MARTIN KIDD'S CRIMINAL REIGN OF TERROR IN YORK AND ACROSS NORTH YORKSHIRE

In a series of disturbing and persistent criminal acts, Martin Kidd, a known sex offender from the areas of Acomb and New Earswick, has repeatedly demonstrated a blatant disregard for court orders and public safety, leading to multiple convictions and ongoing restrictions. His criminal history paints a troubling picture of grooming, attempted abductions, and online predatory behavior that has caused significant distress to victims and the community alike.

Most recently, in November 2018, Kidd was sentenced to serve ten weeks in prison after pleading guilty to stalking an adult woman in York. The victim, whose identity remains protected, had initially been friendly with Kidd but soon found his behavior becoming increasingly invasive and threatening. According to Melanie Ibbotson, the prosecutor, Kidd's actions escalated from friendly gestures to inappropriate advances, including sending her unsolicited and inappropriate text messages. Despite clear warnings from her and police to cease contact, Kidd continued to harass her by making hundreds of phone calls and attempting to reach her through third parties. His obsession caused the woman to live in constant fear, especially whenever her phone rang, as she worried it might be Kidd calling again.

York magistrates expressed their concern over Kidd’s lack of understanding of the impact of his actions, emphasizing that his behavior had inflicted significant psychological harm and distress on the victim. Kidd, 28, residing at Rose Tree Grove in New Earswick, has a long history of criminal conduct related to sexual offenses involving minors. He has previously served prison sentences for inciting an underage girl to engage in sexual activity, breaching restraining orders by contacting and grooming her, and attempting to kidnap two 11-year-old boys by persuading them to get into his vehicle.

His past convictions also include multiple breaches of court orders, with judges highlighting his persistent pattern of offending. In February 2017, Kidd was jailed for 12 months after breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order by accessing the internet at his workplace at York Railway Station, despite being explicitly prohibited from doing so. During this period, he engaged in online conversations with a girl claiming to be 17 and another who was 22, despite the restrictions. The court heard that Kidd’s conversations were sexually motivated, and Judge Andrew Stubbs QC underscored that the order was designed to protect the public, especially young girls, from his predatory behavior.

His history of attempting to lure children is extensive. In 2012, Kidd was sentenced to 16 months in prison for trying to abduct two 11-year-olds outside a York school. The judge at the time, Judge Roger Ibbotson, described Kidd’s pattern of offending as “very disturbing” and imposed a five-year restraining order. Despite this, Kidd breached the order shortly after his release by contacting a 14-year-old girl via text message.

Further violations include multiple instances of online contact with underage girls, including attempts to persuade them to engage in sexual acts. In May 2015, Kidd became the first person in Britain to be banned from owning any vehicle after trying to lure two 11-year-old boys into his car near their school. He was subsequently jailed for three years for grooming three girls aged 14 and 15 through social media, during which he concealed his past and targeted underage girls sexually. His actions demonstrated a clear pattern of grooming and manipulation, with authorities noting his high risk of reoffending.

Throughout his criminal career, Kidd has been subject to various court orders, including lifetime registration as a sex offender, restrictions on living with or being unsupervised around children under 16, and bans on loitering near schools. Despite these measures, he has repeatedly flouted court directives, engaging in online communications and attempting to contact minors. His latest breaches have resulted in further remand and ongoing legal proceedings, with authorities warning that any further violations could lead to more severe penalties, including extended imprisonment.

Community safety officials and legal authorities remain vigilant regarding Kidd’s activities, emphasizing the importance of strict enforcement of his restrictions to prevent further harm. His case exemplifies the challenges faced in managing high-risk offenders and underscores the necessity of comprehensive monitoring and intervention strategies to protect vulnerable populations from predatory individuals like Martin Kidd.