Latest Offenders Yorkshire

Description

A rapist who subjected a child to horrendous sexual abuse has been jailed.

Sebastian Robinson, 20, lived in a "fantasy world" of porn that shaped his attitudes toward women and girls, leading to horrific sex offenses, Teesside Crown Court heard.

He committed multiple rapes and sexual assaults against the child victim as a teenager, threatening they would be arrested if they reported him to police. The victim suffered a mental breakdown from the trauma.

Found guilty after trial, Robinson appeared for sentencing Friday. Judge Jo Kidd said: "You began looking at porn, shaping your attitudes between women, girls and sex. It was a toxic combination...you plummeted into a fantasy world."

The court heard his behavior was "bullying" and "threatening." In a statement, the victim said Robinson "controlled" them via arrest threats.

Mitigating, Paul Abrahams noted Robinson's previous good character and neurodivergence.

Judge Kidd imposed seven years in a youth offender institution, a restraining order, indefinite sex offender registration, and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Description

A 71-year-old man has been jailed for sexual offences against teenage girls in Shetland more than 30 years ago.

Anthony McElhone was found guilty on Thursday, 13 November, 2025, of indecent assault and rape between March 1993 and December 1996 at various locations in Shetland.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, 12 December, 2025. He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register.

Detective Constable Nina Crehan said:

“McElhone subjected these girls to sustained sexual abuse over a number of years.

“I would like to thank them for their assistance with our investigations. My thoughts are with them, and I hope this result brings them some sense of closure.

“Sexual abuse will not be tolerated, and this case shows that time is no barrier to justice. I’d urge anyone who has experienced or is experiencing abuse to report it to us and we will investigate thoroughly.”

Description

A sex offender has been banned from staying in any hotel, guesthouse, or other paid accommodation for 10 years unless he gives police 48 hours’ notice.

Brett Whittaker’s sexual crimes in a North Yorkshire hotel left a staff member needing counselling, York Crown Court heard.

The employee was addressing Whittaker’s complaint about his room being too hot when the 44-year-old trapped him inside and sexually assaulted him in four ways.

In a personal statement, the employee said the attacks deeply affected him, requiring counselling and medical help, and forced him to leave his job. “I wish Brett Whittaker hadn’t trapped me in a room, assaulted me and caused me anxiety,” he stated. “It is a horrible memory to live with.”

Whittaker also behaved sexually toward a woman vaping at the hotel.

To protect hotel staff and the public, Judge Simon Hickey imposed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order prohibiting unnotified stays in such accommodations.

Jailing Whittaker for 18 months, the judge said: “You have a propensity to assault not just young females but also young males.” Regarding the employee assault, he added: “He was trapped in a room by you (who was) much bigger, much stronger and in drink.”

Defence barrister Giles Grant noted Whittaker’s labourer work often takes him across the country.

Whittaker was placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years, requiring him to notify police of his address and other conditions.

The employee testified after Whittaker, of no fixed address, denied four sexual assault charges. A York jury convicted him unanimously in under two hours on “overwhelming evidence,” including his DNA from kissing the victim.

The jury knew of Whittaker’s two prior sexual assault convictions but not his conviction for trying to cause a child to watch a sexual act.

Post-verdict, Mr. Grant said the four assaults were part of one continuous event involving alcohol. Whittaker has an ongoing alcohol issue but has abstained since his release; he was remanded for two months after arrest earlier this year.

Description

An opportunistic sexual predator raped a sleeping woman slumped on the floor of a house after a night of drinking, cutting open her knickers while she was unconscious.

Reuben Wilson, 54, of Minster Avenue, Beverley, was convicted of rape by a 10-2 majority jury verdict at Grimsby Crown Court after five hours of deliberations. He denied the charge and an alternative of sexual assault.

Prosecutor Simon Reevell said the woman had been out with her boyfriend, met relatives, then joined three others—including Wilson—at a pub before going to a house for more drinks. She fell asleep on the floor and awoke under a duvet with Wilson; her tights were ripped and knickers cut open.

