11 March 2013 Last updated at 14:25 ET

Derby death blaze: Mairead Philpott 'wrote eight suicide notes'

Mairead Philpott said in one note she could not "go on any more"

A woman accused of starting a fire which killed six children wrote suicide notes before the fire, a jury heard.

Nottingham Crown Court heard Mairead Philpott, 31, left eight handwritten notes in cupboards and drawers around the family home in Derby.

The court was also told the content of 84 text messages sent and received by 56-year-old Mick Philpott in the days before the fire could not be recovered.

The pair and friend Paul Mosley, 46, deny six counts of manslaughter.

'Can't go on'

On the final day of the prosecution case the jury was read eight suicide notes written by Mairead Philpott after her husband's former mistress Lisa Willis walked out with her five children.

One of them to her husband read: "I just can't go on any more... I know you love me, but you love Lisa more... the best thing I can do is go... you and Lisa can take care of the children."

The three defendants are accused of starting the fire in a bid to frame Ms Willis, 29, who was involved in a custody battle of five children she shared with Mr Philpott.

Giving evidence police analyst Joe Tilbury told how content from Mick Philpott's phone between 1 May and the day of the fire on 11 May could not be recovered by specialists.

The court also heard the youngest of the children, five-year-old Jayden, was wearing his school uniform the night he died.

The others were wearing underwear and pyjamas.

Jade Philpott, 10, John, nine, Jack, eight, Jesse, six, and Jayden, five, perished in the fire at their house in Victory Road, in Allenton last May.

Their brother Duwayne, 13, died two days later at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

The trial continues on Wednesday when Mr Philpott will give evidence.

BBC Derby

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BBC Local Live

1800: Ben Truslove BBC News

That's it from me today, I'm off to enjoy the last of the sunshine but Local Live will be back again from 08:00 tomorrow.

Until then, you can keep up to date with BBC Radio Derby or watch BBC East Midlands Today.
Coming up 1740: Dominic Heale Presenter, BBC East Midlands Today

Coming up, more criticism of East Midlands Ambulance Service over response times.

We'll be talking to the service's medical director about what's gone wrong and we'll talk to patients who've experienced delays. That's at 18.30.
Rolls-royce 1738:

Rolls-Royce has said it is "delighted" with the deal it has struck with US firm CIT to provide engines for 23 aircraft.

Eric Schulz, from Rolls-Royce, said: "This order... reflects our ability to deliver a Trent XWB engine that has already proven itself in test flights to be the most efficient large aero engine flying today."
Weapons amnesty deadline 1737:

Derbyshire police tweets: Knives, BB guns and other weapons can be taken to the mobile police station at Allenton shops today until 7pm.
Cycling collision 1732:

A cyclist broke his leg when he was hit by a car in Somercotes.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash involving the 25-year-old on a red bike and a light blue Ford Focus at about 21:30 on Monday in Furnace Row.
Measles vaccination 1729:

Derbyshire County Council is reminding parents of school pupils in the county to check whether they've had the MMR jab, BBC Radio Derby reports.

It says about 2,700 youngsters aged 10 to 16 years old in the county have not had any vaccine, and just over 5,000 have had just one dose.

It comes amid the measles outbreak in south Wales.
Weather 1725: Kaye Forster Weather Presenter, BBC East Midlands Today

We've got some of that sunshine we've been talking about at last.

Staying dry, bright and breezy for the rest of the day. A nippy night to come though with lows of 2C.
head suspended 1722:

Pingle School acting head teacher Vivien Sharples has told told the BBC that head teacher Bryan Carr's suspension was a "neutral act" and he has not been seen since Monday.

Ms Sharples said: "Mr Carr told us last Monday he intended to leave for personal reasons."
Burton Albion 1719:

Burton Albion manager Gary Rowett said it would have been pointless offering winger Jacques Maghoma a new contract and expects him to join a League One or Championship club this summer.

The Brewers' boss said "It's futile trying to entice him to stay. There's absolutely no point sitting down with him because his intention is to further his career and move on."
Traffic 1717:

One lane is closed on the M1 southbound at J24A on to the A50 because of a broken down vehicle, BBC Travel News reports.
Duck injury 1708:

A mother duck was shot in the head in Pinxton, Derbyshire, police said.

The bird was found with injuries to her beak and head at Wharf Pond, caused by a pellet fired from an air weapon.

