A man has been jailed for scamming two Harrogate district women out of more than £450,000 and their entire life savings.

Police say the women were groomed over several months and have been left “absolutely devastated”.

They were called by a person claiming to be from the police, who said their accounts had been compromised.

He advised them to go to their bank and withdraw all their money in cash, which would then be picked up by a ‘police courier’ for safekeeping.

The two victims, whose names and precise locations are not known, were also told to purchase gold bullion with money from their bank accounts and then the gold was collected by the ‘couriers’ to be kept safe.

Ashley Thompson, 26, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for money laundering and fraud by false representation at the Inner London Crown Court yesterday.

Year-long police investigation

North Yorkshire Police received reports a year ago of victims being targeted by the crime, which is known as courier fraud scam.

Officers from the force’s economic crime unit worked with gold dealers to raise awareness of the crime and put other dealers on notice to watch out for suspicious gold sales.

On November 9, they were alerted to Thompson trying to sell one of the gold bullion bars in a London pawnbroker.

Working with City of London Police, two North Yorkshire Police officers travelled to London to arrest him and he was subsequently charged with fraud and money laundering offences.

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In interview, Thompson claimed he had hired a lock-up storage facility and that he had found the gold bar in a bag of tools but had no idea who owned it. He said he had waited to see if anyone claimed it but when no one did, he decided to try and pawn it for cash.

The investigating officers found that Thompson had created fake documents to prove the lock-up facility existed, when in reality it did not.

Victims ‘groomed’ over months

North Yorkshire Police Detective Constable Neil Brodhurst from the force’s economic crime unit, who led the investigation, said:

“Throughout the trial Thompson denied any knowledge of the gold bar’s origin, sticking to his story that he had simply found it in a bag of tools. He also couldn’t explain why he’d gone to the lengths of faking a hire contract for a non-existent lock-up facility to show the pawnbroker.

“The two victims of this courier fraud were absolutely devastated by it. They were groomed over a period of several months with their trust and good nature callously exploited to the extent that they lost their entire life savings to someone claiming to be a police officer.

“We unfortunately see courier fraud targeting North Yorkshire residents time and time again and I’d like to take this opportunity to issue another warning about it. The fraudsters use incredibly calculated and manipulative tactics to convince their victims that they are legitimate police officers or bank officials and will keep going until they get what they want.

“Remember, the police or your bank will never contact you and ask you to move or transfer money and will definitely never ask you to purchase high value items or to hand over your bank cards. Please be on your guard and share this warning with your friends, family and networks.”

DC Brodhurst added he hoped Thompson’s sentence “will serve as some closure for our victims”.

Thompson, of Margery Street, London, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by false representation and was found guilty of money laundering.

He received a 15 month prison sentence for money laundering and a concurrent 6 month sentence for fraud by false representation.

A new project is bringing together fitness, socialising and giving time to the community in Harrogate.

Community Fit will see a group of volunteers get together for a short, social run to a location where they will help out with a project for an hour before running back again.

Organisations to benefit could include charities, schools, community groups or environmental organisations.

Anna Glazier from HADCA said:

“Community Fit ticks all the boxes – being active, socialising, helping others – all of which can improve your sense of wellbeing.

“We aim to be accessible to people who may not yet be regularly active, as well as to committed runners who would like to incorporate something a little bit different into their weekly training.”

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Two trial events have already been held, which saw more than 16 hours of help given by volunteers to the Pinewoods Conservation Group and Artizan Cafe and Creative Space across two evenings.

The new project is a collaboration between North Yorkshire Spot and Harrogate and District Community Action (HADCA) which each have a member of staff dedicated to organising it. They said runners at the trial events loved the energy and enthusiasm of the group, as well as how much they could achieve in just an hour when working together.

The first meeting of the group takes place on Wednesday, June 15 at 5.45pm. The group will run around 1-2 miles from Community House on East Parade in Harrogate, returning by around 8pm after the work is complete.

