A systematic Londesborough Sex Offender stalker, Travis Ward, who meticulously documented and strategised his predatory behaviour towards women while wearing a trench coat and facial concealment, has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison. He has also received a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, will be registered as a sex offender for seven years, and is subject to a ten-year restraining order.
Travis Ward, 22, of Grange Lane, Londesborough, East Riding of Yorkshire, admitted guilt to four charges: stalking, sexual assault, and possession of extreme animal pornography during a prior court session.
Detective Sergeant Sam Cunnington from the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit led the investigation, stating: “Travis Ward is an obsessive, methodical individual who meticulously recorded his intentions to stalk women throughout Hull during their daily activities, subsequently executing his plans and documenting them for his own sexual gratification.”
Prior to embarking on his hunt, he adorned himself with a trench coat, red hoodie, and facial covering to modify his identity, and was repeatedly captured on CCTV in the identical attire when he stalked and harassed ladies, whom he did not know, as he trailed them to their residences or as they escorted their children to school.
“Subsequent to numerous reports, and after a courageous woman reported to the police while being pursued by Travis Ward in the vicinity of Porter Street in Hull, officers successfully identified and apprehended him in close proximity on the same day.”
During arrest, Travis Ward’s equipment, including phones, computers, and hard drives, were confiscated and analysed, uncovering films of severe animal pornography and a digital diary replete with insulting and hateful language indicating his intended targets.
I congratulate the four ladies for their courage in reporting Travis Ward. Their bravery enabled us to compile evidence against him, resulting in Ward’s decision to plead guilty and ultimately being incarcerated.
The streets of Hull will be significantly safer after Travis Ward’s absence.
We regard all reports of sexual assault, stalking, and other sexual offences with utmost seriousness and will persist in our pursuit of justice for victims of such crimes.
We urge anyone who suspects they have been a victim of, or have observed, such acts in any capacity to promptly notify us through our non-emergency hotline 101. In an emergency or during the commission of a crime, always dial 999.
If verbal communication is not feasible, ring 999 and listen to the operator’s enquiries; if possible, respond by coughing or tapping the handset. Pressing 55 on your handset will enable you to communicate your situation, directly connecting your call to the police.
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.