A man nicknamed the ‘crazy Russian’ has been found guilty of brutally murdering Gracijus Balciauskas at a flat on Mayfield Grove, Harrogate in December last year.
After two days of deliberation, the jury at Leeds Crown Court found Vitalijus Koreiva guilty by a majority verdict of 11-1.
Polish national Jaroslaw Rutowicz was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by a majority of 11-1. Judge Rodney Jameson QC told him he will also receive a “substantial custodial sentence”.
Mr Balciauskas, from Lithuania, was just 41 years old when he was killed.
Body wrapped in a rug
The trial began last month with the court hearing how Mr Balciauskas’s body was found wrapped in a rug after a lengthy drinking binge involving the three friends turned violent.
CCTV footage was shown of the men leaving the flat to buy more alcohol on several occasions in the hours leading to the murder.
Rutowicz told the court how Koreiva, who is Lithuanian, erupted during a drunken game of chess with Mr Balciauskas at 5am, which led to Koreiva punching and then kicking him.
Read more on the trial:
- Harrogate murder trial hears that body was found in a rug
- Harrogate murder suspect claims he feared for his own life after ‘brutal’ assault
- Doubt cast on Harrogate murder suspect’s claim
- Harrogate man ‘out of his mind’ on alcohol admits attacking friend
Harrowing video footage taken on Rutowicz’s phone of a bloodied and bruised Mr Balciauskas was shown in court. The clips showed him being kicked by Koreiva whilst he was laying defenceless on the floor pleading for help.
In one of the videos, Rutowicz was heard shouting at Mr Balciauskas in Polish, “Why the f*** did you send us there? Now you look like this”.
‘The crazy Russian’
During the trial, Rutowicz said he had been threatened by Koreiva with his life if he called 999 after Mr Balciauskas died. He said Koreiva’s nickname in Harrogate was the “crazy Russian” and he had an unpredictable character.
However, prosecuting barrister Peter Moulson QC poured scorn on his claim and accused Rutowicz of lying.
Last week, Koreiva pleaded guilty to manslaughter after telling the court he had been an alcoholic since he was 13. He argued he was not in control of his actions on the night Mr Balciauskas died, which the jury ultimately rejected.
Mr Balciauskas died of internal bleeding after being kicked in the spleen. The prosecution told the jury he could have been saved if either man had called an ambulance sooner.
Instead, the pair carried on their drinking session.
Koreiva and Rutowicz will be sentenced next month.
Harrogate murder suspect claims he feared for his own life after ‘brutal’ assaultA man on trial for murder claimed his friend violently killed Gracijus Balciauskas after a drunken game of chess turned ugly — and then threatened to do the same to him if he dialled 999 for help.
Jaroslaw Rutowicz, 39, and Vitalijus Koreiva, 36, are accused of murdering Mr Balciauskas at a flat on Mayfield Grove in Harrogate on December 20 last year.
The trial at Leeds Crown Court began last week with the prosecution giving evidence. The court heard how Mr Balciauskas’s body was found wrapped in a rug and CCTV footage was shown of the three men buying alcohol in the hours leading up to his death.
Mr Rutowicz took the stand today to begin his defence.
Speaking through a translator, the Polish national said he came to the UK in 2004 and worked as a bricklayer.
After moving to Harrogate in 2019, he developed a friendship with Mr Koreiva and Mr Balciauskas through work.
The three men ended up living together at 6 Mayfield Grove. Mr Rutowicz described Mr Balciauskas as a “brother” and said they would meet in the evenings after work to drink and talk about their future plans.
‘Brutal’ assault
The drinking session that ultimately led to Mr Balciauskas’ death began on December 19. Mr Rutowicz said tensions flared after Mr Koreiva shaved off some of Mr Balciauskas’s hair as a practical joke whilst he was sleeping.
Mr Rutowicz said in the early hours of the next morning the three men ran out of alcohol so Mr Koreiva and Mr Rutowicz took a taxi to Pannal’s BP petrol station to buy more.
They returned to Mayfield Grove at around 5am when Mr Balciauskas challenged the two men to a game of chess, which they often enjoyed playing together while drinking.
Mr Rutowicz said Mr Koreiva erupted in anger during his game with Mr Balciauskas and described the ensuing beating of Mr Balciauskas by Mr Koreiva as “brutal”.
He said:
“Vitalijus was shouting more than Gracijus. At one point Vitalijus got up and threw Gracijus onto the floor from the stool. He started to beat him with his fist and with the heel of his foot.”
