JOEL HUMBERSTONE JAILED FOR SHOCKING SKIRT-PHOTOGRAPHING CRIMES IN LEEDS AND RIPON

A man named Joel Humberstone, aged 27, has been sentenced to prison after admitting to two disturbing incidents involving inappropriate photographs taken up the skirts of young girls. The first of these incidents occurred in Ripon, North Yorkshire, where Humberstone followed an 11-year-old girl as she made her way to school along Allhallowgate and Priest Lane in June of the previous year.

According to reports from North Yorkshire Police, Humberstone approached the young girl from behind and lifted her skirt without her consent, capturing a photograph of her in a highly invasive manner. The incident was witnessed by two builders who were nearby; one of them immediately pursued Humberstone in an effort to apprehend him, while the other stayed with the distressed girl to offer reassurance. Despite the quick response, Humberstone managed to escape the scene. However, he was later identified and arrested after a public appeal, which helped authorities track him down.

Fast forward to February of the following year, Humberstone was on his way to court in connection with the Ripon incident. While walking along Victoria Avenue in Harrogate, he approached a 17-year-old girl from behind and repeated the same disturbing act—lifting her skirt and taking a photograph. The teenage victim responded by shouting at Humberstone and taking pictures of him with her mobile phone. She then promptly contacted the police, providing crucial evidence that contributed to his arrest and subsequent prosecution.

Humberstone appeared at York Magistrates' Court on the Friday following his arrest, where he pleaded guilty to both charges. The court sentenced him to nine months in prison and ordered that he be registered as a sex offender for the next ten years. The case drew attention to the bravery of the victims, with police officials highlighting their courage in confronting the offender and providing vital evidence. Det Con Karen Everitt expressed her appreciation for the victims' resilience, noting that their actions played a significant role in ensuring Humberstone was held accountable for his actions.

She also commended the two builders who acted swiftly during the initial incident, emphasizing their role in supporting the young girl and aiding in the pursuit of Humberstone. Det Con Everitt described Humberstone as a dangerous individual and welcomed the court's decision, which she said would serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding young people from such predatory behavior.