THE YORK BRIEF ⏰ Friday, October 31, 2025

Happy Halloween, York!
Spooky season sorted, but today’s news is proper serious. From justice served in a harrowing rape case to royal drama that’s got the whole country talking. Plus your council’s got a new boss, and Christmas planning starts now. Let’s crack on.

Today’s weather: Wet and windy Halloween - showers and possible thunderstorms this morning, then blustery with sunny spells. High 16°C (feels like 8°C), winds gusting to 36 mph, 60-90% rain chance. Weekend stays unsettled with rain both days.

⚖️ CRIME & JUSTICE

🚨 York rapist jailed for 8 years after victim’s evidence from beyond grave - Kristian Franks, the predator who raped a woman in 2017 after following her taxi in his van, has been sentenced to eight years and nine months with a 14-year extended license. The breakthrough came after he attacked 16-year-old Leah Bedford in 2023 – she fled and reported him, but tragically died weeks later in the River Ouse. Read more at North Yorkshire Police

“The victim of the 2017 case showed immense courage to come to court eight years later and she gave compelling and impactful evidence against her abuser. I also want to thank every single witness who attended to provide evidence, at short notice, in such a distressing case. - North Yorkshire Police

💻 Disgraced cop who filmed sex act in uniform convicted of data crime - Simon Barker, 36, the former North Yorkshire Police officer who was already barred from policing for life after filming himself performing a solo sex act in uniform at a police station, has now been convicted of accessing unauthorized data. The York and Selby rural crime taskforce member made numerous searches on internal systems “without any policing purpose” on people he personally knew. Filmed himself in February 2022 and sent the footage on WhatsApp to a woman. - Read more at YorkMix

🏨 Man nicked after Radisson Hotel break-in attempt - Police arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of burglary after two blokes gained entry to a hotel room at the Radisson on North Street around 1:35am yesterday. They were confronted by a resident before legging it. Officers chased the suspects – one’s in custody, the other’s still on the loose. - Read more at Yahoo News

👮 Trouble in Acomb – 11-year-old arrested - An 11-year-old boy’s been nicked on suspicion of three assaults after youth disorder in Acomb involving shop thefts, criminal damage and violence. North Yorkshire Police have slapped a dispersal order on the area to keep things calm. The lad’s currently in custody being questioned. - Read more at YorkMix

🚗 TRAFFIC & ACCIDENTS

🚑 82-year-old man seriously hurt after being trapped under car in Helmsley - An elderly pedestrian was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after a collision on Bridge Street off Helmsley Market Place yesterday afternoon (12:29pm). The 82-year-old local man was trapped underneath a black Skoda Yeti driven by an 81-year-old, also from the area. Fire crews from Helmsley had to use “crew power” to lift the vehicle so paramedics could treat him. He remains in serious condition. The driver’s assisting police with their investigation. Police are appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage – email Huw.Walkey@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101. - Read more at YorkMix

🛣️ Albemarle Road gets smooth makeover after years of bone-shaking potholes - One of York’s worst streets for potholes has finally got sorted. Albemarle Road near York Knavesmire has been resurfaced, ending years of complaints from drivers and cyclists about the crater-filled tarmac. Work’s almost complete and it’s already making for a much smoother journey – even with the speed humps which are necessary for safety but make for a rough ride. - Read more at YorkMix

👑 ROYAL DRAMA

🏰 King Charles strips Andrew of Prince title – now just Andrew Windsor - In a historic move not seen in over 100 years, King Charles has initiated formal proceedings to strip his younger brother of his birthright Prince title. Andrew Mountbatten Windsor (as he’ll now be known) is also being evicted from Royal Lodge and losing his Duke of York, Earl of Inverness, and Baron Killyleagh titles. He’s surrendering his Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and Royal Knight Companion of the Garter honours too. Ex-wife Sarah Ferguson also loses her Duchess of York title, but daughters Beatrice and Eugenie keep their Princess titles and HRH styles. - Read more at NPR

🏛️ LOCAL GOVERNMENT & BUSINESS

💼 York Council names new chief exec on £178K salary - Richard Webb, currently running health and adult services at North Yorkshire Council, will be York’s new chief executive. The 39-person application process whittled down to nine on the longlist, then four finalists were interviewed by a panel including leaders of main political parties. Will be on a salary of £177,821 when he starts Easter 2026, replacing Ian Floyd who’s retiring. - Read more at Gazette and Herald

🚕 Station Taxis hunting for 100 drivers in November - Elite100 from Station Taxis is hoping to recruit 100 new drivers in November as demand continues to grow across York. The expansion comes as the city’s taxi trade looks to meet increasing passenger numbers. - Read more at York Press

🥪 Take a first look at York’s newest sandwich shop - A new sandwich shop has opened its doors in York, giving the city centre yet another lunch option. The spot’s drawing attention from locals looking for fresh alternatives to the usual chains. Check out the photos of the interior and menu. - Read more at YorkMix

🚽 Ryedale-based Yorloos acquires A64 Loo Hire in takeover - Local portable loo hire company Yorloos has expanded its operations by acquiring A64 Loo Hire. The Ryedale-based firm continues growing its presence across the region, providing loos for events, construction sites, and more. - Read more at Insider Media

💊 Medhut off Fulford Road reports growing range of services - The Medhut medical centre off Fulford Road is expanding what it offers patients. The facility’s adding more services to meet growing demand in the area. - Read more at York Press

