LIAM HUNTER AND SHOCKING SEX OFFENDER ACTS IN LEEDS
A persistent sex offender from Leeds has publicly admitted to his wrongdoing after authorities uncovered him hiding a mobile phone inside a sock during a police search of his residence.Liam Hunter, aged 29, remains under a sexual harm prevention order that is set to expire in 2025.
This order was imposed in 2019 following his conviction on two counts of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16, as well as meeting a girl under the age of 16 following sexual grooming.
Hunter served a prison sentence of three and a half years before being released, but the order continued to impose strict conditions on him, including the requirement to inform police within three days if he comes into possession of any device capable of accessing the internet.
On a specific occasion earlier this year, police officers from Leeds visited Hunter’s home in Harehills on February 28.
The purpose of the visit was to inquire about his possession of any internet-capable devices.
During the interview, Hunter initially denied possessing such devices, claiming he was waiting for the probation service to provide him with a phone.
However, shortly after his denial, officers observed a mobile phone slip from his pocket onto a table.
The device was promptly seized, and it was immediately evident that it was a smartphone capable of internet access.
When questioned about the device and his earlier false statements, Hunter insisted that he had only received the phone that very day, but police found this to be untruthful.
An inspection of the phone’s search history revealed activity dating back to February 18.
Further forensic analysis showed Hunter had searched the internet using the disturbing term “animal porn,” which added to concerns about his online activity.
Additionally, during the arrest process, Hunter requested to take some clothing with him.
A subsequent search of his belongings uncovered a second mobile phone concealed inside one of his socks.
During his police interview, Hunter made complete and straightforward admissions regarding his actions.
He subsequently pleaded guilty to two violations of the sexual harm prevention order.
Representing himself in court, Hunter expressed remorse by stating, “I'd just like to apologise for my behaviour.
I fully admit it and hold my hands up.
I was wrong and that's why I thought I didn't need a defence.” He added that he “fully respects” the judge’s decision and that there was nothing more he could say to justify his actions.
In sentencing, His Honour Judge Batty sentenced Hunter to 20 months in prison.
He also clarified that Hunter would be eligible for release on licence halfway through his sentence, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the supervision and restrictions under the existing order.
