The Stray Ferret spent the morning at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Friday (October 3).

We sat through hearings, which included drug-driving, handling stolen goods and drink-driving.

You can read reports on three cases below.

A drug-driver has been banned from driving for two years after nearly causing a crash in Knaresborough.

Timmy James, of Hawes Road in Harrogate, admitted two counts of driving under the influence of drugs on May 26 this year.

James, 39, who is currently serving a 14 month prison sentence at HMP Hull for a separate offence of dangerous driving, did not appear before Harrogate Magistrates Court at a hearing on Friday due to custody issues.

He was sentenced in his absence.

The prosecution told the court that police officers had been driving on the A658 in Knaresborough when a car in front “crossed over the road” into oncoming traffic.

The car, which was being driven by the defendant, “narrowly avoided a collision” with a Tesla in the opposite lane, the court heard.

Police pulled James over and ordered him to undertake a roadside test.

The 39-year-old recorded 31mg of cocaine in 100ml blood — the legal limit is 10mg — and 566mg of Benzoylecgonine, which is a by-product of cocaine.

Andrew Tinning, defending, told the court that James’ life “had turned sour” after the breakdown of his long-term marriage.

Mr Tinning said the defendant suffered from mental health issues due to the loss of his marriage, but also his drug use.

He added that James could not recall where he was going or where he had been on the night of the offences.

Mr Tinning requested the court impose a financial penalty given that the defendant was already serving a custodial sentence for a separate offence.

Magistrates banned James from driving for 24 months and ordered him to pay a £645 fine.

Pair deny handling stolen goods

A man and a woman have denied handling stolen goods in Harrogate.

Kevin Dempsey, 22, and Anna Carrol, 25, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court where they spoke to confirm their names, ages and addresses.

Both were charged with allegedly handling stolen goods, namely a quad bike, on September 28, 2023.

Mr Dempsey, of York Road in Leeds, and Ms Carroll, of Mill Green in Leeds, denied the charges.

Magistrates adjourned the case for trial on February 26, 2026 at Harrogate Magistrates Court.

Ex-soldier admits drink-driving on A1(M)

An ex-solder has admitted drink-driving on the A1(M) near Boroughbridge.

Ronald Brown, 37, of Wynmoor Crescent in Barnsley, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court where he spoke to confirm his name, age and address.

The prosecution said police pulled over Brown, 37, who was driving a black Audi, on the A1(M) near junction 48 at 12.30am on August 25 this year.

The defendant recorded 52mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath — the legal limit is 35mg.

Brown, who had spent 20 years in the army including tours of Afghanistan, was of previous good character, the prosecution added.

Magistrates banned the 37-year-old from driving for 14 months. He was also ordered to pay a £109 fine, victim surcharge of £42 and £85 in court costs.