TEN of York’s “most wanted” have been arrested as the police continue their city-wide crackdown on crime.
Operation Lion targets known criminals operating in and around York city centre, and has seen police make 36 arrests since it began on March 14, including ten over the weekend.
On Saturday, six people were arrested on suspicion of offences including theft, handling stolen goods, drug offences and violent disorder.
Assistant chief constable Tim Madgwick vowed the fight against crime would continue.
He said: “There will be no let-up. We will continue to target people who are offending on a regular basis and they will be left in no doubt that we are watching them and are determined to divert them away from a life of crime.”
Following the arrests, a 19-year-old man who was stopped on Constantine Avenue was charged with aggravated vehicle taking, driving without insurance and two counts of theft from a shop. He appeared before York Magistrates’ on Monday and was remanded on bail, but was arrested again later that day and charged with breaching his bail conditions.
A 15-year-old is due before York Youth Court next Tuesday after he allegedly swapped price tags at T K Maxx in the city centre, while a 17-year-old was arrested in Melrosegate in connection with a theft from Jorvik Service Station, on Lawrence Street.
Officers also arrested a 30-year-old man at Robinson Court, following a break-in at Falsgrave Crescent. He was charged with burglary and attempted burglary.
Officers also conducted a warrant at an address in Cromer Street and arrested a 25-year-old man, on suspicion of violent disorder after he allegedly forced his way into a house on Burlington Avenue the previous night and assaulted the occupant.
He has been released on police bail as inquiries continue.
Four more people were arrested on Sunday, including a 39-year-old man, charged with breaching bail conditions, handling stolen goods and possession of Class B drugs; a 20-year-old man on suspicion of assault; and a 41-year-old man on Gale Lane on suspicion of theft and affray.
A 24-year-old man was arrested later that day on suspicion of affray, assault and theft, after an incident at Hawkshead Close at about 4pm. He was later charged with all three offences.
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
4x4 ploughs into bungalow in Wheatfield Lane, Haxby as householder sleeps in bed
TWO bungalows were damaged when a 4x4 left the road and smashed into the buildings in a York village.
Howard Fisher was in bed in a bedroom at the back of his home in Wheatfield Lane, Haxby, when a black BMW X5 ploughed into his living room. The vehicle then crashed into the side of the unoccupied bungalow next door.
"It sounded like a clap of thunder to me. I said ‘what on earth was that?’ We were shocked when we saw what had happened"
The incident happened at about 4am on Saturday.
Mr Fisher, who shares the bungalow with his wife, Mary, said he was unhurt and the couple were looking for somewhere else to stay.
Mary and Bill Clasper, who live across the road from Mr Fisher’s house, were asleep at the back of their bungalow when they were woken by a loud noise.
Mrs Clasper said: “It sounded like a clap of thunder to me. I said ‘what on earth was that’?
“We were shocked when we saw what had happened. You don’t expect that sort of thing down here.”
Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “I heard all this banging, then I looked out and saw a couple of fire engines, an ambulance and police cars.”
PC Martin Hayes, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Two people have been arrested and are in custody at York police station.
“Thankfully for the occupant, the front room was not the bedroom. The noise from the impact must have been tremendous.”
PC Hayes said the occupant of the house was not injured, but were very shocked and shaken, and the two people in the BMW suffered only minor injuries.
A police spokesman said a 46-year-old local woman had been arrested for driving while over the legal limit, and a 19-year-old man had also been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
Both have since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Fire crews from York, Huntington and Tadcaster were sent to the scene, and a heavy rescue unit was also brought in from Tadcaster to attend to the property.
Workers were called into shore up the roof of the bungalow.
Howard Fisher was in bed in a bedroom at the back of his home in Wheatfield Lane, Haxby, when a black BMW X5 ploughed into his living room. The vehicle then crashed into the side of the unoccupied bungalow next door.
"It sounded like a clap of thunder to me. I said ‘what on earth was that?’ We were shocked when we saw what had happened"
The incident happened at about 4am on Saturday.
Mr Fisher, who shares the bungalow with his wife, Mary, said he was unhurt and the couple were looking for somewhere else to stay.
Mary and Bill Clasper, who live across the road from Mr Fisher’s house, were asleep at the back of their bungalow when they were woken by a loud noise.
Mrs Clasper said: “It sounded like a clap of thunder to me. I said ‘what on earth was that’?
“We were shocked when we saw what had happened. You don’t expect that sort of thing down here.”
Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “I heard all this banging, then I looked out and saw a couple of fire engines, an ambulance and police cars.”
PC Martin Hayes, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Two people have been arrested and are in custody at York police station.
“Thankfully for the occupant, the front room was not the bedroom. The noise from the impact must have been tremendous.”
PC Hayes said the occupant of the house was not injured, but were very shocked and shaken, and the two people in the BMW suffered only minor injuries.
A police spokesman said a 46-year-old local woman had been arrested for driving while over the legal limit, and a 19-year-old man had also been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
Both have since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Fire crews from York, Huntington and Tadcaster were sent to the scene, and a heavy rescue unit was also brought in from Tadcaster to attend to the property.
Workers were called into shore up the roof of the bungalow.
Monday, 28 March 2011
York rugby player Billy Cakaunitabua jailed for glassing
A RUGBY star has been jailed after he glassed a pilot in a moment of “madness” in a bar in York city centre.
Billy Cakaunitabua, high-scoring winger for York RUFC, attacked John Oratis on a night out, leaving him scarred for life, York Crown Court heard.
Cakaunitabua, who served with the British Army in Northern Ireland and Bosnia before becoming a part-time prison officer, is now beginning a nine-month jail sentence.
Richard Walters, prosecuting, said Cakaunitabua suddenly and without warning hit 32-year-old Mr Oratis in the face early on December 11, after the pair had been talking amicably for some time near the bar of Vudu Lounge in Swinegate and after the pilot had bought him a drink.
The attack left Mr Oratis permanently scarred. He needed 30 stitches in wounds to his face and head, including one near his eye, and it took three hospital visits to finish the treatment.
