Persistent Sex Offender Jailed for Hiding Mobile Phone in Sock

Liam Hunter, 29, has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after admitting to breaching a sexual harm prevention order for the second time.

Hunter was initially made subject to the order in 2019 following convictions for two counts of sexual activity with a girl under 16 and meeting a girl under 16 following sexual grooming. He served a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence and was released, but remained under the order's restrictions, which required him to inform police within three days of acquiring any internet-capable device.

On February 28, 2023, Hunter's police offender manager visited his home in Harehills and inquired about his possession of any internet-enabled devices. Hunter initially denied having any, claiming he was awaiting a phone from the probation service. However, a mobile phone soon fell from his pocket, revealing it to be a smartphone capable of internet access.

When questioned about the discrepancy, Hunter initially claimed he had only obtained the phone that day, but this was subsequently proven false by the phone's search history, which dated back to February 18. The search history also revealed Hunter had searched for "animal porn" on the device.

Following his arrest, officers found another mobile phone concealed inside Hunter's sock during a search. In his interview, Hunter admitted to both breaches of the sexual harm prevention order.

Representing himself in court, Hunter expressed remorse for his actions, stating, "I'd just like to apologise for my behaviour. I fully admit it and hold my hands up. I was wrong and that's why I thought I didn't need a defence."

His Honour Judge Batty sentenced Hunter to 20 months in prison, stating that he will be released on licence after serving half of his sentence.