25 years for drugs gang that targeted Harrogate

The leaders of an organised crime gang that flooded Harrogate with heroin and crack cocaine have been jailed for over 25 years.

The Bradford gang operated a county line drug dealing set-up known as the Pat Line through which they targeted vulnerable drug users in Harrogate.

They recruited Harrogate drug dealers Natalie Hullah, 33, previously of Harrogate, but now of St Edmund’s Street, Manchester, and Melissa Nicole Barnwell, 49, of Skipton Road, Harrogate, to sell the drugs locally in return for payment in heroin or crack cocaine.

The Pat Line was one of three lines shut down by North Yorkshire Police through a Drug Dealing Telecommunications Restriction Order in 2020.

Qasib Hussain, 25, of HMP Wetherby, previously of Idle Road, Bradford, dictated the movement of large quantities of class A drugs from West Yorkshire into North Yorkshire.

Qasib Hussain

This was done through the use of couriers who travelled from Bradford to Harrogate where the drugs were sold following a bulk text message sent from Qasib Hussain to users in Harrogate.

The Pat Line predominantly remained with Qasib Hussain in Bradford where he conducted his operation but on occasion it was passed to others to manage such as his brother, Aqib Ali Hussain, 24, of Killinghall Road in Bradford.

Aqib Ali Hussain

Aqib’s role included topping up the county line handsets and travelling to and from Harrogate to oversee the smooth selling of the drugs belonging to Qasib.

Hussain Khan, 25, of Greenway Road, Bradford, would step into Aqib’s role if Qasib was elsewhere.

The investigation was able to show that Aqib Ali Hussain had made multiple journeys to Harrogate, including 16 separate journeys over three consecutive days, each one lasting around half an hour before he returned to Bradford.

It showed the top trio were linked to the two phone numbers of the Pat Line through analysis of phone data messages, CCTV of them topping up the phones at local shops, and text messages between the group and their local dealers talking about how much they had made.

Hussain Khan

All five were charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs and pleaded guilty in 2021. They were jailed for:

Qasib Hussain – nine years and nine months

Aqib Ali Hussain – six years and nine months. He was also sentenced for an additional two years and three months in relation to another investigation in West Yorkshire that targeted York, bringing the total term of imprisonment to nine years and two months (consecutive).

Hussain Khan – six years and three months

Melissa Barnwell – 16 months suspended for two years, six months’ drug rehabilitation requirement and complete 25 days of rehabilitation activity

Natalie Hullah – 21 months suspended for two years, and must complete 21 days of rehabilitation activity

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‘They flooded Harrogate with drugs’

Detective Chief Inspector Fionna McEwan of North Yorkshire Police, said:

“Today’s outcome is a result of a lengthy and painstaking investigation. We are pleased to finally see the results at court.

“They flooded Harrogate with drugs, making money at the expense of local users, the majority of whom were vulnerable due to their socioeconomic background and mental health conditions. They have no conscience and no concern whatsoever for the people they are putting at risk of serious harm. They now have ample time to reflect on their life-choices and the damage it causes.

“Drug dealing and the violence and exploitation that accompanies county lines remains a foremost priority for North Yorkshire Police. We are committed to disrupting the offenders and taking those responsible off the streets.

“We urge anyone with information to continue to report information about drug dealing in their area. It’s vital in helping us piece together the bigger picture.

“No matter how insignificant you think the information is, please call us. And if you don’t want to speak to us, you can pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers.”

County lines

‘County lines’ is the term given to a form of organised crime in which drug dealers, usually from urban areas, such as West Yorkshire or Manchester, target smaller towns and cities. It takes its name from the mobile phone lines used by dealers to advertise drugs for sale. Violence and intimidation is prevalent within county lines.

A major concern for North Yorkshire Police is a practice known as cuckooing, which is where drug dealers take over the home of a vulnerable person and use it to store and sell drugs. They often use violence and intimidation to achieve this.