Mr Rutowicz then filmed a bloodied and bruised Mr Balciauskas with his mobile phone. He claimed this was to stop the fight and provide evidence that he was not involved in case it was later needed by police.
He said:
“I then decided to start filming. It was brutal. I wanted to use that in order to stop the fight. I approached and started to pull Gracijus away. Vitalijus was beating him and kicking him.”
Read more:
- Harrogate murder trial hears that body was found in a rug
- Man denies murder at flat on Harrogate’s Mayfield Grove
‘If you call the police, I will kill you’
After the assault, Mr Rutowicz said Mr Balciauskas was still alive but fading out of consciousness.
He said he wanted to call 999 but was stopped by Mr Koreiva who said he would kill him if he did.
Mr Rutowicz said:
“He started to threaten me. Gracijus was lying on the floor. I could hear him saying something. I was afraid to approach because Vitalijus told me to stay away or he would kill me.
“At a certain point, Gracijus’s head was drooping. I approached to film him and recorded what he was saying to me.
“I had my phone in my hand and turned towards Vitalijus. I said I was going to call the police. He raised his fist to me and said if you call the police or ambulance, I will kill you.
“That terrified me. I felt fear as if my body was paralysed by it.”
Mr Rutowicz said he and Mr Balciauskas “loved each other like brothers” and maintained that he did not strike or kick him during the assault.
He then went to check his pulse, which was faint. He said:
“Gracijus whispered to me, ‘it hurts’
“I said to him, “brother, everything will be fine, hang in there.”
“He knew I wanted to help him, he said ‘thank you’.”
Mr Rutowicz, who was tearful in court, described the moments after Mr Balciauskas died.
“It was a shock to me. I had lost my brother. I turned my head towards Vitalijus and said, ‘You’ve killed Gracijus. Gracijus is dead.’
“I said, ‘If I had called the ambulance when I wanted to, he would still be alive’.
“But I was threatened. It was a complete nervous breakdown for me. Vitalijus sat and looked at what I was doing. I simply got up feeling broken and sat down on the bed.”
‘Total shock’
With Mr Balciauskas now dead in the flat, Mr Rutowisz claimed Mr Koreiva wanted to cover up the crime and suggested wrapping his body up in a rug before burying him. Mr Rutowisz told the court:
“He said, ‘Shut your trap. I was in prison for four years. I will not go back’.”
Mr Rutowisz claimed he was in fear for his life after Mr Koreiva ordered him to go to Asda on Bower Road to buy more whiskey and cigarettes. He said he would “find him and kill him” if he did not return to Mayfield Grove.
He said the reason he returned to the flat and didn’t call 999 was due to fear.
“Never before had I the feeling that someone could kill me. There was a second feeling of realising that my brother was dead. Those two feelings caused total shock in me and a breakdown.”
After Mr Koreiva fell asleep later that evening, Mr Rutowisz went back to Asda at around 11pm.
He called family members in Poland to tell them what had happened before calling 999 to say there was a dead body at the flat.
He strongly denied telling an Asda employee that he confessed to murdering Mr Balciauskas.
The trial is expected to last until the end of this week.
Harrogate Spring Water unveils mindful drinking bar at Royal AscotHarrogate Spring Water unveils mindful drinking bar at Royal Ascot
Harrogate Spring Water has opened the first mindful drinking bar at Royal Ascot with celebrity guests.
The company teamed up with wellbeing advocate and former Love Islander Dr Alex George and much-loved bartender from First Dates Merlin Griffiths for the launch.
The reduced and no-alcohol bar was devised after a survey of 2,000 people showed 24% had cut down their alcohol intake post-covid.
The water brand has launched its Drinking Life In campaign with a dedicated platform encouraging people to make the most of their experiences. It also includes mindful drinking tips from Dr Alex George.
Richard Hall, managing director at Harrogate Spring Water, said:
“Our survey clearly shows how adults really are being more mindful about their alcohol intake post-lockdown as they now focus on creating memories from their experiences.
“With that in mind, it’s such a joy to bring people together to connect again at Royal Ascot as we encourage racegoers to make the most of their celebrations.”
Read more:
Harrogate wealth management firm acquired
Harrogate-based wealth manager Gore Browne Investment Management (GBIM) has entered into a deal with Hawksmoor Investment Management.
The merger means Hawksmoors is set to acquire 100% of GBIM. The amount offered has not been disclosed.
While Gore Browne and Hawksmoor will become a single enterprise, the Gore Browne name and offices will be maintained, and the business will continue to use Pershing as its custodian.
