PAUL HURWORTH'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN THRYBERGH AND SELBY: A DETAILED RECAP

In June 2020, a disturbing incident involving Paul Hurworth, a convicted sex offender, unfolded in the streets behind a mother and her five-year-old daughter in Selby. The court heard that Hurworth, aged 57 at the time, was not only in breach of a court order designed to prevent him from contacting children but also engaged in inappropriate behavior that went unnoticed by the child's mother.

According to prosecutor Emma Downing, Hurworth was seen walking topless in an alleyway in Selby, a location known for its proximity to a hostel where individuals under court orders reside. The mother and her young daughter were passing through this alley when Hurworth, who was slightly ahead of them, deliberately approached the child after the mother had moved past him. He then spread his arms in a manner that suggested an attempt to draw attention, and when the girl stopped, he touched her shoulder. Hurworth then quickly walked away from the scene, leaving the mother unaware of his actions at the time.

Ms. Downing emphasized that Hurworth's behavior was particularly concerning given his criminal history. He has previous convictions for sexually abusing children and was under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that explicitly prohibited any contact with minors. The court was told that Hurworth had breached this order multiple times in the past, including an incident in 2019 when he was jailed for six months for three breaches involving a boy.

Judge Simon Hickey addressed Hurworth directly, condemning his actions. He stated, “You deliberately approached the girl when the woman’s back was turned,” and expressed his concern over Hurworth’s conduct. The judge made it clear that such breaches could not be tolerated and sentenced Hurworth to 12 months in prison for this particular breach. The court also confirmed that the SHPO would remain in force, underscoring the ongoing restrictions placed on Hurworth’s interactions with children.

During the hearing, Hurworth’s defense lawyer, Victoria Smith-Swain, argued that her client had not caused harm or distress to the girl and acknowledged his actions. She pointed out that Hurworth had admitted to what he did. However, the judge noted that the prison sentence would be more severe than usual due to the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which confined prisoners to their cells for 23 hours a day.

The incident took place around 1:30 pm on May 21, near a hostel that houses individuals subject to court orders. CCTV footage from the alley, which is monitored by the hostel, captured Hurworth approaching the girl and touching her shoulder. A housing officer associated with the hostel reviewed the footage later that day and recognized Hurworth’s actions, leading to his arrest the following day.

Hurworth’s criminal record is extensive. He was convicted in 1981 of indecently assaulting a boy, in 2004 of indecently assaulting a girl, and in 2015 of making a public nuisance. He has served multiple prison sentences for breaching the SHPO, including an 18-month sentence in 2017 after approaching children in a grassy area, and a six-month sentence in 2019 for breaches involving a boy.

In a separate but related case in Thrybergh, Hurworth, then aged 55, was jailed for breaching a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order imposed in 2015. The order was issued after Hurworth was convicted of public nuisance. He was found to have violated the order twice in July of that year by visiting a children’s playground on Lindley Street, Rotherham. Witnesses observed him sitting with children aged between three and nine, engaging in inappropriate behavior such as stroking a young boy’s arm and hair, and making a girl upset by touching her bottom. Despite claims from Hurworth that he had not touched the children inappropriately, witnesses and police reports confirmed his actions caused distress among the children.

Hurworth’s behavior in the park included talking to children, grabbing a young boy’s hand, and engaging in physical contact that was deemed distressing. He was confronted by members of the public, one of whom contacted the police. During police interviews, Hurworth admitted to breaching the order but claimed that parents were present and that he had not engaged in the inappropriate contact he was accused of. The court heard that Hurworth has a history of indecent assault on minors, with convictions dating back to 1981 and 2004.

In sentencing, Recorder Jamie Hill QC described the case as “troubling,” given Hurworth’s extensive criminal history involving child sex offences. He sentenced Hurworth to 18 months in prison, with half of that time to be served on license. The court also re-imposed the Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely, emphasizing the ongoing risk Hurworth poses to the community.

These incidents highlight the persistent danger posed by individuals like Paul Hurworth, whose criminal behavior continues despite legal restrictions and previous convictions. The courts have made clear that such breaches will result in significant custodial sentences, reflecting the seriousness with which these violations are regarded.