Latest Offenders Yorkshire

Description

A ‘VILE’ man from East Yorkshire has been jailed after he attempted to groom someone who he believed to be a teenage girl online.

Phillip Buckingham, 61, of Dunhill Road, Goole, pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and was sentenced to nine months in prison.

He was also given a sexual harm prevention order and will be placed on the sex offenders' register for 10 years.

An investigation was launched into Buckingham in November 2022 after he used messaging apps under the username ‘funtimefred’ to contact a social media profile which he believed belonged to a 13-year-old girl.

Over the course of several days, between Sunday, November 6 and Wednesday, 9 November 2022, he sent a series of sexually explicit messages, including an indecent image of himself, and encouraged the recipient to send a photo in return.

But the profile was a decoy operated by an undercover police officer, set up to identify and stop individuals attempting to talk to children online.

Following further enquiries, officers observed Buckingham using his phone outside his place of work. He was then arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual communication with a child and taken into custody to be interviewed.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Paul Twidale said:

“Buckingham is a vile individual who sought to exploit who he believed to be a vulnerable child.

“When questioned, Buckingham denied his intentions, stating that if those he had spoken to online had turned out to be under 18, he would have ended the chat.

“Thankfully no child was harmed as Buckingham was talking to a decoy social media account, and I am pleased he is now behind bars and facing the consequences of his disturbing behaviour.

“I’d like to commend the dedication and professionalism of our undercover officers, whose efforts play a vital role in protecting children and bringing offenders to justice.

“We take reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and we will continue to do everything we can to bring offenders before the courts.”

Description

A transgender woman who failed to disclose her gender status to a male sexual partner has been found guilty of sexual assault today at Teesside Crown Court.

Ciara Watkin, 21, of Walton Street, Stockton-on-Tees, was found guilty of multiple charges relating to sexual acts that she performed on the 21-year old man over a number of days in June 2022. The sexual assault charges were brought after Watkin failed to disclose her transgender status to the man, which meant that he could not have given informed consent to the sexual activity between them.

The court heard how the pair had initially met over Snapchat, exchanging messages over a couple of weeks before meeting at a house in Thornaby. After drinking and chatting, the pair went to the bedroom of the property where Watkin told the defendant that she was on her period, preventing him from touching her below the waist as she performed sexual acts upon him. A few days later, Watkin attended the victim’s home where further sexual activity took place.

Following this, Watkin initially blocked all contact with the man but eventually got back in touch with him, before telling him during an exchange of text messages that she was transgender and that she had male genitalia.

Sarah Nelson, Senior Crown Prosecutor at CPS North East, said:

“It is clear from the evidence in this case that, prior to engaging in sexual activity with the victim, Watkin had made no attempt to inform him of her transgender status.

“The Crown Prosecution Service has shown that, by failing to disclose this to him, it would not have been possible for him to give informed consent to sexual activity.

“The victim has made clear in police interview that he would not have engaged in sexual activity had he known that Watkin was transgender and, consequently, these events have had a significant impact on his mental wellbeing.

“We hope that he can take some comfort from seeing Watkin convicted for these serious sexual offences today.”

Watkin will be sentenced on 10th October at Teesside Crown Court.

Description

A thug who gloried in violence and had sex with an under-age girl less than half his age has been given a 24-year extended prison sentence.

Kallan Hunt, 35, invited a friend to watch him give another man a lengthy beating that lasted  30 minutes and left the victim with a bleeding eye in a shattered socket, bleeding on the brain, a fractured nose and other injuries, said Andrew Petterson, prosecuting.

He beat up the victim both before and after his friend was present in an attack that the victim later told police lasted “an eternity”. Hunt also sent the teenage girl a blow by blow account of what he was doing, with pictures of the victim’s injuries.

He told the victim that if police arrived, he would kill him and left him so terrified the victim was initially reluctant to seek medical help and wouldn’t give officers a statement until he was sure Hunt would be remanded in custody, said the prosecution barrister.

Hunt was on bail at the time for being one of a gang of six masked men, some of whom were armed, who burst into a second victim’s Selby home in March 2022 to steal his drugs and money.

