Police launch internal investigation into Harrogate officer

North Yorkshire Police has said it will launch an internal investigation into an officer found guilty today of two counts of dangerous driving in Harrogate.

Detective Constable Quita Passmore, 38, drove through a red light at the junction of Otley Road and Cold Bath Road at 50 miles per hour and crashed into a car carrying two elderly women.

She was given a 10-month jail term, suspended for two years, and disqualified from driving for two years at Bradford Crown Court.

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In a statement, North Yorkshire’s deputy chief constable Phil Cain said:

“This was a very sad incident and our thoughts are with the two women and their families who are still recovering from the events of that day.

“This is an incident that police officers hope to never occur and thankfully is rare.

“We acknowledge the decision of the court. The verdict has now been referred to our professional standards department to form part of our internal investigation.

“Therefore, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time.”

DC Passmore was responding to reports of an officer in distress at 10pm on May 5 in 2018 when she drove an undercover police vehicle through red lights.

The jury found Passmore guilty of two counts of dangerous driving.

Judge Burn told her it was “not in the public interest for the courts to be sending emergency responders to jail”.

Patricia Bulmer and Janet Roberton, who were travelling in the car she hit, sustained severe injuries, including broken bones and a punctured lung.

Ripon residents ‘scared to go out’ as crime fears grow

Ripon residents have said they are too scared to go out at night because of teenage gangs.

Fear of crime and anti-social behaviour in the city has escalated in recent months.

Matters came to a head on Sunday evening when police responded to five incidents in three hours.

They included reports of a man with a machete, a robbery, thefts and gang activity.

It is getting too much for some locals, prompting councillors to call for urgent police action.

North Yorkshire Police has said it will increase patrols following the latest incidents. But some believe there are not enough officers on the streets to cope.

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Pauline McHardy, a councillor on Ripon City Council and Harrogate Borough Council, told the Stray Ferret:

“This has got much worse. I have lived in Ripon all my life and we have never had this level of trouble before. They should be ashamed of themselves.

“Many residents are frightened to leave their homes. These people are terrorising the city, there is no other word for it.”

Stephen Craggs, owner of electrical firm G Craggs, which is based opposite the bus station where some of the young people gather, said:

“This is not like they are just scaring little old ladies. I had just parked at the shops when there was a group of teenagers drinking.

“They just brushed passed me but it was quite intimidating. You don’t know if they have a weapon or what they are going to do.”

Sid Hawke, who also sits on Ripon City Council and Harrogate Borough Council, echoed concerns, and said lockdown had exacerbated the problem:

“Ripon used to be a really quiet and lovely place to live. This is just not on. It is getting really violent now. I think the lockdown has made it worse.

“They are terrorising people. We have a lot of elderly people who live here and they are petrified to leave their homes.”

Ripon City Council is set to have a meeting with North Yorkshire’s police, fire and crime commissioner Julia Mulligan to discuss concerns and respond to pleas for more police.

Abuse for Harrogate key workers increasing

Harrogate District Hospital and North Yorkshire Police staff have reported increased instances of abuse from members of the public.

The hospital tweeted yesterday that it has received “some really disappointing feedback” from volunteers offering free facemasks who say a small minority of “rude and unpleasant” people have been causing problems.

Volunteers at the hospital’s mask station are on hand to ask visitors and patients to take off the mask they are wearing and put a clean one on, which they provide for free.

A hospital spokesperson added:

“The incidences are increasing but we really want to emphasise that it is a small minority of people and that we appreciate there may be questions and concerns about why we are asking people to wear a mask we provide when in hospital.

“It is for the safety of everyone and the volunteers are very happy to help anyone who may need some further advice and guidance. We just need to ensure this is done courteously.”

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The trend was echoed by North Yorkshire Police which published figures last week that revealed 36 arrests were made in January following assaults on police, fire and ambulance personnel – an average of more than one a day. 

The figure has risen by 45% compared to the same period last year. 

