Column: ‘My sexual assault in Harrogate shows why all attacks must be reported’

Bethany Sadler was 19 when she was sexually assaulted in the centre of Harrogate in 2018. The recent murder and kidnap of Sarah Everard as she walked home in Clapham, London has brought back memories of her assault. Waiving her right to anonymity, Bethany writes about her experience and why she believes it’s important to report such crimes to the police. 

On August 4, 2018, I was on my way to baby-sit for some family friends. I had been shopping in town, and was walking towards West Park Stray where their flat was. I remember it was an incredibly warm day, so I was dressed in a blue denim skirt and a red t-shirt. It must have been early evening, around 5pm, as it was still very light outside and busy in town.

I turned off into an alleyway, which leads to the apartments within metres of the street. As I was opening the gate into the apartments, I felt a hand reach up into my skirt and grab me in extremely intimate areas. Startled, I turned around to see a man staring right at me. It took a moment’s eye contact before I slammed the gate and rang the apartment bell, causing him to sprint away.

As my friends let me in and I explained what happened, I remember crying and feeling violated. I was extremely shaken up, but wanted to shake it off and leave it behind. I called my mum, who insisted I report it to the police, but even then I was reluctant. I didn’t think it was a ‘big deal’, or important enough to report. I just thought I’d be wasting police time.

But, as it turned out, it was a big deal, and the police took it extremely seriously. Once I reported the assault I was contacted by a female detective, who came to my house to take a statement from me. She was incredibly kind, and explained to me that many of these events are not isolated.

The police thought they knew who had assaulted me. He had been caught on CCTV following me from the town centre and was already on a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. If I could identify him, it could prevent other women from going through the same thing, or worse. I am five foot two and have a very young face, and at the time I remember constantly thinking about how young I could have been. It affected me a lot more than I thought it would, so I can’t imagine the detrimental impact it would have had on a child.

The alleyway where Bethany was assaulted

The process of identification before the arrest was tough. I was called into the police station in York a month after the assault, where I was to be shown a series of pictures of men. I knew that if I identified the man who assaulted me, the charge would be much easier to prove. Each time I was shown the pictures, I was asked if I knew which male was the offender, how sure I was that it was him (on a scale of 0 to 100% sure). This was the hardest part the process for me, as not only was I potentially staring at the man who violated me, but I also began to doubt myself and my memory.

Until you have been through this process, it is hard to comprehend why someone wouldn’t report these crimes. But it is difficult to keep going through the trauma of the incident – no part of the process was easy. But when I got the news that he was going to prison for three years, alongside a sexual harm prevention order, I was so glad I had chosen to be brave. It turned out he had been following me with the intention of groping me. My identification and suspect description had linked him to CCTV footage which warranted arrest.

At the time I thought I could brush it off, but the truth is it did affect me, and it took a while before I felt completely safe. But if I hadn’t reported it, the problem wouldn’t have been fixed, and to this day I might still be dealing with the consequences.

Sexual assault should not be brushed under the carpet – it is always a big deal. It is always worth reporting.

 

If you have been affected by this story, North Yorkshire Police provides support and signposting for victims of rape and sexual assault. Click here for more information.

To report a crime to police, call 101. In an emergency, dial 999.

Man who killed grandmother in Kirk Deighton crash sent to prison

A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to almost six years in prison after killing a 62-year-old grandmother in a collision on the A168 near Kirk Deighton.

William Charles Jackson, from Wetherby, appeared in York Crown Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to causing the death of the woman and two further counts of causing serious injury due to dangerous driving.

The victim, Maria Cuzyova, was visiting her family from Slovakia when she was killed in the collision in 2019.

Her daughter, Micheala Young, who was driving, and her son-in-law, Nicholas Young, both suffered life-changing injuries. Their five-year-old daughter suffered minor injuries.

Jackson was driving his red Vauxhall Astra along the A168, between Kirk Deighton and Walshford, at around 10pm on April 3, 2019.

As he approached the crest of a hill, with double solid white lines, between the north and southbound carriageways, he claimed he overtook a slower moving vehicle in front of him.

