JONATHAN PALMER FROM KIRK DEIGHTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN YORK AND KNARESBOROUGH
| Red Rose Database
Kirk Deighton Sexual Abuser
In a significant legal development, Jonathan Palmer, a man residing in Kirk Deighton, has had his prison sentence reduced by the Court of Appeal, leading to his early release. Palmer, who was previously sentenced to three years in prison, will now serve only two years following a ruling by Lord Chief Justice Lord Phillips. The court determined that the original sentence was excessive and that a two-year term was more appropriate given the circumstances.
Palmer, aged 49 and a father of three, was incarcerated at York Crown Court last October after being convicted of sexually abusing two young girls. The abuse occurred over a decade ago, while their mother was hospitalized, and the victims were minors at the time. The court heard that Palmer had repeatedly assaulted one of the girls and her sister, leaving a lasting impact on at least one of the victims, who was deeply traumatized by the experiences.
In addition to his imprisonment, Palmer was permanently barred from working with children and was placed on the sex offenders' register for life. The trial revealed that Palmer had attempted to manipulate the victims post-trial by hiring a private detective and using a tape recorder to coerce them into recanting their allegations, which he believed would help his case. These actions further demonstrated his manipulative tendencies and contributed to the severity of his sentencing.
The court also discussed Palmer's background, noting that he had previously advised BBC Radio York on its programming for several months. Despite his professional involvement with the media, he had denied seven charges of indecent assault but was convicted by a jury in September. Judge Paul Hoffman, presiding over the case, criticized Palmer for providing a dishonest account to the jury, which he said had negatively impacted the proceedings.
During the trial, Palmer's defense lawyer, Nicholas Johnson, argued that his client was an otherwise compassionate and loyal family man, and that his offending was out of character. Johnson highlighted that Palmer had disclosed the allegations to the BBC and that his family, including his three sons, had suffered greatly due to his imprisonment. The lawyer also claimed that Palmer believed he was not violating his bail conditions when he employed a private detective, as he hoped the victims would deny the allegations.
The court also considered references attesting to Palmer's good character, though it was acknowledged that he had prior convictions related to deception and dishonesty. The case drew attention not only because of the serious nature of the crimes but also due to Palmer's connections with the media and his role as an advisor to BBC Radio York. Following the revelations, the BBC suspended and ultimately terminated Palmer's membership on its local advisory council, which advises the corporation on programming content.
Overall, the case underscores the gravity of Palmer's offenses and the legal system's response, including the reduction of his sentence and his early release, which has sparked public and media interest in the ongoing issues surrounding child abuse and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Palmer, aged 49 and a father of three, was incarcerated at York Crown Court last October after being convicted of sexually abusing two young girls. The abuse occurred over a decade ago, while their mother was hospitalized, and the victims were minors at the time. The court heard that Palmer had repeatedly assaulted one of the girls and her sister, leaving a lasting impact on at least one of the victims, who was deeply traumatized by the experiences.
In addition to his imprisonment, Palmer was permanently barred from working with children and was placed on the sex offenders' register for life. The trial revealed that Palmer had attempted to manipulate the victims post-trial by hiring a private detective and using a tape recorder to coerce them into recanting their allegations, which he believed would help his case. These actions further demonstrated his manipulative tendencies and contributed to the severity of his sentencing.
The court also discussed Palmer's background, noting that he had previously advised BBC Radio York on its programming for several months. Despite his professional involvement with the media, he had denied seven charges of indecent assault but was convicted by a jury in September. Judge Paul Hoffman, presiding over the case, criticized Palmer for providing a dishonest account to the jury, which he said had negatively impacted the proceedings.
During the trial, Palmer's defense lawyer, Nicholas Johnson, argued that his client was an otherwise compassionate and loyal family man, and that his offending was out of character. Johnson highlighted that Palmer had disclosed the allegations to the BBC and that his family, including his three sons, had suffered greatly due to his imprisonment. The lawyer also claimed that Palmer believed he was not violating his bail conditions when he employed a private detective, as he hoped the victims would deny the allegations.
The court also considered references attesting to Palmer's good character, though it was acknowledged that he had prior convictions related to deception and dishonesty. The case drew attention not only because of the serious nature of the crimes but also due to Palmer's connections with the media and his role as an advisor to BBC Radio York. Following the revelations, the BBC suspended and ultimately terminated Palmer's membership on its local advisory council, which advises the corporation on programming content.
Overall, the case underscores the gravity of Palmer's offenses and the legal system's response, including the reduction of his sentence and his early release, which has sparked public and media interest in the ongoing issues surrounding child abuse and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals.