A brazen Leeds upskirter has been jailed for targeting two young girls.
Joel Humberstone, 27, of Woodville Square, Leeds, previously admitted two offences of upskirting.
He was sentenced at York Magistrates' Court on Friday, 11th April 2025.
Upskirting, which involves taking images beneath the clothing of an unsuspecting victim for the purposes of obtaining sexual gratification, is an offence under section 67A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
It has a maximum sentence of 12 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction; 2 years' custody on conviction on indictment.
Magistrates heard that Humberstone's first offence took place on the morning of Friday, 7th June 2024, when the 27-year-old approached an 11-year-old girl making her way to school in Ripon.
Humberstone brushed against the girl, who felt his phone rub against her leg. She initially thought it was accidental contact, but Humberstone followed her down the street, lifted up her skirt and took a photograph.
Two builders witnessed the crime. One of them stopped with the distraught girl to offer reassurance, the other pursued Humberstone as he fled through the streets of Ripon. Humberstone managed to escape the builder, but was later identified from CCTV.
The second offence took place on Thursday, 27th February 2025, when Humberstone was actually on his way to Harrogate Magistrates' Court to be sentenced for the first offence.
He approached a 17-year-old girl who was walking on Victoria Avenue, which is the same street where the court is located.
Again he walked straight up to the girl, lifted her skirt and took a photograph.
The girl pushed Humberstone away and started to record him on her own phone.
He never made it to court on that occasion, instead being arrested by the police and charged with the second offence.
Magistrates were of the view that Humberstone's offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence was appropriate.
He was sentenced to 9 months' immediate custody and ordered to pay £187 surcharge.
He was also made subject to the notification requirements of the sex offenders register for a period of 10 years.
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."
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