Hull man jailed for abusing young boys and possessing indecent images

HULL MAN JAILED FOR ABUSING YOUNG BOYS AND POSSESSING INDECENT IMAGES

A depraved sexual predator who callously targeted two young boys for serious sex abuse – and caused them "significant psychological harm" – has been jailed for 16 years.

One of the victims had suffered "night terrors" and both endured severe emotional problems.

They will "never fully recover" from their ordeals, Hull Crown Court heard.

Lance Harker, 37, of Coltman Street, Hull, denied two offences of raping a boy under 13, two offences of sexual activity with a boy under 13, two offences of causing or inciting sexual activity with a boy under 13 and three offences of making indecent images of children.

He was convicted after a five-day trial.

The court heard that when Harker was arrested in 2019, he volunteered that he had indecent images of children on his phone but denied guilt during the trial.

He possessed 11 Category A, 15 Category B, and 10 Category C indecent images.

The judge said that Harker had sexually abused the two boys, including giving one money, a console, and other treats.

"Your victims will never fully recover from your offending," said Judge Thackray.

"Both of your victims have suffered significant psychological harm.

You have been living a lie for many years." The court was told one boy felt he was alone, with trauma and paranoia, night terrors, and constant worry.

He described feeling "confused and hurt" and not knowing how to cope with his feelings.

Since reporting the abuse, he felt better but still struggled emotionally.

Harker was given an indefinite restraining order and must register as a sex offender for life.