They include physical assaults such as punches, kicks, biting, assaults with a weapon and spitting.

Can you drive to Swinsty reservoir for a walk?

It is a simple question: can I drive to beauty spots like Swinsty reservoir in the Harrogate district for exercise? But a clear answer appears elusive.

Harrogate Borough Council’s newsletter last week said:

“Driving to the other side of the district, into the Nidderdale AONB or to either of the national parks is not acceptable.  If you do, you run the risk of a fine.”

Swinsty, Fewston and Lindley Wood reservoirs — popular spots with walkers and dog owners — are all located within Nidderdale AONB and the council’s comments prompted a fierce debate on Twitter.

Some questioned whether legally people could in fact be fined.

Another person tweeted it was ‘bizarre’ that you could join ‘droves of people in Valley Gardens but a quick hop up to deserted Nidderdale is risky and the coppers might fine you’.

But others said there had been a huge increase in local walkers and supported fines.

Today the Stray Ferret attempted to get clarity.

We approached the council, which said it was simply “amplifying North Yorkshire Police’s messaging about what local means”.

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North Yorkshire Police sent us two links when we asked for clarification.

The first was a quote from Superintendent Mike Walker, who leads the force’s response to covid:

“If the officer finds that the individual has travelled multiple miles to exercise and it’s outside of their local area, where there is plenty of provision and open spaces to exercise close to home, the officer has the option to encourage adherence or enforce the regulations dependant on the circumstances.”

There is no further explanation on how far “multiple miles” is. But Superintendent Walker adds that getting “embroiled in detail” can mean we “lose focus of the real reason we are being asked to limit movement”.

The second link referred to a reply by chief inspector Charlotte Bloxham to a resident’s question about what was classed as local travel.

“In relation to travelling for exercise it’s really clear that the message is to stay local in order to do that.

“You can exercise once a day and with one person from another household but the guidance is to stay local to reduce the spread of the virus.

“Local is defined as in your village, your town, your city or locality.

“We are not trying to be the fun police and try spoil people’s activities but it is for a really important reason.”

Some Twitter comments referred to recent guidance on the stay local message from the National Police Chiefs Council, which represents police chiefs.

“UK government guidance strongly requests that people do not leave their local area. However, the covid regulations which officers enforce and which enables them to issue fixed penalty notices for breaches, do not restrict the distance travelled for exercise.”

Government’s coronavirus guidance states:

“Outdoor exercise should be done locally where possible. But you can travel a short distance within your area to do so if necessary.

“For example, to access an open space.”

Man sought after bank card and cash taken in Knaresborough burglary

Police are trying to identify a man from CCTV images after a bank card and cash were stolen in a burglary at a Knaresborough home.

The incident took place on Aspin Park Lane on Tuesday, January 26, between 2pm and 3pm.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“In particular, we are appealing for information to help identify the man in the CCTV image as officers believe he might have information which could assist the investigation.”

Police are trying to trace this man from CCTV images

Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two, and ask for Geeta Maharjan, or email geeta.maharjan2@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

To report information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210045217.

Police officer ‘very sorry’ after high speed crash with Harrogate women

A police officer has apologised after she drove through a red light at 50 miles per hour and crashed into a car with two elderly Harrogate women inside.

Bradford Crown Court heard the statement DC Quita Passmore prepared when questioned under caution by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The court previously heard how Patricia Bulmer and Janet Roberton sustained severe injuries as a result of the crash, including broken bones and a punctured lung.

DC Quita Passmore has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving. She has entered a plea of not guilty to both counts.

She was responding to reports on May 5, 2018 from her colleague PC Nicola Copley – who said she was in distress while trying to make an arrest in the Bilton area.

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The defendant made a three point turn, put on her blue lights and sirens and drove down Otley Road towards the centre of Harrogate.

DC Quita Passmore said in her statement, read out in court with a jury today:

“Despite my concern for [PC Nicola Copley] I limited my speed to 50 miles per hour and kept my road conditions under constant review.