Police found Wilson asleep and drunk under the duvet. Forensic evidence included the woman's internal bodily fluid on the inside of his boxer shorts (exact source undetermined) and fibres on scissors matching her underwear, with Wilson's DNA on the handle.

In police interviews, Wilson initially made no comment but later claimed blackouts erased his memory. He declined to testify, but defense barrister Julia Baggs said he alleged someone else committed the rape, citing his health issues and the woman's lack of recall.

Judge Gurdial Singh ordered a dangerousness assessment and remanded Wilson in custody, warning: "You are looking at a substantial prison term." Thanking the jury, he said: "Without you, we could not do our job. Thank you for your time, effort and patience."

To the victim in court, he added: "He attacked you. Don't think for a moment you should have done anything different. Do not reproach yourself. It is him. He is looking at a sentence in years."

Wilson, on bail before trial, failed to appear on November 24, leading to his arrest and remand. Sentencing is set for next year.

Description

Women whose bravery helped convict a sex offender of multiple rape offences in Kirklees have been commended for their courage.

Detectives have praised the determination to see justice done of both victims following the sentencing of Tristan Bould to more than 20 years in prison at Leeds Crown Court today ( Wednesday 3 December ).

Bould, aged 31, of no fixed address, was jailed for 22 years with three years extended licence after being found guilty of seven counts of rape against one woman between 2019 and 2022, and two against another woman in June 2024.

Four of the offences against the first victim represented rapes thought to have occurred on at least 40 occasions.   All of the offending took place in the Kirklees District.

The 31-year-old was reported to police in June 2024 by the second victim, who disclosed to officers she had learned Bould had also seriously sexually assaulted another woman previously.

Police were able to identify and speak with the woman who disclosed the offences he had committed against her.

Bould was arrested on the day the initial report was made and was charged following a comprehensive investigation by specialist Kirklees adult safeguarding officers into the offences against both victims.

He was remanded in custody following his first magistrates court appearance and went on trial in October in a court case prosecuted by barrister John Batchelor.

Aside from his custodial sentence, Bould was also made subject of an indefinite restraining order against contacting both victims.  

Detective Sergeant Adnan Alisic of Kirklees Police, said:

“Tristan Bould is without doubt a dangerous serial sex offender who has absolutely no regard for women whatsoever.  

“The scale of his sexual offending, as revealed in court by the number of offences he committed,  has been truly shocking and underlines the risk he poses.  

“He is now behind bars where he belongs thanks to the courage of the brave women who reported his offending.

“We know how hard it can be to report being a victim of these offences and support a prosecution, and they have both demonstrated a real determination to secure justice by supporting our prosecution in partnership with colleagues at the Crown Prosecution Service.  

“We continue to urge any victims of sexual offending in West Yorkshire, who have not come forward for whatever reason, to contact us at West Yorkshire Police.   You will be listened to and supported, with officers able to signpost you to any partner services you may need.” 

Description

A dangerous rapist who denied his “nasty and vile” crimes in a “vicious” way has begun an extended 16-year sentence.

Samuel Payne, 35, formerly of Keighley, will serve 13 years in custody followed by three years on licence. Sentencing him at Bradford Crown Court, His Honour Judge Roger Thomas KC said: “The offence of rape triggers this question that I have to answer: are you somebody who should be regarded as a significant risk of causing serious harm hereafter to others? My answer to that question is a resounding ‘yes’. There is no other sensible conclusion that I can reach.”

He added: “You quite clearly have a very deep and intractable side to you that is sheer nastiness, in simple terms. That’s reflected in these offences [which] is persistent and determined conduct of a nasty, vicious sort over a long period of time.”

Payne was convicted after trial of multiple offences, including raping one victim whom he threatened with an iron bar, held a knife to her throat, and told: “I’ll twist your neck off.” He also threatened a second victim with rape and murder.

In victim impact statements, one said “fear still lingered in her mind” and that Payne had “erased her emotions,” leaving her “broken.” The other described constant anxiety, panic attacks, and her body in “constant fight or flight” mode.

In mitigation, his barrister argued Payne had suffered “significantly,” living a “miserable life” with mood swings and inability to manage stress: “It may be that his offending is in part a product of that rather than a malevolent characteristic. [The court] is obliged to consider whether this is a cruel and sadistic history or whether there may be other factors in play.”

