The private tutor harbored a dark secret that would have terrified the parents of the children he taught

An “arrogant” sex offender who defied a court order banning him from teaching children has been jailed.

John Noel, 63, admitted breaching the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed on him in June 2023 after being convicted of making indecent photographs of children and possessing extreme pornography. He was arrested by police on February 5 this year for concealing a device in breach of the SHPO.

Noel, from Huddersfield, also admitted breaching a bar offense he committed working with children aged five to 17 as a private maths, English and science tutor, despite taking was forbidden to do so. He pleaded guilty to the offenses at an appearance at Leeds Crown Court in April. Yesterday he was sentenced to three years in prison.

PC Richard Thorp, of Kirklees Police Public Protection Unit, said: “We welcome the sentencing of John Noel at Leeds Crown Court today and hope that it demonstrates the breach of DBS orders and restrictions, put in place to protect the public, can only have one result.

“Noel arrogantly continued to offer his services as a private tutor, although he was fully aware that he was prohibited from doing so. He showed no appreciation or consideration for how he breached the trust of those parents/guardians who were paying him. I hope the people of Kirklees take note of this conviction in court today and that he poses a clear risk to safeguarding.

“The Public Protection Unit is working hard to monitor those who are the subject of all these DBS Prevention of Sexual Harm Orders and Restrictions. Those who attempt to breach the strict conditions imposed on them should be in no doubt that they will be caught, charged and dealt with.”

A spokesperson for the Disclosure and Barring Service added: “The decision to ban a person is a significant decision taken in the public interest to protect those at risk of physical and emotional harm. It is essential that those who breach any banning order imposed are brought to justice and we are grateful for the support and diligence of West Yorkshire Police in this matter.”