Number of sexual assault complaints against North Yorkshire Police officers revealedHarrogate masseur jailed for sexually assaulting client at his Knaresborough salonWoman sexually assaulted by man she was helping in HarrogateHarrogate man found guilty of sexual assaultPolice seek men after daylight sexual assault in HarrogateRipon man jailed 5 years for GBH and sex assaultPolice close central Harrogate street after ‘serious sexual assault’ on woman

North Yorkshire Police has said it has closed part of Harrogate town centre in response to a report of a serious sexual assault on a woman.

Areas of James Street, Petergate and Market Place have been cordoned off to “allow officers to carry out a full and thorough investigation”, the force said in a statement this afternoon.

Four police officers were stationed at the various points along Petergate at lunchtime as a scene guard to preserve any possible evidence.

Petergate today

The little used route at the rear of James Street is lined with commercial waste bins.

The statement added:

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances around the incident.

“Residents and local businesses may notice an increased police presence in the area, as officers continue to gather evidence.”

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Former child protection officer at Harrogate district private school jailed for sexual assault

A former Harrogate district school child protection officer has been jailed for 16 years after being found guilty of multiple charges of sexual assault against 20 victims.

Alexander Ralls, 47, of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, appeared at Bradford Crown Court for sentencing today after he was found guilty of 31 charges of sexual assault.

He was also convicted of 10 charges of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, two charges of assault by penetration and one charge of sexual assault of a child under 13.

Ralls, a former charity boss and former deputy head of boarding at fee-paying Queen Ethelburga’s School near Harrogate, was also made subject of a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard how, while working as a child protection officer and safeguarding lead, Ralls used his position of trust to exploit his victims, claiming to care for them and provide them with medical treatment while actually sexually assaulting them.

Speaking after sentencing today, investigating officer detective constable Suzanne Hall from the North Yorkshire Police Non-Recent Abuse Investigation Team said:

“This was a complex and disturbing case where Ralls as a person in a position of trust, used his role to coerce and influence the young people he should have been caring for into a vulnerable position, which he then exploited for his own sexual gratification.

“The extent of his offending was staggering and the fact that he continued to use the same excuse of providing medical care to carry out his sickening actions, shows his utter arrogance towards and contempt of his victims. Not once has he taken any responsibility for his actions, pleading not guilty to all the charges, meaning his victims had to face a gruelling seven-week court process.

“I’d like to thank the victims for their enormous bravery in coming forward and giving their accounts. I know how difficult and traumatic that was for them. I hope the sentence handed to Ralls today helps them move on from such an upsetting period in their lives.

“I hope the sentence also gives other victims of non-recent abuse confidence to come forward and seek help and support. It doesn’t matter how long ago you may have experienced abuse, we understand the damaging effects it can have and that people can feel those effects throughout their life.

“If you choose to report the incident to police, we will listen and believe you and we will do everything we can to put those responsible in front of the courts.”

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Woman sexually assaulted and punched in Harrogate bar

A woman was sexually assaulted, punched and had her hair ripped out in a Harrogate bar on Saturday night.

A man was also headbutted and punched repeatedly in the incident, which happened in Mojo on Parliament Street at about 3am.

Police issued CCTV images of two men they wanted to speak to following what officers described as “a serious assault and sexual assault”.

Officers have since confirmed that the men were identified.

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Ripon woman denies sexually assaulting boy under 13

A Ripon woman has pleaded not guilty to five charges relating to sexual offences against a child.

Denise Povall, 60, appeared before Harrogate Magistrates Court on Friday (September 1).

She denied four counts of inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity with her and a further charge of sexually assaulting a boy under 13 by touching him.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between September 1, 2007, and August 30, 2008.

Magistrates resolved to refer the case to the crown court.

Ms Povall, of Bongate Green in Ripon, was ordered to appear before York Crown Court for a further hearing on October 9.

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