Judge Thomas, describing mobile phone recordings of Payne’s behaviour as “very nasty and indeed vile” and providing “a very real insight and snapshot into you,” ordered him to register as a sex offender for life. Payne, who appeared via video link from HMP Leeds with arms folded, is also subject to indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention and restraining orders.

The judge noted Payne’s “lack of empathy,” citing his refusal to engage with Probation and persistent denial: “It’s to be hoped that as the years pass by now you make some productive use of your time in prison, and you become a better man when you are released than so far you have been.”

Description

The bravery of two women has led to an abuser being jailed for nearly two decades.

Emma Clarke, 34, came forward in 2021 to report Luke Anderson had raped her in 2015 and she has now waived her right to lifelong anonymity, saying: "I hope my story and my voice can help towards stopping the stigma related to survivors of sexual abuse."

Anderson, 33, and previously of Halifax in West Yorkshire, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday (10 November) for five counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault. He was jailed for 18 years and told he must sign the sex offenders' register for life.

He had been found guilty of the crimes in August after a court heard Anderson abused Emma and another woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, between 2015 and 2019.

In a statement given to South Yorkshire Police [SYP] following the sentencing hearing, Emma said:

"One of the first emotions we learn as a child is shame. The same emotion that is drilled into us when we are abused.

"I hope that my story, and my voice, can help towards stopping the stigma related to survivors of sexual abuse. I was silenced for a long time doing what I thought was right to protect myself from judgement and the fear of what would happen if I spoke out.

"It took me years to build up the courage to speak up, and if my story can encourage one person to speak up, or even stop feeling shame, then it's worth it.

"The process of speaking out isn't easy. The interview and court process is traumatic, but getting justice makes it all worth it and I'd like to thank Barnsley Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Services, South Yorkshire Police, and my family and friends who have supported me through this journey. 

"I hope that my story is a reminder that this can and does happen to anyone. My truth is out to protect my daughters, my sisters and my friends, as well as your loved ones.

"My name is Emma. I was raped. This is my voice. My story. No shame."

A second survivor of Anderson has also provided a statement to SYP. She said:

"I am releasing this statement to take control of my story. While the verdict brings a sense of justice, it does not erase the pain or the lasting impact of what I have endured.

"However, it does bring an opportunity for truth - and for me to stand as someone who has survived, fought, and finally been heard.

"I want to make it clear that no one should ever have to suffer in silence. I also want to say that I could not have gone through this without the incredible support I received from SYP, my ISVA, and my family and friends.

"Their belief in me and their constant support have carried me through some of the darkest times.

"If my decision to come forward helps even one other person find the courage to speak out, then it will have been worth it."

Detective Sergeant Matthew Mellor, whose team led the investigation into Anderson's abhorrent offending, said:

"The bravery shown by both of these women throughout every stage of this deeply difficult process has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I want to start by thanking them for it.

"Their decision to report the abuse inflicted by Anderson has led to a dangerous offender being put behind bars for almost 20 years.

"By law, Emma Clarke would have been entitled to lifelong anonymity as all survivors of sexual abuse are. But she has bravely waived this right in the hope that her story will lead to more people feeling empowered to come forward and report abuse to us.

"We are 100 per cent committed to tackling all forms of sexual abuse in South Yorkshire and every single report is thoroughly investigated.

"If you have been raped, sexually assaulted, or sexually harassed, you can report to us in confidence online or by calling 101. If you don't feel able to report to police, try and talk to someone you trust. You can also seek specialist and confidential support via the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line." 

Description

A voyeur from West Yorkshire who hid a camera in a bathroom to record females has been jailed for over two years.

Leon Gresswell, 39, of Ovenden, Calderdale, had his "planned, devious, and perverted" behavior exposed at Bradford Crown Court.

He must register as a sex offender for 10 years and adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same period.

Prosecutor Camille Morland explained that Gresswell's phone, dropped in nearby woods, was found by a neighbor who discovered "of concern" images while identifying the owner. Police were notified, and Gresswell admitted recording the images for sexual gratification.

