Prolific Harrogate drug dealer jailedA drug dealer who brought cocaine, ketamine and cannabis to the streets of Harrogate has been jailed for four years and 10 months.
Donovan Tanaka Mkutchwa, 24, who was already remanded in prison but previously lived in Keswick and Harrogate, was sentenced at York Crown Court today (May 9).
According to a North Yorkshire Police media release today, officers received information on Friday, May 5 last year that Mkutchwa was supplying drugs in Harrogate.
He was already the subject of two separate investigations into his involvement in the supply of cannabis and was under a suspended sentence due to being previously found in possession of a large quantity of cannabis.
North Yorkshire Police’s Operation Expedite drugs team spotted him getting into a car that they later intercepted on King’s Road, Harrogate.
The vehicle contained three occupants including Mkutchwa, who was a passenger. Following a search of him, officers recovered multiple deal bags of white powder, which when tested were found to be 13 bags of cocaine and 10 bags of suspected ketamine.
Mkutchwa was arrested and taken into custody. During a further search of a property where he was staying in Harrogate, officers found more bags containing cocaine and ketamine and a set of scales. The total value of all drugs seized was approximately £2,250.
He was subsequently charged with possessing cocaine and ketamine with intent to supply and remanded into custody. He appeared at York Crown Court on June 13 where he pleaded guilty to both offences from May 2023.
On December 19, he appeared at York Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing cannabis with intent to supply. For these two offences, Mkutchwa was in possession of cannabis which when sold on the streets would have a value of up to £11,035. He also had cash to the value of £1,085.
Drugs recovered by police.
‘One less person spreading misery in Harrogate’
Investigating officer PC Michael Haydock of the Operation Expedite team, said:
“Mkutchwa has been dealing illegal substances for many years and has used others to assist in his criminal activity, putting himself above them in an attempt to distance himself from street level drug dealing. Not only that, he has continued to offend despite being given a suspended sentence and whilst under investigation for identical offences.
“For Mkutchwa, this has now come to an end and he is one less person who spreads misery on the streets of Harrogate. His actions, and that of anyone else involved in supplying illegal substances, are the cause of so many other crimes which are often committed by those desperate to fund a drug habit that he facilitates.
“He now has a significant period of time to reflect on his criminal behaviour and hopefully he will see the error of his ways.”
No drugs were found on the other two occupants of the car and no further was taken against them.
The sentencing judge commended the three officers who worked on the investigation, including PC Haydock, for their “utmost professionalism and integrity” and for “overcoming an array of difficulties to secure conviction”, as well as their “outstanding investigative skills and attention to detail to ensure this case was brought to conviction”.
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Police issue appeal to find wanted Harrogate manNorth Yorkshire Police has issued an appeal this afternoon to locate a wanted man from Harrogate.
Police said the man, Matthew Tuck, is believed to be staying in the Harrogate area.
Tuck, 29, was jailed for 18 months last year for spitting at a police officer after being arrested for wielding a knife in Harrogate town centre.
He took out the blade during an argument with two men outside a pizza shop on Station Parade.
In a statement today, police said he is “wanted on prison recall”, adding:
“We have carried out extensive enquiries to locate him and are now appealing to anyone who has seen him or knows where he is now to get in touch.”
Officers have urged people with an immediate sighting of Tuck or those that know where is to call 999.
Police added:
“You can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website. Or you can call us on 101 and pass information to the North Yorkshire Police Force Control Room.”
Quote reference number 12240029930 when passing on information.
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Harrogate hospital gets new equipment for lung cancer treatmentHarrogate District Hospital has received new equipment to improve lung cancer treatments.
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said the new equipment would allow staff to carry out endobronchial ultrasound scans (EBUS), which are used for diagnosing and staging lung cancer.
Patients currently have to travel to other hospitals for the scans.
The trust added the equipment can also be used to test for infections and chronic inflammatory diseases.
It added the procedure, which takes less than an hour, will improve patient care and waiting times.
Dr Khizer Khan, consultant in respiratory medicine at the trust, said:
“Previously patients would need to be referred to other NHS trusts for the EBUS procedure, leading to patients waiting during the referral process and inconvenient trips for patients between hospitals.
“However, with the ability to perform EBUS scans at Harrogate District Hospital, patients can receive more timely assessment and then treatment based on their current cancer diagnosis.”
