Cold callers arrested after Harrogate woman in 80s hands over bank card

Three men have been arrested after a Harrogate woman in her 80s handed over her credit card in a door-to-door cold call.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement today one of the three men, who are from Middlesbrough, entered the woman’s home on the pretence of selling household items after being released from prison on March 6.

The statement adding:

“He pressurised the victim into handing over her bank card and pin number and withdrew the maximum amount he could.

“He fled from the property when he saw a friend of the victim arrive on the drive.”

Police investigations identified a vehicle connected to the incident.

The car was intercepted when it re-entered Harrogate a few days later and officers arrested the three men inside.

The statement added:

“The suspects were taken into custody for questioning. The driver, 51, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and drug driving after testing positive for cocaine at the roadside.

“The passengers, one aged 37, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and a 31-year-old was arrested on suspicion of burglary with intent to steal.”

The statement said the men have been released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.

‘Check before you open the door’

Police warned people to be on their guard against door-to-door sellers, who they said can be “pushy” and “threatening” and may charge inflated prices.

It urged people to:

Police added:

“If anyone who cold calls tries to enter your home without your permission, is threatening or refuses to leave your property, call 999.

“Older people are targeted due to their trusting nature, so if you have older parents, relatives or friends, please share this message with them and check they know how to stay safe if cold callers knock on their door.”

Read more:

Harrogate man given hospital order for attempted murder of two children

Warning: this story contains references to self-harm, suicide and mental illness. 

A Harrogate man has been given a hospital order with restrictions for the attempted murder of two children.

Following a nine-day trial in April 2023, George Edward Yates, 42, was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder following an incident in Beckwithshaw on June 20, 2022.

At the time the Judge adjourned sentencing so that Yates could undergo psychiatric assessments.

He was today sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court.

On sentencing, reports were presented back to the court which stated that at the time of the offence Yates was suffering from delusional thoughts before carrying out the knife attack on two children.

Because of his mental state at the time of the incident, the judge sentenced him to a hospital order with restrictions, meaning that should he ever released back into the community, he will be closely monitored by mental health professionals.

‘Placed knives around his house and in his car’

During the trial the court heard how Yates, commonly known by his middle name Ed, and previously of Beckwithshaw, had placed knives around his house and in his car.

He’d also prepared a homemade incendiary device which was capable of causing a fire.

At around 8am on the day of the incident, he attacked the two children with a large bread knife, severely cutting the throat of one child which resulted in life threatening injuries.

Police sealed off the area.

He then attempted to do the same to a younger child.

Hearing the screams of the younger children, a teenager ran to help them and tackled Yates, managing to wrestle the knife from him as he attempted to harm the youngest child.

Fortunately, all three children were able to run away from Yates.

Two decorators working at a house nearby were approached by the children and they protected them from Yates, who had chased after them following the attack.

Pre-recorded interviews of the children recounting the incident, which were conducted by specialist police officers, were played in the court.

The painters and decorators’ evidence was also read out to the court.

The two men described hearing the children’s screams and seeing them running towards them, one with blood pouring from a large open wound in their neck.

The court heard how the men rushed to provide first aid to the children, using one of their own hoodies to try to stem the flow of blood, while they called the emergency services.

The teenager had also suffered a minor hand injury from grabbing the knife away from Yates.

The decorators stated that as they were helping the children, Yates twice approached them, but they protected the children by shouting at Yates to keep back and go away.

Police were called to the scene and after making an initial check on the welfare of the children, they entered a nearby house and found Yates in the bathroom.

He had attempted to take his own life by cutting his own throat and wrists, and superficially stabbing himself in the chest. He’d also ingested liquid morphine, which he’d taken from his mother’s house days before the attack.

Yates was immediately arrested and taken to hospital for treatment to his self-inflicted wounds.

Following treatment, Yates assaulted a police officer who was on bed-watch duty at the hospital.

The most seriously injured child was taken separately to Leeds General Infirmary and underwent life-saving surgery.

