CRAIG BOYD SHOCKS SKIPTON WITH INDECENT BEHAVIOR NEAR OTLEY ROAD

In April 2018, a disturbing incident unfolded in the town of Skipton involving Craig Boyd, a 31-year-old man whose reckless actions drew the attention of local authorities and residents alike.

According to court reports, Boyd was observed by a woman walking through a wooded area off Otley Road in Skipton early in the morning, precisely at 8am on November 4 of the previous year. The woman noticed Boyd engaging in a sexual act on himself while looking directly at her, an act that she found deeply upsetting and inappropriate. She responded by shouting at him that she intended to call the police, prompting her to enter a nearby shop to make the call.

Meanwhile, another woman, who had parked her car close to the same wooded area, witnessed Boyd continuing his indecent behavior as he strolled along the road past the shops. She was accompanied by her 12-year-old daughter and quickly warned her to avert her gaze, emphasizing the seriousness of Boyd’s actions. The second woman also shouted at Boyd, demanding that he put away his indecent conduct.

It was reported that Boyd appeared to be intoxicated at the time, and his behavior was described as upsetting to both women who encountered him. When police officers arrived at the scene, they found Boyd still exposing himself. He was promptly arrested and taken into custody. Throughout the arrest process and the journey back to the police station, Boyd was verbally abusive towards the officers, further complicating the situation.

At the time of his arrest, Boyd was identified as having no fixed address, although he had recently moved into a flat on Keighley Road in Skipton. The court heard that Boyd has an extensive criminal record, with 36 previous convictions, although none of these were related to sexual offenses.

During the hearing, Lorraine Harris, representing Boyd, explained that her client had been living a chaotic lifestyle and was still coping with the grief of losing his father four years prior. She emphasized that Boyd fully accepted responsibility for his actions and expressed remorse, stating, “He fully accepts what he has done and said he really wishes to apologise to the victims here.” Harris also noted that Boyd recognized he needed help and was struggling with addiction issues at the time. His reliance on friends for accommodation had not been beneficial, she added.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC, the Recorder of Bradford, described the incident as “unpleasant and shocking” during sentencing. Boyd was sentenced to a two-year community order, which includes a requirement to participate in a sex offender treatment program. Additionally, he is mandated to register as a sex offender for five years. The judge concluded with a stern warning, stating, “This is a real opportunity – don’t breach the order,” emphasizing the importance of compliance and rehabilitation for Boyd’s future.