A trust spokesperson told the Stray Ferret the equipment cost about £200,000.
The hospital’s lung and cancer service has also introduced a new treatment for lung cancer patients who develop liquid between their lungs and chest cavity.
The trust said the treatment, known as indwelling pleural catheters, means once patients have had the specially-designed drainage tubes fitted they no longer require visits to the hospital to drain the fluid. Instead, nurses can drain the fluid at the patient’s home.
Dr Khan added:
“I have already performed several procedures at Harrogate District Hospital which have been a great success for both the patients and our team.
“The indwelling pleural catheter serves as a bridge between pain and comfort, empowering patients to navigate their days with dignity and grace.”
Pictured are (left to right) Dr Sana Ahmad (respiratory registrar), Dr Khizer Khan (respiratory consultant), Benice Mpholle (endoscopy nurse), Howard Richardson (endoscopy nurse), Michael Wakefield (respiratory sonsultant), Brian Drummond (endoscopy nurse).
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Harrogate company installs 762 solar panels on roofA company with headquarters in Harrogate has installed 762 solar panels across the roofs of both of its buildings.
Belzona, which manufactures polymeric repair and protection systems, has installed the panels at Claro Road.
The panels, which cover 1,486 square metres, will generate over 300,000 kWh of electricity per year.
Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, estimates the average UK home uses 2,700 kWh of electricity annually, which is enough to power 111 homes.
The panels were installed by Keighley firm R&B Mechanical & Electrical Ltd.
Solar panels on Belzona headquaters
Helen Parris, QSHE manager and head of Belzona’s environmental committee, said:
“We have been working for many years to reduce our environmental impact, and whilst we still have a way to go on our journey to net zero, the investment in these solar panels represents an exciting step forward.”
The company said it had estimated the panels will have produced enough energy to offset the energy invested in their entire lifecycle within a couple of years.
Belzona did not reveal the cost of the installation of the panels. When asked by the Stray Ferret it would only say it had been a “significant investment”.
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Future of Harrogate shop revealedAccessorize in Harrogate is to reopen next week — but its sister shop Monsoon has permanently closed.
The two shops shared a unit at 20-22 James Street, where customers visited Monsoon, via the James Street entrance and Accessorize via a door at the back.
Both closed last month and although signs in the window said ‘sorry, we’re closed but this isn’t goodbye forever’ and ‘be right back’, the unit was described as ‘permanently closed’ on Google.
This prompted speculation neither business would return but as reported by the Stray Ferret, the site will reopen after the refit.
Gifts and homeware specialist Accessorize will welcome customers back on Friday, May 17 — but Monsoon will not return.
Accessorize storefront Harrogate
An Accessorize spokesperson told the Stray Ferret today:
“The Monsoon shop has now closed, and this is now only an Accessorize store with a homeware focus.”
Accessorize told the Stray Ferret the refurbished store will offer “a more diverse selection of gifting categories such as bridal, home and summer”, as well as self-care and men’s gifting products.
Paul Thomas, retail director at Accessorize said:
“We are excited to introduce our customers to our exciting new store concept of gifting and homeware.
“The new design store and gifting collection is just some of the many exciting features we have in store for our customers, and we can’t wait for them to experience everything the store has to offer.”
Accessorize will officially reopen May 17 at 9.30am. The closest Monsoon store will now be York.
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Police say wanted man could be in HarrogateA man wanted by police is believed to have been seen in Harrogate, police have said.
Lincolnshire Police said the last possible sighting of James Joseph Smyth was in Harrogate on May 1. He also has connections with Leeds.
Smyth, aged 57, absconded from the open prison North Sea Camp in Freiston, Boston, on Tuesday, April 30, following an agreed temporary release.
He is serving a sentence for grievous bodily harm and robbery.
Lincolnshire Police said in a statement:
“We are continuing enquiries in the Yorkshire area following this sighting and due to Smyth’s links with West Yorkshire.”
Officers described Smyth as white, 6ft,1ins tall, and of slim build. The statement added:
“He has long grey-brown hair (occasionally worn in a top knot), a long grey beard and moustache, and green eyes. He has a scar on his nose and left eye lid.