“I was aware that I needed to give way for the red light. But I thought it was unlikely that anything would emerge as my colleague had passed through seconds before.

“As I went through the junction a red car emerged. My evasive action was not enough to avoid the collision.

“I am glad to hear that the two other people involved are making a recovery. I am very sorry this happened, it was never my intention.”

The court called in three witnesses today. PC Steve Kirkbright, driving trainer Kenneth Tate and IOPC officer Paul Whitaker provided evidence.

Steve Kirkbright, a forensic collision investigator with more than 30 years experience at North Yorkshire Police, told the court:

“I do not think that DC Quita Passmore braked heavily before the crash. I have watched the CCTV dozens of times.

“The brake lights do not appear on DC Quita Passmore’s car. Other vehicles in the CCTV slow down and you can see the light bloom.”

Kenneth Tate, a driving trainer at North Yorkshire Police who has taught DC Quita Passmore, also said:

“If I were approaching this junction with a red light I would slow down to a walking pace.

“It is only safe to go once I have got the ‘arena,’ which means that everyone has eyes on the police car around the junction.

“You have to make sure the junction is clear. That is how we always train.”

The trial continues.

Woman, 19, in critical condition after being struck by tractor in Ripley

A woman is in a critical condition after being struck by a tractor near Ripley yesterday.

The 19-year-old from the Ripon area was standing next to a broken down silver Hyundai 4×4 when she was hit by a passing tractor.

According to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident report, the Hyundai started filling with smoke and the driver pulled over.

The report added:

“One of the passengers of the vehicle got out and ran round to the driver side to get the driver out and they were then hit by a moving vehicle.

“Crews administered first aid on their arrival. The passenger was taken to hospital by road ambulance, the driver and other passenger were uninjured. Incident left with the police.”

Police were called to the scene on Fountains Road between Ripley and Bishop Thornton at 5.17pm. The road was closed until 11.13pm while emergency services attended.

According to North Yorkshire Police, the broken down Hyundai had been travelling away from Ripley towards Bishop Thornton, as was the tractor.

Police added the tractor driver did not stop at the scene but was later traced. He was subsequently released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Dashcam appeal

Police described the woman’s injuries as serious and said she remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The green John Deere tractor was towing a flat trailer carrying bales wrapped in black plastic.

Police are asking for anyone with dashcam footage or anyone who saw the vehicles involved on Fountains Road to contact them.

They are particularly keen to trace a car also believed to be travelling towards Ripley at the time of the collision. Police believe the driver may have witnessed the collision or seen the tractor passing the 4×4.

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Any witnesses are asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for Alison Hoyle. The officer can be contacted on email using Alison.Hoyle@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

The reference number is 12210045363.

72 per cent of North Yorkshire lockdown fines issued to men

More than seven out of 10 fines for breaches of lockdown restrictions in North Yorkshire have been handed to men, according to police figures.

North Yorkshire Police revealed yesterday it has issued 328 fixed penalty notices since the third lockdown started.

Of that number, 235 have been to men — 72 per cent of all fines issued so far. Ninety-three have been to women.

Nearly half of the fines have been to people aged 18 to 25.

A total of 160 have been issued for indoor gatherings, some of which have been for house parties.

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Superintendent Mike Walker said officers have to deal with reports of house parties “every night of the week”, mainly in the Scarborough district and York.

The total number of lockdown fines handed out by North Yorkshire Police since January 6. Data: North Yorkshire Police.

Total number of lockdown fines issued by North Yorkshire Police since January 6. Data: North Yorkshire Police.

In Harrogate, 22 of the 34 fixed penalty notices since the third lockdown began on January 6 have been issued for being outside without good reason. 

Police have handed 27 of the fines to men. However, most of the breaches have been committed by people from outside the area with just 11 notices given to local residents.

It comes as police pledged to get tougher on those who breach lockdown restrictions and said they would no longer “waste time” with rule breakers.

Superintendent Mike Walker, North Yorkshire Police.

