Dangerous paedophile downloaded abuse images in Leeds hostel days after prison release
A paedophile who was deemed a danger to children has been jailed again after downloading abuse images just days after being freed from prison.
Predator Craig Richardson had previously tried to meet up with children he groomed online and given an extended sentence.
The 40-year-old was released on January 2 this year, but was back behind bars by January 7.
He appeared at Leeds Crown Court this week via video link from HMP Leeds, and admitted possessing indecent images and and three counts of breaching his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).
Richardson was given the eight-year extended sentence in 2022 for grooming children online and trying to meet one, just days apart.
But both profiles were run by paedophile hunter groups trying to catch out sex offenders.
Prior to that, in both 2017 and 2021, he was caught trying to incite children into sexual activity.
Prosecuting for his latest offences, Hollie Alcock said he was housed in a hostel on Cardigan Road, Leeds.
On January 7 officers visited him on a routine check and immediately found an indecent images of a child on his phone.
A forensic analysis found 16 in total, including three Category A, which are the most serious and involve the rape of children.
It was also found he had downloaded social media apps, including WhatsApp, Facebook and Telegram, and had deleted online chats, putting him in breach of his SHPO.
Richardson has 10 previous convictions for 21 offences, of which 11 are sex-related.
He was not represented in court, and when asked if he wanted to explain himself, he replied: “No, I’m alright.”
The judge, Recorder Jeremy Hill-Baker described it as a “serious, persistent breach” and said it could have led to “contact offences”, in which he would target children.
He was given 30 months’ jail, which will run concurrently to his existing sentence.
His SHPO will remain in place for the rest of his life.