The second victim fought back and stabbed one of the gang to death, a Leeds Crown Court jury heard. Hunt was not one of the armed men.

Judge Tom Bayliss KC declared Hunt to be a dangerous offender.

“You humiliated him quite gratuitously,” he told Hunt about the attack on the first victim. “You were boasting of the violence you had inflicted on him, you were glorying in your violence.”

He gave Hunt a 24-year sentence of which he will serve up to 19 years in prison, plus five years extended parole on release, put him on the sex offenders’ register for life and made a restraining order to protect the first victim, also for life.

Hunt, formerly of Selby and of Dunhill Road, Goole, pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child and causing grievous bodily harm with intent to the first victim. He denied a charge of aggravated burglary at the home of the second victim, but was convicted by a jury at Leeds Crown Court last month.

Hunt’s  barrister Andrew Stranex said he had always been “polite and respectful” with him and wanted to work with professionals to address his offending behaviour. He had expressed remorse and regret to a probation officer about the aggravated burglary following his trial.

The judge told Hunt: “In front of me you are polite and co-operative but there is a different side to you.”

Mr Petterson said the girl was high on drink and drugs when she and Hunt were together.  She asked him for cannabis and he gave her some before they had sex.

Hunt was at the first victim’s house in March 2025 when the host received a phone call telling him about the sexual encounter shortly before and that police were likely to come to his house.

Hunt overheard the discussion and threatened to stab the first man before police arrived. He took the householder’s mobile phone and every time the victim tried to leave hit him.

He punched him repeatedly to the face and elbowed and kneed him to the face.

The victim needed surgery to repair his eye. Hunt left the house before police arrived and was arrested later.

The judge commended seven of the police team that worked on the aggravated burglary case. 

Description

A man has been jailed after being convicted of rape offences against three women in Wakefield District.  

Benjamin Baxter, aged 38, of no fixed abode, was found guilty following a trial at Leeds Crown Court of four counts of rape. He was also found guilty of one count of controlling and coercive behaviour.  

He appeared before Leeds Crown Court again today where he was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment with an extended licence period of five years.

Detective Constable Hannah Banks, of Wakefield District Adult Safeguarding Unit, said:

“Baxter has demonstrated that he is a dangerous sexual predator who has committed offences against multiple victims.  

“Baxter will be a known face to some in the community as he was landlord of a pub in Wakefield. We hope the prison term that Baxter has been given provides some reassurance to his victims and the wider public.  

“These women have been subjected to the most awful ordeal. While they have shown courage in reporting these offences and bravery in supporting the criminal justice process, Baxter has shown what a contemptible man he is. Not once during this process has he accepted responsibility for the harm he has caused or shown any remorse.  

“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual offences or domestic abuse offences to please report it. Don’t suffer alone. We can, and will, investigate offences and build cases to ensure that perpetrators of violence and sexual violence against women are made to face justice for their actions.”

Description

A registered sex offender who was caught destroying evidence during an unannounced visit by our specialist team has been jailed.

Officers from our Sex Offenders Management Unit (SOMU) visited Dominic O'Flanagan, 44, on 7th June 2022 to make sure he was abiding by his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The SHPO was put in place after he was convicted of a number of offences including those relating to child abuse material and SHPO breaches.

During the visit, O’Flanagan’s computer was checked and officers found a system running that was deleting files. His computer and two external hard drivers were subsequently seized.

Cleveland Police’s Digital Forensic Unit carried out an examination which led to prohibited images of children being found and evidence of the file deleting software being used.

He was arrested and charged with breaching his SHPO and possessing a prohibited image of a child and he was sentenced on Thursday 12th August to eight months in prison.

O’Flanagan was also made subject to a seven-year SHPO, meaning he will be managed by Cleveland's specially trained Management of Sexual or Violent Offenders Officers.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Barnes from the Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) said:

“O’Flanagan is a repeat offender who has failed to comply with his Registered Sex Offender Notification requirements and has breached his SHPO a number of times.

