Harrogate man accused of causing cyclist’s death by dangerous driving

A Harrogate man has appeared in court charged with causing the death of a cyclist by dangerous driving.

James Bryan, 36, of St Mary’s Avenue, was driving a Porsche Carrera when the incident occurred on the A168 northbound between Allerton Park and Boroughbridge on May 10, 2020. The A168 runs alongside the A1.

He is accused of causing the death of Andrew Jackson, 36, a husband and father-of-two from Hunsingore, near Wetherby.

Mr Jackson died at the scene.

Mr Bryan appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday, where the case was sent for trial at York Crown Court.

It is due to be heard on April 4.

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Ukrainian couple in Harrogate speak of fears for family under Russian fire

A Ukrainian couple have spoken about their fears for close family members who are encircled by Russian forces in Ukraine and unable to flee.

Taras and Viktoriia Jakubiak live in Harrogate with their two children Isabella, 6, and Eve, 12, who goes to St Robert’s Catholic Primary School and St John Fisher Catholic High School.

Viktoriia’s mum and sister are currently in Chernhiv, a city less than 100 miles north of Kyiv. It has faced heavy shelling and airstrikes from Russian forces since the invasion began.

The couple last spoke to them this morning.

Taras said:

“We’re really worried, the Russians are shelling indiscriminately”.

Acute danger each day

Their family members in Chernhiv face acute danger each day. Russian tanks shot at a church when Viktoriia’s mum was inside and they are spending nights in a pitch black basement to not draw attention.

Taras added:

“The Russians are trying to submit the local population. They want to subjugate the nation and eliminate democracy”.

Viktoriia’s mum works in the local city hospital. However she is continuing to go to work, despite the threat from Russian forces who have bombed hospitals in Mariupol and Zhytomyr.

Taras said:

“Even the hospitals aren’t aren’t safe these days.

“It is indiscriminate and very dangerous.”

Below is a video that was recently taken in Chernihiv where Viktoriia and Taras’ family live.

Chernihiv. https://t.co/zoLaujZolr pic.twitter.com/W4hoaSrefd

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) March 6, 2022

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The family moved to Harrogate two years ago from West Yorkshire. Taras said he was touched to see the Ukrainian flag flying at the war memorial in Harrogate.

He was born in the UK and also has cousins in Kyiv. Taras said the response in Harrogate, which has involved fundraisers and donations, has made him proud to be both British and Ukrainian.

“Family members in Ukraine are aware of the support and encouragement. They don’t feel alone”.

Things will get better

Heartbreakingly, the family got Viktoriia’s mum and sister UK visas to escape the war zone and join them in Harrogate. However, they did not have enough time to leave Chernhiv before the Russian advance and were trapped.

“There was no way out. They were encircled”.

Taras said it has been difficult to explain the situation to his children, who ask how their relatives are doing in Ukraine.

“It’s difficult to reassure them.”

“We tell them they are going through a dark time but things will get better.”

Harrogate Golf Club submits plan for driving range

Harrogate Golf Club on Knaresborough Road has submitted plans to build a covered driving range.

The club, which was formed in 1892 and is the oldest golf club in Harrogate, says it will allow members to practice during poor weather.

The proposals include six practice bays as well as a dedicated training bay for the club professionals.

There would also be a golf ball cleaner and dispenser housed in a small attached building.

Planning documents state the building would be similar to other driving ranges found throughout the country. The driving range would be on a part of the course that is currently used for members to practice longer shots.

Harrogate Borough Council will decide on the plans at a later date.

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Harrogate hospital bed occupancy high as winter pressures bite

Hospital bosses in Harrogate have warned that the number of patients requiring treatment for winter infections remain high.

Dr Matt Shepherd, Deputy Chief Operating Officer and consultant in emergency medicine at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said bed occupancy at the hospital remains high at 90%.

The hospital is currently dealing with patients suffering from winter infections, such as flu and coronavirus. Health officials in Harrogate recently urged people to dial 101 if their illness or injury was not serious.

According to the NHS England figures, the hospital is also treating 25 covid patients.

