Harrogate man claimed indecent pictures of children were to trap paedophiles

A man who made thousands of indecent images of children told police he had downloaded the photos to try to “trap” another paedophile.

David Michael Rochford, 35, was arrested after police searched his home in Harrogate and seized several computer devices, York Crown Court heard.

Rochford told officers they would find indecent images on the devices but later claimed he had downloaded them to “lure” someone he believed to be a paedophile and that he had not viewed the illicit material, said prosecutor Brooke Morrison.

He maintained this pretence until he was sentenced yesterday for downloading more than 9,600 indecent images over a five-year period.

Some of the images, which included videos as well as photos, were rated Category A – the worst kind of such material involving the serious sexual abuse of children.

Ms Morrison said that Rochford, of Poplar Grove, told police he was “accessing (the images) because he wanted to trap somebody else who was a paedophile”.

Rochford told a probation officer the same thing after he admitted the offences, but the prosecution never accepted his claim due to the length of time he had been downloading the material and the sheer number of images involved.

When Rochford appeared for sentence, his barrister Daniel Ingham said his client was still “standing by” his dubious claim as to why the images were found on his computer.

But after Recorder Simon Jackson KC advised Rochford that he should reconsider his claim and confer with his counsel during a short adjournment, Mr Ingham said that Rochford now resiled from his far-fetched story and was prepared to be sentenced on the full facts as set out by the prosecution.

Rochford had already admitted three counts of making indecent images, including 147 rated Category A. In total, he downloaded 9,631 illicit images between 2014 and 2019.

The Crown moved straight to sentence and duly dismissed Rochford’s initial claim that he was engaging in a “scheme of entrapment”.


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Ms Morrison said that police raided Rochford’s home in June 2019. They seized a “large number” of devices including three laptops, a computer tower, hard drives and memory cards.

They found indecent images on seven of the devices, forensic analysis of which showed that Rochford had used “peer-to-peer” software as part of his online activities.

“He was interviewed and admitted having the material (but) said this was in order to lure a person he suspected of being a paedophile,” said Ms Morrison.

She said that Rochford had four previous convictions including for violence but nothing of a sexual nature.

Mr Ingham, for Rochford, said his client was a full-time carer for his mother, who was seriously ill and with whom he lived.

She said he had a past alcohol problem for which he was getting help and mental-health problems.

Recorder Mr Jackson KC said Rochford had initially admitted the offences “on the false premise that this was to trap another paedophile”.

He said the sheer number of images and the years-long period of offending showed there was “plainly a sustained pattern of downloading sexual images for your own sexual gratification”.

However, he said he had to bear in mind the delay in the case reaching court and Rochford’s caring responsibilities for his mother.

He said it was for those reasons that he could suspend the inevitable jail term.

Rochford was given an 18-month suspended jail sentence and placed on the sex-offenders’ register for 10 years.

He was also given a 10-year sexual-harm prevention order, mainly to curb his internet activities, and ordered to take part in a sex-offenders’ programme, complete a 20-day rehabilitation course and carry out  40 hours of unpaid work.

 

 

Former Harrogate councillor made Honorary Alderman for North Yorkshire

A former Harrogate councillor has been awarded Honorary Alderman status for North Yorkshire after 25 years of service.

Cliff Trotter, who represented Pannal and Lower Wharfdale on North Yorkshire County Council, served on the authority from 1997 until 2022.

The Conservative councillor also served as chairman of the county council in 2012.

He was one of six councillors who received the award at a meeting on Wednesday.

Mr Trotter, who has since retired from the council on medical advice, spoke of “honour” in accepting the award, adding his “time on the council has been really enjoyable”.

He was presented with the honour by deputy chairman of the council, Cllr David Ireton.


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The position of Honorary Alderman has parity of status with a past Mayor, enabling those who receive the title to be invited to the same civic functions and events

Mr Trotter joined former councillors John Blackie, Caroline Patmore, Peter Sowray MBE, Val Arnold and Helen Swiers in receiving the honour.

Jill McMullon, partner of the late Mr Blackie, accepted the honour on his behalf.

In total, the councillors served for nearly 150 years on the county council.

Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: 

“With a combined service of almost 150 years, these six councillors have spent a major part of their lives working to champion their local communities and causes close to their hearts.

“John Blackie’s legacy lives on in the Upper Dales and in the minds of myself and other councillors who had the privilege of working alongside him. He worked tirelessly to ensure that local services continue to be delivered despite the pressures that rural communities face.

