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Harrogate Magistrates' Court Sentencing Results

Explore 32 verdicts at Harrogate Magistrates' Court (Harrogate). Updated with the latest court outcomes.

Harrogate Magistrates' Court
March 2026 4 cases
Nina Breyal
Drink-driving *
Sentence
Banned from driving for 23 months, reduced by 23 weeks if drink-drive course completed, and fined £946
On March 4, 2026, Nina Breyal, 24, of Leylands Road in Leeds, was driving a white Vauxhall Corsa on Lady Lane in Harrogate when she collided with a wall at the junction with Beckwith Head Road just after 10pm. She claimed another car clipped her vehicle and failed to stop, but police found no evidence of this. Breyal had consumed three pints of lager on an empty stomach after a long workday from 5.30am to 5pm, exacerbated by work-related stress. She provided a roadside breath test and later recorded 94 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath at the police station, almost three times the legal limit of 35 micrograms. She gave a no comment interview.
Pleaded guilty. Of previous good character. Works as a chef, volunteers, involved in rugby club. Sought support from Sikh temple post-incident. Described as a one-off serious error of judgement by magistrates.
Ricky Roberts
Drink-driving *
Sentence
46 months driving ban, £553 fine, £85 court costs, £221 victims’ surcharge
Ricky Roberts, 43, of Telford, was pulled over by police on Littlethorpe Lane in Ripon on February 4, 2026. He was slurring his words and appeared confused. A breathalyser test registered 86 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35mg. He stated he had a problem with his car and thought he was alright after a few pints.
Admitted one count of drink-driving. Previous conviction for drink-driving in the last 10 years. Represented himself in court.
Shane Benit
Burglary *
Sentence
12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity days and 8-week curfew (8pm-7am)
On November 12, 2023, at around 5.30pm, Shane Benit and two other men broke into Vanguard Heating Supplies at Marston Business Park, Tockwith, using bolt cutters to cut and pull down the perimeter fence, then lifting the roller doors. They loaded plumbing items including piping valued at £5,640 into a red Ford Transit van. Police tracked the van using its registration plate, followed it 26 miles to Holme Wood estate in Bradford, where Benit was arrested at the scene while the other two fled (one arrested, one never found). The burglary involved a degree of planning as the premises was not in an obvious location.
Admitted burglary. Financially motivated due to recent move with partner. Self-medicating for depression and anxiety but making genuine attempts to improve. Ordered to pay £85 court costs and £114 victims' surcharge.
Nicolas Martinez
Possession with intent to supply cannabis, THC, and ketamine *
Sentence
12 month community order including 15 rehabilitation activity days and 120 hours unpaid work, plus £114 victims' surcharge and £85 court costs
On May 3, 2024, Nicolas Martinez's car was searched after a crash on Tewit Well Avenue in Harrogate. He fled from police but was arrested. The search found £504 in cash, THC edibles, 1.33 grams of ketamine (street value £40), THC vape pens (value £420), a mobile phone, and a USB stick. A search of his home on West End Avenue revealed 25 grams of cannabis (worth £145-£180). He gave no comment in interview and refused phone PIN. Police believed he was involved in supplying cannabis.
Pleaded guilty at earliest opportunity. Offences committed at age 17. Prior convictions for drink and drug-driving and leaving the scene of an accident. Has made significant progress, completing roofing apprenticeship and controlled drug habit.
January 2026 3 cases
Alexander Lockwood
Failing to stop after a road accident and using vehicle with exposed tyre cord *
Sentence
Seven points added to licence and £763 costs
On November 6, 2025, Alexander Lockwood, 24, of High Street in Hampsthwaite, crashed his car into a tree on West Park in Harrogate due to exposed tyre cord despite advisory notices from a recent MOT to change the tyres. He was driving his girlfriend and friends after picking them up from Ripon to get food. Lockwood panicked, checked on the passengers, and fled the scene. He was located the next day, admitted driving, and stated he was not drinking and was in shock. No evidence of poor driving; road conditions were slippery.
Admitted both charges. Of previous good character with clean licence prior to offence. Struggling with mental health and seeking support.
Christopher Larder
Being in charge of a motor vehicle when over the legal alcohol limit *
Sentence
10 penalty points and £652 costs
On December 27, 2025, at around 10.20pm, Christopher Larder was found in the driver's seat of his van parked in a lay-by off A6108 Palace Road near Ripon Walled Garden. The ignition was on, front lights were illuminated, and the radio was playing. Police detected alcohol on him, arrested him, and he recorded 88 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35 micrograms. He intended to sleep in the van due to distress from personal issues, including an acrimonious divorce and an upsetting photo.
