Ripon businessman jailed for 80mph police chase in Knaresborough

A Ripon businessman led police on a cat-and-mouse road chase in which he shot through red lights and bombed through built-up areas at more than twice the speed limit on an uninsured Kawasaki motorbike.

Craig Hindson, 34, rode like a “lunatic” as he clocked up speeds of more than 80mph through Knaresborough and put at least one cyclist’s life in danger, York Crown Court heard.

He was jailed for six months and given a 15-month driving ban.

During the death-defying chase, the father-of-two taunted the pursuing officer by slowing down and “waving with his hand, indicating to pull over” – only to drop down the gears and speed off again, said prosecutor Dan Cordey.

At one stage, Hindson appeared to give himself up after pulling into a layby and stopping the bike. Police pulled in and an officer got out – only for Hindson to speed off again.

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The chase began on the A59 at the junction of York Road and Wetherby Road on 20 March.

Hindson began revving his engine aggressively in a line of traffic at temporary traffic lights at roadworks, drawing stares from people waiting at a bus stop.

Suddenly, Hindson “accelerated sharply, straight through a red light at high speed towards the Goldsborough roundabout”, added Mr Cordey.

80mph in 30mph zone

Among the queue of traffic was a marked police car, which gave chase but despite the wailing of sirens and flashing blue lights, Hindson sped up to “at least” 80mph on a 30mph stretch of road.

He shot through another set of lights, hotly pursued by police, just as two cyclists – a man and a woman – were crossing the junction.

The female cyclist had to stop in her tracks to avoid a potential collision. The scenes were witnessed by startled pedestrians walking along the pavement.

Hindson, wearing shorts, kept looking over his shoulder at the police car as he tore through Goldsborough.

“At times, he would slow down (and) wave with his hand, indicating to pull over, (then) drop gear before accelerating quickly away,” said Mr Cordey.

Ignored police

A short time later, Hindson appeared to give himself up when he pulled into a layby and came to a stop. The police car pulled up beside him, an officer got out and walked up to Hindson.

“He shouted at (Hindson) to remove his helmet and switch the machine off,” added Mr Cordey.

“The defendant nodded, but then very quickly accelerated away…onto the A59, towards the A1.”

The police vehicle managed to prevent Hindson pulling onto the A1 and instead the Kawasaki was forced into a dead-end, where it came to a halt. Hindson was duly arrested.

The officer found false registration plates on the Kawasaki, which Hindson said he had obtained from a “local lad”. The exact provenance of the motorbike remains unclear.

Hindson, of Princess Close, Ripon, was charged with dangerous driving, handling a stolen Kawasaki ZX and using a vehicle without insurance or a licence.

The tweed-jacketed businessman appeared in court on Tuesday when he admitted all three driving matters but denied handling stolen goods. His pleas were accepted by the prosecution and the handling charge was allowed to lie on file.

‘Foolish and out of character’

Defence barrister Holly Clegg said Hindson’s actions were “foolish”, albeit out of character.

He had been going through a “difficult time” after being kicked out of the family home and separating from his partner.

She said Hindson had been offered a go on the bike by a “lad he had seen around the local area” and “foolishly” the businessman took up the offer because he thought the motorbike was “cool”.

Hindson, who wore a crisp blue shirt and gold-coloured tie, ran a successful groundworks and Tarmacking company, which employed eight people.

References from business contacts described him as a hard-working, “reputable businessman” who was a devoted father and “very honourable individual”.

Judge Sean Morris told him he had ridden “like a lunatic” and could easily have killed someone, particularly the female cyclist who was in danger of being struck by the police car due to Hindson’s actions. This was no fault of the pursuing officer.

Four arrested after police helicopter chase in Ripon

Four people have been arrested in connection with the theft of a car amid dramatic scenes in Ripon city centre today.

A silver Ford Galaxy was reported stolen from a house in the city just before 11am this morning.

Police found the car abandoned at about 12.15pm. A police spokesperson said:

“A number of people were seen running from it. Air support was called in from the police helicopter, and officers on the ground continued to search the immediate area.

“By 1pm, four people had been arrested, all on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. “

The suspects, who include a man in his 20s and three teenagers, remain in custody. The car is undergoing forensic checks.

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Police release suspects after town centre altercation

Police arrested three people after reports of an altercation involving a group of teenagers in central Harrogate last night.

Officers were called to Montpellier Parade at 7.40pm on Monday, with several vehicles rushing to the scene.

A witness told the Stray Ferret that officers pulled over and made arrests on Beech Grove, near its junction with West Park.

Police arrested three suspects on Beech Grove then released them all

Officers stopped on Beech Grove to deal with reports of an altercation involving a group of teenagers

However, after making enquiries at the scene, police released all three suspects. North Yorkshire Police said this morning that enquiries into the incident are continuing.

Information can be reported to the force by calling 101 and using reference 12200166372.

CCTV appeal after car stolen in Harrogate burglary

Burglars stole a car from outside a house on Stonebeck Avenue after breaking in and taking the keys in the early hours of Sunday.

It happened between 1.30am and 2.30am, and the car was found abandoned with damage the following day.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said:

“Officers are appealing to anyone who saw or heard any suspicious people or vehicles in the area on Saturday night or Sunday morning, and in particular are appealing to any residents who have CCTV or smart doorbells that might have captured the suspects on camera.”

Anyone with information should call North Yorkshire Police on 1010. select option two, and ask for Mark Nursey, or email mark.nursey@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

To report information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote North Yorkshire Police reference 12200165204.

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Police appeal after spate of Harrogate burglaries

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses after a spate of house burglaries in the Harrogate area in recent days.