“He also has a distinctive tattoo on his left wrist with the words ‘Daniel’ and ‘Tracey’, as well as a tattoo of a devil on his right shoulder.”
Members of the public are advised not to approach him but if you see him to call 101 or email force.control@lincs.police.uk quoting ‘incident 387 of 30 April’ in the subject line.
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Residents react to revised Maltkiln plansResidents have been urged to give their views on revised plans for a new town the size of Thirsk seven miles from Knaresborough.
Yorkshire developers Caddick Group, which applied for outline planning permission in 2019, plans to build up to 4,000 homes near Kirk Hammerton, Cattal and Green Hammerton.
Caddick held a public consultation at Kirk Hammerton Village Hall on Tuesday (May 7) to share its updated plans for the settlement known as Maltkiln.
The town will include affordable and eco-friendly houses, as well as two primary schools, a mixed-use local centre, a sports hub and green spaces.
The changes announced included moving the site boundary to the north east and east to provide access into the first phase of development from the A59.
The two roundabouts proposed to access the site have also been moved, with one on the east and one on the west of the site along the A59.
The amended locations of the two roundabouts. Pic: Maltkiln Consultation
There is also set to be an additional new road bridge over the railway line on the eastern edge of the site.
The firm added plans for the mixed-use local centre had extended east of Station Road and north of the railway station. In addition, the proposed location of the northern primary school has been amended.
Caddick also said delivery of the development will now start with a first phase in the north east and continue in a clockwise direction.
The revised plans and key. Pic: Stantec / Maltkiln Consultation
The scheme has faced backlash from some nearby residents since its inception and progress remains uncertain since the council threatened to compulsory purchase land for the new town.
Rural feel
The Stray Ferret attended the consultation event to speak to residents and Caddick representatives.
Kirk Hammerton resident James Browne (pictured above) told us people needed to have a “balanced approached” to the proposal.
He said:
“I share others’ concerns. I hope the amount of tension around the development means that things will be done in the right manner and not disrupt the rural feel around here.”
Mr Brown told the Stray Ferret he hopes, if the development goes ahead, there would be “benefits to amenities, cyclists, roads, shops and education” in what is a relatively “isolated area”.
He added:
“I’m hoping if it does go ahead, it would be delivered sympathetically, but once plans are approved, would it just become a case of delivering sheer volume?”
People at the consultation event.
Sue Husband, another nearby resident, questioned whether the potential number of houses was “really necessary”.
She told the Stray Ferret:
“We do need some housing – I get that. My preference is that it’s ecological housing that supports climate change, rather than just luxury homes. We also need a wider community. But do we actually need this number of houses?
“If the plans were to create a small village and there was the potential to expand it gradually, I think people would be able to accept it more. But because it’s this big, sudden expansion people can’t necessarily adjust to it.”
Ms Husband also said she would “consider moving house” if the plans were approved. She added:
“I moved here because it’s so peaceful and quiet.”
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Infrastructure fears
The Stray Ferret also contacted Green Party councillor for Ouseburn, Arnold Warneken, about the new plans.
He said the “biggest concerns from residents in his inbox” included the infrastructure of the existing roads and drainage systems.
Cllr Warneken said:
“People feel there could, in reality, be thousands of additional cars around the settlement and they are concerned about the existing road networks.
“They’re also worried about existing sewage systems. Residents have contacted me to say they don’t feel the sewage system can cope as it is, let alone with new houses being built.”
Cllr Warneken said residents also expressed concerns about a GP practice not being included in phase one of the development process, particularly as Springbank Surgery in Green Hammerton is “already oversubscribed”.
Developer wants community to ‘shape masterplan’
The consultation comes after North Yorkshire Council submitted the Maltkiln development plan document to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for independent examination.
People now have the opportunity to give feedback on Caddick’s revised plans.
Chris Procter, director at Caddick Group, said in a statement:
“We’re particularly keen for communities in the area to shape key areas of the masterplan, including the design of the local centre, as well as the upcoming residential design code.
“All the information for the consultation is available on the Maltkiln website and we would really like people to get involved and give us their views. All feedback will be analysed and considered as part of our application for the first stage of the project, which we are anticipating submitting later this year.”
You can give your view on the refreshed plans and leave feedback here until Friday, May 27.
