Man Jailed for Voyeurism Offences in Ripon and Harrogate
Joel Humberstone, a 27-year-old resident of Woodville Square in Leeds, has been imprisoned for nine months after committing acts of voyeurism against two young girls in North Yorkshire. The incidents, which involved taking non-consensual photographs up the victims' skirts, occurred in Ripon and Harrogate, with the second offence taking place while Humberstone was travelling to court for the first matter. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for a decade, highlighting the severity of his predatory behaviour.
The first incident unfolded on the morning of 7 June 2024, as an 11-year-old girl made her way to school along Allhallowgate towards Priest Lane in Ripon. She noticed a man passing by whose phone rubbed against her leg, which she initially dismissed as accidental. However, the same individual soon approached from behind, lifted her skirt, and captured a photograph. Two builders who witnessed the event sprang into action: one pursued the suspect down Stonebridgegate towards Aldi and Ripon Police Station, while the other remained with the distressed girl to offer support and ensure her safety. Despite the chase, Humberstone escaped at that time.
- North Yorkshire Police initiated a thorough investigation, analysing CCTV footage that captured a man matching Humberstone's description fleeing through Aldi's car park shortly after the incident.
- A public appeal prompted witnesses to identify Humberstone, leading to his swift arrest on suspicion of voyeurism.
- His mobile phone was seized as evidence, though he provided a no-comment interview, withheld his phone's PIN, and refused to participate in an identification procedure.
Despite these obstructions, Humberstone was charged with operating equipment beneath the clothing of another without consent and attempting to do so. He pleaded guilty to voyeurism and attempted voyeurism at court.
Remarkably, on 27 February 2025—the date he was scheduled to appear in court for the Ripon offence—Humberstone repeated his crime. While walking on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate, a 17-year-old girl felt his phone brush against her leg as he approached from behind. He pulled up her skirt and took a photograph or video. The victim reacted decisively, pushing him away, recording him on her own phone, and shouting at him before alerting the police. Humberstone was arrested immediately and faced additional charges.
Detective Constable Karen Everitt from North Yorkshire Police’s Harrogate Safeguarding Investigation team commented on the cases: “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 that Humberstone was held accountable.”
DC Everitt also praised the builders involved in the first incident: “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. Humberstone is a dangerous individual, and I welcome today's sentence, which ensures he faces justice for his appalling actions.”
The sentencing took place on 11 April 2025 at a court in the region, as reported by the Harrogate Advertiser. North Yorkshire Police's investigation underscored the importance of community vigilance and swift police action in safeguarding vulnerable individuals from such offences.