This comes as the district’s seven-day covid rate stands at 417 per 100,000 people, with a total of 880 covid cases in the last seven days.

Dr Shepherd said historically, pressures tended to ease during the spring. But this was now uncertain due to coronavirus and the lack of national restrictions.

He said:

“Historically, as we approach spring, the pressures have tended to reduce, however, as we are still dealing with the covid-19 pandemic this is not certain.

“Currently bed occupancy at our hospitals remain high at around 90 percent, a similar figure to February.”

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Dr Shepherd added that the pandemic was also having an effect on waiting lists. He said:

“The covid-19 pandemic certainly impacted on waiting lists for operations and one of our major priorities has been to cut the backlog.  

“The increased number of planned operations that are being performed has meant we have more patients occupying beds following their surgery.”

Dr Shepherd said the hospital also had 40 patients who no longer required care, but cannot be discharged because they do not have a suitable place to return to in order to recover.

Despite the continued pressures from covid, the hospital has since relaxed its visiting restrictions.

However, those visiting the hospital will still be required to wear a mask, sanitise their hands and abide by social distancing.

Dr Shepherd said:

“We are pleased to have recently been able to relax visiting restrictions, but anyone entering our hospitals will still need to wear a mask, ensure they sanitise their hands and maintain social distancing.  

“Following these protocols will help us to protect our patients, but also our staff. Reducing the risk of our staff catching covid-19 will help us to maintain appropriate staffing levels so our patients’ care is not disrupted.”

Harrogate hospital staff to join Parkrun to commemorate national lockdown anniversary

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust staff are set to join runners on the Harrogate Parkrun to commemorate the anniversary of the first national lockdown.

Staff will join volunteers on the Stray on Saturday, March 19, to help set up the course and help participants achieve their personal best.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson implemented the national lockdown on March 23, 2020, in an effort to protect the NHS from being overwhelmed by covid.

William Greenwood, HDFT adult community service manager and volunteer at Parkrun, said:

“Parkrun was founded on a principle of improving mental wellbeing, the physical side of it was almost secondary.

“It is all about starting the weekend on a positive note, meeting new people, taking part in a walk or run and finishing with a slice of cake and a coffee.

“Within the event itself there are lots of micro communities who all support each other.

“It is an event that is open to absolutely everyone. Every week you will likely see people walking or running with their dogs, pushing prams, supporting visually impaired people.

“Some will complete in the run in under 20 mins and others will finish in over an hour, but thanks to the tail walker no one ever finishes last and the volunteers stay to cheer everyone to the end.”

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The NHS and Parkrun already have close ties, many members of staff taking part weekly as volunteers or runners and some GP practices prescribing attendance to Parkrun events for its health and social benefits.

Next Saturday, the first 300 runners through the finish line will be gifted a sustainable Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity tote bag full of healthy goodies.

For more information on the Harrogate Parkrun, visit the event website.

Masked thieves attempt to take cash machine from Harrogate shop

Four masked men broke into a Harrogate shop and attempted to remove a cash machine in the early hours of this morning.

The Co-op store at the junction of Skipton Road and Bilton Lane was targeted at around 2.35am.

The Stray Ferret reported the break-in this morning. Now North Yorkshire Police has released further details.

It said thieves broke through the front door and attempted to remove the ATM. When this failed, they stole cash from inside the shop.

Police were alerted by store security and sent officers to the scene, supported by a National Police Air Service helicopter.

Eyewitnesses said the men left in a small, dark car — possibly a Volkswagen Golf — and made off towards New Park roundabout. Despite attempts to trace the thieves, there were no further sightings of the car.

Now, detectives are appealing for more witnesses and CCTV footage to help their investigations. They have asked anyone living near the Co-op or along Skipton Road who has CCTV or a doorbell camera to check for footage of a small dark car leaving the area around that time. Drivers with dash cams are also asked to check their footage.

Anyone with information should call North Yorkshire Police on 101, selection option one and speak to the force control room, or email tom.baker@northyorkshire.police.uk, quoting reference 12220041651. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Sneak Peek: The new instagrammable, family-friendly Harrogate coffee shop

Aimee and Nino Cutino are no strangers to the Harrogate coffee shop scene as they already own No 35 on Cheltenham Crescent.

