'Dangerous' Leeds man jailed for taking indecent photos of young girls in North Yorkshire
He targeted an 11 year old girl - before committing the same offence against a 17 year old as he was on his way to court
A Leeds man has been handed a prison sentence and placed on the Sex Offender Register for taking indecent photos of two young girls in North Yorkshire.
27-year-old Joel Humberstone of Woodville Square targeted his first victim, an 11 year old girl, as she walked to school in Ripon on the morning of June 7 2024.
She noticed a man passing by and felt a phone bush past her leg. The same man then came up behind her on Allhallowgate, before lifting her skirt and taking a photo.
Two men witnessed the crime, with one pursuing Humberstone and the second staying the with the victim until police arrived.
Humberstone was later identified, arrested and charged with upskirting and attempted upskirting.
He admitted the charges and was due before court again on February 27 2025 when he targeted a second victim, a 17 year old girl.
She was approached on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate. Suspecting something was wrong, she pushed Humberstone away before taking out her phone to record him. She then called the police.
Humberstone was again arrested and charged with further offences. He will serve nine months behind bars and has been placed on the Sex Offender Register for a decade.
Detective Constable Karen Everitt of North Yorkshire Police’s Harrogate Safeguarding Investigation team said: “These were terrifying and traumatic experiences for both young girls, understandably impacting their sense of safety and security.
“The first victim showed immense bravery and maturity by providing a detailed account of the incident and positively identifying the suspect in a photo identification procedure.
“The second victim bravely confronted Humberstone and captured him on her mobile phone, securing vital evidence that helped to build the case against him. Their courage ensured that Humberstone was held accountable.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the two builders who acted swiftly in the first incident to protect and support the girl and pursue the suspect. I also want to thank members of the public who came forward with information following our appeal.
“Humberstone is a dangerous individual, and I welcome today's sentence, which ensures he faces justice for his appalling actions.”