New participants are welcome and do not have to be fast or experienced runners – the journeys will be at a social pace. To register to attend, visit the Community Fit website or find the group on Facebook or Instagram.

A Harrogate police officer pleaded not guilty in court today after being charged with sexually assaulting a woman.

Joseph McCabe, 27, of Starbeck, is currently suspended from duty as a North Yorkshire Police officer based in Harrogate.

The officer appeared before York Magistrates Court this morning charged with sexual assault by touching. The case concerns an alleged incident at a North Yorkshire property last summer.

Prosecutor Charlotte Dangerfield said Mr McCabe, was allegedly “trying to stroke” the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

It was also alleged that he was pulling at her hair, added Ms Dangerfield. She alleged that Mr McCabe was trying to have sex with the woman who was unwilling.

The defendant’s solicitor, Mr Hague, claimed the incident was “not sexual in nature” and added:

“He [Mr McCabe] thought there was going to be sexual interaction (but) she rejected it and he respected that”.

The magistrate questioned Mr Hague about the relationship between the defendant and the woman. Mr Hague responded and said:

“It had been a friendship for sometime with regular friendly communication, just a typical workplace relationship.”

Mr McCabe is set to appear before York Magistrates Court again on October 11 and has been released on unconditional bail.

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Harrogate Town fans are optimistic that a new deal with US ticketing giant Ticketmaster will solve some of last season’s problems at the turnstiles.

The club announced this week that Ticketmaster will become its official ticketing partner on a ‘long-term contract’ with immediate effect.

Last season, well-documented problems with the club’s ticketing system soured the matchday experience on occasions and left some fans unable to attend a home match against Stevenage in September.

Throughout the season, fans were unable to buy tickets at the ground after 11am on matchday and tickets were only available online until midnight the night before a game.

It meant the club’s shop on Commercial Street was the only place to pick up a ticket close to kick off.

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Jordan Ford, Harrogate Town Independent Supporters Group, called the previous system “not fit for purpose” and had put fans off going to games.

He said:

“An improvement in the ticketing system will be welcomed by all supporters. It was apparent that what was in place wasn’t fit for purpose, and no doubt impacted on the number of fans coming to the ground. It’s good to see the club recognising areas of improvement, and this is definitely a positive move for both the club and its fans.”

The club said details on ticket prices for next season will be announced soon.

The new ticketing system is part of a £3.5m investment by chairman Irving Weaver into the club’s EnviroVent Stadium on Wetherby Road.

Hamilton Mattock, Harrogate Town ticket office manager, said:

“We are delighted to have come to an agreement with Ticketmaster Sport and are looking forward to improving our ticket purchasing journey for supporters. Given the problems faced over the 21/22 season, Ticketmaster will make the entire ticketing process much smoother for both staff and supporters with their support and range of solutions. The platform will continue to develop and meet the needs of our fans as we continue with our ambition of growing the crowd.”

The family of Harrogate singer songwriter Aaron Bertenshaw, who died in December, will be raising money for Diabetes UK at this weekend’s Knaresborough Bed Race.

Aaron, a former pupil at St Aidan’s Church of England High School, died aged 26 after struggling with diabetes and mental health issues.

Since his death, his mother Sammy Oates has been campaigning to plug the gap in services between people affected by the two conditions.

She is now lending her support to Diabetes UK’s new Diabetes is Serious campaign, which calls on the government to create a national recovery plan to support frontline healthcare teams getting diabetes services back on track after covid.

Ms Oates and Christine Holmes, a volunteer for Diabetes UK, will be part of a team operating a stand at Saturday’s bed race. The stand will provide information about diabetes and raise funds through a raffle and tombola. Tickets can be bought at the Worlds End and Castle Inn pubs in Knaresborough and The Blues Bar in Harrogate.

Supermarket Morrisons has agreed to match fund the sum raised.

(from left) Samantha Oates, Andrew Jones and Christine Holmes at the House of Commons.

Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, who recently met Ms Oates and Ms Holmes at the House of Commons, is expected to draw the winning raffle ticket.

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Mr Jones said in a statement he “strongly supported” the Diabetes Is Serious campaign. He was one of 100 MPs who recently attended an event about it at the Commons. He added:

“Diabetes is a growing issue and has implications across other parts of healthcare including mental health as Samantha’s family story so powerfully shows.

“Samantha has taken an event that is very personal and painful and turned it into a campaign that is public and positive.

“It is impressive. I look forward to attending the Knaresborough Bed Race and supporting Samantha’s raffle raising money for Diabetes UK’s important work.”

Next week is Diabetes Week in the UK

A new Diabetes UK report revealed that 47% of people with diabetes in England experienced difficulties managing their condition in 2021. Sixty-three per cent attributed this in part to not having sufficient access to their healthcare team.

The charity, which organises Diabetes Week next week, said in a statement:

“Diabetes is serious and isn’t something you can ignore. If people do not receive the care they need, it can put them at risk of serious complications, which can lead to premature death.

“The coronavirus pandemic has created a backlog in the delivery of this routine yet vital care and, despite the tireless efforts of the NHS, many people living with diabetes are still struggling to access it.”

“We’re calling for an urgent recovery plan from the UK Government to tackle these devastating diabetes care delays before it’s too late. Urgent action is required now.”

Energy regulator Ofgem has today published a damning report into how Northern Powergrid handled Storm Arwen.

The storm battered the Harrogate district and much of the UK in November and caused widespread disruption to homes and businesses. Over one million customers lost power as winds hit 98mph.

The storm struck during bitterly cold weather and left some rural homes in the district, including in Beckwithshaw and parts of Nidderdale, unable to cook or heat their homes.

Northern Powergrid is the company responsible for the electricity distribution network across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.

Six-month review

Ofgem published its findings after a six-month review into how Northern Powergrid, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks and Electricity North West responded to the storm.

The review focused on whether the power outages could have been prevented and whether correct and timely information was given to customers.

A fallen tree in Jennyfields during the storm.

It also looked at whether power was restored quickly enough and how customers were supported after the storm including the processing of compensation payments.

It found some households remained off power for an “unacceptable” amount of time, received poor communication from their network operator and compensation payments took too long.

It highlighted Northern Powergrid in particular for not contacting vulnerable customers prior to the storm.

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Below standards

The report warned Northern Powergrid that the performance at its call centre fell below standards, which could be a breach of licence conditions.

It also suggested that some of the electricity poles that fell onto power lines were susceptible to damage because of their age, although it said this needs further investigation.

Jonathan Brearley, chief executive of Ofgem, said:

“The frequency of extreme weather events is only set to increase so it is really important that industry, and those involved more widely, learn from Storm Arwen to better respond in future.”

The three energy firms have already agreed to pay nearly £30m in compensation to affected customers but following the report, they have agreed to pay a further £10.3m.

Read the report in full here.

Northern Powergrid’s response

Phil Jones, chief executive of Northern Powergrid, has published a full response to the Ofgem report on its website.

Mr Jones said:

“As we said at the time, we understand how challenging Storm Arwen was for our customers and we are sorry for the difficulty and disruption it caused to their lives. We appreciate the patience that they showed and the dedication of our team who worked through some of the most difficult conditions we have ever faced.

“The extreme nature of the event meant we learned some difficult lessons. It highlighted some limitations in our systems and showed us things we can do to be able to provide a stronger response to more extreme storms. We are committed to doing those things to make the communities that we serve more resilient to extreme weather events.”

Two local councillors have said the proposed introduction of parking charges at three local reservoirs could cause “tremendous” problems for local residents and visitors.

Yesterday, Yorkshire Water announced it would be introducing parking charges at Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross reservoirs on a trial basis.

Comments on social media indicate many people believe parking at these much-loved beauty spots should remain free.  Yorkshire Water has said all funds raised will be reinvested in the sites.