Admitted offence. Defence highlighted personal hardships including divorce. Magistrates considered undue hardship from a driving ban.
Daniel Kimberley
Drink-driving *
Sentence
18 months driving ban, £692 fine
On December 27, 2025, Daniel Kimberley, 25, of Skelldale View, Ripon, drove after consuming four pints of lager, leading to a two-car collision on the B6265 near Lynden Close in Ripon. He was found to be three times over the legal drink-drive limit with 75 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath (legal limit 35 micrograms). Kimberley admitted to driving to buy cigarette papers and taking the long route home after sleeping and eating post-drinking. There were no passengers and no suggestion the road was busy.
Pleaded guilty. No previous convictions. Remorseful and has not drunk alcohol since the incident. Ban reducible by 18 weeks upon completion of drink-drive awareness course. Total court costs £1,054 including £247 surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.
December 2025 4 cases
Christopher Mitchinson
Being in charge of a motor vehicle with alcohol above the limit *
Sentence
10 months driving ban, 12-month community order with up to 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 134 hours unpaid work, £199 court costs
On December 9, 2025, at around 5am, Christopher Mitchinson, 43, of Arkle Crescent in Darlington, called police on himself after becoming drunk and fearing he would drive. He was in the driver's seat of his car in the Aldi car park on Stonebridgegate in Ripon, with keys in the ignition. He smelled of alcohol, was slurring words, and crying. Roadside breath test positive; at Harrogate Police Station, reading of 127 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath (limit 35). He had been to Halifax for a job but couldn't contact employer, bought gin, drank in car to keep warm. Admitted offence, struggles with mental health, anxiety, depression, possible PTSD from childhood trauma. One prior conviction for drink-driving. Has not drunk since offence.
Pleaded guilty. Chair of the bench noted high alcohol reading and prior drink-driving conviction. Described as a cry for help related to mental health struggles.
Dale Lawson
Drug-driving *
Sentence
12 months driving ban and £407 costs
On October 11, 2025, at around 9pm, Dale Lawson, 36, of Manor Road in Killinghall, was driving a Ford Focus on the A61 towards Ripon while under the influence of drugs. Police received information about his condition and stopped him after he attempted a U-turn upon noticing them. Officers smelled cannabis, and a roadside test was positive for cannabis and cocaine. A blood sample showed 200 micrograms of benzoylecgonine per litre, four times the legal limit of 50 micrograms.
Pleaded guilty to drug-driving. Remorseful; had taken cocaine the night before and felt fine when driving. 12 prior offences. Magistrates noted drugs stay in system for a long time.
Shamraiz Aurangzeb
Theft *
Sentence
18-month community order with 25 rehabilitation activity days and 6-month drug rehabilitation order, £80 fine, £240.10 compensation
Shamraiz Aurangzeb, 35, of Woodfield Square in Harrogate, committed thefts between July and October 2025 from Co-op stores on Skipton Road and Ripon Road, and Sainsbury’s on King’s Road, stealing items including meat, alcohol, and muffins valued at £146.20. He also stole a parcel from a property on Church Avenue on August 31, 2025.
Pleaded guilty to multiple thefts. Poor compliance with previous community orders noted. Theft to fund drug habit.
Dawid Kruszakin
Drink-driving *
Sentence
40 months driving ban, £614 fine
On November 18, 2025, Dawid Kruszakin, 34, of Manning Road, Preston, crashed his Mercedes Benz into Oakdale Bridge on Penny Pot Lane in Harrogate at around 7pm while his partner and her two children were in the car. He hit the wall of the bridge, leaving the front end of the car hanging over it. Police attended, and he recorded 52mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath on a roadside breathalyser test. He had intended to go to Leeds Christmas Market but got the dates wrong and had a drink while eating out to not disappoint the children. The crash was described as a misjudgement on a notorious road.
Pleaded guilty to drink-driving and driving without due care and attention. Previous conviction for drink-driving in January 2021 resulting in 12-month ban. Also ordered to pay £246 victims' surcharge and £85 court costs.
November 2025 4 cases
Lee Windsor
Theft *
Sentence
£140 fine
Lee Windsor, 46, of Wedderburn Avenue, Harrogate, stole a pair of EA7 sliders worth £24.99 from TK Maxx and gift items worth £58.98 from TJ Jones in Harrogate town centre on November 13, 2025. He was also caught with wire cutters, leading to a charge of going equipped for theft.
Admitted two counts of theft and one count of going equipped for theft. Described the thefts as a drunken mistake. Represented himself in court.
Patricia Smedley
Drink driving *
Sentence
22 months driving disqualification, £120 fine