“He tried to hide his offending by deleting files from his computer but our officers were able to catch him in the act. I’m pleased that O’Flanagan was today given a custodial sentence so he is unable to continue his disgusting crimes.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing O’Flanagan to justice. We will continue to pursue those accessing such material and protect the vulnerable from harm.”

Description

A woman has shared the lifechanging impact of sexual abuse to encourage other victims to come forward.

The woman, who is not being named to protect her anonymity, was sexually assaulted by John Dowson, who is 82 and from the Whitby area.

Dowson was sentenced at York Crown Court this week for two indecent assaults and a sexual assault against multiple victims between the 1990s and last year.

She addressed Dowson directly in a statement prepared for the court, telling him: “My life was changed forever by your actions — not just mine, but the lives of so many others who were affected in the ripple effect of your choices.

“What you did caused me irreversible pain and fear. The kind of fear that creeps into everyday moments. That lingers within spaces where I used to feel safe.

“The damage you've done doesn't just fade with time, it follows me and I believe it always will.”

She said that the abuse has made it harder to trust people, adding: “I second guess my own instincts. You took a part of my happiness, security and tranquillity that day.

“I hate to give that power to another human being, but I'd hate even more to see you get away with it.”

Dowson was given a suspended 14 months custodial suspended for two years and ordered to do 250 hours of community service.

He was also given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which imposes additional restrictions to stop him reoffending and will be closely managed by specialist police officers.

In addition, he was given a 10-year restraining order and has been added to the sex offenders’ register.

The woman welcomed the outcome, saying she is reassured that Dowson will be closely managed to prevent him reoffending.

She also thanked North Yorkshire Police for the support she had received during the investigation and urged anyone who’s experienced sexual abuse to have the confidence to come forward and report it.

The detective who led the investigation, Detective Sergeant Arthur Ames of Scarborough and Ryedale CID, said:

“I’d like to thank the victims in this case for having the courage to come forward.

“I also hope this will encourage others to come forward knowing that the police will investigate any allegations thoroughly, no matter when they happened.

“All of the victims have chosen to have their voices heard and have exposed Dowson’s offending over decades.

“Their courage has led to today’s conviction that will not only mean that they have been heard but that Dowson will be on the sex offenders’ register so police and partners can apply appropriate safeguarding measures and prevent any further offending by him. Dowson has pleaded guilty but has shown no remorse for his actions or the impact they have had on the victims and their families.”

Description

A man has been jailed for more than eight years after a jury found him guilty of attempted rape and three sex assaults.

Daniel Scott will remain on the sex offender's register for the rest of his life. The 40-year-old had denied the charges but was found guilty by a jury at Teesside Crown Court.

On Monday, July 28, Scott, of Cranwell Grove, Thornaby, appeared at the court for sentencing. He was sentenced to a total of eight and a half years behind bars and a restraining order was made indefinitely.

Detective Sergeant Bonnie Dowson, who investigated said:

“The bravery of the victim in coming forward and giving evidence, will no doubt safeguard others from Scott.

“Sexual assaults like this will always be thoroughly investigated and those responsible should expect to be put before the courts. Please come forward and speak to police if you have ever been a victim of a sexual offence, where we can help victims to access support services and bring those responsible to justice.”

Description

A rapist who police said was a "danger to women" has been jailed for more than 13 years.

Jonathan Ellis, 30, of no fixed address, was found guilty of rape, sexual assault, coercive and controlling behaviour, making threats to kill and criminal damage after a trial at Leeds Crown Court.

Police said his crimes took place over an eight-year period between 2016 and 2024.

Ellis, from Dewsbury, was jailed at the same court on Monday for 13 and a half years, with three more years on licence due to the risk the judge said he posed.

Speaking after the sentence West Yorkshire Police's PC Isaac Taylor said Ellis had carried out some "shocking offences against his victim".

He said: "Given that offending included serious sexual assault, coercive control and stalking, it is no exaggeration to say he subjected his victim to a whole spectrum of abuse, and we do believe he poses a real danger to women.

