The Stray Ferret spent the morning at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Friday (March 21).

We sat through a full morning of hearings, which included cases of causing death by dangerous driving, sexual assault and posessing a firearm.

You can read reports on three cases below. 

A woman has appeared in court charged with causing death by dangerous driving in the Harrogate district.

Sheila Leadbeater, 71, of Main Street, Newton Kyme, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Friday (March 21) and spoke to confirm her name, age and address.

She was charged with causing the death of Nicholas Davey after driving dangerously on Fleet Lane in Tockwith, which is alleged to have happened on March 30, 2023.

Magistrates referred the case to York Crown Court. Ms Leadbeater will appear at crown court for a hearing on April 28.

Man charged with firearm offence

A man will appear before York Crown Court charged with possessing a firearm without authority in Harrogate.

Robbie Nelson, 26, who gave an address in Harrogate, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Friday (March 21).

Mr Nelson was charged with allegedly possessing a semi-automatic pistol without the authority of the secretary of state on Woodfield View on October 11 last year.

The 26-year-old spoke in court only to confirm his name, age and address. His case was referred to the crown court.

Mr Nelson will appear before York Crown Court on April 28.

Harrogate man appears in court charged with sexual assault

A Harrogate man has appeared in court charged with sexual assault.

Liam Rodgers, 32, of Spa Lane, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court charged with two offences against a named victim.

The offences are alleged to have happened between January 1, 2023, and September 26, 2023.

Mr Rodgers spoke in court only to confirm his name, age and address.

His case was referred to York Crown Court, where he will appear for a hearing on April 1.