Sydney Burdon, 65, of Thorstle Hill, Middleton, was jailed for 12 years after he was found guilty of rape, two counts of indecent assault, indecent exposure, engaging in sexual communication with a child and four counts of engaging a child in sexual activity. The paedophile was labelled a “true monster” in court as it was explained how he raped a young girl who fell pregnant and was later forced to endure further trauma after the child was stillborn. — Sydney Burdon, 65, of Thorstle Hill, Middleton, was jailed for 12 years after he was found guilty of rape, two counts of indecent assault, indecent exposure, engaging in sexual communication with a child and four counts of engaging a child in sexual activity. The paedophile was labelled a “true monster” in court as it was explained how he raped a young girl who fell pregnant and was later forced to endure further trauma after the child was stillborn. | West Yorkshire Police

placeholder image — Sydney Burdon, 65, of Thorstle Hill, Middleton, was jailed for 12 years after he was found guilty of rape, two counts of indecent assault, indecent exposure, engaging in sexual communication with a child and four counts of engaging a child in sexual activity. The paedophile was labelled a “true monster” in court as it was explained how he raped a young girl who fell pregnant and was later forced to endure further trauma after the child was stillborn. | West Yorkshire Police

45 callous criminals locked up in Leeds in July including violent yob and naked thug high on drugs

By James Connolly

SWNS reporter

Published 31st Jul 2025, 03:45 GMT

Dozens of callous criminals appeared in the dock in Leeds over the last month - with some handed lengthy sentences behind bars.

From a man who repeatedly punched a police officer while naked, to a teenager who helped stoke the flames of a fire started during the Harehills disorder, these offenders have all been brought to justice.

Also in the headlines this month was the driver who killed cyclist John Shelton after smashing into him at nearly 100mph, before torching his car in a bid to cover his tracks.

Sign up to the Yorkshire Evening Post’s new WhatsApp channel for breaking news in Leeds

After another long month of sentencings at Leeds Crown Court, here are 45 of the criminals who appeared before judges -

Conrick Stapleton, 31, of Copper Beach Avenue, Bramley, was jailed for 48 months after admitting two counts of breaching of a restraining order and stalking with fear of violence. The court heard that he stalked and followed his ex partner, as well as bombarding her with calls and messages, refusing to believe their relationship was over.

13. Conrick Stapleton

Conrick Stapleton, 31, of Copper Beach Avenue, Bramley, was jailed for 48 months after admitting two counts of breaching of a restraining order and stalking with fear of violence. The court heard that he stalked and followed his ex partner, as well as bombarding her with calls and messages, refusing to believe their relationship was over. | West Yorkshire Police/National World

Aiden Stevens, 25, of Wellington Grove, Bramley, was jailed for 48 months after admitting stalking with fear of violence and strangulation or suffocation, as well as a charge coercive and controlling behaviour. He stalked a woman - even while he was behind bars - and was described as “warped” by a judge.

14. Aiden Stevens

Aiden Stevens, 25, of Wellington Grove, Bramley, was jailed for 48 months after admitting stalking with fear of violence and strangulation or suffocation, as well as a charge coercive and controlling behaviour. He stalked a woman - even while he was behind bars - and was described as “warped” by a judge. | West Yorkshire Police/National World

Niall Harte, 24, of Broadway, Kirkstall, was jailed for 21 months after admitting offences of harassment with fear of violence and criminal damage. The jealous boyfriend threatened to kill his partner and her mother after the woman tried to get him out of her life.

15. Niall Harte

Niall Harte, 24, of Broadway, Kirkstall, was jailed for 21 months after admitting offences of harassment with fear of violence and criminal damage. The jealous boyfriend threatened to kill his partner and her mother after the woman tried to get him out of her life. | West Yorkshire Police/National World

Luke Hillier, 35, of Whitehall Grove, Drighlington, was jailed for eight years and four months after he was found guilty of attempted assault by penetration, and two counts of sexual activity with a child, as well as admitting a charge of stalking. The court heard how the paedophile singled out and sexually assaulted a young girl, before later stalking her mother and telling her she had ruined his life.

16. Luke Hillier

Luke Hillier, 35, of Whitehall Grove, Drighlington, was jailed for eight years and four months after he was found guilty of attempted assault by penetration, and two counts of sexual activity with a child, as well as admitting a charge of stalking. The court heard how the paedophile singled out and sexually assaulted a young girl, before later stalking her mother and telling her she had ruined his life. | West Yorkshire Police/Adobe

Ibrahim Ali, 27, of Hinchcliffe Street, Bradford, was jailed for 40 months after admitting three robberies and an assault. The rampaging robber said he had “nothing to lose” as he spent an erratic hour committing a series of crimes, first targeting a couple at an ATM at the Post Office in Guiseley on October 29 last year at around 4.20pm.

17. Ibrahim Ali

Ibrahim Ali, 27, of Hinchcliffe Street, Bradford, was jailed for 40 months after admitting three robberies and an assault. The rampaging robber said he had “nothing to lose” as he spent an erratic hour committing a series of crimes, first targeting a couple at an ATM at the Post Office in Guiseley on October 29 last year at around 4.20pm. | West Yorkshire Police/Google

Ronald Barton, 57, of Millcroft Estate, Otley, was jailed for two years after admitting a breach of his SHPO. The paedophile, who told a teenage girl that he had duped police, had little clue that he was being stung by a hunter group.

18. Ronald Barton

Ronald Barton, 57, of Millcroft Estate, Otley, was jailed for two years after admitting a breach of his SHPO. The paedophile, who told a teenage girl that he had duped police, had little clue that he was being stung by a hunter group. | West Yorkshire Police/PA

Celebrating 135 years of telling Leeds' stories

© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Terms and Conditions Privacy notice