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09
May
Woman admits drug-driving on A1(M) near Knaresborough
The Stray Ferret spent the day at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (May 8).
We sat through hearings, which included cases of drink-driving and drug-driving.
You can read reports on three cases below.
A woman has been banned from driving after drug-driving on the A1(M) near Knaresborough.
Amy Tsang, 37, of Bedale Road in Wellingborough, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (May 8) where she spoke to confirm her name, address and enter a guilty plea.
Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court that Tsang has broken down at junction 47 of the A1(M) on January 15, 2025, when officers pulled over to support.
She said officers could smell cannabis after they had sought to help the 37-year-old.
Tsang was ordered to take a test, where she tested positive for cannabis in her system.
She admitted a drug-driving charge in court.
Brian Nuttney, defending, said Tsang had entered an early guilty plea and was of previous good character.
He added that she was “fully compliant” with police throughout the process.
Magistrates banned Tsang from driving for 12 months. She was also fined £307.
She was also ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £123.
Tockwith man banned after drink-driving
A Tockwith man has been disqualified from driving after drink-driving near his home.
Paul Fox, 40, of Leven Gardens in the village, admitted driving while under the influence of alcohol at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court that Fox was seen by an off-duty officer “slumped over the wheel” of his car near to the Spotted Ox pub on Westfield Road on April 17 this year.
She said the 40-year-old was approached by the officer and spoken to while on-duty police arrived.
Fox was taken to Harrogate Police Station, where he recorded 75mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath — the legal limit is 35mg.
Ms Ibbotson said during interview, the defendant told police he had driven from his home address — around half a mile from Westfield Road — to the shop to buy food and alcohol.
Fox, who represented himself in court and is of previous good character, said he was “embarrassed” and fully understood that he should have “just walked”.
He said:
I do not have anything to add [to the prosecutor’s evidence]. It’s the most stupidest thing I have done and I’m sorry.
Magistrates banned Fox from driving for 18 months and issued him with a £646 fine.
He was also ordered to pay a victim’s surcharge of £258 and £85 in court costs.
Harrogate man admits drink-driving in Scarborough
A Harrogate man has admitted drink-driving in Scarborough.
Adam Whitehouse, 31, of Walworth Avenue, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (May 8).
He admitted drink-driving on Aberdeen Walk in the town on April 5 this year.
Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court that police stopped Whitehouse going down the wrong way on a one-way street. He later recorded 97mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
Andrew Tinning, defending, said the 31-year-old had never been in trouble with police before and had got in his car after an argument with his partner.
He added that Whitehouse was trying to find a place to pull over after regretting his decision to get into his car.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report. Whitehouse will appear before court again on July 3.
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