Subscribe to trusted local news
If you are accessing this story via Facebook but you are a subscriber then you will be unable to access the story. Facebook wants you to stay and read in the app and your login details are not shared with Facebook. If you experience problems with accessing the news but have subscribed, please contact subscriptions@thestrayferret.co.uk. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
04
Apr
Man admits stalking woman in Harrogate
A man has admitted stalking a woman in Harrogate by turning up at her house unannounced.
Andrew McColl, 67, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Thursday (April 2) where he spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
McColl, of St Roberts Mews, admitted one count of stalking a named victim between September 11 and September 19, 2025.
Alison Whiteley, prosecuting, told the court that the 67-year-old had been in a relationship with the victim for two-and-a-half years before it ended.
Ms Whiteley said when the victim stopped responding to McColl’s messages, he became “unpleasant”.
She said:
He attended her address on a number of occasions uninvited and posted a letter. He then threatened to tell her parents about this.
In a victim impact statement, which was read out in court, the victim said she felt “scared” and “unsafe in her own home”.
She added that she felt “unsafe when there are noises in the night” and worried about going into town on her own.
Brian Nuttney, defending, told the court that McColl had pleaded guilty to the offence at the earliest opportunity.
He added that the 67-year-old was remorseful for what had happened.
Mr Nuttney said:
He accepts that his behaviour was shameful and takes full responsibility for that.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report to be made. McColl will appear again at Harrogate Magistrates Court on June 5, 2026.
0