⚖️ Ex-York Council director Neil Ferris faces employment tribunal - Former York Council director Neil Ferris is heading to an employment tribunal. Details of the case are still emerging, but it involves his previous role at the council. - Read more at York Press

🏆 York couple behind SealStop win top award at BETA trade show - A York couple’s business SealStop has bagged a top award at the prestigious BETA trade show. The innovative product for pet owners continues to gain recognition in the industry. - Read more at York Press

🎄 CHRISTMAS & EVENTS

🎅 Meet the makers – Christmas Market traders announced - With just two weeks until kick-off (13 November), York Christmas Market has revealed this year’s traders filling the Alpine chalets on Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. Proper Yorkshire focus – 85% of traders are from the region, with every single food trader representing Yorkshire. Favourites like Tommy’s Pies, LUSH, The Gourmet Scotch Egg Co, Northern Brownies, Florian Poirot, Blueberry Hill Preserves, and Cryer and Stott Cheesemongers are back. New faces include Festive House, Nuttys Emporium, Staves Art and Keepsakes, Marbletree, Wild Wood Gifts, and York City FC merchandise. Street food from Millers, Lucia, Cut and Craft, Shambles Kitchen, and Crumbles. Market runs until 21 December. - Read more at Make it York

🎃 What’s on in York this Today (31 October)

The Greatest Shows at York Minster features songs from greatest shows in musical theatre – from Broadway blockbusters to West end favourites, with selected songs from The Greatest Showman. Experience an evening of unforgettable songs from the stage, performed by the Ebor string quartet and with amazing vocals of Alistair Griffin and Maggie Wakeling.

• York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH
• Fri 31 Oct
• 7:30pm
• More info

The brass battle pits father against son and brother against brother. Dad James and offspring Grace and Joe will perform with New York Brass Band, while the other sibling Charlie brings his Birmingham based Heavy Beat Brass Band to square up with the hometown favourites. The gloves will be off, but ultimately the two bands will unite as they take the roof off York Theatre Royal with the sounds of New Orleans.

• York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
• Fri 31 Oct
• 7:30pm
• More info

Palenque Jewellery celebrates its Mexican roots and 33 years of business by bringing a Day of the Dead celebration to the haunted streets of York. Co-owners David and Susana will be parading the city centre streets, and there will be a colourful shrine, traditional hot chocolate, and an exclusive offer on our ‘calavera’ skulls; each one unique & hand-painted by skilled artisans in Mexico. Come and join us to find out more about this vibrant tradition!

• Palenque Jewellery, 60 Low Petergate, York YO1 7HZ

• Fri 31 Oct

• 2-6pm

• More info

  

🏡 Acomb home transformed into Halloween grotto – look inside - A house in Acomb has gone all out for Halloween, transforming into a proper spooky grotto. Locals are flocking to see the elaborate decorations that’ve turned this residential property into a Halloween attraction. Photos show the impressive effort that’s gone into the display. - Read more at York Press

💷 COMMUNITY & MONEY

💰 York Talk Money fortnight could save you thousands - City of York Council and partners are running York Talk Money from 3-16 November, offering free advice that could save residents thousands. Citizens Advice, Age UK York, York Energy Advice, Peasholme Charity, and OCAY will host drop-ins across the city to help people get all the benefits they’re entitled to, reduce outgoings, and get assistance managing money. Winter months bring increased energy costs and festive financial pressures – getting the help you’re entitled to can make a difference of thousands of pounds. Check www.york.gov.uk/talkmoney for drop-in locations, visit www.livewellyork.co.uk/talkmoney for advice, or use the www.york.gov.uk/BenefitsCalculator. Pick up “Worrying About Money?” leaflets at Explore Libraries or call customer services on 01904 551556. - Read more at City of York Council

🚌 TRANSPORT & TRAVEL

🚂 Planned works may affect CrossCountry journeys through York - CrossCountry train passengers travelling through York should check their journeys as planned engineering works may cause disruptions. Best to look ahead and plan alternative routes if needed. - Update on Cross Country Trains

💷 Calls to introduce tourist tax in York immediately - There’s renewed pressure to introduce a tourist tax in York straight away. Supporters argue it could raise vital funds for the city’s infrastructure while critics worry about impact on the tourism industry. The debate continues at council level. - Read more at York Press

🌳 LOCAL ISSUES

🚶 Hagg Wood Dunnington stile row ignites in York - A dispute over a stile at Hagg Wood in Dunnington is causing friction in the local community. The row involves access rights and how walkers navigate the popular woodland area. - Read more at York Press

🦁 Askham Bryan and Yorkshire Wildlife Park to host conference - Askham Bryan College and Yorkshire Wildlife Park are teaming up to host a major conference. The event will bring together educators and wildlife professionals from across the region. - Read more at York Press

🏉 SPORT

🏉 York RLFC confirm 2026 Super League season ticket prices - York Knights have announced their season ticket prices for the 2026 Super League campaign. Fans can now plan ahead and secure their seats for what promises to be another exciting season at the LNER Community Stadium. - Read more at York RLFC

⚽ PM Sir Keir Starmer commends football campaign - Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised a football campaign with York connections. The initiative’s getting national recognition for its positive impact on communities. - Read more at Football Supporters Association

That’s your Friday sorted. Proper packed day of news. Have a brilliant Halloween tonight, but stay safe out there – especially on the roads. The serious stuff today reminds us to look out for each other.

Got a story tip? See something happening in York? Reply to this email—we’d love to hear from you.

Invite your friends and earn rewards

If you enjoy The York Brief, share it with your friends and earn rewards when they subscribe.