial football match will take place at Oakwell in the next few months but the opponents are yet to be confirmed.

A MAN who found six small cannabis seedlings during a 'walk in the country' has been given a 12-month conditional discharge.

Ryan Andrew Lovett, 23, of Albion Terrace, Barnsley, took the seedlings home to see if he could smoke them, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.

Jack Danaher, defending, said the seedlings had been thrown away because they were no good.

Julie Grant, prosecuting, said the seedlings were of 'minimal value'.

Lovett, who admitted possession of cannabis, was ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

BARNSLEY College will open a new £3.6million engineering centre in September.

The college’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) centre will open to students when the academic year begins, following the refurbishment of the existing Engineering and Construction site on Old Mill Lane.

The STEM centre will offer facilities to its students and staff including engineering and electrical workshops, laboratory facilities and learning zones containing computer equipment and reference materials.

A new entrance, canteen and restaurant will be added to the centre during the second phase of the redevelopment, which will be completed in September 2015.

The college received £1.2million in funding towards the project from the Skills Funding Agency.

Andrew Fairest, the college's vice-principal for property development, said: "The college is delighted that this development will enable us to continue to provide world-class facilities for our students.

"The excellent teaching and learning environment in our new STEM centre will fully support our course provision and the specialist engineering tradition of South Yorkshire and the wider community."

A PENSIONER with cancer said he was touched by pub regulars pulling together to save him from eviction.

Trevor Whittaker, 78, received letters from Berneslai Homes informing him he was in breach of his tenancy agreement due to his back garden on Roebuck Street being overgrown and would most likely have a 'notice of seeking possession' served against him if it was not cleared.

Trevor said he had been unable to keep on top of the garden, which was overgrown with brambles, due to caring for his late father, who was left severely disabled by a stroke in 1998 and died two years ago.

Trevor was also diagnosed with cancer ten months ago and is receiving treatment at Weston Park.

However, when he mentioned his predicament at his local, The Anglers' Rest, regulars including former landlady Simone Foster-Jowett flocked to his aid and have spent the last two weeks busily chopping and burning brambles around the clock, six days a week, with the help of local Scouts and Explorers.

"I think it's absolutely brilliant," Trevor said. "It's been hard work but everybody's pitched in and the Scouts have been fantastic - it would've been a lot harder without them.

"It's nice to have such good friends. It's going back to what the community was like 20 or 30 years ago and it shows it's still there - you've just got to look for it."

The garden now looks presentable and friends have even donated paving slabs to make a patio area where the brambles once stood.

A DEVASTATED family are writing to the Nursing and Midwifery Council after a staff nurse on duty at the time of their father's death was allowed to carry on working.

Julie Norton failed to ensure 74-year-old Roland Coxan received around-the-clock care, and then omitted details during an investigation into his death.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council panel ruled Norton's omissions amounted to misconduct, but that her fitness to practise was not impaired.

But Mr Coxan's daughters Angie Bailey, 50, and Julie Clay, 54, are unhappy with the decision.

Angie, of Cawthorne, said: "We don't like the idea of her working on a ward. We're unhappy that her only punishment was a two-day suspension for being involved in our father's death.

"It's been dreadful for our mum. She was going to come to this last hearing but she wouldn't have been able to cope with it."

They claim there may be discrepancies between evidence given at the inquest and that given at the Nursing and Midwifery Council hearing.

Mr Coxan, of Cope Street, Worsbrough, was admitted to Barnsley Hospital on March 30, 2008, with a number of health problems and had a couple of falls in hospital.

He was assigned a 'special' - an auxiliary nurse to supervise him on a one-to-one basis.

Mr Coxan fell from his bed on the night of April 24 after auxiliary nurse David Ingram was told by nurse Patricia Fawcett to get on with other duties on the ward.

He died two days later from pneumonia and the effects of a broken hip.

A spokesperson for Barnsley Hospital said: "We're investigating this matter and will be discussing it directly with Angie Bailey and Julie Clay."

A MISSING pensioner was found safe and well thanks to volunteers from Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team.

The 85-year-old was discovered after a search by about 30 team members, including some from Edale and Oldham, and six rescue dogs.

Police had earlier failed to find the Rotherham man, despite using the force's helicopter.

The rescue team, which usually operates in the Peak District, shocked shoppers at Morrisons in Catcliffe by using the supermarket car park as a base for the operation.

John Howe, from Woodhead Mountain Rescue, said: "It was a particularly difficult search to manage given the size of area we had to cover and the specific terrain within the search area.

"When we got the call to say the man had been found safe and well it was a real sense of relief and a great feeling."

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a car hit a man and failed to stop in the town centre.

At around 11.50pm on Saturday, August 17, it's believed a 24-year-old man was walking along Pitt Street. It's reported that a red car - believed to be a Fiat Punto - travelled along Peel Street onto Pitt Street.

Next to the Post Office on Pitt Street, it's believed that the red car came into collision with the 24-year-old pedestrian. The car allegedly failed to stop and left the scene.

The car may have had a 2008 registration plate.

The 24-year-old man was taken to Barnsley District General Hospital with pain and discomfort to his lower back, but was later released.

Anyone with any information relating to this incident should contact South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 4 of August 18, 2013.

Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A MAN'S trip to the town centre for a pint and a game of pool with a friend ended in his arrest hours later, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.

Jamie Simon Gough, 27, met someone who owed him money who threatened him, said Eric Bray, defending.

Mr Bray said the man wanted a fight in the street but Gough walked away.

Mr Bray added: "It was the only sensible thing Mr Gough did. Sometimes you go out for a pint and one pint leads to two, three, four or more. That's what happened on this occasion.

"He was on his way home, was still smarting about the encounter with the man who owed him money and took it out on the window of Kwikfit on Racecommon Road. He acted foolishly and stupidly."

Jayne Ormrod, prosecuting, said Gough, of Waterloo Road, Barnsley, went out at about 4.30pm and had eight pints of lager and cider.

She said Gough kicked in the Kwikfit window and was found by police on Shaw Lane with cut legs.

Gough admitted criminal damage. His case was adjourned until September 6 for a pre-sentence report and he was granted unconditional bail.