Met Police serial rapist case ‘abhorrent’, says North Yorkshire chief constable

North Yorkshire Police’s chief constable has described the case of a Metropolitan Police officer who raped 12 woman across two decades as “absolutely abhorrent”.

David Carrick, 48, admitted dozens of rape and sexual offences against his victims while serving in the force.

He was sacked today following a misconduct hearing.

Speaking at a Harrogate Borough Council overview and scrutiny meeting last night, Lisa Winward, chief constable of North Yorkshire Police, said Carrick was not “one of us”.

She said:

“The story that has been in the media today in relation to the Metropolitan Police officer is absolutely abhorrent. 

“It is not something that we would associated with someone who is employed to keep people safe and enforce the law.”

Ms Winward added:

“These sort of cases are a shock to people who work in policing and care about policing and we don’t deem those individuals who involve themselves in that sort of behaviour to be one of us.”

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This morning, Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised and told the BBC that opportunities were missed to remove Carrick from his position.

The news comes as it was revealed at a police, fire and crime panel last week that more than half of recorded violent crimes in North Yorkshire and York are against women and girls.

Simon Dennis, chief executive of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s office, said in York in 2021/22 there had been 5,615 violent crimes, of which 52% were linked to a female victim and 34% were marked as domestic abuse.

He said the statistics for North Yorkshire were almost exactly the same.

Mr Dennis said a full picture of the scale of violence against women and girls was difficult to outline due to under-reporting, which was a known issue being addressed by public sector organisations across North Yorkshire and York.

Ms Winward told a meeting the under-reporting of such offences meant the known incidents were “just the tip of the iceberg”.

Council recommends controversial Kingsley Farm homes be approved

Officers at Harrogate Borough Council have recommended that a controversial plan to build new homes on Kingsley Farm is approved.

The scheme for up to 30 homes, which have been proposed by Quarterly Kingsley Ltd, are earmarked for the north and north east of the site off Kingsley Road.

The developer said in a planning statement submitted to Harrogate Borough Council the scheme would help to offer a “sense of place”.

However, the proposal has been met by fierce objections from residents and concerns from officials at NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.

But, the borough council has recommended that the plan is deferred and approved subject to section 106 agreements been reached.

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The move comes as Nick Brown, of the NHS North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said GPs were “extremely concerned” about further development within Harrogate.

The NHS has requested £58,617 in developer contributions as part of the proposal.

Mr Brown said:

“As primary care providers, the GPs and primary care networks are extremely concerned regarding any proposals for further residential development within Harrogate.

“The existing health infrastructure in Harrogate already operates above optimum capacity and has very limited capacity to absorb additional pressures.”

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire County Council highways have requested a contribution of £25,000 “to address the cumulative impact of development traffic, particularly in respect of the A59/Kingsley Road junction”.

Councillors on Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the plan at a meeting on January 24.

Plan to convert former Harrogate Italian restaurant into flat

Plans have been lodged to convert the former Luigi’s restaurant in Harrogate into a flat.

The Italian restaurant on Valley Drive closed in October 2021. Now, proposals have been lodged to change the use of the building into a flat.

Documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council by Nidge O’Brien say the former restaurant would be changed into one two-bedroom apartment.

Luigi’s closed its doors on October 17. In a post on its Facebook page, management at the restaurant said:

“We have thus reached the end of the journey, and we take this opportunity to thank all the customers who have supported us with their affection during these two years. 

“Luigi’s Restaurant will open its doors for you on Sunday 17th October for the last time.  

“Heartfelt thanks to all of you, it was a pleasure to pamper you and give you the goodness of our simple and genuine dishes.  We will meet again, around the county.”

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

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Business Breakfast: Housing developers partner to begin £16m Knaresborough scheme

The Stray Ferret Business Awards will be held on March 9 at the Pavilions of Harrogate. The event will be a celebratory night with prize draw and afterparty. Richard Flinton, the chief executive of the new North Yorkshire Council is the guest speaker. Early bird ticket prices are available until February 9 and available to buy here. Bring your team, network and have fun. 

