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11
Apr
Man jailed after taking photographs up girls' skirts in Ripon and Harrogate
A man has been jailed after taking photographs up girls’ skirts in Ripon and Harrogate.
Joel Humberstone, 27, of Woodville Square in Leeds, appeared before York Magistrates Court for sentencing today (April 11).
Humberstone initially admitted taking a photograph up an 11-year-old girl’s skirt while she was on her way to school in Ripon on the morning of June 7, 2024.
At a hearing at Harrogate Magistrates Court in January, the court heard that the 27-year-old brushed by the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and “passed a phone by her leg”.
The 11-year-old walked on and "thought nothing of it", the prosecution added.
The court heard that Humberstone then came up behind her and lifted up her skirt and took a photograph.
Two builders saw this. One stayed with her while the other gave chase and the defendant was later identified through a police media appeal.
Humberstone was charged despite giving a no-comment interview, withholding his phone's PIN, and refusing to participate in the identification process, police said.
He was due to appear at court for sentencing on February 27, 2025, when on the way to court he carried out the same act again.
In the second incident, the victim, a 17-year-old girl, had been walking on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate when Humberstone approached her from behind, pulled up her skirt a took a photograph/video up her skirt.
She described how she felt Humberstone’s phone brush against her leg, prompting her to push him away.
She then took out her phone, began recording him, and yelled at him for his actions before calling the police.
Humberstone was again arrested and charged.
Appearing before York Magistrates Court today, the 27-year-old was jailed for nine months. He was also placed on the sex offenders' register for 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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