An update on a case from earlier this year, concerning members of the Yorkshire-based paedophile hunter group Predator Exposure.
You might remember that several members of the group denied charges of false imprisonment and assault when they appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court back in February.
The charges related to stings carried out by Predator Exposure in Leeds on 13th January 2019 and Wakefield on 11th August 2018.
According to the prosecution, the group members overstepped the mark as they confronted the suspects concerned. They were said to have acted in an overly aggressive manner, putting the suspects in headlocks and pinning them against walls.
The jury accepted the account of group members, who argued that they had used reasonable force to detain the suspects until the arrival of the police.
On 30th October 2019, after an eight day trial, the group members concerned were acquitted of all charges.
Phil Hoban, 43, who founded Predator Exposure, said: "We are here today to celebrate what we're doing.
"Thank you to everybody for all your support, it's amazing.
"We're all not guilty. Today, we are going to celebrate and this is just the start.
"We will be back very soon, tune in people."
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said after the case: "West Yorkshire Police of course respects and accepts the view of the court.
"It was felt in the public interest to bring this matter to trial and for evidence to be tested by a jury.
"We have repeatedly stated in recent years that protecting children from harm has been a top priority for West Yorkshire Police and that absolutely remains the case.
"Officers always encourage members of the public to report any concerns about illegal internet activity of potential child abusers to us so that we can deal with it.
"We are also concerned about the activities of online child abuse activist groups and their exposure activity in confronting persons they have identified.
"We urge members of such 'exposure' groups not to carry out this activity and instead to report suspected offences in West Yorkshire to the force via 101 or the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."
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