Your Harrogate Radio

4:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Luther Vandross & Janet Jackson

The Best Things In Life Are Free

Listen Live

Man who threatened to stab Harrogate security guard jailed

Monday, 17 November 2025 08:07

Ryan Lee Preston, 26, has been jailed for two years.

A man who threatened to stab a shop security guard in Harrogate has been jailed for two years.

Ryan Lee Preston, 26, of no fixed address but currently in prison, was sentenced at York Crown Court on Friday (14th November) after previously pleading guilty to robbery and possessing a knife.

On 14th May 2025, Preston took three bottles of spirits off the shelf in the Bower Road branch of Asda and brazenly walked out of the door without paying.

He was challenged by a security guard on his way out and said to the guard: “Not tonight mate”.

The guard then asked him to hand over the bottles and as he did so, Preston pulled up his shirt to reveal a knife in his waistband and asked the victim: “Do you want to get stabbed?”

Preston then grabbed the handle of the knife and continued out of the store, passing the guard who followed him, at which point Preston threatened him again, saying “Stop or I will stab you tonight” before fleeing the scene.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Dave Hunton praised the security guard for his bravery.

He said:

“My thanks go to the security guard who bravely challenged Preston, not once, but three times, despite the presence of a knife and the threats made to him.

“This was an audacious crime and a frightening situation for the victim who went above and beyond to do his job.

“The defendant knew he would be caught on CCTV so attempted to change his appearance by shaving his head in a bid to evade identification. It didn’t work and he was arrested a short time after the investigation began.

“The security guard was extremely brave and thanks to him, a dangerous man who thought nothing of making serious violent threats to a person doing their job, is now behind bars.

“Violence towards our retail workers is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

More from Local News

Police appeal after Harrogate Hospital theft

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a burglary at Harrogate Hospital.
Harrogate school for autistic children to open in November

A new specialist school for autistic children and young people is set to open in Harrogate this November.
Police statement on 'deeply disturbing' sexual abuse allegations at Harrogate Army college

North Yorkshire Police has issued a statement following reports of alleged sexual abuse at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.
Health and Healing Festival set to return to Harrogate

Harrogate's Health and Healing Festival is set to return next month for a weekend dedicated to holistic living and wellbeing.
Last chance to sign up for Saint Michael's Lake District challenge

Saint Michael’s Hospice is calling on local people to sign up for a new multi-activity challenge in the Lake District next month.
Three-day beer festival set to get underway at Harrogate brewery

A three-day beer festival featuring guest breweries, live music and street food is set to get underway in Harrogate today (Friday 7th August).
Knaresborough Town secures record-breaking sponsorship deal

Knaresborough Town AFC has announced the biggest sponsorship agreement in the club’s history.
Free bike repair event heads to Ripon

Cyclists in Ripon can get their bikes checked and repaired for free this weekend.
Liberal Democrats win Coppice Valley by-election

The Liberal Democrats have won the Coppice Valley Town Council by-election, with Rebecca McManus securing more than 60% of the vote.
Harrogate Taekwondo master to represent Great Britain at World Championships

A Harrogate Taekwondo master has been selected to represent Great Britain as an International Referee at this year's World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in South Korea.
Harrogate gymnast wins scholarship to study and compete in Alaska

A Harrogate gymnast is preparing to take her sporting and academic career to the United States after being awarded a scholarship to study and compete in Alaska.
Final tickets released for Symphonic Ibiza at Great Yorkshire Showground

The final tickets for Symphonic Ibiza have been released as the countdown continues to one of Harrogate's biggest summer events.
Ripon's Old Deanery serves last meals before restaurant closure

The restaurant at The Old Deanery in Ripon has served its final meals after closing at the end of last week.
Pateley Club to launch first ever Beer Festival

A community club in Pateley Bridge is hoping to raise a glass to a successful new tradition with the launch of its first ever Beer Festival.
New hydrotherapy pool opens at local children's hospice

A new hydrotherapy pool has opened at Martin House Children’s Hospice giving families with seriously ill children the chance to swim together for the first time.
Harrogate fitness coach 'overwhelmed' by support after opening dream gym

A Harrogate fitness coach has been left "overwhelmed" by support from the community after opening the doors to her dream gym.
Naked charity walk to be held in Ripon this weekend

Clothing is optional at a naked charity walk through Ripon's Himalayan Gardens this weekend.
Record-breaking year for Harrogate's Crime Writing Festival

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival has celebrated its biggest ever year after attracting record visitor numbers to Harrogate.
Council-owned house builder agrees to pay Kirkby Malzeard community money

A council-owned housebuilder will honour a commitment to pay £131,000 towards community improvements agreed when planning permission was granted for a new housing estate.
Council buys new homes in Knaresborough to reduce housing waiting list

North Yorkshire Council has approved the purchase of ten newly built homes in Knaresborough as part of its pledge to deliver 500 affordable homes across the county by 2029.