But today the couple, who moved from South Africa 11 years ago, opened a new cafe on King’s Road called Pink Door Harrogate.

No 35 is primarily Mr Cutino’s domain but Pink Door is Ms Cutino’s project.

Previously employed in digital marketing, she knew she needed a theme to differentiate the business from being “just another coffee shop” among the multitude that already exist in Harrogate.

The shop’s pink door makes it visually distinct but if you think you’ll be overwhelmed by pink you’re wrong. The design includes subtle pink and floral touches that create a unique space and fit the modern instagrammable world without being overwhelming.

As well as the usual hot drinks menu, the cafe will offer sandwiches, salads and protein shakes.

The set-up allows for space to bring your laptop and sit at the bar by the window, or you can perch on one of the pink couches and enjoy a drink with friends.

Ms Cutino said:

“It’s been amazing this morning, we’ve seen so many familiar faces that have come down to support us.

“We don’t want to be just another coffee shop. Anyone that comes into No 35 will know customers become like family. We pride ourselves on customer service and always try to do the little extras. Our coffee shop is a fun, family environment.”

There’s plenty of spots to create an insta story.

The next few weeks will be a soft launch before things get fully underway in April.

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The shop not only has all the classic hot beverages you would expect but also everything from small sweet treats to classic bacon sandwiches and salad bowls.

The owners are also hoping to tap into the fitness trend by offering protein shakes for anyone popping in after their gym session.

Their statement pale pink cups.

The Cutinos have been working on this project since July last year. They found the site by a stroke of luck — it was initially under contract with another company but when that deal fell through Ms Cutino snapped it up.

The pair are excited to be in a new area of town. King’s Road has seen a few new venues open over the past 12 months and a new restaurant and bar called Frog is in the pipeline in the coming months.

Harrogate Co-op closed after reported break-in

The Co-op store on Harrogate’s Skipton Road is closed this morning after reports of a break-in overnight.

The Stray Ferret was alerted to the break-in at the shop, which was cordoned off by police this morning.

At the scene, the glass on the automatic door of the store was smashed in. An in-store cash machine, which was found lying on the floor inside the entrance, was also damaged.

The store normally opens at 7am, but was still closed at 8am this morning. A sign reads that the Co-op is “temporarily closed”.

The Co-op entrance, which was smashed over night.

The Co-op entrance, which was smashed overnight.

The Stray Ferret has contacted North Yorkshire Police for more information on the incident.

A police helicopter was also out in Harrogate at 3am this morning. However, it is unclear whether this is connected to the break-in.

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Ex-soldier from Harrogate flying out today to help Ukrainian refugees

A former soldier from Harrogate will fly to Slovakia today to help Ukrainian refugees 

Mike Heelan, who served for 24 years in the British Army whilst based in Harrogate, will be supporting Ripon man Lewis Edwards and his team to run a shelter for people fleeing the war-torn country.

Mr Heelan was moved after reading the Stray Ferret’s stories about Mr Edwards, 33, and his 30-year-old Ukrainian partner Tanya Bogdanovska. They were both teachers at a school in Kyiv but fled the Ukraine capital on February 25 to set up a shelter in Slovakia.

Since then, the couple have helped refugees with housing, transport, food, medical supplies and other essentials. They have even sourced 10 armoured ambulances to protect health workers from gunfire.

Mr Heelan and Mr Edwards, who did not previously know each other, managed to connect via WhatsApp and then hastily arrange the trip at short notice.

Mr Heelan said he will go there for two weeks but may stay longer.

“I really felt I should be doing something. I’ll do whatever is needed.

“I want to help people who are suffering because of the war.”

Lewis Edwards and his partner Tanya fled Ukraine. Picture: Tanya Bogdanovoska

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Being human

Up to 180,000 refugees have crossed the border into Slovakia since Russia began its invasion two weeks ago.

The UN Refugee Agency has warned the total number of refugees from Ukraine may reach four million in the coming days.

Wives have been separated from husbands who are staying in the country to fight. Children have left everything they have ever known behind.