The incidents occurred on Beckwith Road, Grove Street, Hutton Gate, Chatsworth Place and St John’s Road from Tuesday to Friday.

Burglars entered the homes through insecure doors and took car keys, house keys, a wallet and a handbag, which were within easy reach,

A North Yorkshire Police statement said:

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incidents, including details about youths who have reportedly been going door-to-door trying for any insecure premises.

“If you have seen any suspicious vehicles or persons please contact the police.”

Police have urged people to keep their houses secure at night.

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Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Elizabeth Estensen . You can also email elizabethestensen@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 12200162246.

 

Police arrest man after incident in Harrogate Town centre

Police have arrested a man after an incident in Harrogate Town centre which left roads closed.

North Yorkshire Police were called to the incident on Strawberry Dale around 2.43pm after reports of a man making threats to other residents and that he was in possession of a knife.

Mayfield Grove was closed at the junction with Bower Road in order for police to deal with the incident.

Surrounding routes are reported to be busy as drivers try to find alternative routes.

A second man was also arrested on suspicion of obstructing police, though it was not part of the original incident.

A police statement this afternoon said:

“Police received a call at around 2.43pm that a man was making threats to other residents and that he had a knife in possession.

“A cordon was put in place around the property, including local road closures, to protect members of the public while officers dealt with the incident.

“It was brought to a conclusion at around 4.15pm when the man was arrested and taken into police custody. The road has now been reopened.

“A second man was also arrested on suspicion obstructing the police. Although not part of the original incident, he caused disruption inside the cordon while officers dealt with the incident. He is also in police custody at this time.”

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Large cannabis farm found in former Ripon nightclub

Police have launched an investigation after a large scale cannabis farm was discovered inside a former nightclub in Ripon.

Officers were called to the former Matrix nightclub on Kirkgage at 6.16pm last night (September 17) after two people were reportedly seen running away away after being disturbed during a routine building check.

Despite an extensive search, including the use of a police drone, the two people were not found, but a search of the building found a “large scale, sophisticated cannabis grow”.

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Now, North Yorkshire Police has issued an appeal for further information on suspicious activity in the area.

A police statement said:

“Police and partner agencies returned to the cordoned-off scene on Friday to carry out a full safety assessment before all the evidence could be gathered as part of the investigation.

“While this work is ongoing, officers are appealing for any information about recent suspicious activity or individuals in the Kirkgate area of Ripon.

“If you can help, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.

“If you would prefer to make an anonymous report, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or go to www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

“Please quote reference number 12200163654 when providing details about this appeal.”

Six workers rescued from Ripon takeaway

Six workers have been rescued from a takeaway in Ripon after residents raised concerns about their living and working conditions.

Representatives from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, Harrogate Borough Council, the police, fire service and Immigration Enforcement, a division of the Home Office, swooped on the takeaway, which has not been named, on Wednesday last week.

The six people safeguarded during the visit have been placed in temporary accommodation.

Officers noted several possible indicators of labour abuse but could not find any signs of modern slavery offences, according to the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority,

The council and the fire service will now investigate a number of housing and fire safety issues at the property.

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The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority works in partnership with other agencies to investigate labour exploitation.

Contact Crimestoppers anonymously if you suspect someone is being exploited for labour on 0800 555111.

Heroin seized and three arrested in suspected Harrogate drug deal

Police arrested three men in Harrogate yesterday after plain clothed officers intercepted a suspected drug deal.

Officers from North Yorkshire Police made the arrests after they were on patrol in the Montpellier Hill area.

After stopping and searching three men, they recovered a large amount of suspected heroin and cash.

Three men from Harrogate, aged 37 and two aged 45, were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply. One 45-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property.

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The suspects have been released while under investigation.

Police also seized 30 wraps of suspected heroin, £600 cash and a number of mobile phones and scales in the region as part of the investigation.

Detective Constable Tom Barker, who works on the force’s Operation Expedite team, said: 

“We continue to focus our efforts on the disruption of county lines drugs gangs, focusing on safeguarding those most vulnerable in society and making life difficult for the criminals who choose to exploit them.

“Yesterday’s action is one example of the relentless work going on to target drugs and the misery it brings to our communities. We urge anyone with any information about drug dealing to contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously. We will take action.”

Police have issued an appeal after a member of the public assisted police officers at the scene by pointing out discarded, suspected drugs.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and ask for Harrogate CID. Or pass information to the Force Control Room for incident number 12200161830.

Community groups to carry out speed checks in district villages

Community groups will be out in Hampsthwaite, Scotton and Tockwith tomorrow to check for speeding motorists.

The groups will be supported by North Yorkshire Police, using equipment to monitor speeds and pass information to officers.

The county-wide initiative could result in drivers being prosecuted based on the information supplied by the community groups. Jamie Smith, of North Yorkshire Police’s Traffic Bureau, said:

“Speeds of 60mph-plus through 30mph communities are unbelievably irresponsible, and clearly highlight that we need to continue doing everything we can to prevent them.

“If a child was to run into the road or a vehicle was to unexpectedly pull out of junction, the outcome would be unthinkable.

“Like us, residents are all too aware of these dangers and are fed up of motorists tearing through their communities and putting lives at risk.

“Community Speed Watch group do a very important job and we’re extremely grateful to everyone who gives up their time to support this valued work. We bring together police resources, tactics and teams along side these groups to pack a real punch against speeding and other dangerous road use.”

At the same time, officers from North Yorkshire Police will be on key routes through the county to check for unroadworthy vehicles. They will also be looking for other hazards, such as driving while using a mobile or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not wearing a seatbelt, tailgating, and uninsured vehicles.

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