The mother of a toddler who died from an overdose of the heroin substitute methadone has pleaded guilty to manslaughter by gross negligence.

Gemma Fennelly, 24, of Edinburgh Grove, Hartlepool, today admitted manslaughter by allowing or failing to prevent her 22-month-old son Mitchell Bate from having access to a fatal dose or doses of the drug.

At Teesside Crown Court, Judge Peter Fox QC bailed the mum until her sentence on May 3. Meanwhile, prosecutors decided not to pursue any charges against the boy’s father Mark Bate, 34, of Rodney Street, Hartlepool.

The judge acquitted him of two manslaughter charges, causing or allowing the death of a child and two child cruelty charges, and released him from court.

Drive-by shooting arrests

Police investigating a drive-by shooting on Teesside have arrested three men.

The men, aged 31, 30 and 29, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder this morning.

They have been taken to Middlesbrough Police Station where they are being questioned.

The shooting targeted the front door of a house in Harlech Close, Grangetown, with what is believed to be a shotgun.

Two male riders, who wore dark clothing, were seen to make off on a trials-type bike.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Redcar and Cleveland CID on 01642 302626 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

#2.5m roadworks ahead

Work is due to get under way on a major #2.5m improvement scheme on Stockton’s Portrack Lane.

The 30-week long roadworks will improve traffic flow at the busy Portrack Lane interchange with the A19.

Stockton Council has been working closely with local businesses to minimise disruption to the Portrack Retail and Industrial Estate during the works.

Lane closures will hit motorists and work is due to finish in November.