He was off work for three weeks and suffered from so much pain he could not put on flying goggles or sleep properly.
Nicholas Barker, mitigating, said Cakaunitabua had lost his mother a few weeks before the attack and had drunk more than twice his normal amount.
Mr Barker told the Recorder of York, Judge Stephen Ashurst: “You have before you a very impressive man who has given a lot to society. The defendant must be judged for those one or two seconds of madness.”
The judge told Cakaunitabua: “For reasons we simply do not know, you lost your self-control and your temper.”
He said about the pilot: “He is very lucky that the injury didn’t extend into his eye. I accept you have a very deep sense of shame. You have spoilt your exemplary character.”
Cakaunitabua, of Del Pyke, The Groves, pleaded guilty to wounding. The winger has played for York RUFC for nine years. He is likely to be released from prison before the start of the 2011/12 season.
Mr Walters said Mr Oratis had been out with friends in the Clifton area before going to the city centre. He was queuing for drinks in Vudu Lounge, as was Cakaunitabua. The two started talking and having a laugh and a joke.
Although he arrived after the winger, Mr Oratis was served first, so he bought a drink for Cakaunitabua. They continued to talk until Cakaunitabua lashed out.
The rugby player later told police he had had ten pints, three sambucas and a coke.
Mr Barker said Cakaunitabua was a “shamed man” who did not know why he had acted in the way he had. He had served five years in the Army including in Northern Ireland and Bosnia before settling in Britain. For four years, he had been unable to afford the trip back to his native Fiji.
Then his mother died and rugby club members held a whip-round to pay the air fare so he could attend her funeral.
Billy Cakaunitabua, high-scoring winger for York RUFC, attacked John Oratis on a night out, leaving him scarred for life, York Crown Court heard.
Cakaunitabua, who served with the British Army in Northern Ireland and Bosnia before becoming a part-time prison officer, is now beginning a nine-month jail sentence.
Richard Walters, prosecuting, said Cakaunitabua suddenly and without warning hit 32-year-old Mr Oratis in the face early on December 11, after the pair had been talking amicably for some time near the bar of Vudu Lounge in Swinegate and after the pilot had bought him a drink.
The attack left Mr Oratis permanently scarred. He needed 30 stitches in wounds to his face and head, including one near his eye, and it took three hospital visits to finish the treatment.
He was off work for three weeks and suffered from so much pain he could not put on flying goggles or sleep properly.
Nicholas Barker, mitigating, said Cakaunitabua had lost his mother a few weeks before the attack and had drunk more than twice his normal amount.
Mr Barker told the Recorder of York, Judge Stephen Ashurst: “You have before you a very impressive man who has given a lot to society. The defendant must be judged for those one or two seconds of madness.”
The judge told Cakaunitabua: “For reasons we simply do not know, you lost your self-control and your temper.”
He said about the pilot: “He is very lucky that the injury didn’t extend into his eye. I accept you have a very deep sense of shame. You have spoilt your exemplary character.”
Cakaunitabua, of Del Pyke, The Groves, pleaded guilty to wounding. The winger has played for York RUFC for nine years. He is likely to be released from prison before the start of the 2011/12 season.
Mr Walters said Mr Oratis had been out with friends in the Clifton area before going to the city centre. He was queuing for drinks in Vudu Lounge, as was Cakaunitabua. The two started talking and having a laugh and a joke.
Although he arrived after the winger, Mr Oratis was served first, so he bought a drink for Cakaunitabua. They continued to talk until Cakaunitabua lashed out.
The rugby player later told police he had had ten pints, three sambucas and a coke.
Mr Barker said Cakaunitabua was a “shamed man” who did not know why he had acted in the way he had. He had served five years in the Army including in Northern Ireland and Bosnia before settling in Britain. For four years, he had been unable to afford the trip back to his native Fiji.
Then his mother died and rugby club members held a whip-round to pay the air fare so he could attend her funeral.
Boy, seven, hit by bus in Pavement, York
A SEVEN-year-old boy was taken to hospital after being hit by a bus in York.
Paramedics and police were called to the incident, outside Marks & Spencers in Pavement, just after 2pm on Saturday.
A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Ambulance said the Life Cycle, a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance, were sent to the scene and the boy was transported to York Hospital.
A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said the boy had not been injured, but was taken to hospital as a precaution.
The police spokesman also said the bus driver was spoken to by officers at the scene, but was not arrested.
Paramedics and police were called to the incident, outside Marks & Spencers in Pavement, just after 2pm on Saturday.
A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Ambulance said the Life Cycle, a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance, were sent to the scene and the boy was transported to York Hospital.
A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said the boy had not been injured, but was taken to hospital as a precaution.
The police spokesman also said the bus driver was spoken to by officers at the scene, but was not arrested.
River death man named as Paul Rogerson
POLICE divers have recovered the body of a 26-year-old man from the River Ouse.
The man has been named by North Yorkshire Police as Paul Alan Rogerson, from Morecambe in Lancashire.
Emergency service crews had searched the river following reports of a man falling from a bridge into the water in the early hours of Saturday.
North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue were contacted by North Yorkshire Police to search the river at about 2am on Saturday, after the 26-year-old man apparently fell from the Ouse Bridge.
A spokesman for the police said the man was seen slipping off the bridge into the water, but he was not found during initial searches.
The West Yorkshire Police helicopter also assisted in the searches, before the body was found at about 9.45am and recovered just after 10.30am.
• On Friday, members of the public reported seeing several men swimming from one side of the Ouse to the other, close to Ouse Bridge.
A police spokesman said: “Swimming in any stretch of open water is both reckless and foolish, as it is impossible to tell the temperature of the water and this will inevitably catch you out.”
It is not suggested that Mr Rogerson was part of this group.
The man has been named by North Yorkshire Police as Paul Alan Rogerson, from Morecambe in Lancashire.
Emergency service crews had searched the river following reports of a man falling from a bridge into the water in the early hours of Saturday.
