The Stray Ferret spent the morning at Harrogate Magistrates Court today (January 30).

We sat through a number of hearings, which included cases of assaulting an emergency worker, use of threatening behaviour and theft.

You can read reports on cases below.

Michael Dunn pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting an emergency worker by beating.

Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court a named police officer was called to an address on Woodfield Drive on December 27 last year following a report of an incident. 

The court heard Dunn, who gave his address as Bower Street in Harrogate, was not at the property when police arrived.

When officers found the defendant nearby, he was taken to the ground.

Ms Ibbotson said the 46-year-old then “swung his head at the police officer’s leg”, which caused the officer pain.

She added:

Dunn, who was not legally represented in court, said the year before the incident he found out his father had died.

The defendant said he had been “searching for him for many years”, but his father had actually died when Dunn was younger.

“It really impacted me and I started drinking”, he said.

Dunn also told the court he was grieving the death of his brother, who died three months prior to the incident, at the time of the offence. 

The court heard an argument involving Dunn broke out on the night of the incident. He said he left the property and was drinking before police arrived.

“I don’t really remember what happened, but I know I’m guilty”, Dunn said.

He added:

A representative of North Yorkshire Horizons confirmed the defendant is engaging with support.

The case was adjourned whilst a pre-sentence report is prepared. Dunn will be sentenced at Harrogate Magistrates Court on March 14. 

‘I got sick of being hunted by police for my mental health’, court hears

A man appeared in court charged with one count of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour.

Nicholas Patterson, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to the charge.

Ms Ibbotson said there had been a “disagreement” on January 2 this year and police were made aware of concerns for Patterson’s welfare.

The court heard police officers found the 42-year-old defendant at Tesco Esso Express petrol station on Knaresborough Road at around 6.10pm.

Officers said Patterson was “in drink” and became aggressive when they tried to search him. 

The defendant swore at the police, Ms Ibbotson said, and continued to swear after being told to calm down.

Patterson, who was not legally represented in court, told the court he had “a bad day” on the day of the incident.

He said:

Patterson was ordered to pay a total of £197, comprising an £80 fine, a £32 surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs. 

Harrogate woman admits beer theft

A Harrogate woman admitted one count of theft from a shop.

Samantha Hardy, of Bewerley Road, pleaded guilty to stealing a pack of Kronenbourg 1664 beer - to the value of £6.65 – from the Co-op on Skipton Road.

Ms Ibbotson told the court the defendant entered the shop shortly before 3pm on July 3 last year and selected the alcohol before leaving.

Hardy, 44, was identified through CCTV. The court heard she made a full admission when interviewed by police.

Andrew Tinning, defending, told the court Hardy is a lady who had “historic problems with drugs”.

She has now moved to alcohol, Mr Tinning said, but told the court Hardy is working with agencies to address this.

Representatives of the probation service and North Yorkshire Horizons both confirmed Hardy is engaging with support.

Hardy was ordered to pay £6.65 in compensation.

“Please don’t make fools of us or yourself by coming back to court", the lead magistrate told Hardy.