Ryan Langley

Former Hull city councillor Ryan Langley, aged 34, has pleaded guilty to serious sexual offences involving the exploitation of a child, facing an imminent prison sentence. The case, which unfolded at Hull Crown Court, highlights Langley's involvement in child sexual exploitation between 2019 and 2021, a period during which he served as a member of Hull City Council representing the Derringham ward.

Langley, who resides on Hessle Road in west Hull, first appeared at Hull Magistrates’ Court in June 2023, where he admitted to three counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count of distributing such material. On 8 September 2023, he entered a further guilty plea to causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child. The exploitation involved engaging in sexual communications with the victim and causing indecent images of them to be recorded or transmitted. The victim, protected by legal anonymity, cannot be identified.

During the court appearance, Langley, dressed in a white open-necked shirt, confirmed his name and plea before Judge John Thackray KC, the Honorary Recorder of Hull and East Riding. The judge adjourned sentencing for the preparation of a pre-sentence report, remanding Langley in custody until 6 October 2023. Addressing Langley directly, Judge Thackray stated: “Ryan Langley, you will get credit for entering your plea and I will adjourn for an all-options report. But you should expect prison is the most likely outcome. I will of course hear everything that’s said on your behalf and I will sentence you on the sixth of October. You will remain in custody until then.”

Langley's political career began with his election as a Liberal Democrat councillor on 5 May 2016. He served as deputy leader of the Lib Dem group until 9 June 2021, after which he sat as an independent. He did not contest his seat in the local elections on 4 May 2023. The offences occurred while he was an active councillor, adding a layer of public betrayal to the case.

This case was reported by The Hull Story on 8 September 2023, written by Simon Bristow, drawing from court proceedings at Hull Crown Court. Humberside Police, responsible for the investigation in the Hull area, led the prosecution, though specific details of their involvement were not elaborated in the coverage.