“It’s testament to their drive and commitment as ward councillors that the retiring members have been awarded Honorary Aldermen titles.”

Harrogate district sweeps the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards

A boy who has battled a rare illness, a young woman rebuilding her life after a horrific accident, and a fashion designer who has defied brain injury to build her own business were all recognised at the 28th Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards last night. 

The three, all from the Harrogate district, were among seven winners to pick up awards at the event, which was held at Leeds United’s Centenary Pavilion.  

The awards are sponsored by Harrogate-based McCormicks Solicitors and organised by the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation, which has now raised more than £1.3m for children’s charities in the region. 

Seven-year-old Archie Flintoft from Harrogate took the Youngster of the Year title, while the Unsung Hero Award went to Lucie Maguire of Kirkby Malzeard and the award for Achievement in Management and Enterprise was taken by Lucy Winn of Whixley. 

Peter McCormick OBE, who chairs the awards, said: 

“It was a very special evening after a break of three years because of the Covid pandemic and there was much to celebrate. There were stories of incredible fortitude and outstanding success and it is fair to say we continue to be amazed by the fantastic young people in our region. 

“These awards are our main fundraiser of the year and none of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors and our guests, many of whom have been with us almost since the beginning, and I am very proud that with their help, we were able to continue our grants programme helping young people across the region throughout the pandemic.” 

The other award winners included Whitby-born footballer Beth Mead, who helped the England women’s team to their historic victory in the European Championships this summer. She was named Personality of the Year, an award that was sponsored by Rudding Park. 

A special award was also presented to Chris Blundell, the entrepreneur behind Provenance Inns, which runs eight pub-restaurants across North Yorkshire, including The West Park in Harrogate. The award, sponsored by GMI Property, recognised his commitment and dedication to the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards. 

Mr McCormick said:

“Chris has been a long-term supporter of the foundation, regularly hosting events such as our annual launch party and donating prizes where appropriate. He is also the organiser of the Yorkshire Charity Clay Days, from which the Foundation has benefited twice to the sum of tens of thousands of pounds.

“We are delighted to recognise Chris’s contribution with this award.” 

The other award winners were: 

Austin Haynes (Leeds), Achievement in the Arts, sponsored by Martin Gerrard 

Benji Chandra (Leeds), Achievement in Education, sponsored by Harrogate Town 

Hannah Cockroft OBE (Halifax), Achievement in Sport, sponsored by Leeds United 

 

Archie Flintoft, Youngster of the Year, sponsored by Nabarro McAllister 

Archie Flintoft has a very rare life-changing condition which is currently incurable. He was first diagnosed with Diamond-Blackfan anaemia (DBA) when he was a baby. His mum notice he was pale and unresponsive and after visiting the GP he was rushed to hospital, receiving two transfusions at two different hospitals in two days. Numerous tests followed until a faulty gene causing DBA was identified. 

Seven-year-old Archie, from Harrogate, has to undergo three-weekly blood transfusions as well as medication all night every night delivered by a needle in his thigh to protect his liver and heart. He has become so good at dealing with this that he even puts the needle in himself sometimes but it does mean that he cannot do some of the things that other youngsters take for granted, like going for sleepovers with his friends. 

Archie Flintoft

He has now reached a total of nearly 100 blood transfusions, coping with endless visits to hospitals both in Yorkshire and London. Because he receives donor blood, the iron levels in his blood can build too high, hence the nightly medication. 

His family have fundraised both for the DBAUK group and to help cover the cost of the frequent London trips. 

 

Lucie Maguire, Unsung Hero, sponsored by Jamboree Entertainment 

Lucie Maguire was 19-year-old apprentice working with babies at a nursery in Ripley near Harrogate in 2021 but driving home from work with her mum, Sue, their car began to fill with smoke. Lucy got out to try and help her mum but was hit by a passing tractor, receiving catastrophic injuries. 

She lost her right leg at the hip, broke her back and suffered internal injuries and has spent months in hospital, undergoing numerous operations, and is awaiting more. 

The nerve damage she suffered in the accident meant that doctors were not sure if she would ever even be able to sit up. But she has worked hard to regain movement and is now able to use a power wheelchair for short periods and has learned to stand again with a frame. 

Her recovery received a setback when she suffered a serious infection in her leg while undergoing rehab, meaning her next operation had to be delayed, but she is still making plans for the future and has just moved into her own home to live as independently as she can. 

