Pedestrian injured in Harrogate town centre collision

A pedestrian was left with a serious ankle injury after a collision with a black BMW X6 in the centre of Harrogate.

It happened at the junction of The Ginnel and Montpellier Street on Tuesday at around 4pm.

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses, or anyone with CCTV footage of the area, to help establish the full details of what happened.

Anyone with information can call the force on 101, select option2 and ask for Chris Storey, or email chris.storey@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200143779.

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Students receive GCSE results across Harrogate district

Students across the Harrogate district have been celebrating their GCSE results after the challenges they faced this year.

Year 11 students received their results by email, marking their achievements in similarly subdued style to the way the year ended.

Having not sat exams, the grades awarded were based on centre assessments. So far, there has been much less controversy over the results than last week, which saw more than a third of centre-assessed results in the Harrogate district downgraded by the government’s algorithm.

The process has since been reversed and assessed grades reinstated – but it has left many students still uncertain over their university places.

GCSE results from each school will be published below when released by schools across the Harrogate district.

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Ashville College

Two students achieved grade 9s across the board at Ashville College, as 25% of all students gained the top grades of 7s, 8s and 9s in all their results.

Three of those pupils were new to Ashville last September and have made significant progress since – despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

The school described the pupils’ engagement with online lessons as ‘remarkable’. Acting head Elspeth Fisher said:

“Our Year 11 pupils have faced a challenging year with lockdown and a lack of opportunity to demonstrate their hard work over the preceding two years.

“We were therefore delighted that centre-assessed grades would be the basis of the grades awarded for GCSE pupils.

“We are very pleased with the commitment our pupils have demonstrated to their GCSE studies and also towards the transition lessons they have recently attended in preparation for A Level and BTEC courses and we look forward to welcoming them back in September.”

 

Harrogate Grammar School

Harrogate Grammar School has not published details of its students’ grades. Headteacher Neil Renton said:

“We are very pleased with the outcomes our students have achieved this year.  The outcomes reflect the high standards that we typically achieve along with our continued emphasis on providing a broad and balanced curriculum, meeting the differing needs, aspirations and interests of our learners.

“We are very proud of our year 11 students who embraced all the opportunities that the school offered them, not only in a broad curriculum in areas such as science, maths, languages, humanities and the arts, but also the wide range of extra-curricular activities such as sport, music and charities. We admire them for their commitment, sustained effort and for achieving their own excellence.”

 

Nidderdale High School

Students at Nidderdale High School received their GCSE results this week – though those who studied for BTECs are still awaiting results.

As well as traditional subjects, students were able to gain skills in other areas, including working alongside professional crafters at Number 6 Studio in Pateley Bridge in order to gain a GCSE in art, craft and design.

The school has not released statistics for the grades achieved by this year’s students.

Headteacher Kath Jordan said:

“Our Year 11 students are very much more than the grades they have achieved this year. Many of this talented year group have been involved in student leadership, charity fund raising, sport, music and drama extra curricular activities. They have been excellent role models for our younger students.

T”he grades our students have received today are a result of their hard work and commitment, the excellent support of their parents and other family members. They are also the product of the skill, expertise and professionalism of their teachers and other support staff.

“We wish our students all the very best of Team Nidderdale luck and success as they move onto Sixth Forms, Colleges and Apprenticeships.”

 

Outwood Academy Ripon

The schools is celebrating after 77.3% of students achieved a grade 4 or higher in both English and maths, along with 68% of combined science students achieving two grade 4s or higher.

Student Ryan Chandler was among the high achievers, gaining six grade 9s and two 8s. The school congratulated all those who are now able to move on to the next phase of their education and careers.

A spokesman for Outwood Academy Ripon said:

“It is wonderful to finally congratulate our students for the many fantastic outcomes of their hard work. This year 11 cohort have had to contend with some significant challenges and have done so admirably and without any loss of enthusiasm.

“Although they have missed seminal moments at the end of their final year with us we have no doubt that they will be successful in the next steps they take in education and employment.”

 

Ripon Grammar School

A total of 97.6% of grades awarded to the 131 students were 9-5s (equivalent to A*-B in the previous ratings system) and 67.7% were 9-7s (A*-A).

Seven students achieved 10 or more grade 9s, Lucy Cox, from Ripon, gained 11 grade 9s and an 8, while Eleanor Chaplin from Boorughbridge, Eloise Hopkings from Ripon and Sophie Pointon from Thirsk all achieved 11 grade 9s.

Chloe Stringwell, from Ripon, and Bertie Wood, from Brafferton, were both awarded ten grade 9s and two grade 8s. Bertie, an aspiring lawyer and keen sportsman, will return to RGS in September to study chemistry, history, maths and economics or business studies.

