ALAN CHATER: DANGEROUS PAEDOPHILE FROM BURNOPFIELD, CARLISLE, JARROW, LEEDS, AND SUNDERLAND SENTENCED AFTER LEEDS KIDNAPPING AND REPEATED OFFENCES

In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing threat posed by known sex offenders, Alan Chater, a 65-year-old man with a long history of sexual crimes against children, was apprehended by police in Leeds after a heinous incident involving the kidnapping and abuse of two young boys. The events unfolded on February 4 in the Armley district of Leeds, where Chater was observed in his vehicle with the two boys, prompting suspicion among vigilant officers.

According to reports, Chater had lured the boys, aged 9 and 11, from a street in Armley while they were simply playing outside. The court heard that the older boy, aged 11, was terrified that he was going to be killed as Chater drove away with him and his younger companion. The offender, who has a notorious past of sexual offenses dating back to the 1970s, showed no remorse as he laughed at the children’s tears of fear during the ordeal.

The abduction continued until the vehicle was parked at a location near Gotts Park in Armley. There, the two boys were forced to remove their trousers, an act that marked the escalation of the attack. The police, who had been monitoring the area, arrived at the scene around 8 pm, just as Chater was preparing to leave. Officers quickly approached his Vauxhall Corsa, which contained a suspicious kit including condoms, towels, and other items indicative of planned sexual activity, as revealed during the court proceedings. The police forcibly opened the car door and arrested Chater before he could escape.

Prosecutor Simon Batiste emphasized the premeditated nature of the crimes, stating, “He had a kit designed for further sexual activity. The prosecution submits that this demonstrates the premeditated nature of the offences committed.” The court also noted the presence of a rucksack in the vehicle, which contained items suggestive of ongoing criminal intent.

Chater, who resides on Cardinal Road in Beeston, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of kidnapping, two counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and breaching a sexual offences prevention order. His criminal record is extensive, with convictions for serious sexual offenses against minors, including taking photographs of children and outraging public decency. His history of violence and sexual misconduct stretches back over four decades, making him a particularly dangerous individual.

At the time of his latest arrest, Chater was under a community order, which he violated by failing to disclose his criminal past to his employer in order to secure driving work. This breach led to his continued monitoring and eventual prosecution. During the sentencing hearing at Leeds Crown Court, Judge Rodney Jameson, QC, described Chater as a persistent threat, sentencing him to an extended term of 12 and a half years in prison. The judge specified that Chater must serve at least seven and a half years before being eligible for parole, followed by a five-year period on licence. The judge expressed concern for the victims, stating, “These are children who were taken from the street and are unlikely to feel safe while walking the street for the remainder of their lives.”

Leeds District Safeguarding’s Detective Chief Inspector Mark Griffin commented on the case, stating, “Alan Chater is clearly a very dangerous man and we welcome his sentencing and conviction. He kidnapped his young victims from the street and subjected them to what must have been a truly frightening experience. They have shown great bravery subsequently, and our thoughts remain with them. Chater was caught thanks to the traditional skills of police officers who noticed his car while patrolling. Their suspicion led to a successful investigation, exemplifying excellent police work. The streets of Leeds are safer today with Chater beginning a lengthy custodial sentence, which may see him behind bars for a long time.”

In a separate case dating back to April 2011, Chater, then 61, faced further legal action in Sunderland. He was refused parole after a series of convictions for sexual offenses against children in Sunderland, Jarrow, and other locations. His criminal activities included assaults on children in the Castletown Dene area of Sunderland, threats with a knife, and molestation of a young boy in a public toilet at Bitts Park in Carlisle. Despite multiple convictions and serving time, Chater continued to pose a significant risk.

In 2004, he was sentenced to four years after admitting to three counts of indecent assault and one of gross indecency with children. Advances in forensic technology, including DNA analysis, eventually linked him to the 1996 case involving an 8-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl. The evidence was re-examined after the samples were loaded onto the National DNA Database, leading to his identification and subsequent re-incarceration in 2007. Despite being released briefly, he was returned to prison for breaching his license conditions.

Chater challenged his parole denial through a judicial review at the High Court in London, but his case was dismissed by Lord Justice Hooper. The court confirmed that Chater’s risk to children remained “very high,” and the parole board’s decision to keep him detained was justified. His continued detention underscores the ongoing concern about his potential to reoffend, and authorities remain vigilant in monitoring his case.