Yorkshire Housing has partnered with major housing developer Countryside to start work on a new £16 million development in Knaresborough. The company’s have agreed to work together to build the 64-home scheme on the former Trelleborg site in the town. Work will start on the development, which includes affordable housing, in March this year and be complete by March 2025. Sian Grindley, director of development at Yorkshire Housing, said:

“We’re really pleased this scheme has been given the go-ahead and it’s great to be teaming up with Countryside to deliver high-quality homes to over 60 families, that they can be proud of.

“We’re committed to providing affordable and sustainable homes with cost-effective heating, power, and thermal efficiency at a time when it’s needed more than ever. “The scheme also brings us closer towards our target of delivering 8,000 new homes across Yorkshire.”

Andy Poyner, managing director, Yorkshire, Countryside Partnerships said:

“Countryside Partnerships is committed to regenerating areas and creating communities that people can be proud of. This site will combine spacious, high-quality homes with an exciting and evolving community where people will love to live.”

Harrogate kitchen company launches rebrand

A Harrogate furniture company has rebranded for 2023. Nest Kitchens, which is based at Thompsons Yard off Skipton Road, will now operate under the name Studio Nest. The firm said it wanted to reflect the changes in what the company offered as part of its rebrand. Holly Simpson, director of Studio Nest, said:

“We are an approachable residential design studio, focused on delivering bespoke furniture and interiors in our signature modern rustic style throughout Yorkshire.  “Known for being refreshingly modern and forever classic, ultimately our spaces are reflective of the style, dreams and lifestyles of our clients.” 

The studio on Thompsons Yard will remain open Monday to Friday for design consultations.

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Burglars steal high-value goods from Knaresborough new build estate

Police are appealing for information after a number of high-value goods were stolen from a new build housing estate in Knaresborough.

Criminals targeted two homes which had yet to be completed on Lapwing Crescent on the Trinity Fields development between December 18 and 19, 2022.

A washing machine, dishwasher, oven and two showers were among the items stolen from the properties.

The burglars also stole two kitchen taps, 12 kitchen handles, 12 kitchen plinth lights, 10 downlights and a cooker hood.

A North Yorkshire Police statement said:

“As part of ongoing enquiries, officers are appealing for information about suspicious individuals or vehicles at around the time of the burglaries.

“Also, if anyone has been offered such items for sale since 19 December.

“If you can help, please email Jacob.higgins@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, select option 2, and ask for Jacob Higgins.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12220223539 when providing details.”

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New veterinary practice planned for Pannal

A new vets could open on a Pannal business park.

Claro Hill Vets Ltd has lodged a proposal to convert two industrial units at Thirkill Park into a veterinary practice.

The plan would see the practice create 25 full time jobs, according to documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council.

The vets would be open Monday to Friday from 7.30am until 6pm and 8am until 1pm on a Saturday.

Carter Jonas, which submitted the application on behalf of the developer, said in documents to the council:

“The business is a new advanced small animal veterinary practice with start of the art facilities, offering high end veterinary services to the local community as well as excellent employment opportunities for local people.”

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

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Plan to convert part of Harrogate’s Old Swan hotel into 17 flats

A plan has been tabled to convert part of the Old Swan hotel in Harrogate into 17 flats.

Northern Trust Company Ltd, part of Classic Lodges which owns the hotel, has submitted the proposal to Harrogate Borough Council.

The company has tabled the plan to convert the ancillary wing of the Grade-II listed building, which dates back to the late 19th century.

In documents submitted to the council, the owners said the part of the hotel had “gradually become redundant” and was “almost entirely vacant”.

The company said in its planning application:

“The existing ancillary wing is not viable as hotel accommodation as there are sufficient rooms in the main buildings and serving the rear wing would be problematic with numerous level changes.”

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As part of the plan, the ancillary wing would be converted into 17 one and two-bedroom flats.

The existing staff car park would be extended to the back of the building to provide residential parking.

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

Harrogate barber swaps shop for van

A Harrogate barber has taken his business on the road in a former ambulance.

Christopher Anderson, who ran Bespoke Barbers on Westmoreland Street, has opted to take on clients in his new van.

The move comes as his shop in Harrogate closed its doors on December 23.

Mr Anderson, who ran the barbers for eleven-and-a-half years, said it took some consideration to take the business one the road.

