The Stray Ferret spent the morning at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (January 16).

We sat through a full morning of hearings, which included cases of assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage.

You can read reports on three cases below. 

A Harrogate man appeared in court charged with four offences.

Louie Wright was charged with possessing cannabis, assaulting an emergency worker and obstructing a police officer.

Wright, of Lindley Mews, pleaded guilty to all charges.

Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court police were contacted on December 26, 2024, following an incident at a family member's house.

The court heard a named police officer tried to detain Wright on Knaresborough High Street, but the defendant “pushed him in the torso” and fell on top of him.

The officer sustained grazes to his arms and lacerations to his elbow, Ms Ibbotson said.

She told the court when a different officer later tried to restrain him, Wright bit the officer on the leg. The bite did not pierce the officer's skin but it did leave red marks. 

Police also found cannabis on Wright. 

Andrew Tinning, defending, told the court Wright had been drinking on the day of the incident. Prior to that day, he had not had an alcoholic drink for six months, Mr Tinning said.

Mr Tinning said Wright has responsibilities – including a mortgage, a partner and a good job – and his employers “only have good things to say about him”.

“It gives a rather different impression to what you have heard”, Mr Tinning told the magistrates.

He also said Wright was disappointed to be in court and appreciates the seriousness of the offences.

The case was adjourned whilst a pre-sentence report is prepared. Wright will return to court on February 14. 

Man admits punching window at Harrogate bar

A Harrogate man has been fined after causing criminal damage to a window at a Parliament Street bar.

James Addison, 26, of Woodfield Avenue, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday where he spoke to confirm his name, address and enter a guilty plea.

Mel Ibbertson, prosecuting, told the court Addison had been removed from Mojo on Parliament Street by door staff on the evening of December 21 last year.

She said that he had punched a glass window outside the bar with his right fist after being removed from the premises.

Ms Ibbertson added that Addison told police that he “did not remember” the punch, but admitted that he had too much to drink.

Andrew Tinning, defending, said that the 26-year-old had made a full admission to officers and entered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity.

Mr Tinning added that the defendant had “not tried to complicate things” and had apologised for his behaviour.

Magistrates fined Addison £247.

Pateley Bridge woman fined after spitting at emergency worker

A Pateley Bridge woman has been fined after spitting at a police officer.

Carrie Rutherford, 28, of The Sidings, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court yesterday charged with assaulting an emergency worker. She pleaded guilty to the offence.

The court heard that police were called multiple times to The Sidings in Pateley Bridge over reports of “screaming and shouting”.

Mel Ibbertson, prosecuting, said that officers arrived and spoke to a named man who made the complaint before finding Rutherford nearby.

The defendant was arrested on suspicion of a separate offence and was taken to a police car, the court heard.

Ms Ibbertson said Rutherford then began “pulling and screaming” before she spitting at a named officer.

Rutherford, who defended herself at the hearing, told the court that she regretted her actions.

She said:

“I am not proud of the matter. I was under the influence of alcohol and I was very regretful.”

Magistrates fined Rutherford £331.