‘Utterly horrific and disturbing crime’

Speaking after sentencing, senior investigating officer, detective chief inspector Steve Menzies of North Yorkshire Police’s major investigation team, said:

“This was an utterly horrific and disturbing crime, made all the worse by the young ages of the victims involved. To be attacked in such a violent manner, without any warning, is sickening, and sadly something the children will never forget. Whilst they have made remarkable physical recoveries, and shown immense bravery throughout the incident, the police investigation, and the trial, the emotional effects will be long-lasting.

“Since the attack they have all received support and care from specialist services, and I hope that with further support from professionals, their loved ones, and the sentencing that has been delivered by the courts today, they can put this horrendous incident behind them and move on to more positive times.”

He added:

“I’d like to pay tribute to the outstanding bravery of the teenager. They witnessed a horrific scene, yet tackled Yates and managed to grapple the knife from his hands. Thanks to that swift and decisive action, the younger children survived.

“I also have to commend the two workmen who cared for the children, called the emergency services, and protected them from Yates until police arrived at the scene. Their quick thinking meant that the children received prompt medical care, and also meant that Yates survived his self-inflicted injuries, so he could be dealt with and face justice today. I nominated them, and the older child for formal recognition and I am delighted that the judge formally commended them in her summing up.

“As for Yates, he carried out an appalling attack on two defenceless children, and after hearing the evidence, the jury found him guilty of the attempted murder of the two children. I’m just incredibly thankful that the children survived.

“Finally, I’d like to thank my fellow investigators, and the prosecution team, who worked meticulously and tirelessly on this case to bring about today’s result. This has been a traumatic, disturbing, and highly emotional incident for everyone involved, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for their professionalism and pure determination to ensure justice was served for the three children.”

Read more:

Harrogate man given hospital order for attempted murder of two children

Warning: this story contains references to self-harm, suicide and mental illness. 

A Harrogate man has been given a hospital order with restrictions for the attempted murder of two children.

Following a nine-day trial in April 2023, George Edward Yates, 42, was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder following an incident in Beckwithshaw on June 20, 2022.

At the time the Judge adjourned sentencing so that Yates could undergo psychiatric assessments.

He was today sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court.

On sentencing, reports were presented back to the court which stated that at the time of the offence Yates was suffering from delusional thoughts before carrying out the knife attack on two children.

Because of his mental state at the time of the incident, the judge sentenced him to a hospital order with restrictions, meaning that should he ever released back into the community, he will be closely monitored by mental health professionals.

‘Placed knives around his house and in his car’

During the trial the court heard how Yates, commonly known by his middle name Ed, and previously of Beckwithshaw, had placed knives around his house and in his car.

He’d also prepared a homemade incendiary device which was capable of causing a fire.

At around 8am on the day of the incident, he attacked the two children with a large bread knife, severely cutting the throat of one child which resulted in life threatening injuries.

Police sealed off the area.

He then attempted to do the same to a younger child.

Hearing the screams of the younger children, a teenager ran to help them and tackled Yates, managing to wrestle the knife from him as he attempted to harm the youngest child.

Fortunately, all three children were able to run away from Yates.

Two decorators working at a house nearby were approached by the children and they protected them from Yates, who had chased after them following the attack.

Pre-recorded interviews of the children recounting the incident, which were conducted by specialist police officers, were played in the court.

The painters and decorators’ evidence was also read out to the court.

The two men described hearing the children’s screams and seeing them running towards them, one with blood pouring from a large open wound in their neck.

The court heard how the men rushed to provide first aid to the children, using one of their own hoodies to try to stem the flow of blood, while they called the emergency services.

The teenager had also suffered a minor hand injury from grabbing the knife away from Yates.

The decorators stated that as they were helping the children, Yates twice approached them, but they protected the children by shouting at Yates to keep back and go away.

Police were called to the scene and after making an initial check on the welfare of the children, they entered a nearby house and found Yates in the bathroom.

He had attempted to take his own life by cutting his own throat and wrists, and superficially stabbing himself in the chest. He’d also ingested liquid morphine, which he’d taken from his mother’s house days before the attack.

Yates was immediately arrested and taken to hospital for treatment to his self-inflicted wounds.

Following treatment, Yates assaulted a police officer who was on bed-watch duty at the hospital.