Harrogate Borough councillor Victoria Oldham and parish councillor, Graham Hebblethwaite, both felt the charges could put off visitors using the car parks and that they’d park on nearby roads instead.

All three reservoirs are surrounded by farmland and narrow roads. Both councillors believe increased parking on the roads would create traffic problems, be a danger to pedestrians and potentially block the road to farm machinery.

Cllr Victoria Oldham, Conservative councillor for the Washburn ward, said:

“It will cause tremendous problems. I can understand if they are planning to make improvements but these come at an expense to others.

“When you’re out walking in a beautiful environment such as the Washburn Valley you often get distracted by the scenery but putting a timer on parking means some people may miss out on what is around them.”

Cllr Oldham said she’d be willing to talk to Yorkshire Water alongside residents about the plans.

Graham Hebblethwaite, chair of Washburn Parish Council, who lives half a mile from Fewston reservoir said:

“We have white lines on the road but that doesn’t stop people parking on them, I can’t ring 101 every time a car parks on the lines there’s just not enough time. It’s an easy money maker but they don’t have to live with it, it’s locals who will experience the problems.”

The proposed tariffs will be one hour at £1, two hours at £2, six hours at £3, an all day pass for £5 and an annual pass for £30.

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The Harrogate group of ramblers often visit the reservoirs, it said in the short-term it won’t cause problems but as it looks to plan future walks the charges could mean they choose not to start from one of the reservoirs.

Keith Wadd, publicity officer for the group, said:

“Anything that discourages walking in the countryside is a retrograde step. In the longer term it is likely fewer led walks will start from one of the reservoirs.

“The Washburn Valley is virtually inaccessible on public transport so a parking charge could put some people off and makes a place of beauty less accessible.”

Those commenting on social media called for the money to be invested in refurbishing public toilets and removing fallen trees off the land. Yorkshire Water has said the money will go towards the first ever in-house Yorkshire Water ranger team.

The nine rangers will help visitors enjoy their stays, do maintenance jobs and tackle anti-social behaviour that poses a threat to people, wildlife and the environment.

Alastair Harvey, lead countryside and woodland advisor at Yorkshire Water, said:

“We have thought long and hard about the introduction of these charges. We believe we’ve catered for all types of visitors we see. Whether they are looking for a day out or to visit every day to walk their dog.

“As well as improving security and safety at our sites, the parking charges will also be used to fund a variety of conservation, community, and facility improvement projects. It will also help wildlife to thrive on our sites.

“Ultimately, we hope that during the trial we will see incidents of fly tipping and antisocial behaviour decrease; making these sites safer and more enjoyable for people, and more wildlife friendly too. Likewise, we hope that the charges will encourage people to at least consider travelling via public transport, cycle paths, and walking routes rather than by car.”

Traffic is moving steadily in the Harrogate district this morning.

However, roadworks are still in place in some areas which may cause delays.

Here is your Stray Ferret morning traffic roundup.

Roads

Traffic is moving steadily in Harrogate this morning, although that is expected to build up during the morning rush hour.

Roadworks are still in place in Knaresborough at the junction between Wetherby Road and York Road which will cause delays this morning.

The busy junction just past King James’ School and the cemetery has been undergoing resurfacing works for a few weeks and continues to cause delays during rush hour.

The works are expected to continue until August 15.

Trains and buses

No delays or cancellations to report on the trains from Harrogate to Leeds and York this morning.

Harrogate Bus Company still has a diversion in place on its 21 service meaning it is unable to reach Ashbourne Road due to a road closure.

The nearest alternative stop is Morrisons in Boroughbridge. This diversion will be in place until June 30.

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Harrogate Borough Council has been criticised for spraying weed-killing chemicals around trees on the Stray leaving ‘scorched earth’ rings around them.

From UCI cycling to litter and rewilding, no topic exercises Harrogatonians quite like the Stray.

The latest debate involves the council’s approach to managing weeds on the 200-acre parkland which has troubled environmentalists and led to criticism on social media.