Victims' statements described feeling disgusted, dirty, and paranoid, saying his actions "made their skin crawl."

Mitigating, Michael Collins noted voyeurs often struggle emotionally with admissions, and Gresswell's late acceptance reflected "the seriousness with which he views this offence and the shame and embarrassment that comes from it." He added: "He has behaved in an appalling way and he accepts that."

Sentencing for four voyeurism counts, Recorder Simon Jackson KC called it "an entrenched pattern of deviant behaviour" showing no remorse or insight. He added: "It was planned. It was devious. It was perverted. It was more than what you in fact saw. It was what you hoped to see."

Gresswell received 18 months concurrent on three counts, plus eight months consecutive for the fourth, totaling 26 months in prison.

Description

A man who committed multiple sexual offences in Kirklees more than 50 years ago has been jailed. 

Graham Ramsden, aged 69, of Kirk Close, Dewsbury, was sentenced to 11 years and two years on licence at Leeds Crown Court today ( Thursday 30 October) after being convicted of committing ten indecent assaults in the 1970s.

The 69-year-old had previously been found guilty by a jury of eight counts of Indecent assault contrary to section 14(1) of the sexual offences act 1956.

Jurors also found he had committed two offences of indecency with a child contrary to section 1(1) of the indecency with children act 1960.  

The offending took place between the years 1970 and 1977 in the Kirklees area starting when the victim was a very young child.  It was reported to Kirklees child safeguarding detectives in 2020.

Following a complex and lengthy investigation Ramsden was summonsed to appear before Leeds Magistrates Court.

Detective Constable Paul Campbell of the Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, said:

“Ramsden’s sentencing today is another clear demonstration that the passage of time can be no barrier to justice, no matter how many years ago criminal activity took place.

“He has been brought to justice thanks to the bravery and determination of his victim, who has made him answer for the crimes he committed when she was a very young child.

“Thanks to her courage Ramsden has had to answer for the serious sexual abuse he subjected her to and is now behind bars.”

He added:

“We continue to urge victims of sexual offending whether recent or, as in this case, many years ago to come forward and contact us.

“We remain dedicated to recording these offences, investigating and doing all we can to seek justice with the needs of the victim at the heart of our investigations.” 

Description

A convicted rapist who assaulted a woman after she refused sex with a man he had paid remains at large.

David Morrison, 44, was sentenced to ten years in prison in his absence at Teesside Crown Court on Friday (October 24) after failing to appear.

The victim had previously criticized the justice system for allowing him to walk free pending sentencing, despite his conviction by a jury. A warrant was issued earlier this month when he missed another hearing, and his whereabouts are unknown.

The court heard Morrison paid the man to have sex with the victim, telling him to "do what you want." When she refused, Morrison raped her.

In her victim impact statement, the mother described feeling ashamed and reduced to a shell of her former self, having lost her career and now suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Fighting back tears, she said: “He has turned my home into a prison and my body into something that I fear. He pushed me to the point of despair where I was ready to end my own life.”

She added that delays and inaction left her in constant fear, battling complex PTSD and nightmares. She previously told the Echo: "I feel like a prisoner — while he’s out living his life like nothing happened."

Morrison, of Wilton Castle Lane, Wilton, near Redcar, was found guilty of rape and assault by penetration. His defense noted he had no prior convictions and had waited years for trial.

Recorder Paul Reid imposed the sentence, stating: “I’m persuaded by the great distress experienced by the victim that it is appropriate to proceed to sentence so she can start to put this behind her.”

Morrison received a lifelong restraining order and must register as a sex offender for life.

Description

Police have renewed an appeal to locate a convicted Dewsbury man who was convicted in his absence for sex offences.  

Kirklees District Police would like to speak to anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Asif Ghafoor Butt, aged 43, formerly of Selbourne Avenue in Dewsbury, who fled from authorities in 2016.    

Butt was sentenced in his absence to 11 years in prison on 24 May 2017 after being found guilty of sexual offences committed in the Wakefield area against a then 13-year-old girl.

The offences were attempted rape, sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and two other serious sexual assault offences.