"His victim has shown significant courage in coming forwards and reporting Ellis, and then in supporting the prosecution."

Description

A “controlling” rapist who travelled more than 120 miles to intimidate a woman before smashing her head off a road has been jailed. 

Michael Lesko “showed no remorse” and was described as “living in a fantasy world” when he was jailed for ten years for the sick sex attacks on Thursday (July 24).

It follows an incident last year when Lesko travelled to Durham with intentions to harass a woman, waiting inside the bus station for her. 

When he spotted her, he jumped on the same bus, following her to Ferryhill, where she went into a pub for her own safety as he followed behind. 

When she thought the coast was clear, she left the pub; but Lesko, who lived in Bridlington, was waiting outside and began following her. 

After getting into an argument with the victim, the 29-year-old launched an attack, pushing her, grabbing her hair, and lifting her up before hitting her head off the road. 

The woman bravely reported the incident and disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted by Lesko and raped on another occasion by him.

Lesko, of New Burlington Road, was later found guilty following a trial in March of rape, stalking, sexual assault and assault causing actual bodily harm, all in breach of a suspended sentence order made last year.

He appeared at Durham Crown Court this morning (July 24) where he was sentenced to ten years in prison.

Safeguarding Detective Gary Tinkler said:

“Lesko is a controlling and dangerous offender, who poses a high risk to women.

“Lesko has shown no remorse and was described during sentencing as living in a fantasy world where he takes no responsibility for his own actions.

“I would like to praise the victim involved in this case whose courage has led to a conviction. Hopefully, she can now close this horrific chapter and can begin to move on with her life.”

Description

Luke David Wilson, 31, of Rosedale Close, Whitby, has been jailed for five years and 10 months for raping a woman in Whitby.

He pleaded guilty to the offence just before a three-day trial was about to start at York Crown Court on Tuesday (1 July 2025).

Wilson also admitted sexual assault by penetration on the victim, who was aged in her late 20s when it occurred at an address in Whitby between 5.20am and 6.20am on Saturday 8 July 2023.

He was remanded into custody ahead of the sentencing today (Wednesday 2 July) as he had breached both police and court bail.

Wilson carried out a prolonged sexual attack on the victim despite her repeated shouts of “no” to Wilson – she had only consented to a cuddle following a night out in the town.  

When interviewed by detectives, Wilson stated they had consensual sex. He maintained this position right up until the start of the trial on Tuesday when he changed his pleas to guilty.

He also changed his account entirely regarding the events that morning, stating that he had no recollection of what had happened.

Detective Constable Charlotte White, of the Scarborough and Ryedale Safeguarding Investigation Team, said:

“The victim in this case has shown nothing but courage and determination throughout. I thank her for her bravery and patience while the investigation has been ongoing.

“The victim had the strength to make a report to the police and the outcome at court is a testament to her strength. She has ensured that a serious sexual offender has been taken off the streets.” 

DC White added:

“As for Wilson, he has not shown a shred of remorse to the victim or for his dreadful actions.

“It is clear he had no understanding of the seriousness of the investigation and the offences for which he has now pleaded guilty to.

“He waited until the first day of trial to enter his guilty pleas, further prolonging the stress and anxiety for the victim. 

“We will continue to strive to apprehend those who cause violence against women and girls, and I hope this case shows that action will be taken against such offenders and victims will be listened to and fully supported.”

As well as the custodial sentence, Wilson has also been placed on the Register of Sex Offenders for the rest of his life.

Victim Personal Statement

The following are extracts from the Victim Personal Statement read out in full at the sentencing hearing:

“I contemplated suicide more than once and I went to my GP for help. I didn’t know where to go, or what to do, and I felt like a burden to everyone around me. I went from being a trusting, outgoing and independent person to being a shell of myself and I was just going through the motions of day-to-day life.”

“I can no longer trust men, whether that be in a relationship or family members, and I have found myself resentful towards males. I got into a relationship a long time after what happened, and it was awful. I realised that I couldn’t sleep anymore as I didn’t feel safe, so I ended the relationship, and I think that I will be alone for the rest of my life. The thought of even trying to give my trust to anyone makes me feel sick.”

