Dale Michael Tyson

A man from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, has been imprisoned for a series of serious child sex offences after using an online persona to exploit young victims across the UK and USA.

Dale Michael Tyson, aged 30, was sentenced to 10 years in prison at a court hearing. The offences involved him creating a fake identity as a young North American man to build relationships with at least 10 children online. North Yorkshire Police believe there may have been additional victims not yet identified.

The court heard that Tyson manipulated these young victims into sending him graphic images of themselves, which he used for his own sexual gratification. He pleaded guilty to seven counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, six counts of making indecent photographs of a child, three counts of intentionally encouraging an offence, and sexual communication with a child.

In addition to his custodial sentence, Tyson was made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for an indefinite period to restrict his future behaviour and protect the public.

Detective Sergeant Steven Alderson of North Yorkshire Police commented on the case: 'This case really highlights the fact that it is almost impossible to know if the person you are speaking to online is who they claim to be. Tyson pretended he was a young north American man to create connections with his victims so that he could manipulate them into sending graphic images of themselves which he then used for his own gratification.' He praised the bravery of the victims who came forward, noting that their cooperation strengthened the case and helped prevent further harm.

The investigation was a collaborative effort spanning the UK and USA, involving North Yorkshire Police investigators who located several victims. Key contributors included DC Lucy Armstrong, Victim ID Officer Steve Tock, and Digital Forensic Investigator Zoe Warboys. The case underscores the growing risks of online grooming, where offenders exploit anonymity to target children.

The article was published by Hits Radio North Yorkshire on 27th April 2021, based on details from the court proceedings and statements from North Yorkshire Police.