He will be joined by Henrietta Jarvis, from Roecliffe, whose eight 9s and three 8s have helped her take the first step towards a career as a vet.

Joel Wilson, meanwhile, will study A levels in psychology, history, English literature and chemistry as he pursues a career as a barrister. Already an accomplished fencer, he said his biggest challenge over the last two years has been balancing the sport with his academic studies.

Headmaster Jonathan Webb said:

“Without the opportunity of an examination, our departments worked hard to award grades which we believe were fair, valid and as accurate as possible in the situation.

“Consequently, I am extremely encouraged by our results today and am really looking forward to welcoming our new sixth formers back to school in September.”

Teen jailed for stabbing nurse in Harrogate

A teenager from Harrogate who stabbed a nurse so viciously he had his spleen removed was on bail at the time for torching two seaside chalets and causing almost £150,000 of damage.

The youth – who was just 15 at the time and cannot be named for legal reasons – left a man within an inch of his life after being beaten and stabbed repeatedly, York Crown Court heard.

On January 3 this year, the teen was part of a gang of three youths who robbed a man at knifepoint after he had been to a cashpoint.

The victim – a Romanian national who worked as a nurse – was “stabbed, kicked and robbed” in an alleyway in Harrogate town centre in the early hours of the morning when the gang stole £100 from him.

The 15-year-old  – who was already on a youth rehabilitation order after accumulating a “shocking” criminal record of 41 previous offences – was the one who delivered the blows with the 10-inch blade. The victim suffered horrific internal injuries and had to have his spleen removed.

Prosecutor Mark McKone said:

“His bowel was damaged (and) he had to have a colostomy (operation). (The victim) had a one-inch stab wound in his left side.

“There were two penetrating wounds to the diaphragm, two penetrating wounds to the colon, leading to removal of part of the bowel and a colostomy. The spleen was removed. That has left (the victim) susceptible to infection for life.”

The victim, said to be a family man, also suffered wounds above his eye and to his upper arm, a punctured lung and cuts to his knees. Surgeons managed to repair the damage but had to fit a colostomy bag.

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Mr McKone said that the 15-year-old – who has roots in both Harrogate and Scarborough – was the “lead” player in the attack. He said:

“CCTV showed (the victim) laid on his back, with his arms and legs splayed out in an attempt to fend (the teen) off. (The teenager) kicked him to the legs and body. All three (youths) were surrounding (the victim).

“(The teenager) leant forward with the knife. He brought the knife down in a wide, sweeping, slashing motion, using so much force that the knife ricocheted off the left eyebrow bone and fell on the pavement.”

The victim went back to Romania temporarily to convalesce, but he could no longer exercise or play with his young son. He was also unable to use his skills as a nurse to help during the pandemic.

The teenager fled to Leeds following the attack, where the knife was thrown into a stream. He told police he had taken cocaine about an hour before the attack and didn’t know what he was doing.

£149,400 repair bill

The court also heard details of the arson offence for which he was on bail. The teen, high on cocaine and booze, was in Scarborough’s North Bay in the early hours of August 22 last year with another youth carrying a box of matches.

They broke into Peasholm Park Cafe and stole £60 from the till. The teens also burgled two seafront chalets in North Bay, stealing hundreds of pounds’ worth of goods, wrecking the holiday homes and damaging 14 others.

Six chalets were severely fire-damaged and strewn with smashed glass from broken windows, said Mr McKone. The repair bill came to £149,400.

The 15-year-old defendant was brought in for questioning but said he was “just watching the fire service putting the fire out”.

‘Challenging’ behaviour

Defence barrister Tom Storey, for the youth, said he had a drink and drug problem and had downed about eight cans of beer before the arson attack.

The teen – now 16 – had already admitted the Harrogate robbery, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing an offensive weapon when he appeared at the Crown Court in February, when his young accomplices were given custodial sentences of at least 18 months.

Appearing in court via video link on Tuesday wearing a white designer T-shirt, he admitted three counts of burglary, criminal damage and arson in relation to the offences in Scarborough. He was to be sentenced for the “planned” robbery, GBH and knife possession in Harrogate at the same time.

Mr Storey said the teenager’s family had lived a “transient” life and he ultimately ended up in care where his behaviour was described as “challenging”. His offending began at the age of 14, when he was placed in a children’s home in Scarborough.

‘Dangerous young man’

Judge Sean Morris said despite the teen’s tender years, he had to lock him up “because I consider you to be a dangerous young man”.

Mr Morris said the stab victim had suffered “life-changing” injuries and told the youth he had shown a distinct lack of remorse. He added:

“That man was lucky to get away with his life. And while he lie wounded and bleeding on the ground, you robbed him. You could have left him for dead.”

The youth was jailed for four years and eight months, of which he will serve at least two-thirds behind bars, possibly even the whole tariff if he is still judged to be dangerous.