He said he didn’t see the oncoming vehicle, and his fatal manoeuvre led to a head-on collision with the family’s car.

Jackson was sentenced to five years and eight months’ imprisonment and was banned from driving for seven years and ten months. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190.

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During sentencing, Judge Simon Hickey made reference to a disturbing text message he sent which he said clearly demonstrated a disregard and lack of respect for road safety and other road users.

Mrs Young said her mum was “full of life”. She said the incident had “ripped apart” the family, both in the UK and Slovakia.

Speaking after Jackson was sentenced, senior investigating officer Traffic Sergeant Kirsten Aldridge, from the North Yorkshire Police Major Collision Investigation Team, said:

“Maria had just arrived in the UK to visit her family over half term. They were travelling back home after spending a lovely evening together and should have been all been able to return safely.

“I’d like to thank my colleagues in the Major Collision Investigation Team and Forensic Collision Investigation Unit for their hard work and determination in bringing this case to court and securing justice for the family.

“I hope the sentence also acts as a reminder that a poorly judged manoeuvre or a hastily thought through decision can have devastating, fatal effects. So, please drive safely and with consideration to others at all times.”

Harrogate man died from drugs, not head injury, inquest told

A coroner has ruled that a Harrogate man died as a result of drugs rather than a head injury, as police first believed.

Aaron Atkinson, 38, who was homeless at the time of his death, was found at a flat at Park House Green on May 7 last year.

North Yorkshire Police arrested two men, aged 46 and 40 at the time, on suspicion of murder and robbery shortly after the incident.

However, the force has now dropped its suspicions of murder.

It told the Stray Ferret today that one of the two suspects remains under investigation for assault and robbery. The other is still under investigation for robbery and theft.

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Jonathan Leach, assistant coroner for North Yorkshire and York, said at an inquest in Northallerton today:

“It is clear from the reports I have seen that Aaron Atkinson had a history of alcohol and drug abuse.

“Mr Atkinson was found unresponsive at a flat on Park House Green at 3am. The post-mortem found that he had taken heroin, cocaine, alcohol and anti-depressants.

“I have found the cause of death to be drugs-related.”

A mother’s tribute

Christine Bloomfield, Mr Atkinson’s mother, was at the inquest and told the Stray Ferret about her son’s life:

“People should remember Aaron for his heart of gold and his smile. He was a loving brother and son.

“He just got on the wrong path and went through a lot of heartache. Aaron recently lost his nan, dad and wife.

“My son was getting back on track. I saw him before he died in March and he had cleaned himself up.

“When we go through a life with a lot of sadness we all go in search for something to comfort us. With him it was drugs and alcohol.

“But he started to realise that he needed to make some changes. I believed him, he was doing well and I was proud of him. Then this happened.”

Police appeal for help after row on Skipton Road

Police are appealing for witnesses to a heated argument on Skipton Road in Harrogate.

It happened near the junction of Woodfield Road between 2am and 3am on Saturday.

The altercation was between a man and a woman in the same car.

North Yorkshire Police is seeking help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from any witnesses to the incident or anyone who may have CCTV.

Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Matthew Reeve.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210072735.

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Police issue covid fine warning to cyclists

Police have warned cyclists not to take their bikes on cars for rides in North Yorkshire — or they could be fined.

Superintendent Mike Walker, who leads the county’s police response to covid, told a press briefing this morning there had been an increase in the number of cyclists taking bikes on cars.

Speaking at North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, which co-ordinates the county’s response to covid, he said cyclists doing this were undermining efforts to tackle the spread of the disease.

Government guidance says exercise should be limited to once a day, and you should stay within your local area.

Superintendent Walker urged people not to travel from their village, town or city. He added:

“We will take positive action against those who choose to breach regulations and put safety and lives at risk.”

Superintendent Walker revealed that 10 covid fixed penalty notices were issued in the past week in the Harrogate district.

Twenty were issued in the previous seven days.

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Jewellery thieves strike in Jennyfields

Police have released a rather grainy image of two suspects they’d like to speak to after jewellery thieves broke into a Harrogate home.

