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Tributes to ex-Echo journalist
Tributes were today paid to a talented journalist, university lecturer and film maker who has lost his battle with cancer.
Former Echo news editor Patrick Lavelle, 50, was one of the North East's most respected journalists.
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He won the region's top award for investigative journalism three times at the North East Press Awards, but he is best known for "relentless pursuit" of Yorkshire Ripper hoaxer Wearside Jack.
But Patrick – who was married with children – was also a campaigner, election candidate, lecturer, author, film-maker and one-time businessman.
Patrick, who was from Sunderland, started his career as a neighbourhood correspondent at the Echo before serving at a number of North East newspapers and gaining a degree in criminology at Durham University.
He returned to the Echo in 1998 and served as news editor until 2005, when he left to tutor the next generation of journalists at Sunderland University.
Echo Editor Rob Lawson said: "Pat was one of the most passionate and dedicated journalists I've ever worked with.
"He was also one of the hardest-working people I've ever met.
"It was comforting and reassuring to know that Pat was training the next generation of journalists at Sunderland University and I know he was thoroughly enjoying his time there."
"The thoughts of his former Echo colleagues are with his family today."
Chris Rushton, a former newspaper editor who is now head of journalism and public relations at Sunderland University, said: "Patrick was a formidable journalist who, despite his stern demeanour, was a great mentor to many young reporters.
"A lot of the region's best-known journalists owe their success to him."
Nigel Green, a former crime reporter at The Echo, said: "Even after a quarter of a century in the job, he was still very passionate.
"In particular, he campaigned for the ordinary people of Sunderland, even if it meant challenging powerful organisations and companies.
"He was a great journalist, a great friend, and he will be sadly missed."
Before succumbing to illness, Patrick had been working to bring Wearside's notorious "one armed bandit murder" to the big screen.
He also founded the Sunderland First political group to challenge what he perceived to be the failings of party politics, and had planned to field candidates in this year's local and national elections.
Patrick was diagnosed with cancer last year and died this morning at 4.30am.
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Weather for Sunderland
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
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