Members of the public provide invaluable information that helps shape our operational activity and we urge residents to look out for the signs of cuckooing in their neighbourhood and report any concerns they have.

Signs of “cuckooing” to look out for include:

Increased callers at a property
• Increase in cars pulling up for short periods of time
• Different accents at a property
• Increased antisocial behaviour at a property
• Not seeing the resident for long periods of time
• Unfamiliar vehicles at the property
• Windows covered or curtains closed for long periods
• Communal doors propped open

 

Man wanted in police car tampering investigation in Pateley Bridge

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to following “vehicle interference” in Pateley Bridge.

In a statement issued today, North Yorkshire Police said the incident “involved someone removing items from a car who then went on to try and gain access to another car, which proved to be unsuccessful”.

It happened on Old Brewery Road on an unspecified date “earlier this year”.

The statement said:

“Officers are asking members of the public to get in touch if they recognise the person in the image as they believe they will have information that could help the investigation.

“Anyone with any information is asked to email laura.taylor@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Laura Taylor.

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

Quote reference number 12230013852.

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London investment firm buys Masham’s Black Sheep Brewery

A London investment firm has bought troubled Black Sheep Brewery in Masham.

Black Sheep announced early this month it intended to appoint administrators after being hit hard by covid and rising costs.

Breal Capital was reported to be leading the race to acquire the company.

Today the news was confirmed in a short statement which did not reveal how much had been paid for the business.

However, the news saved about 50 jobs in Masham and more in the supply chain.

The new owners said it had “a proven track record of successfully transforming and growing the businesses it acquires”.

A spokesperson for the new Black Sheep Brewing Company said:

“We are pleased to announce that Black Sheep Brewery has been acquired by the Breal Group and has become Black Sheep Brewing Company Limited, trading as Black Sheep Brewery.

“This marks the next chapter in the history of Black Sheep as we look to grow the business in a sustainable way.

“Our team will continue to produce great beers from our landmark brewery in Masham, North Yorkshire and we look forward to welcoming bank holiday customers and tourists to all our retail sites this weekend.

“Breal has a proven track record of successfully transforming and growing the businesses it acquires through the private capital, operational resources, and strategic expertise it brings and we look forward to working closely with the team.”

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Tories maintain slim majority on North Yorkshire Council after by-election

The Conservatives have maintained their slender majority of two on North Yorkshire Council after a by-election yesterday.

Tony Randerson was elected to the Eastfield division in Scarborough with 499 votes — 46 per cent of the vote.

Liberal Democrat Erica Willett was second with 281 votes and Labour’s David Thompson polled 169 votes to finish third.

It means the Conservatives still hold 46 of the 90 seats on North Yorkshire Council.

The Liberal Democrats are the next largest party with 13 councillors, followed by Labour with 11 and the Independent group with nine.

The Greens have five councillors and there are four unaffiliated independents. There is also one Liberal Party councillor. Conservative candidate Eric Batts received 69 votes in fourth.

The Scarborough by-election was caused when Cllr Randerson resigned from the Labour Party after criticising the party’s direction and leadership under Sir Keir Starmer.

According to his Facebook page, he now represents the Social Justice Party but his affiliation on the ballot paper was left blank.

Richard Flinton, the returning officer for North Yorkshire Council, declared the result at the count in Scarborough.

Emergency services attend crash on Leeds Road in Harrogate

Police and firefighters are at the scene of a traffic accident on Leeds Road in Harrogate after a car crashed into railings.

The incident happened at about 10am at the roundabout where Leeds Road meets St George’s Road.

Debris from the vehicle was scattered on the road.

An eyewitness told the Stray Ferret there were two police officers and two fire crews attending at 10.30am today.

They added it did not appear anyone had been seriously injured.

We will update this story when more information is available.

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‘Staff issues’ forces Killinghall surgery to reduce hours

A village doctors’ surgery near Harrogate is to temporarily close on afternoons due to “staff issues”.

