Joel Humberstone, a Leeds paedophile, has been sentenced to nine months in prison for photographing under the skirt of an 11-year-old girl in Ripon and subsequently doing the same act against a 17-year-old girl in Harrogate while on route to court.
Joel Humberstone, a 27-year-old inhabitant of Woodville Square, Leeds, was convicted today (11 April) at York Magistrates’ Court and subsequently registered on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of 10 years.
The occurrence occurred on the morning of 7 June 2024 while the girl was heading to school. She noticed a man passing by, feeling his phone graze her leg, which she initially regarded as accidental.
While she walked up Allhallowgate towards Priest Lane, the same man approached from behind, lifted her skirt, and took a photograph.
Two construction workers witnessed the offence. One swiftly apprehended Joel Humberstone, while the other stayed with the girl to provide aid and ensure her safety.
Despite the pursuit, the man safely fled along Stonebridgegate towards Aldi and Ripon Police Station.
An investigation commenced, and CCTV footage was scrutinised, uncovering a someone like the suspect fleeing through Aldi’s parking lot at the time of the incident.
A public appeal led to witnesses identifying the culprit as Joel Humberstone, who was swiftly apprehended on suspicion of voyeurism and subsequently probed before being released on bail. We also seized his mobile phone as evidence.
Despite providing a no-comment interview, withholding his phone’s PIN, and declining to engage in the identification process, Joel Humberstone was prosecuted.
At court he pleaded guilty to operating equipment beneath clothing of another without consent and attempting to operate equipment beneath clothing of another without consent, commonly referred to as voyeurism and attempted voyeurism.
He was due to appear at court on Thursday 27 February 2025, when, on the way to court he carried out the same act once again.
In the second incident, the victim had been walking on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate when Joel Humberstone approached her from behind, pulled up her skirt a took a photograph/video up her skirt.
She described how she felt Joel 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.
Joel Humberstone was swifty arrested once again before being charged.
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 Joel Humberstone and captured him on her mobile phone, securing vital evidence that helped to build the case against him. Their courage ensured that Joel 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.
“Joel Humberstone is a dangerous individual, and I welcome today’s sentence, which ensures he faces justice for his appalling actions.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.