The GBIM firm has a reported funds under management of £520 million across its offices.
Chief executive of GBIM, Mark Awkwright, said:
Frustration after fourth attack on rare Ripon building“For some time the Gore Browne board and shareholders have been seeking a partner who was already operating in the private client sector, to invest in our business.
“We selected Hawksmoor as this was the best fit for our clients and our people. It has always been our creed, in an increasingly unapproachable investment world, to put clients first. We have known and respected the team at Hawksmoor for many years and feel confident that together we will continue to deliver an exceptionally high quality, personal service.”
Policing in Ripon has come under the spotlight once more, following the fourth vandal attack in 14 months on a rare listed building owned by the city council.
Though the Cabmen’s Shelter on Market Place East, is located just yards away from a CCTV surveillance camera, nobody has been arrested, charged and prosecuted for damaging the historic building’s windows and door.
A possible reason for the lack of success in bringing the vandal or vandals to justice, emerged when the Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, told the Stray Ferret that Harrogate Borough Council’s CCTV surveillance team charges police across the Harrogate district, £57 per hour for checking through and supplying footage.
Cllr Parkin, said:
“When I personally reported a vandal attack on the shelter, I was told by the police that I needed to give a precise timeframe in which the vandalism occurred, which is clearly ludicrous.
“Residents and visitors naturally assume, as I did, that the CCTV cameras covering Market Square and other parts of the city, are our constant guardians, watching over us 24 hours a day, while being a vital tool in spotting criminal behaviour and assisting in the arrest of those involved in violence or vandalism.
The CCTV camera at Market Place North, Ripon
‘Confidence further eroded’
“Once I realised that there is no point in contacting the police if you can’t provide exact timings, my confidence in the standard of policing in the city was further eroded and I and other candidates out canvassing across the city in the run-up to last week’s election, discovered that dissatisfaction with the police in Ripon is widespread.”
Cllr Parkin, added:
“I also feel exasperated and sickened in the knowledge that an already deficient service is further impacted by Harrogate Borough Council’s commercialisation of CCTV surveillance, ironically operated by HBC’s housing and safer communities team.”
What does Harrogate Borough Council say?
The Stray Ferret asked HBC about the £57 per hour charge levied to pay for the team at the council’s centralised surveillance unit to look through and provide recorded footage, to help police with their enquiries.
A council spokesperson said:
“CCTV across the Harrogate district, which is owned and managed by Harrogate Borough Council, has on-going infrastructure and running costs.
“As well as the costs to maintain the service, there are also costs associated with a CCTV control room, staffing and the on-going safe storage of footage.
“Should anyone wish to obtain a copy of any footage, this would require an appropriate individual reviewing it first, followed by providing the footage securely along with a witness statement. All while adhering to the Data Protection Act 1998.
“Therefore, any third-party that wishes to view and use any CCTV footage – such as an insurance company, enforcement agency or the police – is charged to do so.”
Response from Ripon police
Insp Alex Langley, who heads Ripon’s neighbourhood policing team, said:
He said:
“I understand the frustrations and concerns of the community on this damage issue and it is totally unacceptable for this damage to be repeated.
“There is CCTV in location and the footage is of excellent quality when zoomed in and an operator is following a suspect. The challenges that HBC face when operating cameras is that the district has many cameras that require monitoring.”
Our photograph shows the proximity of the Cabmen’s Shelter to the cctv camera located at the junction of Market Place South and Kirkgate
Incidents that go undetected
Insp Langley added:
“The control room at Harrogate has numerous operators at peak times covering these cameras, but sadly incidents like this can occur undetected.
“If there is another incident ongoing at the time that the operator is viewing elsewhere then matters can be unchecked and unnoticed. If a suspect stands at distance from the shelter and throws stones they can easily remain undetected and unsighted.
“The location is in the centre of Ripon, opposite a pub, taxi rank and very busy car park yet we never seem to have any witnesses and always discover the damage days after it has occurred.”
He added:
“I am really frustrated with the minor damages and unacceptable conduct of a small handful of local people that cause misery and issues for everybody else.
“What we have found is that when tackling issues of ASB (anti-social behaviour) by increasing patrols, resources and presence It does deter or displace people into other areas of the City where the Police presence is not as high or prominent.
“This is a constant and on-going battle to try prevent and deter ASB and damages such as this from occurring. We are currently working in partnership with local people and the community and we have just recently set up the Ripon Community Alcohol Partnership to try tackle alcohol associated issues.”