Patricia Smedley, 60, of Allinson Court, Ripon, nearly collided with an ambulance while driving on the A1608 near North Stainley on the evening of November 7, 2025. After being pulled over, she admitted to police that she had been drinking and recorded 84mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35mg.
Admitted charge of drink driving. Of previous good character and mortified to be before the court. Near miss with ambulance caused no damage.
Charlie Pritchard
Drink driving *
Sentence
16 months driving disqualification, £120 fine
Charlie Pritchard, 26, of Hambleton Avenue, Thirsk, was caught by police swerving between white lines on Ripon bypass (A61) on November 9, 2025. Officers pulled him over on Hutton Lane where he tested positive for alcohol after a breathalyser test, recording 58mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35mg. He had consumed a drink after a remembrance event in Ripon where he had been working that day.
Admitted charge of drink driving. Recorded 58mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. Will lose job as chef due to lack of transport.
Kieran Waters
Sexual activity with a girl aged 13 *
Sentence
24-month community order including 35 rehabilitation activity days, £400 fine, £114 victims' surcharge, £85 court costs, and five-year sexual harm prevention order
Kieran Waters, 25, of Kings Meadow Close in Wetherby, met a group of girls after a night out and later encountered them on a local bus route. He was captured on CCTV kissing one of the girls, aged 13, and admitted touching her bottom, thighs, and back. The offences also occurred down an alleyway. He was told the girls were 18.
Admitted two counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 13. Diagnosed autistic and struggles with social interactions. Defence opposed sexual harm prevention order based on diagnosis.
September 2025 6 cases
Mario Portinha
Drug-driving *
Sentence
3 years driving ban and £250 fine
Mario Portinha was driving a Volkswagen Golf under the influence of cannabis when pulled over by police at Wetherby Services at 11.40pm on June 25, 2025. The officer detected the smell of cannabis upon opening the driver's door. Portinha admitted smoking a cannabis joint before driving to the services where he worked and tested positive in a roadside drug test, leading to his arrest.
Pleaded guilty to drug-driving. Had a prior similar offence and lost his job as a result.
Charles Quinn
Theft *
Sentence
12-month conditional discharge and £57.20 compensation
Charles Quinn stole items including peanuts, drinks, and four tubs of ice cream from Tesco Express in Harrogate between August 16 and August 22, 2025, with the total value amounting to £57.20. He was identified on CCTV, arrested, and made a full admission to police.
Admitted four thefts. Was homeless at the time, on Universal Credit, and stole food due to missing appointments and financial hardship.
Nathan Bailey
Assault occasioning actual bodily harm *
Sentence
18-month community order, 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 80-day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement, £120 fine, £250 compensation, £114 surcharge, £85 costs
On Christmas Day, Nathan Bailey assaulted a male acquaintance during a social gathering involving alcohol consumption. The incident escalated from an argument, with Bailey kicking the victim, who sustained a dislocated finger, bruising, and a cut to the head. The victim reported the assault to the police and sought hospital treatment the next day.
Pleaded guilty to the charge. Had consumed a significant amount of alcohol and showed remorse, with no further offences since the incident.
Nathan Varley
Theft *
Sentence
£120 fine and £189.25 compensation
Nathan Varley committed nine separate thefts from Tesco Express on Cambridge Road in Harrogate between August 16 and August 22, 2025, stealing food and alcohol valued at £189.25. The offences showed some planning, with four occurring on August 16 alone.
Admitted nine thefts. Had not been before the courts in over 10 years and cited deteriorating mental health as a factor.
Winifred Stokes
Theft *
Sentence
12-month community order with 40 hours of unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days, plus £114 victim surcharge and £85 in costs
On June 3, 2024, Winifred Stokes and her co-accused entered Cotswold Outdoor on West Park in Harrogate, where Stokes was pushing a dog pram. The co-accused placed items into the pram, and they were challenged by staff but left the store and drove away. A member of the public provided the car's registration to the police, leading to Stokes' identification and arrest. She admitted to her involvement, stating she did not take items herself but facilitated the theft by pushing the pram. The stolen items, valued at less than £1,000, were not recovered.
Pleaded guilty to theft; involved with a co-accused who was the main instigator; has prior convictions for similar offences; admitted to not stopping the theft and expressed remorse; relationship with co-accused has ended.
Liam Bacon
Wounding or Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm Without Intent *
Sentence
12-month community order including 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 80 hours of unpaid work, plus £1,500 compensation