Superintendent Mike Walker, North Yorkshire Police.

Yesterday Superintendent Walker told a meeting of North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, the partnership organisation that leads the county’s response to covid, that officers continued to issue fines but had seen an improvement in the last week.

A total of 87 fines were handed out across the county in week three of lockdown compared with 134 in week two. He said:

“We are starting to see slightly better compliance. 

“But we are still having to issue fixed penalty notices to people who do not believe that the regulations are there to follow.”

He added he felt the message to stay at home was getting through to most people, but a minority do not feel it applies to them.

“People know what they should be doing and they know why they should be doing it, but they choose to ignore the warnings and the risks and choose to ignore the fact that over 100,000 people have died from the virus.

“They think that what they want to is more important or they think they won’t catch it.

“In my opinion, this is incredibly short-sighted, naive and plain wrong. This is a highly contagious and deadly virus. We’ve all seen the damage it can do and it does not discriminate.

“It only takes one contact with one contagious person who may be asymptomatic to contract the virus and potentially pass it on, an action which may end up with someone losing their life.”

Nazi swastikas sprayed on Harrogate homes and car

Nazi swastikas have been spray painted on two homes in Harrogate.

Police say the incidents caused “considerable distress” and are appealing for anyone with CCTV footage to come forward.

The damage occurred on Bilton Lane in Bilton and Trefoil Drive in Jennyfields between 8pm on Sunday and 11am on Monday.

Nazi Germany adopted the swastika flag in the 1930s.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement this morning a front door and a garage door were sprayed painted. It added:

“The victims cars were also damaged, one with a swastika, the other with a red line.

“This is an abhorrent image and one that has caused the victims considerable distress.

“Officers are requesting your help and are appealing to anyone who has any information, in particular anyone on the two roads that might have doorbell or household CCTV cameras, to contact the police.”

Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Jonathan Cleary. You can also email Jonathan.cleary@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210038263 or 12210039205.

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Harrogate elderly women ‘thought they would die’ in police crash

Two elderly Harrogate women thought they were going to die when an undercover police officer crashed into their car on the Otley Road.

Detective Constable Quita Passmore was responding to reports of officers in distress at 10pm on May 5, 2018.

The officer was driving an undercover car with blue lights and sirens on. She had been travelling at around 50 miles per hour before she collided with the elderly women.

She had gone through the red lights at the junction with Cold Bath Road, a jury at Bradford Crown Court heard today.

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The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) carried out an investigation into the crash and passed its findings onto the Crown Prosecution Service ahead of the case.

Mr Dunn, the prosecuting barrister, told the court:

“The officer was going too fast at 50 miles per hour in the circumstances. The red light was showing for nine seconds to safely negotiate that junction at that speed.

“It was too fast in all the circumstances, say the prosecution. She was going too fast to stop on her side of the road and failed to yield for a red traffic light.

“Officers are entitled to disregard those traffic signals when responding to an emergency. There is no issue with the exemptions but it must be done safely.

“This was dangerous, say the prosecution.”

Victim statements

Both of the victims were retired elderly women. They suffered serious injuries, with the court hearing a list of broken bones and a punctured lung.

Patricia Bulmer, who was driving a red Vauxhall Corsa, told police in hospital after the crash:

“We had spent the day at a friend’s house and left around 10pm. I had driven up Cold Bath Road and turned onto the junction with Otley Road.

“Then there was an almighty smash and bang. The airbag flew into me. My friend was then making moaning noises at the side of me.

“After that, two ladies poked their heads through and said they would get us out of the car.”

Janet Roberton, who was the passenger in the car, also told police:

“I heard a loud siren type noise and saw lights to the right of the car. I just remember one of us shouting ‘oh my God, oh my God.’

“Then there was a loud bang, it was the most awful noise I have ever heard. My first thought was the we were going to die, it felt terrible.”

Detective Constable Quita Passmore has pleaded not guilt to two counts of dangerous driving.

The case continues.