The Killinghall practice is one of three operated by Moss Healthcare Harrogate, which also has sites on King’s Road in Harrogate and in Jennyfields.

It announced on social media the practice on Ripon Road in Killinghall would be affected from next week. It said:

“Please can all patients note that due to staffing issues, from Tuesday 30 May we will be having to temporarily close our Killinghall branch site in the afternoon from 1pm onwards.

“During this time, if you need any assistance then please call: 01423 560261 or visit our King’s Road or Jennyfield Health Centre sites.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

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Man seriously injured after floor collapses at Harrogate home

A man was taken to hospital via air ambulance today after the floor collapsed at his home near Harrogate.

The man, who has not been named, suffered serious injuries in the fall at West End, Blubberhouses.

Firefighters from Harrogate and Skipton and an incident support unit from Ripon responded to a request for help at 11am.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service‘s incident log said the man had fallen from the first floor to the ground floor due to the floor collapsing. It added:

“Crews created a safe working space to allow paramedics to access the casualty in order to assess his injuries prior to moving him.

“The male casualty was transported to hospital via air ambulance with serious injuries. Crews completed a handover with the occupant of the property and gave advice.”

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Harrogate and Ripon libraries host house history exhibition

Harrogate and Ripon libraries are hosting an exhibition which encourages people to discover the history of their past or present homes.

The House History exhibition was created by North Yorkshire Council’s county record office, which has resources dating back 700 years. It includes details of resources residents can use to investigate the history of their home.

The records can help to pinpoint changes in ownership, former occupants, how the land has been used and the history of the wider area.

The touring exhibition is currently on display at Harrogate Library until June 3. It will then be at Ripon Library from June 12 to 30.

Cllr Simon Myers, the council’s executive member for libraries, said:

“The exhibition proved very popular when it was on display in the record office at the end of last year, so we are delighted to be able to share it with library-goers.

“The touring exhibition includes a range of material from historic maps, architectural drawings and old photographs to historic property deeds and electoral registers.

“Every home has its own unique history so we hope you can use your own detective skills to embark on a fascinating and rewarding journey into your home’s history.”

The touring exhibition is not about exploring the history of a specific house but guiding people to learn about their own home. It can be a complex study and which of the record office’s resources will be relevant depends on the age and location of the house.

To delve into the history of your home, visitors can use the resources in the county record office search room at Northallerton. where they will have free access to online resources such as census records.

An online guide is available here.

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New visitor centre and events space planned in Harrogate

Early plans have been revealed to create a visitor centre and events space in Harrogate.

The venue would be created by transforming West Park United Reformed Church, which overlooks the Stray on West Park.

Harrogate District Improvement Trust is holding a meeting at Hotel du Vin on June 13 to discuss the proposal.

West Park United Reformed Church

The trust, which was set up to promote improvements in Harrogate, said in an email announcing the meeting it was “an opportunity to create a major attraction  for Harrogate”, adding:

“The West Park United Reformed Church building is too large for its current congregation but has potential to house a visitor centre showcasing Harrogate’s spa history, as well as a large events space.

“Plans are at a very early stage but include the creation of a community arts and heritage centre.

“We would really appreciate the chance to present our vision to you and gather your feedback. “

The email urged those unable to attend to get in touch so look around the building and meet with trustees to find out more.

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Sheep’s throat injured in dog attack near Harrogate

A sheep’s throat was badly injured when it was attacked by a dog near Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Police last night issued an appeal for witnesses to the incident, which is the latest occurrence of sheep worrying in the district.

It happened at Stainburn between midday on Saturday May 13 and 9am on Sunday May 14.

Police said in a statement:

“A sheep was chased which resulted in a nasty injury to its throat.

“Officers from our rural task force are now requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“In particular, officers are appealing for information from anyone that might have been in the area at the time and witnessed the incident.”

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Anyone with information can email david.mackay@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, select option 2, and ask for David Mackay.

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

Quote reference number 12230086282.