The council recently sprayed glyphosate around the base of almost every tree, bin and bench. It’s the most widely used pesticide in history but its use is controversial.

Exposure to glyphosate has been linked to poor health and several UK councils have pledged to stop or limit its use due to its negative impact on the environment.

Shan Oakes, Harrogate & District Green Party co-ordinator, criticised HBC for using the pesticide and said “we have to stop poisoning the planet”.

“It looks horrible. It doesn’t look good, so why do you need to tidy up vegetation around trees? Greenery looks better than scorched earth.

“We need plants wherever we can put them, nature doesn’t know about so-called weeds.

“We need to stop removing every little weed and so on, we have to think about bees and all the rest of the wildlife. We depend on nature.”

Rewilding row

This year, the council’s parks team has again left grass verges close to the roadside on West Park Stray uncut until late autumn to improve biodiversity.

But at least one tree has been sprayed with glyphosate in the middle of a grass verge that has been left to ‘rewild’.

Ms Oakes said the example was “an absolute contradiction”. She added:

“It’s like the plastic grass fiasco, they have not got their head around a different approach to gardening. Rewilding means a different kind of management.”

Judy d’Arcy Thompson, chair of the Stray Defence Association, took a more pragmatic approach to weed-killing on the Stray.

She said the council “presumably have their reasons” for spraying the chemicals but added weeds can give the Stray an unsightly appearance.

On rewilding, she said the verges have been used as a dumping ground for litter and dog waste.

“All those that love the wilding, there are those that hate it.

“Its a very difficult situation. It can look good and we must help the bee population. I’m down the middle on it. It’s an emotive subject, people get wound up about it.”

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Council’s response

A Harrogate Borough Council spokesperson explained why it has been using the weed-killer on the Stray.

“Twice a year, weeds around path edges and the bases of trees, bins and other street furniture are sprayed with glyphosate.

“When applied – through a lance which produces droplets directly onto the weeds – it is instantly absorbed and kills the weed quickly. Any brown grass should grow back in the following months.

“This is kept to a minimum and only used because our lawnmowers are unable to cut close enough. It also means we’re not constantly strimming, using hoes or pulling out weeds by hand, allowing us to spend more time maintaining our parks and opens spaces across the Harrogate district.

“Understandably, weeds are favoured by some and are an eyesore to others. So we have to strike a balance to ensure all residents can enjoy the district.

“And we are constantly reviewing, trialling and amending our work practices to ensure we are working towards a sustainable environment.

“We actively encourage many areas to grow naturally and leave several areas from being cut as regularly; the Stray in Harrogate, Jacob Smith Park in Knaresborough and Quarry Moor Nature Reserve in Ripon, to name but a few. Again, some residents favour this approach and some don’t.

“We have also planted thousands of wildflowers, with the help of volunteers. As well as leaving log piles as habitats and vegetation, and adapting our formal bedding areas across the district to include more single, open flowers that are great for pollinators.

“This is a key objective for us and we have a number of schemes to enable the flora and fauna to thrive. We also continue to work in partnership with local community groups to collectively enhance the district’s wildlife and biodiversity.”

Harrogate solicitors set to expand with office in York

A Harrogate law firm is set to open a new office in York to meet growing demand from clients in the city.

Berwins plans to expand its regional footprint by opening an office in the newly-developed Guildhall. This will be the firm’s fifth office alongside Harrogate, Leeds, Sheffield and London.

Managing director, Paul Berwin, said:

“York is a natural fit for us. As a firm, we have a long track record of supporting businesses and individuals in the area and expanding our presence there will enable us to better serve their needs.”

“As well as supporting clients, committing to a physical office also enables us to fully play our part as a member of the city’s burgeoning business community. That dedication to caring for both client and community is at the heart of the way Berwins has operated since day one and will remain so as we continue to grow as a business.”

Berwins will support clients with a full range of legal advice from commercial matters to dispute resolution, family law to property.

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