On October 23, 2023, Liam Bacon shouted at the victim near Hornbeam Park in Harrogate and punched him repeatedly, causing bruising, a bloody nose, a black eye, and injuries requiring emergency dental treatment costing £300. The victim reported being struck up to eight times, lasting five to seven seconds, and briefly losing consciousness. The assault stemmed from Bacon's reaction to alleged videos circulating about him, and he believed another person was involved, though that individual was not charged.
Pleaded guilty to the offence. Was 16 at the time of the incident and expressed remorse. No prior convictions and has not offended since. The court considered his youth and social anxiety.
August 2025 6 cases
Kurt Day
Theft by an employee *
Sentence
32 weeks imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 25 rehabilitation activity days, curfew from 8pm to 7am for three months, and compensation of £4,285.57
Kurt Day, a team leader at Well Pharmacy on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate, stole 60 boxes of Dihydrocodeine and 40 boxes of the weight-loss drug Mounjaro, with a total value of £4,285.57, periodically between August 2024 and February 2025. He was caught on CCTV, and the offences were driven by his addiction to Dihydrocodeine for back and knee pain, as well as personal issues including bullying related to his weight and sexuality.
Pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, no previous convictions, motivated by addiction to Dihydrocodeine due to back and knee pain, and issues related to weight and sexuality; lost his job as a result.
Hari Barnes
Breach of Suspended Sentence *
Sentence
30 weeks imprisonment
Hari Barnes breached a suspended sentence order that was imposed on June 27, 2025, for offences committed on December 3, 2024, including dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. The breaches involved failing to comply with a curfew from 7pm to 7am and not attending required probation appointments, demonstrating a negative attitude towards the service.
Breached suspended sentence by violating curfew between June 30 and July 14, 2025, and failing to engage with probation services. Original sentence was for dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. Defence highlighted a difficult upbringing, learning difficulties, exposure to violence, and exploitation by gangs.
Timmy James
Dangerous driving *
Sentence
1 year and 2 months imprisonment, disqualified from driving for 31 months, and a £187 surcharge
On June 7, 2025, Timmy James was driving a BMW at excessive speeds, reaching 90mph in a 30mph zone on Knaresborough Road in Harrogate. He drove the wrong way around the Empress roundabout, forcing other drivers to take evasive action, went through three red lights, including one at Woodlands Crossroads, and intentionally rammed a police car during a pursuit, causing over £5,000 in damage. The incident began when he failed to stop for a police patrol and escalated into a high-speed chase through residential areas, endangering public safety.
Pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on August 7. Handed a driving ban until sentencing.
Tamsin Robertshaw
Assaulting an emergency worker and drink-driving *
Sentence
38 months driving ban (reducible by 38 weeks if course completed), £140 fine, £56 surcharge, £85 costs
On July 28, 2025, Robertshaw drove after consuming two large glasses of wine, providing a breath reading of 67 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. When police approached, she resisted arrest by grabbing, squeezing, and pushing a police officer's arm, following concerns raised by a member of the public about her driving.
Pleaded guilty to drink-driving and assaulting an emergency worker. Suffered from multiple sclerosis and a recent medical episode; grabbed, squeezed, and pushed a police officer's arm during arrest.
Jamie Garrett
Using threatening or abusive words or behaviour *
Sentence
£80 fine, £32 surcharge, £85 costs (total £197)
On July 28, 2025, Garrett engaged in an altercation outside a hostel in Harrogate, using a homophobic slur and obscene language, shouting aggressively, swinging his arms, and resisting police who had to take him to the ground.
Pleaded guilty to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour. Was heavily intoxicated and involved in an altercation; mentioned dealing with personal issues and attending meetings for alcohol.
Calum Robinson
Drink-driving *
Sentence
38 months driving ban (reducible by 38 weeks if course completed), £438 fine, £175 surcharge, £85 costs
On July 27, 2025, Robinson drove at speed, swayed over lanes on Harrogate Road, and provided a breath reading of 45 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath after being stopped by police while en route to collect his girlfriend.
Pleaded guilty to drink-driving. Had a prior conviction in 2022; admitted driving despite advice against it due to intoxication.
July 2025 1 case
Stefan Soloman
Failing to provide driver details *
Sentence
Fined £709 and disqualified from driving for six months
