Jail for man who upskirted girl and teenager

A man who admitted he had taken a photograph up a teenager's skirt while he was on his way to court over committing the same act on an 11-year-old girl has been jailed.

In the original incident, Joel Humberstone, 27, from Leeds, had followed the girl as she walked to school along Allhallowgate and Priest Lane in Ripon in June last year, according to North Yorkshire Police.

But as he was on his way to court in February in connection with that incident, he committed the same crime against a 17-year-old girl in Harrogate.

At York Magistrates' Court on Friday, Humberstone pleaded guilty to both acts and was imprisoned for nine months and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Police said in the first incident, on 7 June, Humberstone had approached the 11-year-old girl from behind, before lifting her skirt and taking the photograph.

The court heard two builders witnessed the crime, with one pursuing the suspect while the other stayed with the girl.

Despite the pursuit, Humberstone managed to get away, but was later identified and arrested following a public appeal.

On his way to court on 27 February in connection with that incident, Humberstone was walking on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate when he approached a 17-year-old girl from behind, pulled up her skirt and took a photograph, officers said.

The teenager had shouted at Humberstone and taken pictures of him before calling the police.

At York Magistrates' Court on Friday, Humberstone, of Woodville Square, Leeds, pleaded guilty to operating equipment beneath the clothing of another without consent and to attempting to operate equipment beneath the clothing of another without consent.

Following his sentencing, Det Con Karen Everitt 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 Humberstone was held accountable," she said.

Det Con Everitt also thanked the builders who she said had "acted swiftly" to protect and support the 11-year-old girl and pursue the suspect following the first incident.

"Humberstone is a dangerous individual and I welcome today's sentence, which ensures he faces justice for his appalling actions," she added.

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