A rookie Amazon driver has been found guilty of causing the death of a motorcyclist by dangerous driving.

Daniaal Iqbal, 22, was running out of fuel and texting on Snapchat when he knocked over and killed Peter Rushforth in a horror crash near Ripon in September 2019, a jury at York Crown Court was told.

Iqbal, who was on only the second day of his new Amazon delivery job, was also allegedly using a navigational app on his mobile phone when the collision occurred.

He was driving around a sweeping bend on Kirkby Road when he collided with Mr Rushforth Kawasaki Ninja travelling in the opposite direction, said prosecutor Katherine Robinson.

Mr Rushforth, who was believed to be in his late 50s, was on the correct side of the road as he came around the bend, but Iqbal’s white Transit van was on the wrong side. The side of the van struck Mr Rushforth’s helmet, part of which broke off, added Ms Robinson.

Mr Rushforth and his motorbike then slid along the road towards the grass verge, crashing into a stone wall. He then collided with some tree branches before falling to the ground. Other motorists went to his aid, but he suffered fatal injuries and was certified dead at the scene.

Ms Robinson said that about 15 minutes before the collision on September 21, Iqbal exchanged five text messages with an Amazon colleague about needing to refuel and arranging to meet up at the Morrisons petrol station in Ripon because he didn’t have a company fuel card.

He then made a delivery in Ripon and was travelling on Kirkby Lane, towards the town, when the crash occurred at about 6.30pm.

Read more:

• Are petrol prices being pumped up for Ripon motorists?
• Tributes to former Ripon Hornblower George Pickles

Mr Rushforth and his bike were “thrown from the road into nearby vegetation and a small wall”.

Police were called out and Iqbal, who was described as looking “completely shocked”, remained at the scene.

Snapchat activated

Phone records showed that minutes before the collision, he had carried out a search on the Apple Maps navigation app to get directions to the fuel station.

At 6.30pm, around the time of the crash, records showed that the camera and Snapchat apps on Iqbal’s phone had been activated as he approached the collision site.

A forensic officer said his investigation suggested that Iqbal had sent a Snapchat message to a friend at about the time the delivery van came round the bend into the path of Mr Rushforth’s motorbike. Ms Robinson said:

“The conclusion is that (Iqbal) hadn’t seen the motorbike until after the collision because, we say, he was using his mobile phone.”

The collision expert said Iqbal could have been looking at the Apple Maps navigation aid or pressing the activate button on Snapchat around the time of the collision.

Iqbal, of Toller Lane, Bradford, claimed he hadn’t been using his phone and was on the correct side of the road at the time of the crash. He didn’t dispute that he caused the death of Mr Rushforth but denied that he was driving dangerously.

Motorbike enthusiast

Graham Atkinson, a friend of Mr Rushforth and a fellow motorbike enthusiast, said he received a text from his mate on the day of the crash saying that he was coming to see him and was “setting off in five minutes”.

Mr Atkinson had offered his friend a motorbike and Mr Rushforth was on his way to look at the bike when the fatal crash occurred.

He said Mr Rushforth never showed up and when he tried to call him later that evening, his phone went to voicemail.

He said they had known each other since the mid-1960s when Mr Rushforth’s parents ran a post office in Ripon.

He said Mr Rushforth was a “quiet chap” who had a garage on North Street where he kept his motorbikes.

The jury found Iqbal guilty as charged following a week-long trial. Judge Simon Hickey adjourned sentence to October 14.

Ripon motorists are paying up to 11.2 pence more per litre for unleaded petrol than their Harrogate counterparts, while those driving diesel cars, vans and lorries are paying on average 8 pence a litre more at the pump.

This morning, at the Morrisons Esso station on Harrogate Road a litre of unleaded was being sold at 179.9 pence.

But 12 miles away in Harrogate, Asda’s price for a litre of unleaded had reduced  to 168.7 pence.

It means a motorist adding 40 litres of unleaded fuel to their vehicle would pay an extra £4.48.

On Saturday the Morrisons petrol station in Harrogate was selling the cheapest unleaded in town at 170.4 pence per litre, but by contrast, the petrol station at its Ripon store site was charging 178.9.

Morrisons’ Esso petrol station on Harrogate Road, Ripon, where a litre of unleaded was 11.2 pence more than Asda and 9.5 pence more than at its Harrogate store.

