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27
Jan
Woman denies causing serious injury by dangerous driving on A59
The Stray Ferret spent the morning at Harrogate Magistrates Court on Friday (January 24).
We sat through a number of hearings, which included cases of dangerous driving and theft.
You can read reports on cases below.
A woman has denied causing serious injury by dangerous driving on the A59 near Kirk Hammerton.
Rowena Ledgeway, 32, of Whixley, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Friday (January 24), where she spoke to confirm her name, address and enter a plea.
She was charged with causing serious injury to a motorcyclist by dangerous driving on the A59 at Kirk Hammerton on November 24, 2022.
Ms Ledgeway pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Magistrates referred the case to York Crown Court to be heard on February 17, 2025.
Woman fined after Harrogate supermarket thefts
A woman has been fined after stealing from two supermarkets in Harrogate.
Melissa Barnwell, 50, of Forest Grange Close, admitted two charges of theft at a hearing at Harrogate Magistrates Court.
The court heard that Barnwell stole two bottles of wine from Sainsbury’s on Cold Bath Road on September 25 last year.
She was also charged with stealing a bottle of vodka from Marks and Spencer on Cambridge Street on October 18 the same year.
The court heard that the 50-year-old was subject to a suspended sentence order for a separate offence of 16 months' imprisonment suspended for two years, which was imposed in May 2023.
Andrew Tinning, defending, said Barnwell had been recovering from a drug addiction and had sought the help of charity Changing Lives to turn her life around.
Mr Tinning told the court that the defendant had started drinking after being unable to see her 11-year-old son, who is in foster care.
He asked magistrates to step away from referring the case to the crown court over the suspended sentence as Barnwell had complied with the requirements made under the order.
Magistrates fined £252.70, which included compensation for the items she stole. They warned her that another offence would see the suspended sentence activated.
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