The judge ordered that upon his release, he must serve an extended three years on prison licence due to his “exceptionally serious record…which beggared belief”.

The other youth involved in the arson and burglary incidents has also admitted the offences and will be sentenced on September 25. He was 14 at the time and lives in Scarborough.

MP takes advisory role at hydrogen company – at £3,000 an hour

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon, has been appointed as an external advisor to a hydrogen company at a rate of £3,000 per hour.

He has been warned by a government advisory committee about the potential for a perceived conflict of interest with his former role as secretary of state for Northern Ireland.

However, the committee concluded that the appointment was not a conflict, so long as Mr Smith does not lobby on behalf of the company or advise on government contracts for two years after he was sacked as Northern Ireland secretary in February this year.

Mr Smith previously did one month’s consultancy work for Ryse Hydrogen Ltd in July, and was paid £15,000 plus VAT for 15 hours’ work. Now, he has been appointed on a year-long arrangement of 20 hours across the next 12 months – and will be paid £60,000 plus VAT.

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Ryse Hydrogen CEO Jo Bamford also owns Wrightbus, a Northern Irish bus production company which has a relationship with the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) in government. As former Northern Ireland secretary until February this year, Mr Smith sought advice from the Office of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments about a potential conflict in taking the new role.

In his response, Lord Pickles told Mr Smith:

“The committee considered that, as you met with Mr Bamford whilst in office to discuss the Wrightbus takeover, its growth plans and how NIO could support, there is a risk that this appointment may be perceived as a reward for actions taken in office.

“However, you did not meet with Mr Bamford until after the Bamford Bus Company’s takeover of Wrightbus; the NIO played no role in the takeover; and it confirmed there were no police, regulatory or contractual decisions taken by you whilst in office that affected RHL. It is particularly relevant that although Mr Bamford has said publicly that he will be seeking government funding in relation to a hydrogen bus fleet, this was not within your ministerial portfolio and you make no relevant decisions in office.

“Therefore, the risk this appointment was offered as a result of decisions made for actions taken in office is low.”

The letter warned Mr Smith not to use any information gained during his time as a minister in order to benefit the business, and that he is not allowed to lobby the government on behalf of the business or advise on contracts with the UK government or Northern Ireland executive for two years from the end of his appointment as secretary of state for Northern Ireland.

Mr Smith’s role with the company is expected to be advising on its development and expansion. The letter from Lord Pickles states that Mr Bamford has publicly “expressed a desire to gain government funding to aid in the development of a new fleet of hydrogen buses for the UK”.

Sarah Clarke, policy and communications manager for campaign group Unlock Democracy, said:

“Politicians should remember that they are in Parliament to represent their constituents, not to pursue second jobs. Companies can employ sitting MPs as a way of buying access and influence, which is why many members of the public are rightly sceptical of the practice.

“MPs can follow a simple rule to make sure their dealings are above board: if they take a paid second job, it should be because it helps them become a more effective MP and improves the work they do for their constituents. A job in the House of Commons should not be work experience for a corporate career.”

Neither Mr Smith nor Ryse Hydrogen responded to the Stray Ferret’s request for a comment on his appointment.

Stolen car crashed into wall in Jennyfields

A silver Vauxhall Astra crashed into a wall on Bramham Drive in Harrogate this morning after being stolen from a nearby home.

Burglars took the keys from a house on Columbine Grove and, after crashing, made off on foot.

North Yorkshire Police is investigating and asked anyone with doorbell or dashcam footage to email CIDHarrogate@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Officers have also issued advice to residents to double check their doors and windows are locked at night, keep car keys out of sight and reach, and to look out for neighbours and call 101 if anyone is acting suspiciously in the area. Burglaries in progress can be reported by calling 999. For more information about two-in-one burglaries, visit www.northyorkshirepolice.uk/2in1burglary.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said:

“Whilst burglaries of this nature are uncommon in North Yorkshire, taking just a few steps can make a big difference between your home being targeted or not.”

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Three arrested after police chase car thieves in Ripon and Boroughbridge

Three teenagers have been arrested after a car was stolen in Ripon, leading to a chase between the city and Boroughbridge.

Officers responded after a car was reported stolen from Wellington Gardens in the city on Saturday at around 3.10pm.

The dark blue Ford Focus was then seen being driven at speed in Boroughbridge, where it failed to stop for police, leading to a pursuit. With use of a stinger deployed on the B6265 Boroughbridge Road towards Ripon, police stopped the car at around 4.20pm.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said:

“The three occupants of the car ran off on foot but were located by an officer and police dog a short time later. Two 15-year-old boys and one 16-year-old boy were arrested and have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

“Police thank many members of the public who reported sightings of the vehicle, which ultimately led to the offenders being caught and arrested.”