Lucie, of Kirkby Malzeard, is determined both to find a way to work with young people in the future and to share her experiences, including her time in various hospitals in ITU and major trauma wards, to help other people deal with their own life-changing circumstances. 

 

Lucy Winn, Achievement in Management and Enterprise, sponsored by CHR Estates 

Lucy Winn has overcome adversity to set up and run her own successful clothing business in London. 

When she was 15, she woke up one morning to find the left-hand side of her face was paralysed. Investigations revealed a brain abscess, necessitating surgery and months in hospital for rehabilitation. She missed time at school but still went on to achieve her GCSEs and A-levels in Business, Art and Textiles. 

However, Lucy’s problems were not over and at 19 she began to suffer seizures through epilepsy, brought on by the scarring to her brain. Despite this, she studied at Leeds College of Art before joining Westminster University to gain a degree in Fashion Marketing and Promotion. 

After a spell back at home in Whixley while her epilepsy was investigated and treatment began, she returned to London to take up a sales post. Then the pandemic hit, and she was furloughed. Using her skills to upcycle old garments into new looks, she launched her own business, the Vintage Studio. 

Working at home initially, she built up a social media following, including a number of influencers, and now has an Instagram following of more than 13,000 and some high-profile customers, including singers Mimi Webb and Zara Larsson. 

Lucy now has a studio in Fulham and is keen to build her business yet further by employing a small team to offer sustainable small collections, retaining a unique look but enabling more customers to purchase something they may have seen on her sites. 

Thousands of lights bring festive feel to Harrogate town centre

The Christmas lights have been switched on in Harrogate, heralding the start of the festive season for local businesses.

The displays are organised by Harrogate BID, which said the run-up to Christmas is a vital time of year for retailers, especially against a challenging economic landscape.

The organisation has used its levy payers’ money to fund 100,000 bulbs across the town centre, including festive figures and motifs.

Christmas lights in Harrogate

Unlike in previous years, there was no official switch-on event, but the lights are now illuminated and will be displayed until after Christmas.

The lights on the trees along the Stray – which are traditionally lit throughout winter rather than for Christmas – were turned on at the end of October.

Meanwhile, a series of festive attractions will be brought into the town centre during the Christmas period. Today saw the arrival of the first signs of the ice rink, which will open to customers on Friday, December 2.


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Reservoirs are filling up but Harrogate district is still in drought, says water firm

Heavy rain over the last six weeks has caused water levels in local reservoirs to rise by almost a fifth, but the region is still officially classed as being in drought, according to Yorkshire Water. 

Environment Agency data shows that Yorkshire had the same amount of rainfall in September and October as it did over the whole summer, but even at 19% higher, reservoir levels are still below the level expected for this time of year, according to the water company. 

Yorkshire Water has been working closely with the Environment Agency to obtain additional drought measures, which the company said when paired with the additional rainfall, has helped raise the levels of some reservoirs.

Thruscross Reservoir's water levels are lowThruscross Reservoir, pictured in July

Granville Davies, manager of water and catchment strategy at Yorkshire Water, said:

“Reservoir levels are moving in the right direction – we’re seeing some significant increases week on week as the rainfall, drought permits, additional leakage activity, and support from our customers to save water, help them to top up.” 

Yorkshire Water has 11 reservoirs in the Harrogate district. In the Washburn Valley, Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty all supply water to Leeds, and Lindley Wood, which dried up almost completely this summer, is a compensation reservoir designed to ensure steady water flow in the River Wharfe.

In Nidderdale, Angram and Scar House both supply water via underground aqueducts to Bradford, and Gouthwaite is a compensation reservoir that regulates the flow of water in the River Nidd.

Elsewhere, Beaver Dyke and Scargill in Haverah Park, to the west of Harrogate, supply water to the town, and in Colsterdale, west of Masham, Roundhill also supplies water to Harrogate, and Leighton is a compensation reservoir for the River Burn, which runs into Wensleydale as a tributary of the River Ure. 

Mr Davies added:

“We have had more rain recently than the previous summer months, but that rain doesn’t always fall evenly across the whole region – meaning that in some areas reservoir levels are still much lower than we would hope. We’re using our extensive network of pipes to move what we can around the region, but we have applied to the Environment Agency for additional measures to help us balance stocks in that area too. 

“It’s really important that we all continue to save water where we can – small changes in habits will help give reservoirs the best chance possible to top up this winter, ahead of the warmer months in spring and summer next year. We’re constantly reviewing the situation and as soon as we meet the requirements needed to remove the hosepipe ban, we will let our customers know.” 