“Luke stole a part of me that I will never get back and has made me lose my confidence and ability to trust…I can’t even hug my own mother anymore as any affection make me feel sick to my stomach.”

“I hope that one day I can move on, however it has now been two years, and I still have nightmares and panic attacks nearly every night. I miss the old me and how loveable I was, and how much trust I had in people. I always saw the best in everyone, and now I see the worst.”

Description

A man who began following and making sexual comments to a teenage girl on a train has jailed after a British Transport Police investigation.

Zainal Osman, 31 (28/10/93), of Barlby Road, Selby, was sentenced at York Magistrates' Court on Thursday 5 June having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to engaging in sexual communication with a child. He also pleaded guilty to failing to notify police of a change of address as part of his notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act.

He was sentenced to 32 weeks’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a victim surcharge. He must also sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

At around 9.50pm on 25 May, a 15-year-old girl was travelling on a train from York to Sherburn-in-Elmet when Osman, who was visibly drunk, began to follow her. 

He repeatedly professed his love for her, and despite the girl telling Osman her age he continued to make advances.

She called 999 and a ticket inspector who saw what was happening intervened, allowing the girl to safely leave the train.

BTP officers met the train at the next stop, Selby railway station, and Osman was arrested and taken into custody.

Investigating officer DC Liam Brown said: "The actions of the young girl in alerting 999, and the intervention of the ticket inspector, meant we were able to act fast to detain Osman.

"This was a frightening ordeal for the girl and it is because of her bravery that Osman, who has a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) because of a previous offence,  has been brought to justice.

"These kinds of offences will absolutely not be tolerated on the railway network. I urge any victims of sexual offences to report them immediately."

If you are the victim of a crime on the rail network, you can discreetly report by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 405040. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Description

A former house parent at a Scarborough children’s home has been jailed for 18 months for sexually abusing a child in his care in the 1970s.

John William Laister, 83, of no fixed address, currently residing in Full Sutton Prison where he is serving an 12-year sentence for similar crimes, was jailed at York Crown Court on Tuesday 20 May 2025.

He previously pleaded guilty on 4 February 2025 to indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14 years.

Laister was previously employed as a house parent at May Lodge children's home in Scarborough. In 1970, a boy resident at the home, was in bed recovering from major surgery when Laister entered his room and put his hands down the child's pyjamas and sexually assaulted him.

The victim has lived with this for over 50 years and recently found the courage to report the abuse to the police.

Description

An 84-year-old man has been jailed for over 22 years for sexually abusing two young children.

David John Hampshire, 84, of Pickering, North Yorkshire was jailed for 22 years and 8 months, and put on the sex offenders register for life.

The incidents were reported in December 2022, when the first victim told their parents about the abuse, which took place over an eight-year period, starting when they were five-years-old and continuing until they were 13.

During the investigation, it transpired that Hampshire had sexually abused another younger child when they were three, who had reported the abuse at the time, however Hampshire was not prosecuted at that stage.

Speaking after the sentencing yesterday (13 May) at York Crown Court, Detective Constable Lucie Welford of North Yorkshire Police’s Safeguarding Investigation Team said: "Hampshire is an incredibly dangerous offender who has caused huge suffering to the victims and their families and has shown absolutely no remorse for the horrendous abuse he inflicted.

“I would like to praise the victims for their bravery and for supporting the investigation throughout, helping to ensure that Hampshire was brought to justice. Hopefully today's sentencing brings them an element of closure, and they can begin to move forward with their lives.”

The court heard how during his career Hampshire had been a headteacher at an Anglo-Indian school in India before working as a teacher at a high school in Norfolk, UK.

Speaking about the length of time that has passed since the offences took place, Detective Constable Welford continued: “This case demonstrates that no matter when the abuse occurred, it is no barrier to justice. We are absolutely committed to bringing those responsible for such offences before the court, regardless of how much time has passed.

