Boroughbridge man jailed for taking indecent photographs of three-year-old girl

A Boroughbridge man has been jailed for taking indecent photographs of a three-year-old girl and three other offences involving indecent images of children.

Geoffrey Crowther, 72, a self-employed heavy goods driver, was sentenced to 12 months in jail at York Crown Court today (August 26) and was placed on the sex offenders’ register.

Mr Crowther previously pleaded guilty to four charges of:

North Yorkshire Police’s Online Abuse and Exploitation Team arrested Mr Crowther on November 12, 2018, and carried out a search warrant of his home following intelligence of suspicious website activity linked to him.

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Numerous telephones and other devices were seized for examination by the force’s Digital Forensics Unit.

Mr Crowther was then charged on April 1, 2020, and later pleaded guilty at York Crown Court on July 9.

Safeguarding measures have been put in place regarding the youngster whose photograph was taken by Crowther. Police are satisfied there have been no contact offences against the girl.

DC Fiona Saunderson, of the Online Abuse & Exploitation Team, said: 

“Geoffrey Crowther did something unthinkable by taking indecent images of a young child. His despicable actions were a grotesque breach of trust which has devastated lives.”

DC Saunderson added:

“Crowther claimed he did not have a sexual interest in children. But when presented with the evidence he admitted to taking indecent photographs of a three-year-old girl.

“Again, he stated he got no sexual gratification from them and that he had deleted the photos immediately.

“Despite his continued denials that he has a sexual interest in children, all the evidence, including his very specific online search history, suggests otherwise.

“Crowther still hasn’t properly explained why he has been taking and making and indecent images of children.”

Boroughbridge Community Care calls for more volunteers and funding

Boroughbridge Community Care has been providing essential support during the pandemic and is now in need of further funding and volunteers to cover demand.

The charity has adapted its needs to those in the community, offering food parcels, gardening services and advice for those experiencing financial struggles as a result of covid.

It has missed out on vital fundraising opportunities and, as volunteers return to work, the need for more is growing.

Manager of the charity, Karen Parker, said:

“We would be really keen to have new volunteers come forward to help in any way they want. It’s difficult to get hold of funds currently, of course we can’t fundraise during these times. But any ideas are welcome! Organisations that have stepped up and come forward the help the community accounts for additional funds but there is only limited funding coming in whilst our expenses are increasing.”

The charity has always provided transport to appointments and social sessions such as coffee mornings and lunch clubs. Recently, it has seen the needs change within the community to cover younger families as well as the elderly and vulnerable.

Karen added:

“There’s nothing that beats that face to face chatting, that contact is invaluable. It’s just about finding alternative ways to continue support whilst keeping everyone safe. I think there is still the need but a different need, we’ve always supported older and more vulnerable people but since covid we now cover younger families too.

“I think there’s a gap in some people’s finances after being furloughed or out of work for months, so it’s about fulfilling the need to offer those essential services and making sure they know we’re here to help if they need it. Particularly those people that find themselves in a new situation, we can help.”

The charity, found above the library in Boroughbridge, is hopeful to resume its usual social events and fundraising once government restrictions ease.

It is determined to offer support to those in need with the help of additional volunteers.

Paddle board litter pick set for Boroughbridge this weekend

An upcoming stand-up paddle board litter pick event has proved extremely popular in Boroughbridge.

Alfresco Adventures, based in Richmond, will be grouping up with UK organisation Plastic Patrol to take a small group out on the River Ure tomorrow.

Sam Johnson, owner of Alfresco Adventures, said:

“The event filled up in seconds before it was even put on Facebook. As a company, and the owner, it is important we look after the areas we use. We’re conscious about the environment so we want to keep it clean and protected.”

The outdoor adventure company is the Plastic Patrol partner for the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Lake District.

The business will be taking a small group of five people out to comply with coronavirus health measures. They will start at the marina in Boroughbridge before stand-up paddle boarding down to the locks where the bulk of the litter is expected to be.

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A spokesperson for Plastic Patrol said:

“We’re excited to be partnering with Alfresco Adventures to bring our paddle boarding clean ups to North Yorkshire for the first time. In return for a free session, participants pay their ‘nature tax’ by picking up litter and recording. Every piece collected contributes towards the mission to remove and log one million pieces of litter! We’re thrilled to be providing an opportunity for the local community to come down and try a new activity and learn more about the extent of the problem we face with plastic pollution.

Plastic Patrol intend to run more river clean ups in the area, with a date planned for September. The litter pick is a free event. Details can be found on the company’s Facebook page or the Plastic Patrol website.

Three arrested after police chase car thieves in Ripon and Boroughbridge

Three teenagers have been arrested after a car was stolen in Ripon, leading to a chase between the city and Boroughbridge.

Officers responded after a car was reported stolen from Wellington Gardens in the city on Saturday at around 3.10pm.

The dark blue Ford Focus was then seen being driven at speed in Boroughbridge, where it failed to stop for police, leading to a pursuit. With use of a stinger deployed on the B6265 Boroughbridge Road towards Ripon, police stopped the car at around 4.20pm.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said:

“The three occupants of the car ran off on foot but were located by an officer and police dog a short time later. Two 15-year-old boys and one 16-year-old boy were arrested and have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

“Police thank many members of the public who reported sightings of the vehicle, which ultimately led to the offenders being caught and arrested.”

Anyone who saw the vehicle between around 3.10pm and 4.20pm in the Ripon and Boroughbridge area is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, press 1 and pass information onto the Force Control Room, quoting reference number 12200141434.

Boroughbridge restaurant wins top award

Shahi Raj Indian restaurant has won a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award while working to try and recover after lockdown.

The award is based on customer reviews which have placed Shahi Raj in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.

Since reopening last week, the restaurant is trying to rebuild its success despite decreased bookings. Capacity has had to be halved to meet safety guidelines, and some evenings only three tables have been in use.

The family-owned restaurant has been a part of the Boroughbridge community for 20 years. Restaurant manager Shahenur Rahman said:

“When I first received the award I was shocked because, in the present situation, we were still working hard to make sure the restaurant is safe for our customers. It was difficult at the beginning: before we were doing 10 to 15 sit-down meals a night during the week but that had to be halved for safety. Dining is still in decline as people are wary but we just have to make the best out of the situation.

“I don’t think it’ll get back to how it was for six to 12 months. We can’t just throw the towel in when things get tough.”

Interior of Shahi Raj restaurant, Boroughbridge.

The Indian restaurant has struggled since lockdown but hopes that as people gain confidence they will return.

During lockdown the restaurant was delivering meals to members of the community who were in need of help. A takeaway was also set up to continue to generate funds whilst the restaurant had to remain closed.

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Councillor urges rejection of £47m spend on Harrogate Convention Centre

An Independent  Ripon councillor is urging fellow councillors representing outlying areas of the Harrogate district, to vote against plans for a £47m redevelopment of Harrogate’s conference and exhibition facilities.

Councillor Pauline McHardy claimed:

“If this gets the go-ahead, it will be a financial burden around the district’s neck for years to come.”

The three-times Mayor of Ripon added:

“I think it’s totally wrong for Harrogate Borough Council to even be considering spending money of this magnitude, while there are so many other things that need support in places such as Boroughbridge, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Spofforth and here in this city.”

Photograph of Councillor Pauline McHardy

Councillor Pauline McHardy

Cllr McHardy said many areas require more council investment such as  social housing, particularly for the elderly, more town centre parking provision to accommodate the increase in cars brought by new housing developments and community bus services for those in rural areas who do not have alternative transport.

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She pointed out:

“We keep being told that the Harrogate Convention Centre brings economic benefit across the whole of the district, but I don’t see evidence of that and people I speak with here and in Knaresborough feel the same.

“It’s time for councillors of all political colours, particularly in the outlying areas, to think first about the people who elected them, before putting their hands up for more spending on the convention centre.”

The proposals for Harrogate Convention Centre were set out at a virtual extraordinary meeting of the Harrogate Borough Council cabinet last Wednesday, when centre director Paula Lorimer said:

“We need this redevelopment not only to drive more conferences, but for the district and the community. We run school events, remembrance events, entertainment, orchestras and community groups.

“We do a great deal to support the community and the revenue we provide goes back into the council. What comes into us ripples out into the district. We need a successful HCC.”

This evening, a virtual extraordinary meeting of the full Harrogate Borough Council will be held at which elected members from across the district will vote on the HCC spending plans.

 

Developer offers 5% new home discount to key workers

Houses at a newly completed housing development at Kirby Hill, near Boroughbridge, are being offered to key workers with a 5% discount.

Developer Caedmon Homes says the discount will be applied to three and four bed houses and could add up to a £19,000 reduction on the price.

The Priory Meadows site is a development of 34 homes ranging from two-bedroom bungalows to five-bedroom detached homes, with prices starting at £377,500. James Baker of agent Preston Baker said:

“As the world slowly gets back to normal after the global pandemic, we have hosted a number of open weekends at Priory Meadows and the reaction has been phenomenal. We were so incredibly busy last weekend that we opened on the Monday as well – and that was equally stacked out.

“The upshot is that we have agreed four sales since lockdown, which is a superb return – and a massive endorsement of this stunning development. There are now only 12 houses left to buy.

“As a special thank you to the selfless key workers during Covid-19, we are offering them a five per cent discount on this site for two three/four bed houses, which are the same house type as the show home. That equates to a discount of almost £19,000.”