Anyone who saw the vehicle between around 3.10pm and 4.20pm in the Ripon and Boroughbridge area is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, press 1 and pass information onto the Force Control Room, quoting reference number 12200141434.

Emergency services training vehicle stolen from Whixley

Burglars stole an emergency services training vehicle from Whixley in the early hours of Sunday.

After breaking into a home at 2.40am, they took two sets of keys for the marked Volvo, registration E4 RFT, along with a Brietling watch.

The vehicle was later discovered in Knaresborough. Police are appealing for information about the burglary.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said:

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and asking anyone who saw anything in the area at the time or saw he vehicle being driven in the early hours on Sunday, August 16 to get in touch. In particular, we are appealing for information about the stolen Brietling watch.”

Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Elizabeth Estensen, or email elizabeth.estensen@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively, report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200141951.

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Regulator shuts down Harrogate and Ripon law firm Ray Nixon Brown

A law firm with offices in Harrogate and Ripon has been closed down by the regulator over concerns about the way it was operating.

Kingly solicitors, which was trading as Ray Nixon Brown from offices on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate and Duck Hill in Ripon, was shut by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

The organisation has intervened in the firm, part of national company Kingly Solicitors, as well as the practice of its three directors, Simon Hutcheson, Simon Peacock, and Champitka Ratnayake.

A spokesman for the SRA said:

“The grounds of intervention are a failure by Mr Hutcheson, Mr Peacock and Ms Ratnayake to comply with SRA rules, and a reason to suspect dishonesty on behalf of Nural Miah, who is a manager of Kingly Solicitors.

“The practising certificate of Mr Hutcheson, Mr Peacock and Ms Ratnayake have been automatically suspended, so they cannot practice as a solicitor. Mr Miah is not a solicitor.

“An intervention means the SRA has closed a firm with immediate effect. It will stop the firm from operating, take possession of all documents and papers held by the firm, and take possession of all money held by the firm (including clients’ money). It is not responsible towards employees or trade creditors of firms that it has intervened in.”

The spokesman said all current clients of Ray Nixon Brown and Kingly solicitors will be contacted by two agents – James Dunn of Devonshires Solicitors LLP and John Owen of Gordons LLP – about their cases. However, anyone concerned can contact Mr Dunn at intervention-team@devonshires.co.uk, or call 0207 065 1830, or Mr Owen at kingly@gordonsllp.com, or call 0113 227 0360.

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Engineers tackle major pipe burst on Otley Road in Harrogate

Water was gushing down Otley Road in Harrogate this morning after a pipe burst near the junction with Pannal Ash Drive.

Flowing downhill, the water reached past Harrogate Grammar School, as well as down Cold Bath Road where it was running into driveways and towards garages.

On Otley Road, sandbags had been placed at the door to a flat above So! Bar and Eats to stop the water running into the property.

Sandbags outside So! Bar and Eats on Otley Road to prevent water entering the property

Sandbags outside So! Bar and Eats on Otley Road to prevent water entering the property

Engineers from Yorkshire Water were on the scene before 8am to repair the leak. A stop-go traffic control system was put in place and there was no sign of queuing.

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Yorkshire Water engineers on site to repair a leak on Otley Road in Harrogate

Yorkshire Water engineers on site to repair a leak on Otley Road in Harrogate

Some households nearby have been warned to expect low water pressure until the problem is fixed. A spokesman for Yorkshire Water said:

“A burst pipe on Otley Road was reported to us shortly after 6am, which caused some disruption to water supply for nearby properties. Our teams currently on site have isolated the leak, are restoring supply to customers and will be working to repair the burst pipe as soon as possible.”

#HG2 #OtleyRoad We are now onsite for repair. Unplanned interruptions are normally completed within 4-6hrs and we will tweet when the issue is resolved. Thanks for you patience. pic.twitter.com/jUEks1LhSw

— Yorkshire Water Help (@YWHelp) August 11, 2020

Goose play centre set to go into liquidation

Children’s play centre Goose is set to go into liquidation.

The company, based on Hornbeam Park in Harrogate, issued a notice on Saturday seeking a decision from its creditors on the nomination of a liquidator.

A virtual meeting is set to be held on August 21, when a resolution to wind up the company will be considered. Creditors are expected to be contacted directly to attend the meeting, but anyone who has not been contacted can get details of the meeting from nominated liquidator Kieran Bourne of Cromwell & Co Insolvency Practitioners in Coventry.

Prior to the coronavirus lockdown, Goose was a popular destination for families, offering play and craft facilities as well as a cafe area.

Director Rachael Howard set up the business as Goose Playspace Ltd in September 2017. It had previously been open under the same name and closed suddenly in July 2017.