The most seriously injured child was taken separately to Leeds General Infirmary and underwent life-saving surgery.

‘Utterly horrific and disturbing crime’

Speaking after sentencing, senior investigating officer, detective chief inspector Steve Menzies of North Yorkshire Police’s major investigation team, said:

“This was an utterly horrific and disturbing crime, made all the worse by the young ages of the victims involved. To be attacked in such a violent manner, without any warning, is sickening, and sadly something the children will never forget. Whilst they have made remarkable physical recoveries, and shown immense bravery throughout the incident, the police investigation, and the trial, the emotional effects will be long-lasting.

“Since the attack they have all received support and care from specialist services, and I hope that with further support from professionals, their loved ones, and the sentencing that has been delivered by the courts today, they can put this horrendous incident behind them and move on to more positive times.”

He added:

“I’d like to pay tribute to the outstanding bravery of the teenager. They witnessed a horrific scene, yet tackled Yates and managed to grapple the knife from his hands. Thanks to that swift and decisive action, the younger children survived.

“I also have to commend the two workmen who cared for the children, called the emergency services, and protected them from Yates until police arrived at the scene. Their quick thinking meant that the children received prompt medical care, and also meant that Yates survived his self-inflicted injuries, so he could be dealt with and face justice today. I nominated them, and the older child for formal recognition and I am delighted that the judge formally commended them in her summing up.

“As for Yates, he carried out an appalling attack on two defenceless children, and after hearing the evidence, the jury found him guilty of the attempted murder of the two children. I’m just incredibly thankful that the children survived.

“Finally, I’d like to thank my fellow investigators, and the prosecution team, who worked meticulously and tirelessly on this case to bring about today’s result. This has been a traumatic, disturbing, and highly emotional incident for everyone involved, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for their professionalism and pure determination to ensure justice was served for the three children.”

Read more:

Temporary lights installed on Knaresborough High Street

Multi-way traffic lights have been installed on Knaresborough High Street ahead of six days of roadworks.

The temporary lights, which are on the A59 and Gracious Street crossroads, were put in place at 11.30am this morning.

Delays are likely as the route, which is a main route for access into the town and for school drop-offs, is one of Knaresborough’s busiest.

It comes as Northern Powergrid carries out maintenance works and utility repairs in the area.

The Stray Ferret contacted Northern Powergrid to ask what exactly the work will involve. A spokesperson said:

“The works on Knaresborough High Street relate to two high voltage faults, in three separate locations.

“Engineers have attended the site to excavate and locate the fault, which has required necessary traffic management to be put in place to safely carry out the work.

“Jointing work will take place on Thursday 14 March to repair the fault, which will require testing. It is expected that re-instatement will be completed by the weekend of 16/17 March.

“We apologise to customers and local residents for any inconvenience and can reassure that we’re working hard to complete the works and keep disruption to a minimum.”

However, according to North Yorkshire Council’s roadworks map the lights will remain until Tuesday, March 19 at 11.59pm.

Read more:

Local politicians and businesses react to Budget

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Budget prompted a mixed response among local politicians and businesses today.

Mr Hunt’s announcements included a 2p cut to National Insurance contributions, increasing the child benefit threshold from £50,000 to £60,000, raising the VAT registration threshold for small businesses to £90,000 and £3.4 billion for the NHS.

We asked local politicians and businesses to respond to give their verdicts.

Andrew Jones: Budget will drive ‘economic growth for years ahead’

Andrew Jones, Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, praised today’s Budget.

He said the fall in inflation from 10% to 4% had allowed Mr Hunt to “further ease the tax burden for thousands of working people in Harrogate and Knaresborough”.

He also welcomed the extension of the Household Support Fund for a further six months, which he said has “helped many households in my constituency who have struggled with the higher cost of living”.

Mr Jones said:

“It is good to see that the representations North Yorkshire Council made to the Chancellor highlighting the scheme’s positive impact have been heard.

“Following the cut already announced in last year’s Autumn Statement, today’s news of a further cut for National Insurance contributions means a saving of £900 for the average worker earning £35,400. There have been other measures to reduce the cost of living which include maintaining the cut in fuel duty and the freeze of alcohol duty which will also help the hospitality sector.”

