Kirklees sex offender convicted of breaching court order

Thursday, May 16, 2024

A registered sex offender in Kirklees has been jailed after pleading guilty to breaching a court order and defying a ban preventing him from working with children.

John Noel (63) from Huddersfield was jailed for three years at Leeds Crown Court today (Thursday 16 May) after admitting breaching the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed on him in June 2023.

The 63-year-old also admitted a breach of an offense he committed working with children (aged five to 17) as a private maths, English and science tutor, despite being banned from do this.

Noel was arrested by police on 5 February 2024 for concealing a device in breach of the SHPO and trespassing, and later charged.

He pleaded guilty to the offenses at an appearance at Leeds Crown Court in April.

The Huddersfield man was placed under SHPO in June 2023 after being convicted of indecent photographs of children and possession of extreme pornography.

PC Richard Thorp, from Kirklees Police Public Protection Unit, said: “We welcome the sentencing of John Noel at Leeds Crown Court today and hope it demonstrates that breaching 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 said: “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 that has been imposed are brought to justice and we are grateful for the support and diligence of West Yorkshire Police in this matter.”