Ripon resident Stewart Readman, who contacted the Stray Ferret to point out the difference in prices, said:

“I have an app that gives details of petrol and diesel costs in the area and further afield and would have thought that at a time when some  people are struggling to get by, that the petrol station operators would be a bit more even-handed when they are in a position to reduce prices.”

When asked how it justifies the price difference between its petrol stations in Harrogate and Ripon, a spokesman for supermarket giant Morrisons, said:

“In the UK petrol prices vary from town to town and even neighbourhood to neighbourhood and we will always strive to be competitive in each local area.

“Occasionally this can mean price differences between different areas open up. We continually review our prices and will look to reduce this difference as soon as we can.”

Read more:

• Expert has grounds for concern over Ripon Leisure Centre spending
• Ripon Museum Trust looks to the future

North Yorkshire Police has released CCTV images of two men they want to speak to after an unprovoked assault in Ripon.

The incident happened near Booths supermarket, Marshall Way, between 4am and 4.30am on Sunday, July 3.

A man in his 30s suffered serious facial injuries and required hospital treatment following the assault.

Officers said the two men pictured in the CCTV are believed to have been part of a larger group which was present when the assault happened.

A police statement added:

“Officers are asking members of the public to get in touch if they recognise either man.

“Anyone with any information is urged to email Sam.Clarke2@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC Sam Clarke.

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

Please quote reference number 12220116042 when passing on information.”

Read more:

• Teen pleads guilty to Stray robbery and possessing zombie knife
• Ex-Harrogate headteacher found guilty of making indecent images of children

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Harrogate law firm has appointed a new head for its estates department.

Harriet Thornton will take the position at LCF Law, where she will oversee an 18-strong team.

Ms Thornton will take up the position as head of estates after initially training at the company as a lawyer.

She said:

“I’m particularly proud of the work I have done growing the firm’s leasehold enfranchisement division, helping both landlords and tenants with lease extensions as well as purchases and sales of their freeholds. We created a fixed fee staged costs model so when dealing with collective enfranchisements for blocks of apartments, every leaseholder knows exactly where they stand.

“Working with developers on projects across Leeds, London, Manchester and Harrogate is also particularly rewarding, as I get to assist them at every stage of the project, from site acquisition through to setting up the estate development and subsequent plot sales. I also help developers with purchase and development finance and always take a proactive approach to every project.”

Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said: 

“Harriet is a very capable and dependable lawyer who is well-liked by clients and colleagues. Having won and been shortlisted for several industry awards over the years, she has carved out an impressive career, built and enviable client list and led the way in providing first rate services that exceed clients’ expectations.”

Read more:

• Business Breakfast: Ripon company director shortlisted for two industry awards
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate man launches health inequality app

Work starts on Ripon Business Park expansion

Work has started on an expansion of a Ripon business park.

The park, which is based off Ripon bypass, looks set to see a further 25,000 sq ft of industrial and trade units built.

Construction is set to be complete by spring next year and FSS Property has been leading the project as its agent.

Adam Crawfurd-Porter, lead agent for the scheme at FSS Property, said:

“I am delighted to support my clients in developing the site further, ensuring a new provision of industrial units to service the needs of the local area.

“I was confident that the scheme we proposed would solicit good interest but to have pre-let over half of the site before building works have commenced is a great result”

FSS Property is taking enquiries on the remaining units on the site. For more information, visit their website.

A derelict building in Ripon city centre is set to be demolished to make way for townhouses.

Harrogate Borough Council has approved plans to flatten the building in Moss Arcade, off the city’s Market Square.

Proposals submitted by Greystone Developments would see the building replaced with three two-bedroom townhouses.

James Robinson, planning consultant who submitted the plan on behalf of the developer, said in documents to council:

“This is an important part of Ripon steeped with heritage.

“However the building on the site is very much a left-over redundant building, which blights the surrounding area.”

He added:

“The proposed redevelopment of the site on Moss Arcade will be of great benefit to the surrounding area.

“This will resolve this existing left over building, which detracts from the conservation area, by providing three two-bed townhouses, which are designed to be fit for modern living.”

Read more:

• Plan for 80-bed care home on Ripon paint factory site
• Plans submitted for three yurts in Kirkby Malzeard field

A new branch of the Women’s Institute could be set up in West Tanfield if a meeting in the village pub proves popular.

