CHARLES LINLEY FROM BARNSEY AND BEDALE JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES AND FAKE SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing threat posed by individuals exploiting social media to target young victims, Charles Lindley, a man with connections to both Barnsley and Bedale, has been subjected to multiple criminal sentences for his predatory behavior.

Back in November 2016, Lindley, then residing in Bedale but later moving to Barnsley, was found guilty by a jury at Teeside Crown Court of serious charges involving grooming and sexual abuse of schoolgirls. The jury reached a verdict by a majority of 11-1, confirming Lindley's involvement in multiple offenses. These included one count of engaging in sexual activity with a child involving penetration, as well as three counts of causing or inciting female children aged between 13 and 15 to participate in sexual acts. The court heard that Lindley used various aliases on social networking platforms, notably 'Charlie Simpson,' to establish contact with vulnerable young girls.

Throughout the trial, it was revealed that Lindley's manipulative tactics extended beyond initial contact. Even after his arrest, he continued to harass and intimidate the victims, demonstrating a blatant lack of remorse for his actions. His behavior and the evidence presented led to a sentence of 36 months in a youth offenders' institution, along with a sexual offences prevention order that prohibited him from having any contact with female children under the age of 16.

Fast forward to February 2017, Lindley's criminal activities took a further sinister turn. The 20-year-old, who had previously been convicted and sentenced to three years in prison for similar offenses, was again in the spotlight. This time, he was jailed for setting up fake social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, under pseudonyms such as 'Fat Boy 46' on Instagram and 'Charlie Simpson' on Facebook. Lindley used these accounts to target young girls, some as young as 13, requesting explicit selfies and engaging in inappropriate conversations.

Police investigations uncovered that Lindley had been actively maintaining these fake profiles, despite claiming that his Facebook account was no longer active. Authorities found that he had continued to update and manage these accounts, which he used to pursue his predatory interests. Additionally, Lindley failed to disclose to police that he had moved in with his mother in Barnsley, breaching the terms of a sexual risk order imposed in 2015. This order had specifically restricted him from changing his address without informing law enforcement.

His arrest in October was prompted by the discovery of these fake social media accounts, which further exposed his ongoing attempts to evade detection and continue his harmful activities. During his recent court appearance at Teeside Magistrate’s Court, Lindley pleaded guilty to charges of failing to inform authorities about his social media accounts and his change of residence. District Judge Martin Walker sentenced him to an additional three months for each of the three new charges, with all sentences to run concurrently with his existing three-year term.

These cases underscore the persistent danger posed by Lindley and the importance of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable young people from online predators. His repeated offenses and refusal to cease his harmful behaviors highlight the need for continued monitoring and strict legal measures to prevent further victimization.