A solicitor from Harrogate has been remanded in custody after breaching a restraining order preventing him from contacting his ex-wife.
Richard Wade-Smith, 66, appeared at York Crown Court this morning via video link from HMP Hull to be sentenced after pleading guilty to the breach at York Magistrates Court last month.
The court heard he had previously been sentenced to a community order and restraining order on September 15, after ramming his car into his ex-wife’s house at Slingsby Walk, near the Stray in Harrogate. He had admitted harassment causing fear of violence, damaging property, and drink driving.
Just four days after being sentenced, he breached the order, turning up at his ex-wife’s house as well as visiting her neighbour.
Prosecuting, Kelly Sherif said:
“[His former wife] said that ‘I knew that when Richard was released, that he would not abide by any orders and here we are, four days later…
“I sit in my house with the curtains closed, too scared to venture outside in case I see him’.”
The prosecution said Wade-Smith had knocked on his ex-wife’s door at 8.15am, but left when she failed to answer. He then returned at 10.30am and knocked, as well as calling to his wife and saying it was “Susie” at the door.
When she recognised his voice and again did not open the door, he went to the neighbouring house. The neighbour answered the door but told him he should not be there because of the restraining order.
Wade-Smith said he had nowhere to go, but the neighbour repeated that he was not allowed to be near his ex-wife’s home.
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In mitigation, Alasdair Campbell told the court Wade-Smith had been unable to access temporary accommodation following the sentencing on September 15.
It had taken a long time for arrangements to be made for him to leave HMP Hull, by which time Harrogate Borough Council’s offices had closed and he was unable to get a place at a homeless hostel.
He slept rough that night and the next night, then paid “a lot of money” for a hotel the third night. He slept rough again the following night, but woke up in hospital, having been drinking and apparently been robbed, with his bank card and cash taken.
Recovering alcoholic
Wade-Smith, a recovering alcoholic, admitted breaching the restraining order, though he argued he had only visited his former wife’s home once.
Mr Campbell said:
“When I asked him why he did that on that particular occasion, my instructions are that, faced with what he was going through, [he chose] the option of breaching the restraining order to get himself locked up so he had somewhere to stay that night…
“In hindsight, it may have been a foolish option.
“If someone is prepared to breach a serious court order, it does give one some idea of the desperate position he perceived himself to be in.”
Judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York — who heard Wade-Smith’s original case in September — adjourned sentencing until November to allow a full victim impact statement to be taken from Wade-Smith’s former wife.
He told Mr Campbell that Wade-Smith should have gone back to the council the day after his release to access the hostel place that had been arranged for him by the court.
He added:
“He isn’t stupid, this man. He should have gone the next day.”
Wade-Smith is due to be sentenced on Friday, November 18.
New Harrogate law firm announces voucher incentive scheme that supports local businessesPictured above are Jonathan Wearing, Manager Partner (second left) with the Harrogate team outside the Ison Harrison branch at 6a Albert Street.
This article is sponsored by Ison Harrison.
Ison Harrison Solicitors, who recently opened a new branch on Albert Street, have announced a special incentive scheme for new clients to help support the town’s local businesses.
Each of the first 100 clients at the branch will receive a £20 discount voucher to spend at one of six local Harrogate businesses. The businesses taking part in the scheme are gift shop Sophie Likes, book shop Imagined Things, Porters Clothing, Helen James Flowers, gift and accessories shop Bijouled and Thug Sandwich Company.
Ison Harrison has been established for over 43 years and has a head office based in Leeds city centre. With a growing network of 16 branches across Yorkshire, the new office in Harrogate is the second in North Yorkshire, following the opening of the York branch in 2018. The firm employs over 220 staff across the region and offers a full range of legal services for both private clients and businesses.
Ison Harrison Harrogate branch manager, Georgina Pogge-von-Strandmann, specialises in property law and is supported by a dedicated team of experts including family law partner Shaun Hulme and property solicitor James Pascoe.
Georgina said:
“Opening our new Harrogate branch is a great opportunity for us to support some great local businesses and say thank you to our first 100 clients by providing vouchers for them to spend at these fantastic independent shops.”
Branch manager Georgina Pogge-von Strandmann and conveyancing solicitor James Pascoe with Andy Shuttleworth, Managing Director and Shop Floor Manager of Porters Clothing
Andy Shuttleworth Managing Director and Shop Floor Manager of Porters Clothing, added:
“We are delighted to be taking part in Ison Harrison’s voucher scheme. We are also really pleased to see that a recognised Yorkshire law firm is opening in the town centre and offering their support by joining forces with independent businesses such as ours.”
Georgina and James with Debbie Phillips, Deputy Manager of book shop, Imagined Things
Debbie Phillips of Imagined Things, commented:
“It’s such a lovely idea for Ison Harrison to partner with local Independent shops in this way. We wish them all the best on their opening!”
To receive a £20 discount voucher and be one of the first 100 clients at Ison Harrison in Harrogate, simply pop in to their branch at 6A Albert Street, or call 01423 228 111.