The duck and her 12 ducklings were rescued by the RSPCA which is caring for the birds.
Knife man charged 1700:

A man was caught walking down a Derby street allegedly carrying a knife in the early hours of this morning.

Neil Johnstone, 20, of no fixed abode, is due to appear before magistrates tomorrow after police charged him.
Body found 1655:

A body found at Carr Vale ponds earlier is believed to be that of missing man John Stephen Porter.

Police do not think the circumstances are suspicious. The 21-year-old was reported missing from his home in Bolsover on 14 May.
Farming 1647:

Farmers have told BBC Radio Derby they will not let the Schmallenberg virus beat them, following news a vaccine will become available.

Derbyshire sheep farmer Richard Spencer said: "I'm afraid with farming you become rather fatalistic about life and the more experience you get the more you get like that."

"It's nothing to play violins about, it's life. Get used to it."
Video 1638:

Thieves who made off with a haul of children's Christmas presents from Castle Gresley, near Burton upon Trent, were caught after a dramatic police chase, caught on camera by West Midlands Police.

The thieves, dubbed "anti-Santas", were caught near Birmingham Airport and have now been jailed.
your pictures 1629: Rob Watts Presenter, BBC Radio Derby

I've been out and about in the county this afternoon and took this fantastic view of Derbyshire near Alfreton.

If you've got a picture you would like to share, send it to locallive@bbc.co.uk or Tweet us.
on air 1616: Ian Skye Presenter, BBC Radio Derby

We've got more on the Rolls-Royce deal to make engines for 23 aeroplanes and I'll also be talking to Unison about East Midlands Ambulance Service and its missed targets. Listen live on BBC Radio Derby.
your views 1611:

Tell us what you think of BBC Local Live. We'd like your feedback about this service.
Happy birthday Reg Harrison 1601:

Derby County has been celebrating the birthday of Rams legend Reg Harrison, who turned 90 today.

Harrison made more than 250 league appearances for Derby between 1946 and 1954 and was part of the side that defeated Charlton Athletic 4-1 at Wembley Stadium in the 1945-46 final in front of 98,000.

He was given an early birthday present by chief executive Sam Rush at the game against Millwall.
Japanese lesson 1540: Sally Pepper Presenter, BBC Radio Derby

When it comes to cooking, I'm happy to turn my hand to most things but I have never really tackled Japanese food. That all changed as I was joined by Joe Hunt, head tutor at Tideswell School of Food.

He gave me a lesson in how to roll the perfect sushi - and if you want to learn you can listen again.
Rolls-Royce contract 1533:

Derby-based Rolls-Royce is to make engines for 23 aircraft in a deal struck with US firm CIT Aerospace.

The world's second-largest maker of aircraft engines will be making its Trent XWB for the Airbus A350 and the Trent 700 to power 13 Airbus A330 planes.
Ambulance service fined 1512:

We've been asking what you make of the news that East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) was fined £3.5m for missing targets.

People have been supportive of the service on Facebook and Twitter.

Cat Treadwell tweeted: EMAS has the largest area to cover of any service in the UK. Morale is at an all-time low and staff are constantly berated. Shame.
gift thieves jailed 1459:

West Midlands Police say three "anti-Santas" who stole children's Christmas presents during a three-hour road trip from Derbyshire to Birmingham have been jailed.

The fleeing thieves were caught near Birmingham Airport after a police chase during which motorists had to swerve to avoid the men's getaway van.
Head suspended 1446:

The head of a struggling Derbyshire secondary school has been suspended, BBC News Online reports.

Bryan Carr had already told staff and governors at The Pingle School in Swadlincote he intended to leave at the end of the summer term.

Derbyshire County Council confirmed the suspension and that an investigation was ongoing, but refused to comment further.
Witness appeal 1434:

Detectives investigating a serious assault at a house in Ripley last week are appealing for witnesses after a man and a woman were taken to hospital.

The 32-year-old man and 25-year-old woman suffered serious injuries during a disturbance on Rowan Avenue on Thursday.

Four men, aged 36, 38, 50 and 21, have been arrested on suspicion of assault and released on bail.
Monkey business 1424:

The Derbyshire couple who help diabetic monkeys say they were were heartbroken when they discovered the obese animals at a Florida sanctuary.

Andrew West said: "We were moved to tears when we arrived at Jungle Friends. The onset of diabetes is horrible to see."