Proposed Harrogate children’s home faces public backlashPlans to convert a Harrogate house into a children’s home have faced backlash from the public.
The application, which was tabled to North Yorkshire Council in March, outlines plans to turn Oak Back on Ashgarth Court – near Ashville College – into C2 classified housing, which refers to residential accommodation for people in need of care.
The Stray Ferret reported on the plans at the time of submission, which generated concern among social media followers.
Now nearly two months later, all 27 public comments made on the planning portal are objections.
Eddie Dale, who has submitted an objection comment to the council, said the house would be a “thoughtless site for a children’s residential home”.
He adds:
“There are no nearby facilities. The lack of youth clubs, cafés, play areas, surgeries and shops mean that it is an unsuitable location for this type of home.”
Mr Dale said he regarded Ashgarth Court as a “friendly, cohesive and safe environment”, but added the possibility of losing this made him “very uncomfortable and worried”.
Another objector, Richard Dennis, felt the application would be “detrimental” not only to the local community, but also for “any persons placed in care at the property” if approved.
He echoed concerns about a lack of facilities for young people in the area, adding it was “totally unsuitable” for potential residents:
“A Google search of a C2 property says that potentially alcohol/recovering drug addicts could be housed here. A quiet family cul-de-sac where children regularly play outside on the green is a totally unsuitable location for people who have these issues.”
Louise Dennis was one of many to highlight parking issues.
The application claims the house has a “large off-street driveway” meaning “no cars will take up additional road space”. However, Ms Dennis “strongly disputes” this.
She said:
“In reality the driveway would house two cars comfortably. The application suggests that there would be nine full-time staff, so likely at least a minimum of three vehicles there at any one time, excluding healthcare workers, social workers, visitors, cars of residents if over 17 etc.
“Therefore, the driveway would not accommodate all these vehicles on a day-to-day basis and there will be an increase in cars parked on the road, which is against what the applicant has claimed.”
Ms Dennis also expressed concern about the increase in traffic and congestion that could arise should the plans be approved.
Ms Dennis also suggested the local community would “undoubtedly be impacted” if the plans went ahead, adding more cars in the area would release more emissions and the potential risks of noise and anti-social behaviour would increase.
‘Widespread misconception of care homes’
In an email uploaded to the planning portal, applicant Jolyon McKay addressed some of the objections made.
He said it was “understandable” that some people “harbour reservations about residential placement homes”. He added, however, “sensationalised portrayals” had led to a “widespread misconception of care homes”.
He said:
“The objection raises doubts about the accommodation’s suitability for nine staff members and potential visitors, suggesting that the proposal deviates from a family home environment.
“Contrary to this assertion, while the residential placement home will have the capacity to employ up to nine staff members, it is important to clarify that it is highly unlikely that more than three staff members will be present on-site at any given time.
“It’s important to clarify that our property does indeed feature ample parking space, including a garage, to accommodate multiple vehicles. We have taken proactive measures to ensure that parking arrangements are sufficient to meet the needs of both staff and visitors without causing disruption to the neighbourhood.”
He added “thorough assessments” had been undertaken to “ensure the site will not adversely affect local amenities or community cohesion”, and said his team “remain dedicated to fostering a positive relationship with the local community and addressing any concerns in a proactive and transparent manner”.
The application states several healthcare workers would be hired at the children’s home and would be an Ofsted registered site.
It also said the home would have four bedrooms, with “never more than a maximum of three children living at the home”.
North Yorkshire Council will adjudicate on the application at a later date.
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Exclusive: Hackers demand ransom after breaching North Yorkshire Council computer systemInternational hackers have breached the trading standards computer system at North Yorkshire Council and demanded a ransom.
The Stray Ferret was tipped off by an anonymous source at the council who said the hackers had encrypted large amounts of data and were “demanding a ransom to decrypt it”.
The source added:
“Backups have also been encrypted so this is a big problem. This systems holds a lot of data and this breach could impact on a large number of crime investigations within the area.”
The Stray Ferret asked the council for further details about the breach, which is believed to have happened in March.
We asked how much data had been compromised and how it was able to happen, as well as what action the council was taking to resolve the situation, and the likely cost and timeframe.
The council issued a statement that included quotes from Mike Andrews, the National Trading Standards eCrime team’s national co-ordinator, and Madeline Hoskin, the council’s assistant director for technology.
The National Trading Standards eCrime team investigates fraud on behalf of local authorities.
The statement confirmed there had been “an incident”, which it said had been “contained” but did not clarify the extent of the breach.
Mr Andrews said in the statement:
“We are working with national agencies and other partners to investigate this incident.
“Fortunately, we became aware of the incident at a very early stage and swift action was taken.
“Protecting personal data remains our top priority and steps were taken to contain the potential impact.
“As the investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for us to comment any further at this stage to avoid jeopardising any future legal proceedings.”
Ms Hoskin said in the statement:
“We take considerable precautions to prevent and detect cybercrime and take our responsibilities extremely seriously.
“We worked with an independent team of digital forensic specialists which helped ensure a swift recovery from the incident.
“No information related to the council’s customers outside of the data held by the National Trading Standards E-Crime Team has been affected.”
The council declined to comment further.
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Harrogate History: VE day 1945 – a day of rejoicing after the dark years of war
Malcolm Neesam (1946 – 2022) was a writer, archivist and historian, specialising in Harrogate and North Yorkshire history. He was born in Harrogate and studied at the University of Leeds as a professional archivist and librarian. He subsequently worked in Hereford, Leeds, London and York where, for twenty-five years, he was North Yorkshire County Music and Audiovisual Librarian. In 1996 Harrogate Borough Council awarded Malcolm the Freedom of the Borough for his services as the town’s historian, preserving much of the town’s heritage.
This article was first published October 2, 2020 as part of Malcom’s Harrogate History series for the Stray Ferret.
On Tuesday 8th May 1945, a full-sized likeness of Adolph Hitler gazed across West Park Stray surrounded by a replica of his Mountain retreat at Berchtesgaden.
It had been placed there as the crowning display of a huge bonfire and assembled by the Harrogate Home Guard, who, at dusk, stormed the display, and to frantic cheering from the assembled townspeople, captured the effigies of Hitler and his cronies, before the Mayor lit the bonfire that burned ‘Berchtesgaden’ to the ground.
Beyond this scene of rejoicing, Harrogate was a sea of bunting and the flags of allied nations, which filled not only the town centre, but nearly every suburban street as well. In the main shopping streets at the town’s centre were displayed large portraits of the King and Queen, Prime Minister Churchill and allied leaders, Field Marshall Montgomery and other military luminaries.
Joyous crowds surged through the town centre that day, whose drab and neglected appearance, the result of five years, eight months and five days of wartime austerity, was temporarily brightened by brightly coloured displays, although the need to conserve energy precluded the use of gas or electric power, exceptions being made at the Royal Baths, and Municipal Offices where Mayor G. Spenceley had greeting the crowds gathered in Crescent Gardens.
A street party in 1945
People continued to surge through the centre of the town throughout the day, despite heavy rain showers, although the streets cleared in time for both the Prime Minister’s broadcast, and the King’s speech.
The borough court continued to function on VE Day, the main business being concerned with granting licences for dancing and extensions for liquor and music, all essential aspects of the coming celebrations on the following Sunday, which at the request of the King, would be a day of national thanksgiving and prayer.
A service was planned at St. Peter’s Church attended by the Mayor and full Corporation, followed by a brief ceremony at the War Memorial in remembrance of the fallen.
In the afternoon, a grand parade was to occur on West Park, when participants would include American military personnel, units of the Home Guard and Civil Defence, representatives from the British Legion, St. John Ambulance Brigade, the Scouts and the Guides. Flag bearing youth groups present included the Sea Cadets, Army Cadet Corps, Air Training Corps, Girls Training Corps, Boys Brigade, and the Civil Defence Messengers.
Neighbours and friends celebrating
After a short open air service, the parade marched via West Park and Parliament Street to the Municipal Officers in Crescent Gardens, where the Mayor took the salute from a specially constructed platform.
The Mayor’s rousing speech reminded the townspeople of the ordeal they had undergone, and that until Japan had been overcome, the resolve of the people must be continued. He ended his speech with the sincere thanks of the entire Corporation for what the townspeople had achieved through their great sacrifice.
Memorable though the Peace Parade had been, for some of Harrogate’s residents, their most exuberant celebrations were reserved for the town’s many street parties, which involved whole communities.
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