“We would urge any victims of sexual abuse, no matter when it happened, and even if you have never reported it to the police, to come forward. Our specially trained officers will listen, investigate, and work alongside partners to offer you the support you need.”

In his personal statement, the older victim described how the abuse had caused them to “fall into a numbness” that hindered them from making healthy normal relationships with people.

Their mother also described how the abuse has had a “huge” and “lasting” effect on her child and how she has spent many sleepless nights worrying about them.

The other victim spoke about how what Hampshire did to them affected “every aspect” of their life, “from childhood to now” and how the memories of what happened still haunt them.

After the incidents were reported, Hampshire was arrested, and following a long and complex investigation by North Yorkshire Police, which took officers seven months alone to examine the material on Hampshire’s computer, he was charged with the following offences:

• Four counts of rape of a child under 13
• Three counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
• Two counts of assault of a child under 13 by penetration
• Two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13
• One count of sexual activity with a child
• One court of indecent assault on a male person He denied the offences but changed his plea to guilty in April this year.

Description

A 55-year-old man was caught in an undercover sting after he sent "revolting" messages to what he thought was a 13-year-old girl. Simon Clayden from Bridlington sent "terrible" and "repulsive" sexual messages to a decoy teenager in an online chat app on December 30, 2022.

Hull Crown Court heard how the messages would have been "highly corrupting" if the girl had been real. However, her online account was all part of a police operation to identify and deter online perverts from potentially harming actual children. He admitted attempting to communicate sexually with a child, attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity and two offences of making indecent images of children.

Ashleigh Metcalfe, prosecuting, said the fake girl told Clayden she was 13 but he replied "cool" and asked her what she was wearing. He asked to see her naked and continued to send sexualised messages, including asking explicit questions, reports HullLive.

He told her "I won't tell" and said he liked the fact that she was just 13. The messages were all apparently sent on just one day. Clayden seemingly stopped sending them voluntarily and there had been no repetition, said Miss Metcalfe.

What Clayden was saying in the messages was "quite revolting" and "repulsive" and the "terrible talk" by him would have been "highly corrupting" if it had been a real 13-year-old girl, the court heard.

The messages were passed to the police, who went to Clayden's home on February 2, 2023 after identifying him from his online details.

His phone was searched and police found five indecent images of children in Category B and 22 in Category C, dating from between October 2020 and February 2023.

The children involved in the images were aged between four and 16. Sexual acts were involved. During police interview, he denied any sexual interest in children and denied any knowledge of the images of children on his phone.

David Camidge, mitigating, said Clayden had no previous convictions and pleaded guilty. There was some evidence of minimisation during a probation service interview but Clayden accepted what he had done.

"He always intended to plead guilty," said Mr Camidge. "There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. He doesn't present a risk to the public or it can be managed in the community."

Clayden was given a 16-month suspended prison sentence, a sex offenders' treatment programme and 15 days' rehabilitation. He was given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and he must register as a sex offender for 10 years.

Description

Police found a huge secret stash of more than 12,300 indecent images of children after they went to the home of an online pervert and carried out a search of his internet devices.

Some of the sickening images that were found showed very young children who were clearly in pain from the sexual abuse that they had suffered at the hands of people exploiting them, Hull Crown Court heard.

Lawrence McKee, 38, of Copandale Road, Molescroft, Beverley, admitted three offences of making indecent images of children.

Maya Hanson, prosecuting, said that police received information on July 23, 2023 that indecent images of children had been linked to an IP address for McKee. They went to his home on September 28 of that year and seized a number of items.

They were examined and a "high volume" of 12,334 images of children, including videos, were found. They included 457 in the most serious Category A, 231 in Category B and 11,646 in Category C. At least one of the children featured was as young as between one and two years old. Some of them were shown in pain from what was happening to them.

Chantelle Stocks, mitigating, said that McKee had shown a willingness to take part in any probation service activities that were imposed on him as part of a community order. He did not oppose the forfeiture and destruction of the items that were seized from him.

He had already registered as a sex offender and he had pleaded guilty at a hearing before Hull Magistrates' Court. He had no previous convictions.