The WI previously had a branch in the village which closed down – but a meeting is being held later this month to discuss setting up a new one.

Margaret Merrall, a WI advisor who helps communities to set up and run WIs, said the suggestion came from local women.

“Two ladies approached us about setting up a WI in West Tanfield. They had been in another WI locally but one of them lives in West Tanfield and thought there might be interest in a WI in the village.

“When we met a fortnight ago, they already had about 10 people interested before we had even announced the meeting.

“Now we’ve set a date, we’re hopeful of getting a good number of people there and having some volunteers for the committee to get things started.”

The initial meeting takes place at the Bruce Arms on Wednesday, August 24 at 7pm.

If there is enough support, a new WI will be formed and its members will choose when and where they meet each month, as well as what they do at the meetings.

Read more:

• Knaresborough Town FC sets up women’s team
• Overwhelming turnout for new Harrogate menopause group

While the stereotypical image of WI meetings is of talks in dusty village halls, in reality many groups prefer a more active approach. Belly dancing, gin tasting and bushcraft skills have all been on the agenda for WIs in the Harrogate district in recent years.

When a new Wi is established, it becomes part of the national organisation, as well as a region – in this case, North Yorkshire West Federation of WIs. The federation will support it by paying for the costs of its first three meetings, before members’ fees – just £44 per person for a full year – are used to pay for hall hire, speakers and other expenses.

Margaret added:

“I tend to stay quite close to a new WI for about a year. I’ll pop to a couple of committee meetings and make sure everything is going well.

“It has been a hard couple of years with covid in every walk of life. We’re pleased to be opening a new WI – our first since the pandemic – and we hope it’s something the community will really enjoy.”

Watering of public flower displays in the Harrogate district could be reduced over the coming weeks after the announcement of a hosepipe ban later this month.

Harrogate Borough Council said it will be working to reduce its water use in line with Yorkshire Water’s decision, which comes into force on Friday, August 26.

However, the authority said its three public paddling pools will remain open in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens, Knaresborough’s Bebra Gardens, and Borrage Green in Ripon.

A spokesperson said:

“Following the Yorkshire Water announcement about the hosepipe ban, we are looking at what measures we can and should implement to conserve water supplies.

“Unfortunately, this may result in our baskets and floral displays looking a bit the worse for wear but we hope people will understand the reasons why.

“Our paddling pools are currently filled until after the August bank holiday, and we welcome residents and visitors using ours across the Harrogate district rather than their own.”

Harrogate’s famous floral displays could go un-watered.

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire County Council said it would be following the rules when the hosepipe ban comes into force.

Council leader Carl Les, whose portfolio includes emergency planning, said:

“We are looking at our services and where exemptions may apply, and we will be conforming with the rules. We would urge all residents to follow the advice already given out nationally and regionally on how they can conserve water usage, as we will be.

“Let’s also take care in these tinder dry conditions to avoid starting fires, which not only use large amounts of water to extinguish, but can also threaten property and in some cases lives.”

Read more:

• Hosepipe ban introduced for Harrogate district
• Temperatures to soar to 30 degrees – but no weather warning for Harrogate district

The hosepipe ban is the first to be introduced in Yorkshire since 1995.

People are asked not to use hosepipes for domestic activities including watering plants or grass, washing cars, filling paddling pools or swimming pools, or cleaning outdoor surfaces.

The activities are still permitted if they are carried out without a hosepipe, such as with a bucket or watering can, or if a water butt is used, for example.

Blue Badge holders, people on Yorkshire Water priority services register and those on the WaterSure tariff for medical reasons are exempt from the ban.

The restrictions do not apply to commercial premises using a hosepipe for essential activities.

It’s a landmark year for Ripon Racecourse as it prepares for its most important race of the season tomorrow.

With the city celebrating the 1,350th anniversary of the founding of Ripon Cathedral by patron saint Wilfrid, the Boroughbridge Road track will hold the race that has been run in his honour since 1839 and has been supported by bookmaker William Hill since 1994.

The William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap, run over six furlongs, has attracted a field of 15 sprinters from top yards — all vying for the winner’s prize of £51,540, with a further £48,460 going to the owners of the placed runners.