He said:

“Over a year ago I started to seriously think about the possibility of professional van life.

“With a great deal of research and procrastination the dream became a reality. It has been hard to share my vision and thanks to a great deal of patience and support I’ve made it.”

The Bespoke Barbers van.

The Bespoke Barbers van.

Mr Anderson described it the move onto wheels as a steep learning curve, but added he was glad to have done it.

For more information on Bespoke Barbers, visit their Facebook page here.

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Searches continue for two men missing in Harrogate district since last year

Searches continue for two men who have been missing in the Harrogate district since last year.

Gavin Dhont, Ripon, and Jesus Moreno, Leeds, have both not been seen since late 2022.

Officers at both North Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Police have reissued appeals for any sightings of both men.

Mr Moreno, who worked at a Leeds brewery, has been missing for five months after last being seen in August 2022.

The brewer was spotted on CCTV catching a 36 bus from Leeds bus station at 6.10am on Monday, August 1.

He got off the bus at Swindon Lane near Dunkeswick, just north of Harewood bridge on the A61, at 6.39am. He was then seen on CCTV near the bridge at 8.14am.

Posters have been put up looking for missing man Jesus Moreno

Posters were put up in Harrogate looking for missing man Jesus Moreno.

However, searches of the area carried out by West Yorkshire Police have not resulted in any findings.

A force spokesperson told the Stray Ferret that Mr Moreno’s case remains “the subject of a high risk missing person investigation”.

They added:

“Officers from Leeds CID are continuing to support the family and give them a detailed overview of their enquiries so far.”

Anyone with information can call West Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference 13220422334.

Ripon man missing for more than a month

North Yorkshire Police has reiterated an appeal for any information on Gavin Dhont, who has been missing from Ripon for more than a month.

Mr Dhont was last seen in the city on Tuesday, December 6 and officers said they are extremely worried for his welfare.

Police have carried out searches for the 45-year-old, including the use of police dogs and the police drone, but with no gain.

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He is known to enjoys walks in areas including the Hell Wath, Studley Roger, Studley Royal Park and along the River Ure. He also enjoys visiting Ripon Wetlands.

North Yorkshire Police Inspector, Ed Rogerson, said:

“We’re really grateful to everyone who has been in touch to support our search and we’re asking the public once again to please keep your eyes peeled for any sightings. Every piece of information reported to us is really valuable so do get in touch by calling 101 if you can help.

“We know Gavin enjoys walking in the local area so if you are out and about, please keep Gavin in mind. Thank you.”

Mr Dhont is described as of thin build with short dark brown hair.

Anyone who has seen him since he went missing or who believes they know his whereabouts is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police as a matter of urgency on 101, or call 999 in an emergency and quote either his name or reference 12220219012.

Harrogate councillors to take some housing decisions under new council

Decisions over some housing developments are set to be handed to Harrogate councillors ahead of North Yorkshire Council coming into force.

The new authority will replace Harrogate Borough Council in April, which left questions over how decisions over planning would be made.

Now, the county council has outlined plans for six area committees which will consider planning applications at a local level.

Under proposals for its new constitution, the Harrogate and Knaresborough committee would oversee housing decisions in the constituency area.

Meanwhile, Ripon and Skipton committee would oversee planning in the Ripon area.

However, councillors in those area will only consider applications under 500 homes. Anything above that threshold will be considered by the strategic planning committee in Northallerton.

Cllr Carl Les, Conservative leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said it was important that local councillors make decisions in their local areas.

He said:

“Local voices and local accountability are central to the vision of the new North Yorkshire Council.

“Area committees are a key element in this, providing local community leadership in conjunction with the community networks we propose to create, helping to shape economic development in their locality and holding the executive to account, complementing the work of the scrutiny committees.”

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The move comes as Cllr Pat Marsh, the Liberal Democrat chair of the Harrogate and Knaresborough area committee, said previously that not handing powers to such committees would “erode accountability”.

In Harrogate, decisions are still expected on a bottling plant at Harrogate Spring Water and a 3,000 home town between Knaresborough and Cattall called Maltkiln.

Senior county councillors will consider the powers as part of a draft constitution for North Yorkshire Council at a meeting on January 17.