Former senior youth worker guilty of child sex offences
The offences happened between 2012 and 2022
A former senior youth worker has been found guilty of six counts of sexual offences against several children between 2012 and 2022, after a complex investigation by detectives from the Child Sexual Exploitation team (CSE).
Jacob Agnew, 30, of East Hull, who identifies himself as white British, has been found guilty of four counts of sexual activity with a child, sexual assault, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity, after a 13-day trial at Hull Crown Court, which concluded yesterday (Monday, 29 June 2026).
In addition, at an earlier court hearing, Agnew pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual activity with a child, and fraud.
The court heard how Agnew’s offending was committed over a period spanning a decade, between 2012 and 2022, involving seven girls aged between 14 and 17-years-old.
Agnew has been released on bail, ahead of sentencing at Hull Crown Court on Friday, 24 July 2026.
Leading the investigation, Detective Sergeant Stuart Fox, from the Child Sexual Exploitation Team, said: “I would like to start by commending the immense courage shown by those who came forward, and for their support throughout the complexities of this investigation and court proceedings. Their bravery in speaking to us, and giving evidence in court, cannot be underestimated.
“Agnew was a youth worker who used this position of trust and responsibility to target vulnerable young girls, using his role to his advantage as an opportunity to sexually abuse them. Then, if any concerns were raised, he used his manipulative charm to portray himself as the victim instead, claiming the children were attracted to him and fabricating stories against him.
“Not only this, but in 2022 his employer at the time suspended him whilst looking into another sexual complaint against a child, however whilst being suspended he fraudulently made a character reference to another company as part of his employment application. Upon his ongoing suspension being highlighted to the new company, the offer was terminated without him starting his role.
“This has been a complex investigation which has uncovered predatory offending spanning more than a decade, impacting the lives of seven young girls many of whom have carried this abuse with them for years.
“Our CSE team have a dedicated number of specially trained officers who will listen, investigate, and continue to ensure offenders like Agnew are brought before the courts.
“It doesn’t matter if the offences took place yesterday, or 10 years ago, when you are ready to report it to us, we will listen, we will support, and we will take action.
“But if you don’t want to talk to us, or if you want additional support, there are lots of people who can help.
“You’re in control, and it’s up to you who you talk to and what help you get.
“You can speak to these people and organisations privately and confidentially, and unless they think someone is in serious danger, they won’t share anything with us.
“For more information, guidance about specialist help and to hear from a brave survivor who waived her own legal right to tell her story, visit Tell Someone | Humberside Police”