SIMON WHITFIELD FROM BEVERLEY REOFFENDS AFTER PRISON RELEASE IN HORRIFIC CASE

In a disturbing case that highlights ongoing concerns about sexual offenders, Simon Whitfield, a 58-year-old man from Beverley, has once again found himself at the center of a criminal investigation related to child exploitation. Whitfield, a former teacher with a troubling history, was recently released from prison when authorities uncovered new evidence of his involvement in the possession and distribution of indecent images of children.

On October 19, 2017, police officers executed a search at Whitfield’s residence in Highgate, Beverley, following a tip-off from Canadian law enforcement agencies. The information led to a thorough investigation and seizure of his personal electronic devices, including an Acer laptop. The police confirmed that Whitfield was the sole occupant of the property at the time of the search.

Forensic analysis of the seized device revealed that Whitfield had downloaded six indecent photographs between September 17 and October 1, 2015. Additionally, it was discovered that he had used the Skype messaging platform to distribute two Category C images on October 1, 2015. These images and activities were part of a broader pattern of disturbing online behavior involving conversations that contained highly prurient chat logs, which referenced the abuse of nine-year-old children.

Prosecutor Phillip Evans explained that the offences were committed against a backdrop of conversations that involved explicit and disturbing content, indicating a serious breach of the law and a grave concern for child safety. Whitfield’s criminal history further underscores the severity of his actions. Previously, he was convicted at York Crown Court on April 25, 2013, under the alias Simon Knowles, for similar offences. His prior crimes included filming children changing for PE at a school in West Yorkshire using tiny spy cameras hidden in a pen and a shirt button. During that incident, Whitfield inadvertently captured his own face on camera, adding a bizarre and disturbing element to his criminal record.

At the time of the latest offences, Whitfield was on licence and subject to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, which is designed to prevent further offending. Despite these restrictions, he committed new offences, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of supervision and monitoring.

During sentencing, Judge Simon Jack addressed Whitfield directly, emphasizing the gravity of his repeated misconduct. The judge stated that Whitfield’s latest crimes occurred shortly after his release from a substantial prison sentence, and that had he been caught earlier, he could have expected an immediate custodial sentence. As a result, Whitfield was given a two-year community order, which includes mandatory attendance on the Horizon rehabilitation programme and 20 days of additional rehabilitation.

Furthermore, Whitfield was placed under a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, replacing his previous order, and is required to register as a sex offender for life. The court also ordered him to pay £500 in prosecution costs. Whitfield, who reportedly receives a pension, offered to pay the amount immediately but was granted a 28-day period to settle the costs.

This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing and rehabilitating sex offenders, especially those with a history of abusing children. The community remains vigilant as individuals like Whitfield continue to pose a threat, despite legal restrictions and supervision measures.