Insp Langley encourages anybody with concerns about policing issues in Ripon to attend a public meeting at new Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre on Monday May 16. The meeting starts at 8pm.
Read more:
- Ripon residents invited by police to public meeting on May 16
- Council’s formal complaint to crime commissioner about Ripon policing
Police to spell out plans to tackle crime in Ripon
North Yorkshire Police is holding a public meeting in Ripon this month to talk about its plans to tackle crime in the city.
There are longstanding concerns about persistent crime and anti-social behaviour in Ripon, with problems particularly prevalent during summer.
At the community engagement meeting on May 16, police will spell out how they plan to address the issues.
A police social media post said the meeting will “share with you the current crime statistics and trends for your wards, provide you with an operational overview of how your area is currently policed and also tell you about the proposed plans for the future”.
It added:
“The purpose of this meeting is to ensure your voice is heard with regards to how your community is policed.
“By voicing your concerns direct to us you will enable North Yorkshire Police to target and tailor our resources and plans to better meet your needs and prevent issues or escalation in your community.
“This is an open invite to all local residents, concerned people and partners agencies that are concerned in community support to come along and provide your perspective.”
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The post added that people will “be invited to highlight any community issues, tensions or criminality that are affecting you”.
Inspector Alex Langley, from the Ripon neighbourhoods policing team, will chair the meeting, which will take place from 8pm to 9pm at the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre on Dallamires Lane.
Underage drinking crackdown
These partnerships see police work with retailers, schools, neighbourhood groups, Trading Standards, local authorities and other emergency and health services to reduce alcohol problems.
As part of the initiative, retailers are assessed by Trading Standards and police to check they are not selling alcohol to children.
Harrogate’s Coach & Horses pub set to reopen in early July
Drinkers will be able to finally reacquaint themselves with the Coach & Horses this summer after over two years.
Provenance Inns, which owns West Park Hotel on the same street, bought the pub in October last year.
It’s been closed since May 2020 after the previous landlord John Nelson had his licence revoked for breaching covid rules.
Provenance has been busy revamping the bar and kitchen area and reinstating the corner entrance.
The first floor is also being converted into a restaurant area along with staff accommodation and office space.
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Scaffolding outside the building recently came down ahead of the Coach & Horses’ new era.
The company has designed a new logo for the pub but has promised to respect its long heritage with the refurbishment.
Provenance’s commercial manager Anthony Blundell said there is still work to do but he is hopeful the pub and restaurant will reopen in early July.
He said:
Photographer on why Swinsty Reservoir saved his life after addiction“Everyone is eagerly awaiting the reopening of the Coach and no one is more excited than us to get to know some of the previous patrons and, hopefully, some new ones too.”
Dave Lobley says his love of photographing the sunrise at Swinsty Reservoir saved his life as he recovered from alcohol addiction.
The serene reservoir in the Washburn Valley has been a favourite sanctuary of Harrogate district residents for decades.
Mr Lobley, who was born and bred in Harrogate, quit drinking seven years ago after he ended up in hospital.
He said:
“It was a near-death job.
“But I came out of hospital and had a fresh chance at life.”
One of Mr Lobley’s friends bought him an old Canon camera and it ignited a new passion.
He used to work nights in Blackpool and would walk around Swinsty early in the morning when he finished his shifts.
His spectacular landscape shots of the reservoir have found an appreciative audience on the You Know You’re a Harrogotanian Facebook group, where he regularly shares them.
Swinsty Reservoir. Credit – Dave Lobley
He jokes that photography has become “my new addiction”.
“It saved my life. I was on the road to destruction.”
Mr Lobley said the popular reservoir has become a second home to him and his trusted companion, Lilian, an 11-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
He said photography helps him to express his view of the world and to stay alcohol-free.
Read more:
- Swinsty Reservoir walking route reopens today
- New bee-friendly habitats for Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross reservoirs
Mr Lobley described what he thinks makes Swinsty such a special place.
“For me, the sunrise is amazing. It’s about the trees and the colours.
“With it being so close to Harrogate, it doesn’t cost anything to go there. Disabled access is very good and it’s great to see people there enjoying themselves. It’s a place to clear your mind.”
As well as photographing Swinsty and the nearby Fewston Reservoir, he enjoys taking his camera on walks around the Lake District, Wales and the Yorkshire Dales.
Swinsty Reservoir. Credit – Dave Lobley
In May, he will travel to Scottish Highlands with his partner to walk 96 miles in six days.
He wants to show other people that might be struggling with addiction that another life is possible.
