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.

Blow for Harrogate hospitality as major exhibition called off

A major event in the Harrogate Convention Centre calendar has been called off for January 2021.

BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition (BTME) has been taking place at the venue for more than 30 years.

However, with HCC’s future still unknown until the NHS confirms whether the Nightingale hospital is needed over winter, and with social distancing measures making the busy international event difficult, the organisers have cancelled it for the first time since 1989.

Instead, they will hold a “festival of turf” in the summer, which they hope will be outside. A spokesman for BIGGA (the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association) said:

“The Harrogate Convention Centre, home to BTME since its inauguration as the European Turf Management Exhibition (ETME) in 1989, has been utilised as an NHS Nightingale Hospital since the peak of the outbreak in April and BIGGA is incredibly proud to be associated with a venue that has been transformed to enable the treatment of covid 19 patients, should the need arise.

“However, the alteration of dates will require a new venue to be found and discussions are underway with potential event hosts. Details will be released in due course.

“It is anticipated that BTME will return to the Harrogate Convention Centre in January 2022.”

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The news will come as a blow to the hospitality industry, which benefits from delegates staying in local hotels and guesthouses, eating out at restaurants and visiting other venues in the town. Kimberly Wilson, chair of guesthouse association Accommodation Harrogate, told the Stray Ferret:

“This is an important event for Harrogate. After December 15, Harrogate is very quiet until the Christmas and Gift Fair, which is mostly day trippers, and BIGGA is the first big show of the year.

“It’s a big deal for the town. They take a lot of beds – there are three main days and they do a lot of life-long learning around it, so some people stay for five days. It’s a longer event and they spend a lot of money in restaurants and bars.”

The organisers said they would move their education programme, Continue to Learn, online in January next year. Organisers said they expected the event to return to Harrogate Convention Centre in 2022.

However, with other events also taking place online, fears have been raised about the future of the conference industry, especially if social distancing measures remain in place for many months or even years. Ms Wilson said she was concerned about the potential long-term impact if event organisers decided not to resume in person in future.

Harrogate Convention Centre is currently in use by the NHS as a Nightingale hospital

The announcement about BIGGA follows the news that the Flooring Show is moving from its usual home at Harrogate Convention Centre in September to the Yorkshire Event Centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground in late February. Its organisers are putting on shuttle buses to help attendees get to and from the town centre.

Meanwhile, the Bridal Show has also moved from HCC to the Yorkshire Event Centre and is set for early October this year.

No announcement has been made about whether the Nightingale hospital will remain in Harrogate. The NHS’s contract to use the site expired last Friday, but a two-week extension was announced to enable negotiations to continue.

The Prime Minister has announced £3 billion of funding to enable the Nightingale hospitals around the UK to be maintained if needed. However, the one housed at Birmingham NEC has since been scaled back and the venue is preparing to host events from October 1, when covid guidelines change.

Two teens arrested after burglaries in Harrogate and Knaresborough

Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with burglaries in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

The offences took place in Westbourne Avenue, Harrogate, on Tuesday, July 28, and in Park Avenue, Knaresborough, on August 3, both in the early hours of the morning.

In both cases, keys were taken from inside the homes and cars stolen from the driveway. A black Toyota Hilux taken from the Harrogate burglary has not yet been recovered.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with both burglaries, along with a third which took place on Danum Road, York, overnight on August 3. The victims discovered the following morning that a handbag, wallet, two purses and bank cards had been stolen.

The boy has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in court in relation to a separate matter.

A 19-year-old man was also arrested in connection with the Knaresborough burglary and has been released on conditional bail.

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Police are still appealing for information, including CCTV, dash-cam or doorbell camera footage, to help with the investigation. Email dominic.holroyd@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, to report information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote North Yorkshire Police reference numbers 12200128831 for the  Westbourne Avenue, Harrogate burglary, 12200132924 for the Park Avenue, Knaresborough burglary, and 12200133548 for the Danum Road, York burglary.