North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue were contacted by North Yorkshire Police to search the river at about 2am on Saturday, after the 26-year-old man apparently fell from the Ouse Bridge.
A spokesman for the police said the man was seen slipping off the bridge into the water, but he was not found during initial searches.
The West Yorkshire Police helicopter also assisted in the searches, before the body was found at about 9.45am and recovered just after 10.30am.
• On Friday, members of the public reported seeing several men swimming from one side of the Ouse to the other, close to Ouse Bridge.
A police spokesman said: “Swimming in any stretch of open water is both reckless and foolish, as it is impossible to tell the temperature of the water and this will inevitably catch you out.”
It is not suggested that Mr Rogerson was part of this group.
Police van crashes in Barbican Road, York
A police van has been involved in a crash in York city centre.
The accident occurred at the junction of Barbican Road and Paragon Street on the inner ring road at 10.20am today.
It involved a Citroen van, owned by North Yorkshire Police, and a grey Mercedes B180.
The police van was badly damaged but nobody is believed to have been hurt. The scene has now been cleared.
The accident occurred at the junction of Barbican Road and Paragon Street on the inner ring road at 10.20am today.
It involved a Citroen van, owned by North Yorkshire Police, and a grey Mercedes B180.
The police van was badly damaged but nobody is believed to have been hurt. The scene has now been cleared.
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Neighbour tells court of horrific scene in Diana Garbutt’s bedroom
Updated: A POSTMASTER accused of bludgeoning his wife to death wept in court as a neighbour described the scene in the couple’s bedroom after being called to help.
Pauline Dye told Teesside Crown Court how Robin Garbutt had ran next door to get her. She went with him into the house he shared with his wife, Diana, and found her face down in bed.
She said Mrs Garbutt’s hair was matted with blood, there was blood between her fingers and her face was buried in a blood-soaked pillow.
Garbutt, 45, formerly of Huby and York, is alleged to have hit Diana, 40, who grew up in Eggborough, on the head with a metal bar between 2.30am and 4.30am on March 23 last year.
He has denied murdering his wife, and told police he was held up at gunpoint by an intruder at the post office and shop in Melsonby, near Richmond.
Mrs Dye described what she saw when she was called over to the Garbutts’ house.
Under questioning from David Hatton QC, prosecuting, she said: “There was blood on the pillow. I could see blood in her hair. I couldn’t see her face at all. I touched her on her leg. Her leg was slightly warm. Robin said she was warm. We didn’t know what to do.”
Mrs Dye said the emergency services had instructed Garbutt by telephone to turn over his wife’s body in order to take her pulse. He was unable to find her pulse.
She said Mrs Garbutt’s chest had turned blue. “I was feeling her right hand. She felt coldish.”
Michael Whitaker, a paramedic, told the court there was no “electrical activity” in her heart and her arm was “solid” with rigor mortis.
He said: “I assumed that the lady had been deceased for quite some time.” He told Jamie Hill QC, defending, that he could not say how long she had been dead for.
Earlier yesterday, customers told the jury how they went into the shop on the morning of Mrs Garbutt’s death prior to the alarm being raised. Dorothy Cole said Garbutt had seemed “his usual self and he seemed relaxed” when she visited the shop.
When she returned home shortly after 8.40am, she had heard sirens from emergency services rushing past her home. Another customer, Angela Wood, said Garbutt had seemed tired.
The trial continues.
Pauline Dye told Teesside Crown Court how Robin Garbutt had ran next door to get her. She went with him into the house he shared with his wife, Diana, and found her face down in bed.
She said Mrs Garbutt’s hair was matted with blood, there was blood between her fingers and her face was buried in a blood-soaked pillow.
Garbutt, 45, formerly of Huby and York, is alleged to have hit Diana, 40, who grew up in Eggborough, on the head with a metal bar between 2.30am and 4.30am on March 23 last year.
He has denied murdering his wife, and told police he was held up at gunpoint by an intruder at the post office and shop in Melsonby, near Richmond.
Mrs Dye described what she saw when she was called over to the Garbutts’ house.
Under questioning from David Hatton QC, prosecuting, she said: “There was blood on the pillow. I could see blood in her hair. I couldn’t see her face at all. I touched her on her leg. Her leg was slightly warm. Robin said she was warm. We didn’t know what to do.”
Mrs Dye said the emergency services had instructed Garbutt by telephone to turn over his wife’s body in order to take her pulse. He was unable to find her pulse.
She said Mrs Garbutt’s chest had turned blue. “I was feeling her right hand. She felt coldish.”
Michael Whitaker, a paramedic, told the court there was no “electrical activity” in her heart and her arm was “solid” with rigor mortis.
He said: “I assumed that the lady had been deceased for quite some time.” He told Jamie Hill QC, defending, that he could not say how long she had been dead for.
Earlier yesterday, customers told the jury how they went into the shop on the morning of Mrs Garbutt’s death prior to the alarm being raised. Dorothy Cole said Garbutt had seemed “his usual self and he seemed relaxed” when she visited the shop.
When she returned home shortly after 8.40am, she had heard sirens from emergency services rushing past her home. Another customer, Angela Wood, said Garbutt had seemed tired.
The trial continues.
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
York World Heritage Site bid fails
The city of York will not be included in a list of sites recommended for World Heritage Site status, it has been announced.
Archaeologists and council officials presented the York's case to peers and MPs in London late in 2010.
But the city will not be put forward to Unesco - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
Officials behind the bid said they were disappointed.
An initial bid was made in June 2010, with the fine detail of the application was being presented in November.
A bid last summer was made to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as the first step of a process that could have taken several years.
'Amazing story'
Had the application been successful, the city would have joined Fountains Abbey near Ripon and Saltaire near Bradford as World Heritage sites in Yorkshire.
Janet Hopton, who chaired the World Heritage for York Steering Group, said: "I'm obviously very disappointed that York's bid to be included on the UK's new Tentative List of potential nominations for World Heritage status has been unsuccessful.
"We all know that York is a city with world-renowned heritage, culture, architecture and archaeology, and today's announcement will not change that.