Mr Heelan said:

“They are scared and confused.

“I have got the time. It’s about being human.”

Mike Heelan

Mr Heelan said he’s grown frustrated with the UK government’s attempts to send aid to Ukraine, which he said has been stymied by red tape and bureaucracy.

But he pointed to Lewis Edwards as an inspirational example to follow.

“At a time when we need a robust, go-getting government we have a bunch of feeble-heads.

“Lewis is a young lad, a teacher, who’s managed to get armoured ambulances. He’s done it out of nothing. It’s quite amazing.”

Eyes open

At the moment, the border with Slovakia is not a part of Ukraine targeted by the Russian army.

Mr Heelan, 64, said he is not interested in fighting but is not afraid to face danger.

The stoic family man said his wife and two children support his journey.

He said he’ll be feeling some trepidation during the flight to Slovakia tomorrow, but added:

“That’s good for you. I’ll keep my eyes open.”

To donate to the Lewis Edwards Ukrainian shelter fundraiser, visit this gofundme page. 

Four men jailed for Harrogate district burglary spree

Four men have been jailed for a spate of burglaries across the Harrogate district, which included the theft of thousands of pounds worth of cars and a motorbike.

Chaz England, Nathan Lofthouse, Bailey Townend and Ainsley West were sentenced at York Crown Court yesterday.

England, 32, of Harrogate, Lofthouse, 20, of Harrogate, Townend, 19, of Ripon and West, formerly of Harrogate, appeared via video link from custody in Hull.

They admitted to the burglaries, which took place between December 2019 and August 2021.

Prosecutor Michael Cahill told the court that the crimes were sophisticated and planned.

Mr Cahill told the court how Townend, who was charged with two counts of burglaries, three thefts of motor vehicles and possession of cannabis, had stolen two cars in Knaresborough at a value of £15,000.

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Townend, 19, stole the Skoda and Mercedes from Bransdale Grove, along with a handbag containing a £20 note.

He went onto commit a similar offence on South Park Road in Harrogate in August last year, in which he stole a “rare motorbike” worth £11,000.

Mr Cahill told the court that Lofthouse, 20, burgled a property on Bogs Lane in Harrogate on December 22, 2019.

He stole a laptop bag, which did not include a computer but had sensitive NHS information, and two coats. Lofthouse also attempted to steal a Jaguar worth more than £10,000.

The court heard how England, 22, broke into a home on Stonefall Avenue, Harrogate, on Boxing Day 2019 to steal an iPhone7 worth £200, £800 in cash, five watches, a £300 chainsaw and two handbags.

England also stole a Ford transit van, which was later found abandoned with a flat tyre by police.

Stun gun

England was also convicted of possessing a stun gun, which is a prohibited weapon, and possession of cannabis following a search of his home.

Mr Cahill told the court that on August 2, 2020, West, 20, stole the number plates from a Fiat Punto at a property in Leeds before later using them on another vehicle from Knaresborough.

He was also convicted of attempting to steal a handbag, which included a police warrant card, and wallet from a property in York.

Mitigating for Townend, Shafqat Khan told the court that he had been remanded in custody since August 2021 and had “demonstrated maturity” while in custody.

The court also heard that Lofthouse had shown maturity while on remand. Ian Hudson, defending Lofthouse, said he had gained employment and “hoped to build on that”.

Didn’t get chance to say goodbye to children

Christopher Dunn, mitigating for England, told York Crown Court that he wanted to get on the “straight and narrow”.

He said:

“It indicates a maturity that he did not have before he went on this ridiculous spree.”

Ashleigh Metcalfe, defending for West, told the court that he was the first to enter his plea which afforded him “some credit”.

She added that West had two children who he did not get the chance to say goodbye to when he was remanded in custody.

She said:

“He knows that association with other individuals is not good for him.”

The defence for all defendants suggested community orders and suspended sentences as punishment.

However, sentencing the four men, Judge Morris said:

“I regard these offences as too serious to suspend as sentences.”

Townend was sentenced to four years and three months. Lofthouse was jailed for 17 months and England for 28 months.

West was jailed for four years and seven months.