Latest news with #PaulSouthern
BBC News
20-06-2025
- BBC News
Cramlington alcoholic arsonist attacked elderly mum's home
An alcoholic arsonist who deliberately set his elderly and disabled mother's home on fire has been jailed for eight Southern, 61, started two fires at the back door of his 85-year-old mum's home after they fell out over his drinking and persistent pleas for money, Newcastle Crown Court was woken by a vibrating fire alarm beneath her pillow, while neighbours also saw the blaze and came to her was found guilty of committing arson with intent to endanger life. Judge Amanda Rippon said she could not imagine the fear his mother had felt. Southern, of Arcot Avenue in Nelson Village, Cramlington, and his mother previously had a good relationship, but that deteriorated over the 18 months leading up to the blaze because of his alcohol abuse and demands for cash, prosecutor Ian Cook 22 October last year, she complained to police about her son and he was arrested on suspicion of harassment before being released on condition not to go to her he turned up again the following day and police had to be called again, the court heard. Hard of hearing Then, at about 03:00 BST on 24 October, Southern took a ladder so he could scale a locked garden gate and set fire to a mop head and garden gloves beside the back door to his mother's home, Mr Cook smashed a window in the door so the blaze would get inside, the court mother, who was hard of hearing and had put her hearing aids on charge overnight, was asleep in having a stairlift because of her mobility issues, she got downstairs to find the back door ablaze and neighbours at the scene trying to put it out, the court heard. In a statement read to the court, Southern's mother said she felt "at ease" knowing he was in prison "getting help and support" for his issues."Whenever I hear noises, I worry in case it is Paul," she said, adding: "I never thought Paul would do anything like this."Judge Rippon said it was "hard to imagine" what it must have been like for the woman "to find her son set fire to her home intending for her life to be endangered".The judge said Southern was an alcoholic but he refused to accept been deemed dangerous, he must serve an extra two years on extended licence.A restraining order banning him from contacting his mother or going to her home for 10 years was also made. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mattel and Disney Renew Multi-Year Global Licensing Agreement for Toy Story Franchise
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., March 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) today announced it has renewed a multi-year global licensing agreement with Disney for new products commemorating Toy Story's 30th anniversary and for the upcoming release of Toy Story 5 on June 19, 2026. The agreement extends Mattel's global licensing rights to develop lines of toys for Toy Story across Action Figures, Vehicles, Radio Control, Games, and Plush. Some of Mattel's products honoring Toy Story's 30th Anniversary are now available, with exciting Toy Story 5 releases planned for next year. In 2026, Mattel's Action Figures offering will expand and highlight key movie moments and characters, and UNO will introduce a Toy Story 5-themed edition featuring a custom rule inspired by the movie. Mattel will also launch a new Toy Story Plush range and Radio Control products that bring unforgettable movie moments home, while classics like Kerplunk! and Tumblin' Monkeys continue collaborations for the franchise's latest theatrical chapter. Additionally, Mattel's Little People line will integrate iconic Toy Story characters and scenes, and a new Imaginext lineup will debut. Nick Karamanos, Senior Vice President of Entertainment Partnerships at Mattel, said: "Toy Story has been a beloved cornerstone of storytelling and imagination for generations, and Mattel is honored to have been part of the journey with Disney over the past 30 years. As we look ahead to the excitement of the fifth film, we will continue to create toys and products that showcase the joy, surprise, and fun that has made Toy Story an incredible property for families and fans of all ages." Paul Southern, Senior Vice President of Global Brand Commercialization at Disney Consumer Products, said: "Throughout the many years of Disney's collaboration with Mattel, fans have taken their imagination and love for Toy Story characters to infinity and beyond through the magic of play. By celebrating the 30th anniversary of Toy Story and the anticipation of Toy Story 5 through new products, we will pay tribute to the legacy of this beloved brand and its influence on culture, while engaging with new and existing fans." Mattel and Disney's long-standing Toy Story relationship has roots dating back to the 1990s. In addition to 30 years of Toy Story adventures, Mattel is celebrating its own 80th anniversary in 2025, a milestone that reflects eight decades of innovation, creativity and the transformative power of play. About Mattel Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest portfolios of children's and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at View source version on Contacts Press Contact: Niki Casey