"I would like to thank residents, partners and our ambassadors for all their support.
"The work that we have done for the bid will not be wasted, but will help us better explain the amazing story of the history beneath our feet."
Archaeologists and council officials presented the York's case to peers and MPs in London late in 2010.
But the city will not be put forward to Unesco - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
Officials behind the bid said they were disappointed.
An initial bid was made in June 2010, with the fine detail of the application was being presented in November.
A bid last summer was made to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as the first step of a process that could have taken several years.
'Amazing story'
Had the application been successful, the city would have joined Fountains Abbey near Ripon and Saltaire near Bradford as World Heritage sites in Yorkshire.
Janet Hopton, who chaired the World Heritage for York Steering Group, said: "I'm obviously very disappointed that York's bid to be included on the UK's new Tentative List of potential nominations for World Heritage status has been unsuccessful.
"We all know that York is a city with world-renowned heritage, culture, architecture and archaeology, and today's announcement will not change that.
"I would like to thank residents, partners and our ambassadors for all their support.
"The work that we have done for the bid will not be wasted, but will help us better explain the amazing story of the history beneath our feet."
Monday, 21 March 2011
Boy seriously injured in collision with motorbike at Stamford Bridge
Updated: A 13-YEAR-OLD York cyclist suffred serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital after he was in collision with a motorbike.
The boy was with two friends on the A166 in Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon when the accident happened.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance airlifted him to Leeds General Infirmary where he was said to be in a “serious, but stable” condition. The crash closed the A166 for hours.
The boy, who has not been named but is from York, is believed to have been crossing the busy road on a bike when the accident happened.
A police spokesman said his injuries were not thought to be life threatening.
The 35-year-old male rider of the motorcycle, who is from Driffield, was thrown from his machine.
He was taken to York Hospital with minor injuries, a police spokesman said.
The road was closed following the crash at 12.45pm on Saturday while police examined the scene, which was about 200 metres from the Three Cups pub.
Traffic was diverted through Dunnington, Kexby and High Catton. Speaking at the scene, Sergeant Neil Campbell said: “It’s obviously a traumatic incident for the youths who were with him at the time to witness and for the parents of the boy who was injured.”
A passer-by who witnessed the collision said he and his wife had waited with the children immediately after the incident.
Traffic Constable Martin Usher, from North Yorkshire road policing group, said: “Thankfully, although serious injuries were sustained, they are not likely to prove fatal.
“I know that the area was busy at the time and would ask that anyone in the area at time who may have seen the motorcycle or group of pedal cycles prior to the collision to come forward as I need to speak to them as soon as possible.”
The boy was with two friends on the A166 in Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon when the accident happened.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance airlifted him to Leeds General Infirmary where he was said to be in a “serious, but stable” condition. The crash closed the A166 for hours.
The boy, who has not been named but is from York, is believed to have been crossing the busy road on a bike when the accident happened.
A police spokesman said his injuries were not thought to be life threatening.
The 35-year-old male rider of the motorcycle, who is from Driffield, was thrown from his machine.
He was taken to York Hospital with minor injuries, a police spokesman said.
The road was closed following the crash at 12.45pm on Saturday while police examined the scene, which was about 200 metres from the Three Cups pub.
Traffic was diverted through Dunnington, Kexby and High Catton. Speaking at the scene, Sergeant Neil Campbell said: “It’s obviously a traumatic incident for the youths who were with him at the time to witness and for the parents of the boy who was injured.”
A passer-by who witnessed the collision said he and his wife had waited with the children immediately after the incident.
Traffic Constable Martin Usher, from North Yorkshire road policing group, said: “Thankfully, although serious injuries were sustained, they are not likely to prove fatal.
“I know that the area was busy at the time and would ask that anyone in the area at time who may have seen the motorcycle or group of pedal cycles prior to the collision to come forward as I need to speak to them as soon as possible.”
Friday, 18 March 2011
‘We may have quizzed Claudia Lawrence’s killer’
THE detective leading the hunt for missing York chef Claudia Lawrence thinks police may have already interviewed her killer.
Detective Superintendent Ray Galloway said Claudia’s disappearance, two years ago today, haunted him every day and vowed never to give up trying to crack the case.
He said the suspected murder investigation had been “incredibly tough and complex” and would stay with him for the rest of his life.
Det Supt Galloway said there was no doubt in his mind that Claudia, who was 35 when she vanished, had been murdered, saying: “There is no proof of life of Claudia.”
He said: “It would be the best present if Claudia were to walk through the door, but I think that is highly unlikely.
“The investigation haunts me. I think about Claudia and the investigation day in, day out – from a professional and personal perspective, it is something that will live with me.
“It haunts me that we have not been able to find Claudia’s killer and I won’t rest until it is resolved.
“I have worked closely with Claudia’s family and the greater community because until Claudia’s killer is brought to justice, there is a danger and we want to resolve that.”
Det Supt Galloway said a lot of people had been interviewed in connection with the inquiry and some would never be eliminated from it.
He said: “There is a real possibility we have interviewed her killer”.
But he also said vital pieces of information were still needed to “significantly help the ongoing investigation”.
“Somebody, somewhere knows something,” he said.
“My key appeal is the fact that, in my experience, anybody involved in the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence will have most certainly spoken about it to somebody. I would appeal to that person to get in touch with us to allow us to make significant progress in this investigation.”
Claudia was last seen walking from the university to her Heworth home on March 18, 2009. She did not turn up for work the next day, sparking a massive police search.
She did not have her passport, spare clothes or bank cards with her when she disappeared; only her mobile phone and the small rucksack she used to carry her chef’s whites to work.
As her family and friends marked the second anniversary of her disappearance today, Det Supt Galloway urged anybody with information to realise the agony it has caused, and to search their conscience.
He said: “Claudia’s disappearance has caused untold heartache to everyone who knew and loved her and our thoughts are with them on this, the second anniversary of her disappearance,” he said.
“We have not given up on this case, nor will we.”
