JASON MIDDLEMASS'S REIGN OF TERROR IN HULL AND YORK ENDS WITH JAIL SENTENCE
In December 2019, Jason Middlemass, a convicted sex offender with a troubling history in Hull and York, was once again brought before the courts following a series of alarming social media actions that violated his previous court orders.Middlemass, who had previously served a seven-year prison sentence for grooming and sexually abusing four young boys aged between 10 and 15, was released from Hull Prison in June 2017.
Despite the strict conditions of his release, including a sexual-harm prevention order that prohibited any contact with his victims, he continued to breach these restrictions.
After his release, Middlemass changed his name by deed poll, a move that appeared to be an attempt to conceal his identity.
However, he soon resumed contact with one of his victims through Instagram, a social media platform.
Between July 5 and 10 of that year, Middlemass, now known by a different name, used the platform to send a series of messages to the young boy he had previously abused.
Prosecutor Martin Robertshaw detailed that Middlemass followed the victim on Instagram and used nicknames that he had previously employed during the period of abuse, which was a clear indication of his intent to reconnect.
On August 25, Middlemass was arrested.
During police interviews, he admitted to the breaches, acknowledging that he knew he was violating the court-mandated sexual-harm prevention order.
His actions included sending multiple messages, which the court described as persistent and highly inappropriate.
Middlemass, who was then residing on Beverley Road in Hull but was previously known to be from York, claimed that his motive was to apologize to the victim for the past abuse.
However, Judge Sean Morris, the Recorder of York, dismissed this explanation, emphasizing that the messages contained no genuine remorse.
Prosecutor Robertshaw pointed out that the messages were not only a breach of the court order but also a form of almost taunting behavior.
The messages, which included intimate nicknames and references to their past, were described as almost stalking.
Judge Morris described Middlemass’s actions as “chilling,” noting that his targeting of the victim on Instagram was a deliberate attempt to re-establish contact and possibly intimidate or manipulate him.
The judge further stated that Middlemass’s claim of seeking to apologize was unfounded, as there was no evidence to support this.
In his sentencing, Judge Morris sentenced Middlemass to 32 months in prison.
He also reaffirmed that the existing sexual-harm prevention order would remain in effect, ensuring continued restrictions on Middlemass’s contact with minors.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such breaches are viewed, especially given Middlemass’s history of grooming and abuse.
It is noteworthy that Middlemass, who has a long history of sexual offenses, was previously convicted in April 2014 of grooming and sexually abusing four boys.
During that trial at Middlesbrough Crown Court, he was found guilty of attempted rape and multiple counts of inciting sexual activity with boys under 13.
He was sentenced to seven years in prison, with a requirement to serve at least half of that term, and was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
Additional restrictions included a sexual offences prevention order, prohibition on contact with the victims, and restrictions on living arrangements and internet activity.
Following his latest incarceration, Middlemass has now been released from HMP Hull, but his history and recent actions highlight ongoing concerns about his behavior and the risks he poses to the community in Hull and York.