Porch outside of one of the new houses at Priory Meadows, Boroughbridge

The development has proved popular even over lockdown with 60% of the house already sold.

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Simon Bowler, a Yorkshire-based landscape architect, has crafted three bespoke porches for the development’s flagship houses.

Priory Meadows has been shortlisted for Residential Development of the Year (fewer than 50 homes) in the Yorkshire Property Industry Awards, alongside three other developments – including one other in the Harrogate district, The Chase on Harlow Hill, Harrogate.

 

12 cases of coronavirus in Harrogate district as rates remain low

Public Health England figures show 12 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the Harrogate District in the past week, but infection rates across the county remain low.

The data shows a small day-by-day increase in the number of cases between July 20 and 26, with just one positive case since then.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the prevalence of the virus is “likely to be rising” in England with some lockdown easing due for August 1 being delayed.

Further data has been released by government, known as the “middle super output area”, which shows the number of cases at a neighbourhood level across the country.

The move follows complaints from local authorities that a lack of data at a local level prevented them from managing outbreaks effectively.

According to the data, four cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the Boroughbridge and Marton-cum-Grafton area last week. However, data for areas where fewer than two positive cases have been reported is not included.

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So far, a total 724 cases of the virus have been confirmed in the district compared with 2,566 in the wider county.

Meanwhile, Harrogate District Hospital announced yesterday that it currently has no positive coronavirus patients for the first time since the pandemic began.

The hospital has also gone 16 days without reporting a coronavirus death and no further deaths were recorded in care homes in Harrogate last week.

A spokesperson for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust said that people “must remain vigilant” in order to keep cases low.

Well done to each and every one of #teamHDFT. pic.twitter.com/zimIENBlfF

— Harrogate NHS FT (@HarrogateNHSFT) July 30, 2020

It comes as last night Matt Hancock, secretary of state for health and social care, announced a local lockdown in Greater Manchester, Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale. Residents in those areas will no longer be allowed to mix with other households indoors, including in pubs and restaurants.

Mr Hancock said the government was placing areas into local lockdowns in order to prevent a second wave of the virus.

The government also announced a delay on reopening of “higher risk” areas, such as bowling alleys and weddings of up to 30 people

However, earlier this month, Dr Lincoln Sargeant, director of public health at North Yorkshire County Council, told senior councillors that the county was not in the same position as those areas with high infections.

Dr Sargeant said figures in the county “remained low” and that rates in Scarborough, which were the highest, were at half the levels of Leicester – which was also put into a local lockdown in June.

He said:

“We are in a situation where the numbers are low and that gives us a good opportunity to consolidate that situation to work effectively with test and trace to keep those numbers low.”

More than 100 Eat Out to Help Out businesses in Harrogate district

From next week people will be able to ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ by taking advantage of a 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks in the Harrogate district.

More than 100 restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs in the district have signed up to the new government scheme to boost hospitality.

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It is valid all day Monday to Wednesday from August 3 to 31, as long the town or city is not in lockdown.

Customers can get a maximum of £10 off food and drink when they eat or drink in. There’s no minimum spend and it can be used in conjunction with other offers.

The government has released a list of establishments registered for the scheme, which we have compiled by area. If your business is not on the list then get in touch.

Harrogate – 66

Knaresborough – 14

Ripon – 9

Boroughbridge – 6

Nidderdale – 6

Masham – 4

Boroughbridge junior football club calls for girl players

Boroughbridge junior football club is calling for more girls and disabled players to join its teams training resumes  next month.

The club has several successful teams but hopes to increase numbers in the girls and ability for all teams. The girls team need more members aged 7-13 years.

The ability for all team includes children with various disabilities. The club aims to support each child’s needs and give them the opportunity to play a sport that they may see as unattainable.

Each team plays in local junior leagues but children are welcome to train for fun if they don’t feel confident to play in a league straight away.

Boroughbridge all abilities team mid game

The club’s ability for all team are encouraged to enjoy the game regardless of disability.

Christopher Fahey, chairman and coach at the club, said:

“We’re currently looking to build our girls and disabled teams. For the girls teams we need girls aged 7-13 years to join and train with us. In time they could join our competing teams in the Harrogate League. If they don’t think they are ready for the league they can just come along and then train for fun.

“Our all abilities team usually trains together. The children have various disabilities and are all aged between 6-15 years. We tell everyone to just come down to train and we will support them.

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The club is hosting a free girls-only session to attract new players on August 1.

The ability for all group will resume training fortnightly on Sunday 9th August. A date for the boys teams is yet to be set as they train on Boroughbridge High School pitches, which are currently not available.

The club can be contacted via its facebook page or website.