For anybody withholding information, he said: “Nothing could be simpler than to put an end to all this pain for the Lawrence family and the pressure and guilt that you must be feeling.
“Just make that call. That’s all it would take.”
He said there were still gaps to fill in Claudia’s life, in which she kept secrets from her family and friends. He said that while her social life was primarily based around her local pub, the Nag’s Head in Heworth, and friends and colleagues from her previous job at the Monkbar Hotel, there were elements she still hid from those close to her.
“We are not disheartened,” said Det Supt Galloway. “It is an incredibly tough challenge, but a challenge we can handle. However, we do need help. We have a not-quite comprehensive view of Claudia – we need people to help us complete that.”
Police are still particularly keen to determine whether Claudia went missing on March 18 or the early hours of the next day.
Anyone with information can phone 0845 6060247, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Public praised for support
DETECTIVE Superintendent Ray Galloway praised the public for their continued support in the hunt for missing York chef Claudia Lawrence.
He said: “I am amazed by the fact that the public interest and support is undiminished.
“If you saw my mailbox on a daily basis or the letters I receive every single day, without exception, you would be amazed.”
He said contacts had included psychics or mediums offering opinions on the case, while others offered potential leads which had been investigated. But there had yet to be a significant lead.
Det Supt Galloway said police had received thousands of calls and officers had investigated possible sightings in London and connections in Corfu and Ireland, all which had proved fruitless.
There are now no dedicated officers in the hunt for Claudia, but he said he had officers at his disposal to investigate any leads. There were 100 officers dedicated to the search at its height, and the investigation has now cost more than £750,000.
Inquiry is defended
POLICE have defended their decision to extensively investigate Claudia’s love life in the face of criticism from her mother.
Joan Lawrence said on ITV’s Daybreak show this week there had been mistakes in the investigation, particularly surrounding inquiries into Claudia’s “complex and mysterious” relationships and her past boyfriends.
But Det Supt Ray Galloway said external investigators brought in at the request of the force had stood by North Yorkshire Police’s analysis of her love life. “In fact, they said we should concentrate on it more,” he said.
He said in at least 80 per cent of female homicides, the victim knew or had had a relationship with the killer, and he believed Claudia would have recognised her attacker.
He said he was not surprised by Crimestoppers’ recent decision to remove the £10,000 reward, and praised it for its long-standing support.
Detective Superintendent Ray Galloway said Claudia’s disappearance, two years ago today, haunted him every day and vowed never to give up trying to crack the case.
He said the suspected murder investigation had been “incredibly tough and complex” and would stay with him for the rest of his life.
Det Supt Galloway said there was no doubt in his mind that Claudia, who was 35 when she vanished, had been murdered, saying: “There is no proof of life of Claudia.”
He said: “It would be the best present if Claudia were to walk through the door, but I think that is highly unlikely.
“The investigation haunts me. I think about Claudia and the investigation day in, day out – from a professional and personal perspective, it is something that will live with me.
“It haunts me that we have not been able to find Claudia’s killer and I won’t rest until it is resolved.
“I have worked closely with Claudia’s family and the greater community because until Claudia’s killer is brought to justice, there is a danger and we want to resolve that.”
Det Supt Galloway said a lot of people had been interviewed in connection with the inquiry and some would never be eliminated from it.
He said: “There is a real possibility we have interviewed her killer”.
But he also said vital pieces of information were still needed to “significantly help the ongoing investigation”.
“Somebody, somewhere knows something,” he said.
“My key appeal is the fact that, in my experience, anybody involved in the disappearance of Claudia Lawrence will have most certainly spoken about it to somebody. I would appeal to that person to get in touch with us to allow us to make significant progress in this investigation.”
Claudia was last seen walking from the university to her Heworth home on March 18, 2009. She did not turn up for work the next day, sparking a massive police search.
She did not have her passport, spare clothes or bank cards with her when she disappeared; only her mobile phone and the small rucksack she used to carry her chef’s whites to work.
As her family and friends marked the second anniversary of her disappearance today, Det Supt Galloway urged anybody with information to realise the agony it has caused, and to search their conscience.
He said: “Claudia’s disappearance has caused untold heartache to everyone who knew and loved her and our thoughts are with them on this, the second anniversary of her disappearance,” he said.
“We have not given up on this case, nor will we.”
For anybody withholding information, he said: “Nothing could be simpler than to put an end to all this pain for the Lawrence family and the pressure and guilt that you must be feeling.
“Just make that call. That’s all it would take.”
He said there were still gaps to fill in Claudia’s life, in which she kept secrets from her family and friends. He said that while her social life was primarily based around her local pub, the Nag’s Head in Heworth, and friends and colleagues from her previous job at the Monkbar Hotel, there were elements she still hid from those close to her.
“We are not disheartened,” said Det Supt Galloway. “It is an incredibly tough challenge, but a challenge we can handle. However, we do need help. We have a not-quite comprehensive view of Claudia – we need people to help us complete that.”
Police are still particularly keen to determine whether Claudia went missing on March 18 or the early hours of the next day.
Anyone with information can phone 0845 6060247, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Public praised for support
DETECTIVE Superintendent Ray Galloway praised the public for their continued support in the hunt for missing York chef Claudia Lawrence.
He said: “I am amazed by the fact that the public interest and support is undiminished.
“If you saw my mailbox on a daily basis or the letters I receive every single day, without exception, you would be amazed.”
He said contacts had included psychics or mediums offering opinions on the case, while others offered potential leads which had been investigated. But there had yet to be a significant lead.
Det Supt Galloway said police had received thousands of calls and officers had investigated possible sightings in London and connections in Corfu and Ireland, all which had proved fruitless.
There are now no dedicated officers in the hunt for Claudia, but he said he had officers at his disposal to investigate any leads. There were 100 officers dedicated to the search at its height, and the investigation has now cost more than £750,000.
Inquiry is defended
POLICE have defended their decision to extensively investigate Claudia’s love life in the face of criticism from her mother.
