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

We sat through a number of hearings, which included cases of assaulting an emergency worker and drink-driving. 

You can read reports on three cases below.

Aidan Swindells, of Byland Place in Harrogate, pleaded guilty to one count of driving a motor vehicle when his alcohol level was above the limit.

Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court a car was seen by police at 1.40am on December 29 last year.

The court heard the car was blocking the road.

Ms Ibbotson said officers spoke to the 31-year-old defendant, who was behind the wheel, and noticed he was “in drink”.

When police asked Swindells if he had been drinking, he said: “I may have had a beer or two”.

Swindells was arrested and a breath sample recorded 74 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of his breath – more than twice the legal limit.

Brian Nuttney, defending, told the court Swindells has expressed remorse for what he did. 

The court heard the defendant had been drinking at home on the night of the offence and decided to drive to the shop to get some food.

“He should’ve walked”, Mr Nuttney said.

He added:

The defendant was also struggling with low mood at the time, the court heard. 

Mr Nuttney told the court Swindells has since decided “drink and him just do not get on” and he has stopped drinking.

The magistrates told Swindells it is “beggars’ belief that you had a drink and then drove to the shop”.

Swindells was banned from driving for 19 months, which would be reduced by 19 weeks if he completes a drink-driving course within a certain period.

He was also ordered to pay an £800 fine, plus a £320 surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs. 

Knaresborough man denies assaulting police officer

A Knaresborough man appeared before court charged with three offences.

Jason Whittle, of Half Crown Way, pleaded not guilty to one count of obstructing or resisting a constable in the execution of their duty and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker by beating.

Court documents say the alleged offences happened on Bower Road in Harrogate on January 3.

Mr Whittle, 33, spoke only to confirm his name, age and address and to deny the charges.

His trial will be held at Harrogate Magistrates Court on June 12. 

20-year-old banned from driving after being twice the limit

A Harrogate man was banned from driving after being more than twice the legal alcohol limit.

Samuel Bratby, of Crowberry Drive, pleaded guilty to one count of driving a motor vehicle when his alcohol level was above the limit.

Mel Ibbotson, prosecuting, told the court police officers came across a car that had broken down on Skipton Road on January 3 this year.

The court heard four young men were inside the car, but the defendant went over to the officers and told them he was the driver.

Ms Ibbotson said police could smell alcohol on Bratby. 

The 20-year-old defendant was arrested at 4.24am and taken to the police station, where his breath sample recorded 71 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms. 

Ms Ibbotson told the court Bratby was compliant with police and made a full admission.

The court heard he had been at work on the night of the incident before going to a staff party.

Ms Ibbotson added:

Bratby, who was not legally represented in court, said he left the party at around 2.30am.

He told the court he is currently studying at university and has a “casual job” in Harrogate during the holidays.

Bratby was disqualified from driving for 19 months, which would be reduced by 19 weeks if he completes a drink-driving course within a certain period.

He was also ordered to pay a £120 fine, a £48 surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.