Extensive enquiries have been ongoing to trace him locally and abroad with policing partners.  

Is thought he may have at some point travelled to Pakistan but police have kept an open mind as to his whereabouts.    

Butt is described as Asian, 5ft 6ins tall and of average build.    

Detective Inspector Angela Francome of Kirklees District Police, said:

“Substantial enquiries have been ongoing since 2016 to locate Butt who was convicted in his absence in 2017 of serious sexual offences.  

“Those enquiries have taken place in the UK and in Pakistan and have involved joint investigations with partner agencies.  

“For the sake of his victim we remain determined to find this man and put him back before the courts to face the prison term he was sentenced to his absence.  

“In the rare occasions where someone has fled justice the force never gives up efforts to locate them, and we will not be doing so in this case.  

“I would appeal to anyone who knows of his whereabouts to contact Kirklees Police on 101 referencing police log number 287 of the 28/03/2017.“

Description

A woman who was raped in Calderdale has told a court: “I no longer feel like the same person. I don’t sleep at night. I have constant flashbacks. I am always scared.”   

Her attacker, Philip Walsh, was jailed for more than a decade yesterday after admitting rape and sexual assault partway through a trial at Bradford Crown Court in May.  

The 66-year-old, of Brooksbank Gardens, Elland, assaulted the victim in Elland in September last year and was arrested later that day.  

He was sentenced to 11 years behind bars and will be added to the Sex Offenders Register for life.  

His daughter Lynzi Walsh also appeared at Bradford Crown Court where she admitted perverting the course of justice after she gave a false statement to cover for her dad.  

The 40-year-old, of Kingsley Road, Mablethorpe, was given a suspended sentence of 12 months.

In her own words, the victim told the court: 

“I never go out alone. I feel like I’ve lost my sense of safety. I used to be a bubbly person who loved going out with my friends, laughing, and being social. That side of me has been taken away.  

“This experience has affected every part of my life. This will stay with me forever, it has broken me, and it’s changed the future I thought I would have.”

Detective Constable Katy Wilson, of the Calderdale Adult Protection Team, said: 

“I would like to commend the victim in this case for her immense bravery in coming forward to report this horrific crime.  

“It has clearly had a huge and lasting impact on her, and I hope the fact that Walsh is now behind bars can bring her some level of comfort as she tries to move forward with her life.  

“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence, whether recent or not, to please report it to us so we can take action.  

“We have specialist officers to support you through the justice process and we are determined to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.”  

Description

Maxx Stobbs, also known as Max Hinchley, 24 from Staithes, was sentenced at York Crown Court on 19 September 2025.

After being reported to us in March 2023, an investigation began into the sexual abuse of an underage teenage girl. Stobbs was then arrested in April 2023.

Stobbs pleaded guilty on 18 July at York Crown Court to four counts of penetrative sexual activity with a girl. For these offences he has been jailed for three and a half years, and ordered to pay a surcharge of 190. Stobbs has also been ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.

The investigation has been led by Detective Constable Matthew Edwards, from our Scarborough and Ryedale Safeguarding Investigation Team.

He was able to support the victim throughout the investigation, and ensure she received professional care and support, including from an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA).

The following are quotes from the victim's personal statement, that was read out in court by the prosecuting solicitor:

"The defendant targeted me at a time when I was young, vulnerable, just starting to discover my identity and learning to navigate the world. The defendant used my naivety and innocence against me; and I can never get these things back.

"Every day feels like a mountain to climb, as I constantly carry the weight of what the defendant did to me.

"I am working hard to rebuild my confidence and self-worth, but I will forever grieve for the girl I was, and the woman I could have been, before I met the defendant."

DC Edwards said:

"The victim in this case is to be commended for her bravery in coming forward to the police, and for her strength in re-building her life after the long-term offending by Stobbs, who is now a convicted sex offender.

"The impact of this type of offending should not be underestimated and I urge victims to come forward to police. No matter when the abuse took place, you will be listened to."

Description

Kristian John Franks, a man with a extensive criminal record dating back to his early teens, was convicted of rape on September 18, 2025, following a trial at York Crown Court.