Joan Lawrence said on ITV’s Daybreak show this week there had been mistakes in the investigation, particularly surrounding inquiries into Claudia’s “complex and mysterious” relationships and her past boyfriends.
But Det Supt Ray Galloway said external investigators brought in at the request of the force had stood by North Yorkshire Police’s analysis of her love life. “In fact, they said we should concentrate on it more,” he said.
He said in at least 80 per cent of female homicides, the victim knew or had had a relationship with the killer, and he believed Claudia would have recognised her attacker.
He said he was not surprised by Crimestoppers’ recent decision to remove the £10,000 reward, and praised it for its long-standing support.
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Film star Robert Redford drops in for drink at Ferry Boat Inn at Thorganby
DRINKERS at a pub near York could be forgiven for thinking they had had one too many – when they saw Hollywood star Robert Redford walk in.
The legendary actor, producer and director, star of Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid, called in for a drink at the Ferry Boat Inn at Thorganby, during a visit to Britain to announce plans to launch his Sundance Festival in London next spring.
Customers from the local allotment society who were having a night out at the pub broke off from their vegetable discussions to approach him, check it really was Robert Redford and ask for his autograph, which the Oscar-winner happily agreed to give.
Landlady Olive Rogers, who has been the licensee at the pub since 1948, said Redford, star of classic films like All The President’s Men, Out Of Africa and The Sting, had been taken there by some friends of his in the village, who he was visiting.
But Olive pointed out she had not given the actor any special VIP treatment during his visit to her pub.
“I treated him like any other customer,” she said, adding that he had said he would like to come back there again one day. “He was very nice,” she said.
If the actor wanted to know what the very best of British pubs have to offer, he could hardly have picked a better one, as the Ferry Boat was named the best pub in Yorkshire last year by the Campaign For Real Ale, having previously won the best outdoor area title in The Press Pub Awards 2009/10. The family-run free house stands on the banks of the River Derwent with a vast beer garden that slopes down to the waterfront.
Redford, who played Sundance in the western Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid, has revealed that a four-day festival, based on the Sundance Film Festival which he runs in the United States, will be staged at the O2 in London next April.
North Yorkshire films Robert Redford might have starred in
• A Selby Swing Bridge Too Far
• The Great Haxby
• The Last Castle Howard
• The White Horse Whisperer
• A River (Derwent) Runs Through It
• All The Chief Constable’s Men
The legendary actor, producer and director, star of Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid, called in for a drink at the Ferry Boat Inn at Thorganby, during a visit to Britain to announce plans to launch his Sundance Festival in London next spring.
Customers from the local allotment society who were having a night out at the pub broke off from their vegetable discussions to approach him, check it really was Robert Redford and ask for his autograph, which the Oscar-winner happily agreed to give.
Landlady Olive Rogers, who has been the licensee at the pub since 1948, said Redford, star of classic films like All The President’s Men, Out Of Africa and The Sting, had been taken there by some friends of his in the village, who he was visiting.
But Olive pointed out she had not given the actor any special VIP treatment during his visit to her pub.
“I treated him like any other customer,” she said, adding that he had said he would like to come back there again one day. “He was very nice,” she said.
If the actor wanted to know what the very best of British pubs have to offer, he could hardly have picked a better one, as the Ferry Boat was named the best pub in Yorkshire last year by the Campaign For Real Ale, having previously won the best outdoor area title in The Press Pub Awards 2009/10. The family-run free house stands on the banks of the River Derwent with a vast beer garden that slopes down to the waterfront.
Redford, who played Sundance in the western Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid, has revealed that a four-day festival, based on the Sundance Film Festival which he runs in the United States, will be staged at the O2 in London next April.
North Yorkshire films Robert Redford might have starred in
• A Selby Swing Bridge Too Far
• The Great Haxby
• The Last Castle Howard
• The White Horse Whisperer
• A River (Derwent) Runs Through It
• All The Chief Constable’s Men
Hundreds at York Minster to mourn former Barnitts chairman Ian Thompson
HUNDREDS of mourners gathered in York Minster as family, friends and former colleagues said their final farewells to Ian Thompson, the former chairman of Barnitts.
It was standing room only at the morning service yesterday as more than 500 people gathered to pay their respects to one of York’s most prominent businessmen. Mr Thompson, who was 70, died suddenly in Majorca while on holiday at the second home he had bought as he started his retirement.
A silent and sombre congregation rose as one at 11am as the flower-adorned coffin was brought into the Minster, followed by more than 30 members of Mr Thompson’s family.
The service was conducted by The Rev Canon Glyn Webster, who said: “We have lost a truly wonderful man.”
Addressing Mr Thompson’s widow, Maureen, children Jane, Paul and Sally, sister, Pat, and his nine grandchildren, Canon Webster told them: “This is a difficult day – it is far too difficult to contemplate a life without Ian.
“He was a much-loved man, husband, father, relative and friend.”
He told the family to take comfort in the hundreds of people that had attended the service to pay their respects, saying: “That speaks more than any adequate words I can say today.”
The service heard how Mr Thompson had begun working at the Barnitts store at the age of 15 and worked his way up to the role of chairman – a position he cherished.
Canon Webster said he had often visited the store, and Barnitts was as much a loved York institution as York Minster itself and other city landmarks such as Bettys and Browns.
He said: “I commend Ian to his place in God’s care and keeping until the day you are reunited with him. Until then may he rest in peace with Christ.”
Both Barnitts stores, in Colliergate and Acomb, were closed all day as a mark of respect and to allow employees to attend the service.
Ian’s son Paul said his father had enjoyed relaxing in the warmer weather and enjoyed playing golf.
Paul had become managing director almost two years ago, but his father had still been involved with the business, taking a particular interest in the website.
It was standing room only at the morning service yesterday as more than 500 people gathered to pay their respects to one of York’s most prominent businessmen. Mr Thompson, who was 70, died suddenly in Majorca while on holiday at the second home he had bought as he started his retirement.
A silent and sombre congregation rose as one at 11am as the flower-adorned coffin was brought into the Minster, followed by more than 30 members of Mr Thompson’s family.