Mr Jones also said he “strongly supports” the additional NHS funding, which will go towards improving technology and IT systems.

He added:

“I have heard first-hand from many clinicians and those working in the NHS about how their IT systems are slow and out-of-date.  This investment will free up clinicians to carry out more procedures and for different parts of the NHS, such as hospitals and GP practices, to better communicate with each other.

“The economic forecasts have been upgraded and there was some very positive news on investment from businesses, plus measures to boost business investment further. This was a budget which will drive economic growth and strengthen resilience for the years ahead.”

Lib Dem labels Budget a ‘desperate deception’

But Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrats, criticised the Tory government’s financial plans.

Mr Gordon said the Budget will “barely touch the sides” for local families and pensioners who face “soaring mortgage bills while the cost of the weekly shop goes through the roof”.

He added:

“People in Harrogate and Knaresborough know that their tax bills will remain sky high after this Budget, and the Chancellor is attempting a desperate deception after years of income tax hikes.

“People don’t want more Conservative empty promises while our local health services are left on their knees. They want proper change through a general election so we can kick this Conservative government out of office.

“It’s clear the choice locally at the next election will be between the out-of-touch Conservatives or a fresh start with the Liberal Democrats.”

Budget shows ‘little to directly benefit’ Knaresborough businesses

Knaresborough and District Chamber of Trade said it sees “little to directly benefit our businesses” in the town.

A spokesperson for the group said:

“Perhaps the headline for the sector is the increase in the VAT threshold from £85,000 to £90,000, but this increase falls well below increases in inflation over several years since the current level was set.”

The chamber acknowledged the town had “recently benefitted” from levelling up money, delivered through the Shared Prosperity Fund, and said the viability projects funded by this money could “significantly increase future footfall” in the town, adding:

“It would therefore increase economic prosperity, so perhaps there is something in the small print that commits to continued support to such projects, but the underlying trading conditions for many of our town businesses will see little short term benefit from this Budget.”

Read more:

Local brewery welcomes alcohol duty freeze

A Masham brewery praised the extension of the alcohol duty freeze.

Mr Hunt had planned to end the alcohol duty freeze in August, but today announced it would continue until February 25 in a bid to support hospitality venues.

Richard Bradbury, managing director of Theakston’s Brewery, welcomed the Chancellor’s decision against a backdrop of “continually rising running costs for pubs”.

He added:

“From increases to the national minimum wage, rising energy costs and reduced spending due to the cost-of-living crisis, the pressures pubs face continue to mount so it is a comfort to know that at least one cost is held.

“According to the Campaign for Real Ale, more than 1,200 pubs have closed in the past year alone so measures which give pubs a fighting chance to survive should be welcomed.

Ripon BID feels alcohol freeze ‘does not go far enough’

But Ripon Business Improvement District felt the extension was not sufficient.

It told the Stray Ferret the pause “does not go far enough for the hospitality industry”, and said it “echoes” the concerns of The Campaign for Pubs, which aims to protect and support local pubs.

The BID added:

“The campaign called on the government to introduce a VAT cut to at least 10% on all hospitality sales for a year to benefit all pubs, rather than only those offering food and accommodation.

“It also proposed to extend zero business rate relief to small brewers and producers, as well as to take further and “more meaningful action” on reducing energy bills for businesses.”

However, Ripon BID felt “none of this appears to have been addressed in the Budget”.

It concluded:

“The raising of the VAT threshold to £90,000 from April 1 is welcomed, but with a previous seven-year freeze perhaps it will not have the impact first perceived.”

Other key changes in the Budget included a new excise duty on vapes to discourage young people from vaping, as well the abolition of multiple dwellings relief in June and a 40% relief on business rates for the film industry.

Harrogate charity Artizan launches appeal to restore shop roof

A Harrogate charity has launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise money to restore the roof of its shop.

Artizan International stocks products made by differently-abled people in Ecuador in its Oxford Street shop and gives them paid employment opportunities.

Local people with a range of disabilities also create products in the on-site workshop, which are then sold in the shop.