The conviction stems from an incident in which he allegedly raped a woman within hours of meeting her for the first time. Below is an overview of his criminal background, leading up to the recent trial and its outcome.

Early Criminal History

Franks first came to police attention as a juvenile. At age 13, he was convicted of assaulting a police officer in the course of duty. During his teenage years, he committed multiple vehicle-related offenses, including dangerous driving and taking cars without the owner's consent.

By age 19, Franks had begun using drugs and committed his first burglary. Two years later, at 21, he was convicted of burgling a house.

Escalating Offenses in Adulthood

In 2016, Franks harassed a former partner, resulting in a restraining order designed to protect her. He subsequently breached this order.

In 2019, he was involved in a road rage incident where he tailgated another vehicle and, when confronted, claimed, "I can drive however I want, I don’t have insurance." He attempted to deceive authorities about the event, leading to an eight-month prison sentence for perverting the course of justice.

Even after serving this sentence, Franks continued offending, with convictions for drug driving, going equipped for theft, and failing to appear on bail.

Prior Sexual Risk Concerns

In December 2023, after being acquitted of raping Leah Bedford, Franks was subjected to a sexual risk order by York Magistrates' Court. This civil order aimed to restrict activities of individuals posing a sexual risk to the public.

By January 2025, police issued a public appeal for help locating him, suspecting he had breached the order's conditions.

The 2025 Rape Charge and Trial

In April 2025, Franks was charged with raping a woman shortly after their first meeting. He was sent on bail to York Crown Court.

Complications arose in May 2025 when Franks was arrested at Fulford Road Police Station but escaped custody. He was later apprehended and charged with escape from lawful custody. After failing to attend a subsequent court hearing, he was arrested on a warrant and remanded in custody.

On July 18, 2025, Franks admitted the escape charge.

The rape trial commenced on September 9, 2025, at York Crown Court. After deliberations, the jury found him guilty of rape on September 18, 2025.

Franks is scheduled to be sentenced for both the rape conviction and the escape from lawful custody on October 30, 2025.

Description

A rapist has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of a series of serious sexual offences against children.  

Michael Abass, aged 48, from Heckmondwike was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court today (16 September) for sexual offences described by detectives as some of the worst they have ever seen.

The 48-year-old was found guilty of 16 offences against two girls and a boy.  They  included seven offences of rape against one of the victims, with other offending including sexual assault and coercive and controlling behaviour.  

He also admitted an offence of sexual assault by touching on a female child under 13.  

The offending took place between 2015 and 2024 when some of it was reported to Kirklees District Police in August of that year by one of the three victims.  

The report initiated an investigation by specialist detectives from the Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit.  

Abass was arrested straight after the initial report was made and was charged on 19 August.

He will have to sign on the sex offenders register life on his release from prison and was made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order

In sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court today, his honour Judge Doig commended the bravery of the victims and  stated that Abass acted in a depraved manner towards children, and was a dangerous offender.

DC Yvonne Brear of Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, said:

“The monstrous offences committed by Michael Abass against his three victims are quite simply some of the worst I have seen in a 14-year career in child safeguarding.

“Six of the rapes he was found guilty of represent rape offending which took place on at least ten occasions, illustrating the sheer scale of the awful sexual abuse he committed.  

“Frankly it is hard to comprehend how anyone could act in this way, and treat young children as nothing more than objects for their gratification.

“What is equally apparent in this case is the bravery of the three victims in reporting Abass and then supporting a prosecution, despite being put through the ordeal of a trial .”  

DI Paul Greatorex of Kirklees District Child Safeguarding Unit, added:

“Abass’s depravity and the courage of the victims in this case were also commented on in court by His Honour Judge Doig.    

“I hope those victims can take some comfort from knowing their steadfast support of this prosecution has been instrumental in making Abass answer for his crimes.  

“The depth of his offending against them was also very much reflected by the sentence imposed by the court today.

“We do, of course, continue to urge victims of any form of sexual offending in Kirklees to come forwards and speak with us.  

“You will be listened to by specialist officers who will do all they can to investigate and provide the support you may well need.”