JAMES HUNTER SCARBOROUGH SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES
In December 2016, James Hunter, a man with a long-standing history in the football community of North Yorkshire, was sentenced to prison for engaging in sexual activities with a minor he met through his involvement in the sport.Hunter, who previously served as the chairman of a local football club for girls and women, saw his reputation and personal life shattered as a result of his criminal actions.
Hunter’s crimes marked the end of a 25-year career in football, during which he had taken on roles as a player, coach, and club official.
His barrister, Taryn Turner, described him in court as a “pillar of the community,” emphasizing the stark contrast between his past contributions and his recent misconduct.
She also highlighted the personal toll his actions had taken, noting that Hunter had lost his job, his marriage, and likely his home due to his inappropriate relationship with a teenage girl.
Prosecutor Anthony Dunne provided details of the case, revealing that Hunter, aged 38 at the time, had driven to meet the girl on three separate occasions, during which they engaged in sexual acts.
Dunne recounted that Hunter had told the girl that she was of the appropriate age for him, and he claimed he was of suitable age for her as well.
Despite acknowledging that the relationship was wrong because of her age and admitting he was married, Hunter continued to pursue the sexual relationship for several months.
The court heard that the communication persisted until Hunter ceased responding to her messages on social media.
Following the discovery of the relationship, police launched an extensive investigation.
Their inquiries included searches within Scarborough Ladies Football Club, where Hunter was serving as chairman at the time.
Despite thorough investigations, no additional victims were identified.
Judge Andrew Stubbs QC addressed Hunter directly, stating that although Hunter admitted the relationship was wrong and recognized the risk of imprisonment, he was unable to control his impulses.
The judge emphasized that Hunter’s honesty did not mitigate his actions.
As a result, Hunter was sentenced to four years in prison.
Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and subjected to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order.
This order restricts his contact with girls under the age of 16 and explicitly bans him from making any contact with the girl involved in the case again.
The judge clarified that he did not view Hunter as a predatory paedophile, but nonetheless, his actions warranted significant legal consequences.
Hunter’s address was noted as Tindall Street, Scarborough, at the time of sentencing, marking a stark fall from his previous standing within the community.
