• Holystone man who suffered rare 'spinal stroke' told to 'find a local leisure centre' for a shower
• RSPCA inspectors smelt 'stench of death' after Northumberland woman left pet rats to starve
• Pregnant County Durham fiancée's heartbreak as she organises partner's funeral days after planning dream wedding
• Fenham grandparents sold 'bulk deliveries' of cannabis with teenage grandson in 'sophisticated operation'
• Gateshead pub thug kicked and stamped on man's head after he removed his foot from furniture