He and his wife Carol use their knowledge of diabetes in humans to help the capuchin monkeys.
Format festival 1411:

Derby Museums Tweets: Just over a week to catch the last bit of this years fabulous @formatfestival at the Museum and Art Gallery http://www.derbymuseums.org/events/brian-griffin-still-waters/#.UZyN-qI3tc0 …
Weather 1357:

Rather cloudy with the odd light shower. Rain getting heavier during the afternoon.
Half marathon 1344:

Fresh from completing the London Marathon, Emmerdale actor Tony Audenshaw was one of 400 runners to complete the Eyam Half Marathon on Sunday, the Derbyshire Times reports.
Mayor making 1333: Wesley Mallin Political Reporter, BBC Derby

At a ceremony in the Grand Hall of Derby Assembly Rooms, Councillor Fareed Hussain has been elected mayor of the city and Councillor Shiraz Kahn the deputy mayor.
Travel 1321:

Main Street in Etwall has been closed near the junction with Hilton Road because of an accident.
Derby County 1307:

With Derby County already gearing up for next season, the Rams' chief executive Sam Rush will be in the BBC Radio Derby hotseat on Thursday at 09:00.

He'll be answering your questions on anything Rams-related, so call us to book your question on 01332 616161 or email it to radio.derby@bbc.co.uk.
Coming up 1258: Andy Potter Presenter, BBC Radio Derby

Brad Pitt, star of the new film World War Z, isn't on today's programme. But Max Brooks, the writer of the book on which the film is based, will be.

The people at Calke Abbey are encouraging us to head off on a barefoot walk, two New Zealanders take on Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells live in Buxton, Ben Fogle reveals the content of his latest TV show and Torvill and Dean tell me about the end of Dancing On Ice.

That's on BBC Radio Derby from 13:00.
your views 1248:

We've introduced BBC Local Live to bring you the latest news, sport, travel and weather all in one place. Tell us what you think.
1238:

Alfreton Town midfielder Dan Bradley has signed a one-year extension which will keep him at the Impact Arena until the end of the 2014/2015 season.

Bradley joined on a two-year deal from Kidderminster Harriers in June 2012 and became a mainstay of the side.
Helicopter hunt 1226:

Police are being supported by the force helicopter looking for three suspected burglars in Chellaston.

Neighbours called 999 after spotting three men in their late teens trying to break into a house in Rowallan Way this morning.

They're described as all having light hair, two are wearing blue jackets and one a grey hooded top.
Ambulance service fined 1217:

On Facebook, we asked have you lost faith in your ambulance service?

Chris J. Griffin said: I have elderly parents who live on the outskirts of the city. Both have had blue light issues in the past 5 years, I cannot speak highly enough of the speed, professionalism and care. 10/10.
Travel 1202:

The broken down lorry on the A50 has now been cleared and traffic is moving smoothly, BBC Travel News reports.
Holiday woes 1151:

Derbyshire holidaymaker Sam Repton says she's reached the end of her tether with Thomas Cook after a one hour flight turned into a two-day nightmare, BBC Radio Derby reports.

She is still waiting for compensation nine weeks after a flight from Havana to her Cuban resort was cancelled, forcing her to spend a night in a hotel she described as run down which was then followed by a ten-hour coach ride.

Thomas Cook said it is doing all it can to reimburse her as quickly as possible.
Helicopter hunt 1139:

The police helicopter is circling above Chellaston in Derbyshire, hunting three suspected burglars following calls from residents.
Ambulance service fined 1128:

BBC Radio Derby is asking have you been failed by the ambulance service after the East Midlands Ambulance Service was fined £3.5m for missing targets.

Call us on 01332 616161 or text 81333 starting your comment with the word Derby to have your say.
1119: Sally Pepper Presenter, BBC Radio Derby

We want to know what pop memorabilia have you got at home? An original ticket to see Michael Jackson? A button off Mick Jagger's trousers? Dave Hill's platform boots?

Are you a collector or hoarder of pop memorabilia - what have you hung on to?

Call us on 01332 616161 or text 81333 starting your comment with the word Derby.
rolls-royce 1106:

Derby-based Rolls-Royce has received an order to supply engines for 23 commercial airliners.