However, the charity said repairs needed doing urgently following “terrible” water damage to the roof and ceiling of the workshop and store room:

“The roof of our Artizan International shop is in urgent need of repair, leaking water into the building and damaging the products made by our artisans.

“The roof is in desperate need of a full strip and recover.

“Years of neglect from before our time have left the tiles in disrepair, allowing leaks to infiltrate various locations in the building.

“The risk of permanent damage looms large, threatening not only the structure but also the invaluable work we do with our members.”

The state of the roof.

Founder Susie Hart, who issued a plea for help on social media, said the damage is ruining a space “so full of joy”.

She added:

“Our artisans in Ecuador wholly rely on us to sell their work here in the Harrogate store, and we couldn’t do that if we didn’t have this beautiful space in which to do it.”

The charity said it is now turning to the community to “safeguard the heart” of the shop and donate money to fund the roof repair, adding:

“Your contribution, regardless of its size, will play a crucial role in securing our roof and, more importantly, securing the future for those we proudly represent.”

Artizan hopes to raise £15,695 by March 31. It has so far raised just under £3,000.

The charity also has a café on Cambridge Road, which employs people with disabilities and learning difficulties and provides them with employment opportunities.

You can support the appeal here.

Read more:

Kirk Hammerton furniture company withdraws plans for 24 retirement flats

A well-known furniture store in Kirk Hammerton has withdrawn plans to build 24 retirement flats at the site.

Geoffrey Benson and Son Furniture Showroom submitted plans to North Yorkshire Council to build the two-bedroom apartments for over-55s last June.

The company, which has been at the site since 1992, also hoped to build a further four two-bedroom flats on the first and second floors of its existing showroom building, as well as a tearoom on the ground floor.

The application also outlined plans to create new access onto Station Road, car-parking with electric charging points and new landscaping.

However, the application was withdrawn in a decision notice uploaded by the council on Tuesday.

Martin Benson, owner of the site and company, told the Stray Ferret the paddock, which would have housed some of the new apartment blocks, is not included in the current Local Plan set out by the council but the existing showroom building is.

For this reason, Mr Benson was told the plans are a “no go”, he added.

He said:

“The paddock was previously included in the Local Plan, but now its outside of it and I’m told it cannot be developed on.

“Developers that have approached me all want to knock this building down, but I don’t want that, I have an attachment to it.

“I think there is a real shortage of good retirement flats in this area and any money I make from the apartments would be invested back into them to keep making them better.”

A 3D graphic of the proposed site.

Peter Roth of Sayle Roth Architects, who is working with Mr Benson, also told the Stray Ferret the plans have been in motion since early 2021.

He said although the existing showroom building is not of listed status, it is recognised as a building of local interest:

“It’s a building of local and historic interest – it’s been there since the 1920s.

“Many developers want to just abolish the building, which we would be a loss, and Mr Benson is so passionate about it.

“We’re going to amend the plans and re-submit them.”

Mr Benson and Mr Roth both said they hope to put the land forward at the council’s next call for sites, which gives landowners an opportunity to offer up their land to be included in the next Local Plan.

The upcoming call for sites will happen in March and April, however, the revised Local Plan currently being drawn up by the council won’t come to fruition for around another four years.

Read more:

Harrogate man to run seven ultramarathons in seven days

A Harrogate man is to run seven ultramarathons in seven days to raise money for research into Crohn’s and colitis, which are the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Kevin Easley, from Plompton, will take on the mammoth 320 kilometre run in March.

He said he was inspired by his own experiences with ulcerative colitis:

“I’m undertaking this challenge, which is nothing like I’ve ever attempted before, because Crohn’s & Colitis UK is a cause close to my heart.

“Having battled ulcerative colitis two decades ago, and witnessing my sister and nephew confront Crohn’s, I understand the impact these conditions have on individuals and their families.

“This challenge is my way of giving back and supporting the invaluable work of the charity.”

Mr Easley will start the run at his workplace, Bannatyne Health Club and Spa, in Leeds.

He will run through various parts of the Harrogate district, including the Plompton Rocks area, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Huby, Kirkby Overblow and Follifoot.

