25 year old Jordan Leigh Courtney has been sent to prison for four years for possessing and distributing indecent images of children and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Courtney, who was already on the sex offenders' register, appeared at York Crown Court on Thursday (6th October) where as well as being jailed he was given an extended licence of two years and made the subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
He previously lived on Cawden Road in Skipton. After being found guilty in 2016 of making and distributing indecent images of children, Courtney was prohibited from carrying or possessing any device which accessed the internet. He was also ordered to register weekly at a police station, so officers could monitor his whereabouts.
In April 2022, following an offender management meeting, it was found that Courtney had deleted data from a mobile phone. Officers immediately seized the phone and it was analysed by North Yorkshire Police’s Digital Forensic Unit, who found numerous indecent images of children, some of which were classed as the most extreme category A images. In June 2022, he was returned to prison for breach of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Due to the nature of the offences, while in prison, officers conducted a search of Courtney’s former home address and another undeclared phone, containing more disturbing category A images and video footage was found.
On his release from prison, Courtney was immediately arrested. When questioned and presented with the digital evidence, he pleaded guilty to four charges of breaching his sexual harm prevention order, six charges of making indecent images of children, four charges of possessing prohibited and extreme images and two charges of distributing category A images.
Speaking following the sentencing, Detective Constable Tom Sutcliffe from the force’s Online Abuse and Exploitation said: “Courtney showed utter disregard for the restrictions placed upon him by being in possession of these images. He has repeated ignored the courts and has gone on to amass and share the most disturbing content. Those who obtain and distribute child abuse material directly contribute to the sexual exploitation of children, because the children involved are continually re-victimised every time the images are viewed.
“Thanks to the expertise of North Yorkshire Police’s Digital Forensic Unit and the dedication of the investigating officers, Courtney could not deny the charges put against him, and the evidence they uncovered has put him where he deserves to be - behind bars.
“This sentence should send a clear message that we can and will track down anyone involved in downloading or distributing indecent images of children and will use our expertise to uncover the digital evidence that will lead to a conviction.
“We are currently working with agencies around the world to attempt to identify and safeguard the children in the images that Courtney had gathered and shared.”
Kex Gill on course to open by end of June, say council
No Northern train services next Thursday due to strike
Developer's bid to change planning condition on Silsden housing estate raises concerns
Local young dancers chosen for production of Swan Lake
South Craven plans to join East Lancashire schools in new Trust
Council increases library fines for first time in a decade
A-list celebrities support Brownies Bookmark Project
Heat Pump & Solar Panel Open Day in Ilkley on Saturday
Armed Forces Brew Up to take place at Airedale Hospital
Friends of Ilkley Moor announces AGM
Lidl seeks new stores in Ilkley, Skipton and Keighley
Ilkley Civic Society raises concerns over proposals for Changing Places Toilet
Countdown to “spectacular” Mardi-Gras themed Ilkley Carnival begins!
Craven Museum shortlisted for major national award
Tributes paid to 14 year old killed at weekend in Keighley crash
14 year old boy dies in Keighley road crash
New acoustic lineup announced for Ilkley Pride 2024
Skipton events planned to mark D-Day 80th anniversary
Your guide to the elections taking place this week
Ilkley Harriers' charity races in Honour of former coach