It's come from US company CIT. The engines will be used on the Airbus A350 and A330 planes, reports BBC Radio Derby.
Travel 1053:

Traffic is queuing on the A50 eastbound after a broken down lorry forced the closure of a lane between junction seven to the A515 and the Sudbury roundabout, BBC Travel News reports.
Happy birthday 1044:

Derby County Tweets: We're sure all #dcfcfans will join #dcfc in wishing a Happy 90th Birthday to #dcfc legend and 1946 FA Cup Winner, Reg Harrison #dcfcfamily
Uttoxeter development 1033:

A year-long project to redevelop the former Cattle Market site in Uttoxeter has begun, BBC Radio Derby reports.

The diggers moved on to Carters Square earlier this week. A supermarket, medical centre and shops will be built there.
Ambulance service fined 1022:

After East Midlands Ambulance Service failed to meet its targets, we asked on Facebook if the service has failed you?

Jo Moody replies: My husband collapsed in sudden pain on our bathroom floor late at night - I had to phone for an ambulance 3 times and waited over an hour.

She adds that he he was hospitalised for several weeks with kidney stones.
Monkey business 1009:

A Derby couple say they are using their knowledge of treating diabetic humans to help monkeys at a sanctuary in Florida, BBC News online reports.

Andrew and Carol West run a retreat in Spain to to help diabetes patients and are now applying their expertise at a monkey sanctuary.
Coming up 1001: Sally Pepper Presenter, BBC Radio Derby

From 10:00 a local grandmother has decided to leave a little bit of herself behind.

She's immortalised her wisdom and sense of humour in a collection of books for her grandchildren.

Also, can you really afford to retire? Apparently in Derbyshire and East Staffordshire we are too poor to put our feet up - we'll be looking at how our retirees are embracing this stage of their life.

And then I'll be getting a lesson in how to roll the perfect Sushi
0953:

PC Stevie Carter, from the Abbey Safer Neighbourhood Team, tweets: Back on duty. Off to Bedford Street residents meeting shortly. Then will be out on patrol with PCSO Evans #abbeysnt
Ambulance service fined 0943:

East Midlands Ambulance Service was one of two in the country to miss its target, landing it a £3.5m fine.

The service is supposed to get an ambulance to 95% of all life-threatening emergencies within 19 minutes, but EMAS missed this target by more than 3%, BBC News Online reports.
Kind coffee 0931:

A worldwide coffee scheme to help the less fortunate has come to Derby.

"Suspended Coffee" encourages customers at the Derby Cathedral Coffee House to pay for an extra coffee, so that someone who can not afford it can have one.
Ambulance service fined 0921:

East Midlands Ambulance Service chief executive Phil Milligan tells BBC Radio Derby the service is recruiting 130 more staff, some of whom will come to Derbyshire.

His comments come after EMAS was fined £3.5m for missing targets for the third year in a row.

He adds: "We have a long way to go. There's no doubt that there's still much to do but we are getting on with it and we are starting to see that in the results."
football 0909:

The departure of manager Tony Pulis from Stoke City makes Derby County's Nigel Clough the fifth-longest serving boss in English football.
Farming 0858:

Farmers in Derbyshire have been welcoming news a vaccine for the Schmallenberg virus will be available this summer, BBC Radio Derby reports.

The virus causes deformities in lambs and calves.
burglary increase 0846:

An increase in burglaries in Spondon is being investigated by Derbyshire Police.

Items such as gardening equipment, bicycles and fishing tackle are being stolen from garages and sheds.
as it happened
- News, sport, travel, weather from Wed 22 May
- More updates from 08:00 on Thursday
- Listen Radio Derby watch East Mids Today
Burton Albion 0836:

Burton Albion manager Gary Rowett believes Jacques Maghoma will be a Championship player next season.

Rowett has confirmed he won't be offering Maghoma a new contract, with the 25-year-old certain to be playing at a higher level come August, reports BBC Radio Derby.
Ambulance service fined 0825:

East Midlands Ambulance Service has been fined £3.5m because it's not getting to emergency patients quickly enough.

It's the third year in a row the service has been forced to pay up for not meeting response time targets.
Travel 0815:

Traffic is looking a little heavy in places around Derby but is mostly moving. Check BBC Travel News for more up-to-the-minute updates.
today's forecast 0805: Mel Coles BBC Weather

Expect a few showers today but many places will be dry with sunny spells.

The northwesterly breeze will pick up which will make it feel fresh, with highs today of 15C (59F).
0800:

Good morning, Ben Truslove here to take you through today's news, travel, weather and sport on Local Live in Derbyshire until 18:00.