He then hopes to pass the reservoirs at Swinsty, Thruscross and Fewston before heading towards Wharfedale and then around the Harrogate ringway.

On his penultimate day, he will run from Malham to the Pennine Way and out to Horton-in-Ribblesdale, after which will finish at Bannatyne Health Club and Spa in York.

Duncan Bannatyne, chairman and chief executive of the health club, as well as former dragon on BBC’s Dragon’s Den, praised Mr Easley for his efforts:

“Kevin’s dedication to this cause is truly inspirational.

“I am always inspired by the charitable challenges our team and members take on, and Kevin’s is no different. Across the group, thousands of pounds are raised every year for good causes and as a business we support several charities directly.

“I wish Kevin the very best of luck. We’ll have the ice packs ready for his knees at the end of the week.”

Mr Easley will begin the ultramarathon challenge on Sunday, March 10.

He will pass through the Harrogate district on March 11, 12 and 14.

Read more:

Harrogate man releases UK’s Eurovision song entry

A Harrogate-born pop star flying the flag for the UK at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest has today released his entry.

Olly Alexander, frontman of UK-chart-topping band Years & Years, announced the news that he would represent the UK on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in December.

The contest, which will be held in Malmö in Sweden, will mark the beginning of Olly’s solo career. Now, with just over two months until the competition, he has released the UK’s Eurovision entry song Dizzy to the public.

He said the song was inspired by 1980s artists including Erasure, Adamski and the Pet Shop Boys, adding:

“I wrote the song last summer with Danny L Harle, we started off with the word ‘Dizzy’ because it just popped into my head and I liked it.

“I was thinking about fun things that could make you dizzy and I remember saying “dizzy from your kisses”, so the song is about feeling such an intense swell of emotion for someone they totally turn your world upside down and inside out.”

The music video, which was directed by Colin Solal Cardo, was also released this morning and is already trending on YouTube.

Olly took to social media to tease the release of Dizzy, where he wrote:

“I’m so proud of this song and video, I can’t wait to get going with this new chapter honestly, I’m so excited.”

Despite the competition, which is marking its 68th anniversary this year, being Olly’s first solo venture, the 33-year-old is no stranger to global success.

Since 2015, Years and Years have scored two number one UK albums, 10 UK top 40 singles and, most recently, were awarded the BRIT Billion Award after reaching 6.5 billion global streams.

He has worked with the likes of Sir Elton John, Kylie and the Pet Shop Boys, and also been recognised for his acting skills.

He starred in the Channel 4 drama It’s A Sin, which won best new drama at the National Television Awards and was nominated for leading actor at the BAFTA Television Awards for the same programme.

Olly even has his own figure in Madame Tussauds in London.

All three live Eurovision programmes – including two semi-finals and the final – will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

They will be held on May 7, 9 and 11, 2024.

Read more:

Happy Mondays’ Bez among headliners for Harrogate dance music festival

The line-up for the “biggest dance music festival to ever take place in Harrogate” has been revealed.

Love to Be, a Sheffield-based record label and house music events company, will bring the festival to the Stray this September — as reported by the Stray Ferret four week ago.

It was revealed today that some familiar faces are set to appear.

Bez, a member of the Happy Mondays, will perform an acid house DJ set on the Café Mambo stage – one of three stages at the festival.

Grammy award-winning DJ Roger Sanchez will headline the main stage, along with Barbara Tucker, who had six US number 1 hits.

Iranian DJ Darius Syrossian, who has performed in some at Ibiza’s Amnesia, DC-10 and Space, will also take centre stage.

Adelphi Music Factory, K-Klass and Carly Foxx are also among those performing at the festival.

Credit: Charlie Mitchell.

Love to Be, which has been hosting events for 30 years, said the event will be a “full festival production” with two arenas, VIP areas and a food court.

It added:

“[The festival] will be the biggest dance music festival ever to take place in Harrogate.

“The response has been absolutely insane and the buzz is real.”

Love to Be Festival will take place on Saturday, September 14, from 1pm to 11pm.

Tickets are available now.

Read more: