PETAR HRISTOV FROM CASTLEFORD SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN YORKSHIRE

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Castleford, a local man named Petar Hristov has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after attempting to arrange a meeting with the intent of sexually abusing children. The incident, which took place in July 2022, involved Hristov making contact with an individual he believed to be a mother, with the aim of gaining access to her young children for exploitative purposes.

However, the entire interaction was part of an undercover operation conducted by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit. Hristov, aged 29 at the time, engaged in online conversations that revealed disturbing sexual interests in very young children. The court was told that he believed he was communicating with a mother who could facilitate his access to her children, but in reality, he was speaking with officers from law enforcement.

During the proceedings at Leeds Crown Court, it was established that between December 13 of the previous year and February 3, Hristov had been in online contact with the woman, during which he explicitly asked her to allow or facilitate the sexual abuse of her children. He also made arrangements to meet her with the intention of carrying out these acts himself. These communications were part of a covert investigation aimed at preventing potential harm to children.

Hristov’s arrest was carried out by the West Yorkshire Police’s Online Investigations Team in February. Following his apprehension, authorities examined his electronic devices and discovered that he possessed an indecent moving image of a child, further highlighting the severity of his offending.

In addition to the 14-year prison sentence, Hristov was also subjected to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which aims to restrict his future activities and protect the community from any further risk. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies in Yorkshire to combat online child exploitation and bring offenders to justice.