In September 2024, Stefan Soloman drove a white Ford Transit Van past horse riders on a small country lane in North Yorkshire at high speed, heading towards an oncoming car without slowing down. This incident was reported via Operation Snap, leading to police contact. He failed to provide his details and was also found guilty of additional driving offences.
Pleaded guilty to failing to provide driver details. Also prosecuted for driving without insurance and not wearing a seatbelt.
August 2024 1 case
Michael Watt
Poaching *
Sentence
Fined £461, costs of £320, surcharge of £184, and a criminal behaviour order
Michael Watt was found with a live rabbit covered in blood and trapped in a net in his van, along with a Harris hawk, ferrets, hunting traps, and falconry equipment. He had been reported for poaching on the Bolton Abbey estate and other areas in Craven. Police stopped and searched his vehicle in Threshfield near Grassington in October 2023. He was charged with two counts of poaching (one at Embsay Reservoir and one at Broad Park, Barden), causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, and obstructing the police.
Pleaded guilty to two counts of poaching, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, and obstructing the police. A deprivation order was made for all seized items.
July 2024 2 cases
Azim Parvez
Persistently using a public communication network causing annoyance and inconvenience *
Sentence
5-year Criminal Behaviour Order, 6 months alcohol treatment, up to 25 days rehabilitation activity requirement, £85 costs, and £114 victim surcharge
Azim Parvez made nearly 300 nuisance calls to North Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service between June 2024 and January 2025, including 99 calls on the 999 emergency line in one period, which took up significant staff time. He also targeted vulnerable people by begging for money in certain areas of Skipton, leading to restrictions on his behaviour.
Admitted to the offence. Inspector Paul Crabtree commented that Parvez persistently targeted the control room, taking resources from genuine emergencies, and was aggressive towards emergency services staff.
Michael Haggerty
Theft *
Sentence
Community order with up to 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and £528 compensation
Michael Haggerty stole diesel from vehicles parked in a lorry park in Hellifield between May 1 and May 18, 2024. He was caught on CCTV footage syphoning fuel, and his vehicle was seen nearby. £100 of the stolen fuel was recovered. He initially declined to comment during police interviews but later admitted to taking fuel on four occasions, citing his lifestyle and health as reasons.
Admitted to the offences. Has 61 previous convictions. Mitigating factors included his itinerant lifestyle and health issues due to damp in his caravan.
June 2024 1 case
Emma Smith
Dog dangerously out of control *
Sentence
Fined £120, ordered to pay £150 compensation, costs of £85, surcharge of £48, and £1,000 towards the costs of the dogs
Emma Smith, 50, of The Bungalows, Glusburn, was the owner of a Hungarian Vizsla named Primrose that bit a man on the leg on November 25, 2024, leaving tooth marks but not breaking the skin. Two of her dogs were seized by police, and although one dog was involved in the incident, the other was not and was on a lead at the time.
Admitted the offence. Measures were put in place to prevent future incidents, and no order was made for the dog to be destroyed.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is compiled from publicly available court records and published media reports. It is provided strictly for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as a definitive record of any individual's criminal history or legal status.

Offence names marked with an asterisk (*) reflect descriptions used in media reporting and may not correspond to the formal legal charge or indictment. Sentencing details are as reported and may be subject to subsequent appeal, variation, or correction by the courts.

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Victoria Ave, Harrogate HG1 1EL, Harrogate, HG1 1EL, United Kingdom
+441423722000
Wheelchair accessible parking, Wheelchair accessible entrance
Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 16:00

About Harrogate Magistrates' Court

Harrogate Magistrates' Court, located in Harrogate, is a Magistrates' Court that deals with summary offences, some either-way offences, and preliminary hearings for more serious cases. With 32 sentencing records in our database, it serves the Harrogate area and surrounding communities. Magistrates' Courts handle the majority of criminal cases in England and Wales, with cases heard by a bench of magistrates or a district judge.

The court can be found at Victoria Ave, Harrogate HG1 1EL, HG1 1EL.

Accessibility provisions at this court include wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible parking.

For enquiries about cases heard at this court, you can contact the court by telephone on +441423722000.

All sentencing information published on this page has been sourced from publicly-available records and verified by our editorial team. If you believe any information is inaccurate or should be removed, you can submit a removal request directly from the relevant listing above.

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