DAMIAN MIDGLEY FLEEING LEEDS TO ASIA CAUGHT IN CAMBODIA AND JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES
In a dramatic turn of events, Damien Midgley, a 39-year-old man originally from Aberford near Leeds, has been finally brought to justice after a lengthy and complex international manhunt.Midgley, who was convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving young girls, had managed to evade law enforcement authorities in the United Kingdom by fleeing to Asia, specifically Thailand and Cambodia, before his trial could commence.
Midgley's criminal activities came to light when it was revealed that he had sexually assaulted four young girls while working as a riding instructor in North Yorkshire.
The offences took place over a period of time, with some victims being as young as under 13 years old.
Despite being arrested and charged with these serious crimes, Midgley chose to abscond before his trial, fleeing to Thailand, which complicated efforts to bring him to justice.
Following his escape, a warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was subsequently convicted in his absence.
The court sentenced him to six years in prison for the multiple counts of sexual assault.
However, with his whereabouts unknown, there was widespread concern that Midgley might never face the consequences of his actions.
The case remained unresolved until an 18-month investigation led authorities to his location.
In a fortunate breakthrough for law enforcement, Midgley was finally located while drinking in a bar in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
His arrest marked a significant milestone in the case, as it allowed for his extradition back to the United Kingdom.
Midgley was swiftly flown back to the UK, arriving on a Tuesday night, and was immediately taken to court for sentencing.
The judge, Recorder of York Judge Paul Batty QC, did not hold back in his remarks, condemning Midgley's actions and the manner of his evasion.
During the court proceedings, Midgley, who appeared tanned and sported a ponytail, was sentenced to serve the original six-year prison term.
Judge Batty QC described Midgley's breach of bail as “the most flagrant breach of bail one can imagine,” emphasizing the profound impact his actions had on his victims.
The judge stated, “I am quite satisfied that this further delay added to the trauma of your young victims who had to relive the sexual indignities suffered at your hands.
Your actions showed a cynical disregard for the criminal justice system and a callous disregard for your victims.
You did not return for your trial and you were arrested in a bar in Cambodia.
I am sure you would still be in a bar in Cambodia or elsewhere, had you not been detained.” Earlier, in December 2014, Midgley's criminal journey began when he was initially charged with multiple sexual offences involving children.
At that time, he was working as a riding instructor in North Yorkshire and was accused of abusing four children, some during their first riding lessons.
The court heard that some of the abuse occurred in a wooded area near the North Yorkshire riding school where he was employed, with victims being accompanied by others during the incidents.
Following his arrest, Midgley was released on bail but chose to flee the country rather than face trial.
He traveled to Thailand, where he remained in hiding while a warrant for his arrest was issued.
Despite claiming in police interviews that he had not sexually touched any of the children, he decided not to return to the UK for the trial.
Instead, he instructed his legal team to conduct the proceedings in his absence, and he stayed in Thailand, leaving the court to proceed with the case without him.
The jury at York Crown Court convicted Midgley on all 11 charges, which included ten counts of sexually assaulting a girl under 13 and one count of inciting a child under 13 to commit a sexual act.
The court was informed that the offences took place over several years at the Newthorpe Equestrian Centre near South Milford, which Midgley formerly owned.
Despite his denials, the evidence presented was compelling enough to secure a conviction.
The judge sentenced him to six years in prison, ordered him to register as a sex offender for life, and imposed a sexual offences prevention order.
Additionally, a bench warrant was issued before the trial to facilitate his immediate arrest should he be found in the UK again.
Midgley's case highlights the serious consequences of attempting to evade justice and underscores the importance of international cooperation in bringing offenders to account.
His actions have left a lasting impact on his victims, and his eventual capture serves as a reminder that justice can prevail, even across borders.