Jon Mullin, marketing and operations manager at the racecourse, told the Stray Ferret:

“This will be William Hill’s 29th year of sponsorship. It is by far their longest-standing sponsorship and is something we are really proud of.”

Horses at the finish line at Ripon Races. Picture: Steve Fareham/Geograph.

With the weather set fair, a large crowd is anticipated and Mr Mullin added:

“Advanced sales have been promising. The  club enclosure sold out three weeks ago and we’re hoping plenty of people come along to enjoy a great afternoon of racing.”

While the Great St Wilfrid takes centre stage, the card also features  the William Hill Hornblower Conditions Stakes. Both races will be shown live on ITV.

The track’s roots are firmly established in the ancient city and the link between course, tradition and custom will be apparent when a Ripon hornblower signals the start of the stakes race at 1.40pm.

Mr Mullin said:

“Families are always welcome and under 18s will be admitted free.”

The gates will be open from 11.30am.

A report has revealed the extent of ground stability issues at Ripon Leisure Centre, which are set to cost £3.5 million to repair.

The findings from engineering firm Stantec spell out more bad news for the venue’s new swimming pool and refurbishment project, which is already over budget and more than a year overdue.

The new pool opened this year, but plans for a larger gym and exercise studios have been delayed after an underground void was discovered at the site.

This prompted an investigation by Stantec which has now revealed evidence of multiple voids and “significantly weak” areas of ground beneath the older half of the leisure centre, which was built in 1995.

It has warned that not carrying out remedial repairs would be “unacceptable from a public safety perspective”. The report said:

“These investigations have revealed that disturbed and brecciated bedrock is not isolated to the north western corner of the building.

“It is envisaged that structural strengthening would likely require remedial works on not only the ground floor of the building, but also in areas of the already renovated top floor of the building.”

The existing leisure centre adjoins the new pool

Ripon is susceptible to sinkholes because it lies on a layer of water-soluble rock called gypsum.

In 2018, a sinkhole opened up outside the leisure centre before Harrogate Borough Council approved the new pool plans a year later despite some councillors raising “deep concerns” over ground stability issues.

The council has continually insisted that professional advice has made it clear that the site is “safe to use”.

However, the repairs required are now proving costly and causing long delays for the refurbishment project.

Read more:

• Ripon Leisure Centre ground works will cost £3.5 million
• Plan for 80-bed care home on Ripon paint factory site

Stantec’s report said foundations were not driven deep enough into the ground when the leisure centre was built 27 years ago and that it remains unclear why this happened as “many critical records” are missing.

It added that if the foundations were to fail because of this, it was unlikely to be “catastrophic”.

The voids are believed to be part of a “network” of underground holes beneath the leisure centre – some of which were “successfully” repaired during the construction of the new swimming pool.

Grouting – where material is pumped into the ground – is likely to be used again during the repairs, although Stantec added more assessments and monitoring will be required on top of this.

The report said:

“A further programme of structural assessment of the existing building is recommended to understand how the building might be best retrofitted to accommodate the risks of ground collapse.

“Strengthening alone is unlikely to mitigate risks to acceptable levels and would likely need to be adopted in combination with other strategies and require long-term monitoring as the building continues in usage.”

If approved by senior councillors next week, the remedial works would start in December with refurbishment set for completion in spring 2024.

The works would mean the leisure centre would have to partially close for at least 10 months from November.

A temporary gym in the venue’s car park has been proposed and will cost an additional £300,000, while the new pool would remain open throughout.

A Ripon man has been jailed for arranging to meet underage girls for sex and carrying a knife.

Mark David, 32, was sentenced at York Crown Court yesterday after pleading guilty to both offences.

David admitted carrying a lock knife in High Street, Starbeck, on December 15, 2019, which was the same day he had arranged to meet a 14-year-old girl for sexual purposes.

Prior to his guilty plea to the knife offence, David had already admitted two counts of attempted sexual communication with two girls under 16 years of age.

Those offences occurred in Harrogate between November 25 and December 16, 2019. The communication was via Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger.

David, of North Street, Ripon, also admitted the offence of arranging to meet an under-age girl for sex in Harrogate.

He was sentenced to 43 months in prison, placed on the sex offenders’ register and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £181.

Read more:

• Teen pleads guilty to Stray robbery and possessing zombie knife
• Ex-Harrogate headteacher found guilty of making indecent images of children