The service was conducted by The Rev Canon Glyn Webster, who said: “We have lost a truly wonderful man.”
Addressing Mr Thompson’s widow, Maureen, children Jane, Paul and Sally, sister, Pat, and his nine grandchildren, Canon Webster told them: “This is a difficult day – it is far too difficult to contemplate a life without Ian.
“He was a much-loved man, husband, father, relative and friend.”
He told the family to take comfort in the hundreds of people that had attended the service to pay their respects, saying: “That speaks more than any adequate words I can say today.”
The service heard how Mr Thompson had begun working at the Barnitts store at the age of 15 and worked his way up to the role of chairman – a position he cherished.
Canon Webster said he had often visited the store, and Barnitts was as much a loved York institution as York Minster itself and other city landmarks such as Bettys and Browns.
He said: “I commend Ian to his place in God’s care and keeping until the day you are reunited with him. Until then may he rest in peace with Christ.”
Both Barnitts stores, in Colliergate and Acomb, were closed all day as a mark of respect and to allow employees to attend the service.
Ian’s son Paul said his father had enjoyed relaxing in the warmer weather and enjoyed playing golf.
Paul had become managing director almost two years ago, but his father had still been involved with the business, taking a particular interest in the website.
University of York in student data breach on website
An investigation has begun at the University of York after personal data of 148 students was published.
Information including the students' mobile phone numbers, addresses and A-level results was made available.
The information could be accessed on a student inquiry page on the university's website.
In a statement, the university said it had "taken immediate action to rectify this problem" and had apologised to all those students affected.
Legal action
Following the breach of data last week, the university said a review of its security systems was under way.
The statement, signed by Registrar Dr David Duncan, said: "We are also investigating all procedures and management systems and will undertake a thorough review of our data security arrangements.
"The Information Commissioner has been informed.
"I would like to apologise to everyone who has been affected by this breach."
Tim Ngwena, president of the university's student union, said: "Obviously students are quite concerned because you trust the information that you provide, when you apply to any institution, to be held safely much like anyone would expect when applying for any job."
If found to have violated the 1998 Data Protection Act, the university could face a fine or legal action.
Information including the students' mobile phone numbers, addresses and A-level results was made available.
The information could be accessed on a student inquiry page on the university's website.
In a statement, the university said it had "taken immediate action to rectify this problem" and had apologised to all those students affected.
Legal action
Following the breach of data last week, the university said a review of its security systems was under way.
The statement, signed by Registrar Dr David Duncan, said: "We are also investigating all procedures and management systems and will undertake a thorough review of our data security arrangements.
"The Information Commissioner has been informed.
"I would like to apologise to everyone who has been affected by this breach."
Tim Ngwena, president of the university's student union, said: "Obviously students are quite concerned because you trust the information that you provide, when you apply to any institution, to be held safely much like anyone would expect when applying for any job."
If found to have violated the 1998 Data Protection Act, the university could face a fine or legal action.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Police searching for missing York man find body in river
POLICE divers searching for a missing York man have found a body in the Ouse.
Divers searching the river discovered the body, which has not yet been formally identified, near Skeldergate Bridge at 11.45am today.
Lee Calam, 35, of Queen Victoria Street in South Bank, was last seen in Bishophill over a week ago.
He had missed a number of appointments since he was last seen on March 8.
A spokesman from North Yorkshire Police said: “Police investigating the disappearance of York man, Lee Calam, recovered a body from the River Ouse near to Skeldergate Bridge at 11.45am today. Searches of the river were carried out by officers from the Underwater Search Unit from West Yorkshire Police.
“Formal identification has yet to take place and it is too early to release any further information.”
Divers searching the river discovered the body, which has not yet been formally identified, near Skeldergate Bridge at 11.45am today.
Lee Calam, 35, of Queen Victoria Street in South Bank, was last seen in Bishophill over a week ago.
He had missed a number of appointments since he was last seen on March 8.
A spokesman from North Yorkshire Police said: “Police investigating the disappearance of York man, Lee Calam, recovered a body from the River Ouse near to Skeldergate Bridge at 11.45am today. Searches of the river were carried out by officers from the Underwater Search Unit from West Yorkshire Police.
“Formal identification has yet to take place and it is too early to release any further information.”
Harrogate fire service on 12-hour stand-by for Japan
Firefighters from North Yorkshire have been put on 12-hour standby to help with the rescue effort following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said its role would be to either provide clean water or to clear flood water from towns and villages.
Volunteers from Harrogate have been checking equipment in preparation.
Mal Austwick from the fire service said it was used to seeing devastation but "not on the scale they have in Japan."
Mr Austwick said the Japanese government had not yet requested their assistance but it was likely their help would be needed beyond the initial rescue stage.
He said: "Our firefighters that have volunteered have seen a lot of things over recent years where they've actually gone to other counties within England to support flooding victims, such as the Cumbria incident, and the Buncefield incident.
"We're really looking forward to seeing what assistance we can provide to the Japanese people."
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said its role would be to either provide clean water or to clear flood water from towns and villages.
Volunteers from Harrogate have been checking equipment in preparation.
Mal Austwick from the fire service said it was used to seeing devastation but "not on the scale they have in Japan."
Mr Austwick said the Japanese government had not yet requested their assistance but it was likely their help would be needed beyond the initial rescue stage.
He said: "Our firefighters that have volunteered have seen a lot of things over recent years where they've actually gone to other counties within England to support flooding victims, such as the Cumbria incident, and the Buncefield incident.
"We're really looking forward to seeing what assistance we can provide to the Japanese people."
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Expensive birds stolen from North Yorkshire farm
More than 40 high value birds have been stolen from a North Yorkshire farm.
Police said the breeds, stolen from a farm in Sutton Under Whitestonecliffe near Thirsk, were worth a total of several thousands of pounds.
They include breeding pairs of bufflehead ducks, red-breast geese, scaup and hen birds including pochard.
Pc Jon Grainger said: "I believe whoever carried out these thefts has knowledge of wildfowl as they targeted the more expensive breeds."
The birds were stolen in two burglaries.
Twenty-seven were stolen in the first theft, which happened between 1400 GMT on 6 March and 1400 GMT on 7 March.
A further 21 birds were stolen in the second theft between 1900 GMT on 12 March and 0730 GMT on 13 March.
Witnesses or anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police.
Police said the breeds, stolen from a farm in Sutton Under Whitestonecliffe near Thirsk, were worth a total of several thousands of pounds.
They include breeding pairs of bufflehead ducks, red-breast geese, scaup and hen birds including pochard.
Pc Jon Grainger said: "I believe whoever carried out these thefts has knowledge of wildfowl as they targeted the more expensive breeds."
The birds were stolen in two burglaries.
Twenty-seven were stolen in the first theft, which happened between 1400 GMT on 6 March and 1400 GMT on 7 March.
A further 21 birds were stolen in the second theft between 1900 GMT on 12 March and 0730 GMT on 13 March.
Witnesses or anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police.
Police search for missing York man
POLICE are searching for a York man who has not been seen for a nearly a week.
Lee Calam, 35, of Queen Victoria Street, has been missing since Tuesday March 8 when he is understood to have been seen at 8pm in the Bishophill area.
Officers are concerned for Mr Calam’s wellbeing as he has health issues and his disappearance is out of character.
Acting Inspector Richard Ogden said: “I am urging Lee to make contact with the police as soon as possible so that we can confirm he is safe and well.
“I also need to speak to anyone who has seen Lee since Tuesday 8 March or knows where he is now.
“I am concerned about Lee as this behaviour is out of character. He has also missed a number of appointments in the last week.”
Police said he is white, approximately 5ft 7ins tall with a slim build and brown hair.
When Lee was last seen he was wearing a black fleece with a white logo on the left breast, blue jeans and dark trainers.
If you have any information that could help with this enquiry please contact Acting Inspector Ogden at York Police Station on 0845 60 60 24 7 quoting reference number 12110038974 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Lee Calam, 35, of Queen Victoria Street, has been missing since Tuesday March 8 when he is understood to have been seen at 8pm in the Bishophill area.
Officers are concerned for Mr Calam’s wellbeing as he has health issues and his disappearance is out of character.
Acting Inspector Richard Ogden said: “I am urging Lee to make contact with the police as soon as possible so that we can confirm he is safe and well.
“I also need to speak to anyone who has seen Lee since Tuesday 8 March or knows where he is now.
“I am concerned about Lee as this behaviour is out of character. He has also missed a number of appointments in the last week.”
Police said he is white, approximately 5ft 7ins tall with a slim build and brown hair.
When Lee was last seen he was wearing a black fleece with a white logo on the left breast, blue jeans and dark trainers.
If you have any information that could help with this enquiry please contact Acting Inspector Ogden at York Police Station on 0845 60 60 24 7 quoting reference number 12110038974 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
York motorcylist in fatal horsebox collision named
A York motorcyclist who died following a collision with a horsebox has been named.
Simon Parker, 37, from Bolton Percy, died following the collision on the A1079 in Market Weighton on Saturday.
Mr Parker had been riding a silver Suzuki SB1000 SK3 motorcycle towards York when he was in collision with the light blue Ford Cargo horsebox driven by a 59-year-old East Yorkshire woman.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, Humberside Police said.
The fire and ambulance service and a doctor attended the scene and the road was closed for arounf four hours until about 2130hrs to allow the scene to be examined and the vehicles to be recovered.
Anyone who may have seen either vehicle prior to the collision or who may have witnessed the collision itself, which happened at around 5.30pm, is asked to contact the traffic department at Driffield on 0845 60 60 222 referring to log 569 of March 12 2011
Simon Parker, 37, from Bolton Percy, died following the collision on the A1079 in Market Weighton on Saturday.
Mr Parker had been riding a silver Suzuki SB1000 SK3 motorcycle towards York when he was in collision with the light blue Ford Cargo horsebox driven by a 59-year-old East Yorkshire woman.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, Humberside Police said.
The fire and ambulance service and a doctor attended the scene and the road was closed for arounf four hours until about 2130hrs to allow the scene to be examined and the vehicles to be recovered.
Anyone who may have seen either vehicle prior to the collision or who may have witnessed the collision itself, which happened at around 5.30pm, is asked to contact the traffic department at Driffield on 0845 60 60 222 referring to log 569 of March 12 2011
York motorcylist in fatal horsebox collision named
A York motorcyclist who died following a collision with a horsebox has been named.
Simon Parker, 37, from Bolton Percy, died following the collision on the A1079 in Market Weighton on Saturday.
Mr Parker had been riding a silver Suzuki SB1000 SK3 motorcycle towards York when he was in collision with the light blue Ford Cargo horsebox driven by a 59-year-old East Yorkshire woman.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, Humberside Police said.
The fire and ambulance service and a doctor attended the scene and the road was closed for arounf four hours until about 2130hrs to allow the scene to be examined and the vehicles to be recovered.
Anyone who may have seen either vehicle prior to the collision or who may have witnessed the collision itself, which happened at around 5.30pm, is asked to contact the traffic department at Driffield on 0845 60 60 222 referring to log 569 of March 12 2011
Simon Parker, 37, from Bolton Percy, died following the collision on the A1079 in Market Weighton on Saturday.
Mr Parker had been riding a silver Suzuki SB1000 SK3 motorcycle towards York when he was in collision with the light blue Ford Cargo horsebox driven by a 59-year-old East Yorkshire woman.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, Humberside Police said.
The fire and ambulance service and a doctor attended the scene and the road was closed for arounf four hours until about 2130hrs to allow the scene to be examined and the vehicles to be recovered.
Anyone who may have seen either vehicle prior to the collision or who may have witnessed the collision itself, which happened at around 5.30pm, is asked to contact the traffic department at Driffield on 0845 60 60 222 referring to log 569 of March 12 2011
Thursday, 10 March 2011
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