First signs of Christmas attractions appear in Harrogate

Work began today to put up the ice rink which will be one of the main features of Harrogate’s Christmas attractions this year.

Crews from Events by Cynosure were on Crescent Gardens this morning setting up the rink, which will open on Friday, December 2 and has been organised by Harrogate BID and Harrogate Borough Council‘s Destination Harrogate marketing team.

The rink will run until Tuesday, January 3, opening every day except Christmas Day, and will be accompanied by an après-ski bar.

It is part of a scheme of attractions around the town which will also see a carousel, a ferris wheel and the Candy Cane Express road train return after a successful first appearance last year. They will all run until January 8.

Harrogate Christmas Fayre, running from Friday, December 2 to Sunday, December 11, will have 50 stalls put up around the town centre featuring a range of traders, including local charities. Installation will begin on Monday, November 28 and the fayre will be open from 10am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.

Meanwhile, the Christmas lights have been switched on across the town centre, with just over five weeks to go until Christmas Day.

For full information on the ice rink click here.


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Harrogate student speaks in the House of Commons

A young Harrogate politician has spoken for his constituents in the House of Commons on the need for better mental health support.

Fourteen-year-old Brando Halloum is the Member of Youth Parliament for Harrogate and Craven.

Now a Year 10 student at Harrogate Grammar School, he moved to the UK in Year 5 having previously attended school in the United Arab Emirates.

He was one of more than 200 MYPs aged 11-18 who attended the meeting on November 4 in the House of Commons, the first of its kind since 2019.

Speaking of the experience, Brando said:

“To be elected as MYP and have the chance to represent my constituents in Westminster was a surreal experience – debating issues that matter most to my generation at the heart of our democracy, Parliament.

“It is now for decision makers, local and national, to ensure action is taken to address these issues. Ensuring no decision about my generation is made without us and that we remain at the heart of these integral conversations.”

Brando was invited to speak by the speaker of the house, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. He spoke of the need for improved mental health services across the UK for young people, telling the house of the racial abuse he had received and the lack of support he was given afterwards.

In the House of Commons, he said:

“I was unfortunately the victim of racial and Islamophobic abuse… When I reported this experience, people doubted me and I was given a plaster response, just put a quick band aid over the problem. It didn’t help.

“I spent months waiting for counselling which never came. I am calling for young people to be given adequate treatment and adequate response to racism and all forms of discrimination across this country and give mental health support to those who need it.”


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Brando was elected by more than 9,000 young people to be the MYP of Harrogate and Craven this March, voted on through the Make Your Mark initiative for young people. Members of Youth Parliament are elected every two years.

He regularly campaigns with his fellow MYPs throughout the country to represent his constituent’s voice and debate issues and policies.

The primary campaign issue for Members of Youth Parliament this year is the cost of living crisis.

He said:

“The cost of living crisis is at the fore of my generation’s minds, and I am concerned about the clear and disproportionate impact this is having on my constituents’ mental health and wellbeing.”

Brando is also a member of the North Yorkshire Youth Council, in addition to being an RAF cadet.

The full morning session in which Brando spoke is below. He began speaking around 37 minutes into the session.

Harrogate hospital has ‘robust plan’ to tackle winter demand, say officials

Harrogate hospital bosses have given assurances that a ‘robust plan’ is in place for winter as it faces increased demand.

The hospital says it expects to face further pressures from seasonal flu, covid and staff absences.

It also faces long waiting lists for operations and high demand at accident and emergency.

However, a spokesperson for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said the organisation has put a plan in place to cope with demand.

It comes as NHS chiefs wrote to health bosses across the country this week conceding that some hospitals may struggle to cope this winter.

‘Robust winter plan’

In Harrogate, the hospital is currently dealing with a 90% bed occupancy rate, high demand at A&E and a long waiting list for operations.

A spokesperson for HDFT said despite some of the winter pressures, a plan was in place to help maintain services for patients.

They said:

“We have faced and dealt with significant challenges over the last few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and our recovery from it – in particular, reducing our waiting lists and waiting times for treatment.

“We will undoubtedly face further challenges in the months ahead as winter is always a busy time of the year as we deal with a variety of seasonal infections such as flu, in addition to all other regular activity.

“The trust has a robust winter plan in place to ensure we are able to maintain our services so that our patients’ care is not disrupted and all areas are staffed to safe levels and monitored throughout all shifts.

“During the winter period, staff absences at the trust can create pressure for our teams; for instance, fewer nursing and medical staff means that whilst we are still able to treat our patients for their illness or condition and ensure their safety, we are sometimes not able to provide the level of holistic support that we would like.

“Currently, bed occupancy at our hospitals is around 90%. Due to the increased number of planned operations that are being performed we have more patients occupying beds following their surgery.

“However, bed occupancy is also impacted by patients who no longer require hospital care, but are unable to be discharged as they do not have a suitable location where they can continue their recovery, such as a residential care home, or appropriate home care to support them in their own homes.”


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The trust has already sought to introduce a home care service to free up beds and has trialled an emergency department streaming service for less serious injuries and illnesses at A&E.

The hospital also continues to urge people to call 111 for non-urgent illnesses.

It comes as NHS chiefs, regulators and Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, wrote to hospital bosses this week reassuring them that staff would not face disciplinary action if care standards fell due to “significantly increased national pressure”.

The letter said:

“In such challenging times, when you may need to depart from established procedures to care for people, we understand some could be fearful that they will be referred to your regulator. 

“Please be assured that your professional code and principles of practice are there to guide and support your judgments and decision-making in all circumstances. 

“This includes taking into account local realities and the need at times to adapt practice at times of significantly increased national pressure.”

Uncertainty over Harrogate district investment zones after government ‘refocuses’ scheme

There is uncertainty over the future of planned investment zones in the Harrogate district after the government announced it will “change its approach” on the policy.

Three sites were earmarked in the district for the zones, which were a key policy under former Prime Minister Liz Truss’s administration.

The sites include junction 47 of the A1 near Knaresborough, business park Potter Space Ripon at junction 50 of the A1, and Harrogate Convention Centre.

The government said previously that the zones, which would have received liberalised planning laws and tax incentives for businesses, would support economic growth.

However, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt yesterday announced in his autumn statement that the scheme would be focused towards research.

He said:

“I will also change our approach to investment zones which will now focus on leveraging our research strengths, to help build clusters for our new growth industries.

“My right honourable friend the Levelling Up Secretary will work with mayors, devolved administrations and local partners to achieve that with the first decisions announced ahead of the spring budget.”

According to Treasury documents, the government intends to “refocus the investment zones programme” and use it to “catalyse a limited number of the highest potential knowledge-intensive growth clusters”.

The document added that, as a result, the expressions of interests submitted by councils “will therefore not be taken forward”.

The news comes after Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, admitted on Wednesday that he did not expect the zones to progress.


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The county council was named as one of 38 local authorities in talks with the government over creating investment zones back in September.

The authority then earmarked 12 commercial sites as part of an expression of interest for the scheme.

However, Cllr Les told councillors at a meeting on Wednesday that he did not expect the initiative to go any further.

He said:

“I have to say I don’t think that investment zones are going to proceed.

“The Secretary of State is reviewing them and they will not go forward.”

Year-round sports pitch opens to the community in Harrogate

A 3G sports pitch has opened for community use in Harrogate.

St Aidan’s Church of England High School applied to create the pitch more than two years ago and is now inviting people to use it.

it was completed in the summer and officially launched at the school’s new Family Fest day. However, it was only in use for PE lessons and school football clubs until this week.

St Aidan’s chair of governors Jo Wicks said:

“We are delighted to finally be able to share this long-awaited and much-needed facility with the local community.

“Our pupils and PE staff are already enjoying their new dry and safe pitch, and we look forward to welcoming local clubs to St Aidan’s. Thanks to everyone involved for your hard work and resilience.”

When the original planning application was submitted in spring 2020, the school said the pitches would mainly be used by its own pupils, as well as those from primary schools in the area who did not have access to their own playing spaces.


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St Aidan’s plans to open the facility to the community from 6pm to 8pm on weeknights as well as Saturdays from 9am to 5pm and Sundays from 10am to 2pm. It would also be open from 9am to 4pm during school holidays.

The associated floodlights drew some concern from neighbours, who also raised objections to the potential for light pollution on the Stray.

However, there were also many supportive comments, including from other football clubs which said there was a demonstrable lack of year-round playing pitches in the Harrogate district.

Planning officers had recommended the proposal be refused by Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee because of the impact on the surrounding area.

Councillors instead approved the plans in January 2021, saying they would be “letting our young people down” if they did not allow the pitches to be created.