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A former senior youth worker has been sentenced to five and a half years behind bars after he was found guilty of six counts of sexual offences against multiple children between 2012 and 2022 following a complex investigation by detectives from our Child Sexual Exploitation team (CSE).
Jacob Agnew, 30-years-old, of East Hull, who identifies himself as white British, was found guilty of four counts of sexual activity with a child, sexual assault, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity, following a 13-day trial at Hull Crown Court which concluded last month (Tuesday, 30 June 2026).
In addition, at an earlier court hearing, Agnew pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual activity with a child, and fraud.
After appearing at Hull Crown Court for sentencing today (Friday, 24 July 2026), he has also been handed a five-year restraining order against all victims involved and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Agnew will also be ordered to remain on the barred and disclosure list indefinitely, meaning he will never be able to work in a youth setting ever again.
During the trial, the court heard how Agnew’s offending was committed over a period spanning a decade, between 2012 and 2022, involving seven girls aged between 14 and 17-years-old.
Detective Inspector Tim Hudson from our Child Sexual Exploitation Team, said:
“I would first like to start by commending the immense courage shown by those who came forward and thank them for their support throughout the complexities of this investigation and the court proceedings. Their bravery in speaking to us, and in giving evidence in court, cannot be underestimated.
“Agnew was a senior youth worker who used his position of trust and responsibility to target vulnerable young girls. When concerns were raised, he used his manipulative charm to claim the children were attracted to him, that they were fabricating stories, and that he was the victim.
“In 2022, his employer suspended him whilst investigating a similar complaint from a child. During this suspension, he fraudulently supplied a character reference to gain a position of trust at a school. When his ongoing suspension and this false representation were highlighted, the job offer was rescinded before he could start. This shows his determination to secure a further position of trust which in the past has afforded him the opportunity to offend.
“This has been a complex investigation which has uncovered predatory offending spanning more than a decade, impacting several young girls who have carried the impact of this abuse for years. No sentence will take away their trauma, but I am pleased to say he is now behind bars where he belongs.
“Our Child Sexual Exploitation team have specially trained detectives who will listen, investigate, and continue to ensure offenders like Agnew are brought before the courts.
“It doesn't matter if the offences took place yesterday or 10 years ago — when you are ready to talk to us, we will listen, we will support you, and we will take action.
“If you don’t want to talk to us, or if you would like additional support, there are lots of people who can help. You are in control, and it’s up to you who you talk to and what support you need.”