“It’s a bit of closure from not drinking. I’ve come this far so I want to raise awareness if you’re struggling with addiction. There is another way, focus on photography or anything, you can beat it, rather than it beating you.”
Mr Lobley said Swinsty’s pull will always keep him coming back for more.
“When the sun’s comin up at Swinsty and you can feel the warmth, that’s the biggest high you can ask for.
“There’s nothing better.”
You can follow him on Instagram here.
Swinsty Reservoir. Credit – Dave Lobley
The man behind the Free Walking Tour of Harrogate has launched a Boozy Tour in which people can enjoy alcohol whilst taking in the town’s history.
Harry Satloka grew up living in pubs with his landlord parents and said he had always been fascinated by their history, as well as by alcohol.
Over the past year, he has researched all types of alcohol including beer, champagne and gin to create a Boozy Tour which will take participants to four different venues for tastings.
The tour begins at the Old Bell where people will be offered three different beers and canapes. It then moves to Hales Bar where people will get the chance to taste champagne before heading to the Yorkshire Hotel for a gin tasting experience in the rooftop Sky Bar. Finally, they will go to North Bar for cocktails and charcuterie.
At each venue, Mr Satloka will tell the history of each type of alcohol as well as the venue. He said:
“It’s definitely not a booze cruise, it’s more of a cultural education experience with the benefit of getting a little tipsy.”
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The tour, which costs £55 per person, takes about three hours, with 45 minutes scheduled at each bar.
The tours begin at the Old Bell at 6.30pm on Friday and Saturday from April 15. Each tour can only take eight people so booking is essential.
New Harrogate bar for craft beer lovers could be coming soonThe owners of Husk Beer Emporium in Harrogate hope to open a bar this summer that showcases the best craft beers from the UK and abroad.
Danny Duckworth and Tom Gill, both 33, opened the shop on King’s Road just before the first covid lockdown. It sells a wide array of craft beers with idiosyncratic branding and flavours.
They said the next step is opening their own bar and they recently submitted plans to Harrogate Borough Council to do this.
The bar would be in a unit that was previously home to Greek restaurant Souvlaki on Station Square, opposite the Queen Victoria monument.
If all goes to plan, they said the venture could open by May. It will offer live music, meet the brewery nights, food, outdoor seating and an ‘Aladdin’s cave’ of unique beers.
The bar would open in this empty unit on Station Square
‘Weird and wonderful’ beers
The friends met as students at St Aidan’s Church of England High School and are excited by the prospect of moving into a more prominent location in the town.
Mr Duckworth believes craft beer can offer a more immersive experience for drinkers than traditional real ale, due to its taste combinations and flavours.
He said variety was the key to what they offer.
“We pride ourselves on weird and wonderful beers”
As well as selling more traditionally brewed craft beers, Husk also has a well-stocked range of alcohol-free and gluten-free options.
Mr Duckworth said:
“People come here on a Friday and buy eight bottles of beer and they will all taste different.”
Inside Husk Beer Emporium
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Craft beer trail
Craft beer muscled its way onto the drinking scene several years ago and the trend has proved that it has staying power.
Harrogate was once not known for alternative, DIY-style bars, but Mr Duckworth said Major Tom’s Social opened the door for places like the Disappearing Chin, North Bar and themselves.
Mr Gill said he hopes Husk bar can be part of a Harrogate craft beer trail, boosted by the Station Gateway scheme that would see the outside area at the end of James Street pedestrianised to allow for al-fresco summer drinking.
He said:
“More and more people are seeking places like this out.”
Mr Duckworth added:
Two men use pram to steal alcohol and crisps in Ripon“The craft beer scene in Harrogate is buzzing for us to open, we hope they can support us.”
North Yorkshire Police has published images of two men they would like to speak to regarding the theft of 30 bottles of alcohol and some packets of crisps in two Ripon stores.
According to police, the men entered a local convenience store together on Elm Road. One man distracted staff at the till while the other stole eight bottles of gin and put them in a shopping bag.
Neither man made any attempt to pay before leaving.
Read more:
Shortly after on the same afternoon, at about 4.30pm, the same men went to a supermarket on Marshall Way.
Again, one man distracted staff while the other stuffed a pram full with 22 bottles of alcohol and some packets of crisps.
Both thefts happened on January 13.
Police have not named the stores but the locations suggest the incidents occurred in Costcutter and Booths.
North Yorkshire Police has released CCTV images in connection with its investigation and asked anyone who recognises the men pictured to get in touch.
Quote reference numbers 12210019882 and 12210035275 if you pass on information.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.