The incident happened in the Norwich Drive area on Jennyfields between 5.30pm and 9.30pm on Wednesday.

The suspects broke the lock on the front door before stealing sentimental and valuable items, including wedding rings, necklaces, Gucci watches, a Givenchy bag and Dior Air Trainers.

North Yorkshire Police said today they would like to speak to the two people in the image, who were in the area at the time, and appealed for any information that could help to identify them.

Anyone with information can contact the force on 101. Select option two and ask for Elizabeth Estensen. You can also email elizabeth.estensen@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 12210070785.

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Police commissioner candidate promises action on dog thefts

The Conservative candidate for the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner elections has pledged to take a tougher stance on dog theft.

Philip Allott, who lives in Knaresborough, believes many frustrated dog owners feel some police forces treat the crime as low priority.

Mr Allott highlighted a survey showing dog thefts increased by 250% last year due to gangs cashing in on the demand for puppies during lockdown.

Sought-after breeds, such as French bulldogs, can sell for more than £5,000 and a litter can fetch £35,000.

If elected, Mr Allott would not be able to change operational police policy but he pledged to lobby those who can.

Last week he discussed dog thefts on a group call with Home Secretary Priti Patel, who said she would consider further action.

Voters will go to the polls on May 6 to elect a successor to Julia Mulligan.

The North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner election was delayed last year due to covid.

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Mr Allott told the Stray Ferret today:

“The rising prices of dogs have made them a target for criminals. Most would probably make more money stealing a dog than a wallet.

“Laws are now relatively robust with sentences up to five years but many criminals receive just a caution or a fine.

“PFCCs cannot change the law but we can make representations. I have already been on a call with the Home Secretary and I have also shared a survey on Twitter.”

The following candidates so far have announced they are standing for election as commissioner:

The final list of nominations will be published on April 9.

Harrogate murder suspect named in court

A 23-year-old Harrogate man charged with murder has been named in court this morning.

Daniel Liam Ainsley, of no fixed abode, appeared at York Magistrates Court today, where he did not enter a plea.

Magistrates sent the case to Leeds Crown Court, where it is due to be heard on Wednesday morning.

Mark Wolsey died on Friday at a flat on Mayfield Grove after sustaining serious injuries.

The police released this picture of Mark Wolsey.

North Yorkshire Police said yesterday it had increased patrols in the area but told residents that it was a “contained incident” and that the public was not at risk.

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The force has appealed for anyone with information to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. The incident number is 12210072144.

Police appeal after Killinghall collision

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information about a collision that occurred on the Old Spring Well roundabout on the A59 near Killinghall.

It happened on February 16 at 2.30pm and involved a silver VW hatchback colliding with a black Ford Fiesta.

The driver of the silver VW didn’t stop following the collision and drove off towards Beckwithshaw.

A statement by North Yorkshire Police today said:

“Officers are seeking the identity of the VW driver to establish the circumstances surrounding the cause of the collision.”

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has dash-cam footage, can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Charles Lonsbrough.

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12210061537.

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Police name Harrogate murder victim and charge suspect

Police have charged a 23-year-old man with murder after a Harrogate man was found dead on Friday night.

Mark Wolsey has been named as the victim, who paramedics pronounced as dead at 10pm on Mayfield Grove.

Mr Wolsey was found with serious injuries before he died and police said they detained the supect “very quickly.”

His family asked police to share the above photo of him and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

Police on Mayfield Grove on Saturday.

The suspect, who is also from Harrogate, remains in custody and will appear at York Magistrates Court on Monday.

North Yorkshire Police has increased patrols in the area but has told residents that it is a “contained incident” and that the public was not at risk.

The force has appealed for anyone with information to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. The incident number is 12210072144.

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Detective Superintendent Fran Naughton, who is leading the investigation, said:

“Our investigation is well under way and we can confirm this was a contained incident.

“A man is now in police custody and we do not believe there is any wider risk to the public.

“However, many residents will be understandably anxious about what has happened. There will be a greater police presence in the area, which we hope residents will find reassuring, and officers will be working closely with the community.

“Our specially-trained officers are supporting the deceased man’s family at this difficult time.”